Light Up Your HOLIDAYS
This season, let your home shine brighter than ever—without lifting a ladder!
Your first-year installation includes premium lights that become yours to reuse every holiday season!
Each display is fully customized — we can do any color scheme or design you dream up. Our team will even help you plan the perfect look with an on-site design consultation.
But the holidays aren’t the only time we’re working hard for you...
Fall property cleanups are underway — get your yard ready for winter!
Hardscaping, concrete, and art-scaping projects are available all winter long — because your landscaping doesn’t have to take a pause when the temperatures drop.
So Thankful
This season of gratitude is a wonderful time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving encourages us to slow down, embrace the present and appreciate the people and moments that bring us joy. For those who have lost loved ones, know our prayers are with you. It can be a difficult season to walk through. You are not alone.
Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, giving back and celebrating the people and organizations that make our community such a special place. We’re endlessly thankful for our advertising partners, whose support allows us to bring inspiring stories to your doorstep each month and for the readers who make it all worthwhile.
We are also grateful for our wonderful team! Joan and Jeni lead the way with ambition and fresh vision at every turn. Abby Watkins is a rockstar behind the camera lens. Kait Dameron keeps Joan’s calendar full and running. Julie Hoglund and Cassidy Ritter write with the most beautiful hearts to connect and share from one story of passion to the next. We are also excited to welcome Kristen Gonzales as our new publication director. Kristen has continued to amaze us with her vibrant writing style and authentic voice as our social media coordinator. We look forward to the journey ahead in her newest role.
As we prepare to gather with loved ones, let’s take a moment to reflect on what truly brings meaning to our lives. This holiday season, may we find contentment not in possessions or accolades but in the connections we nurture and the good we do for others.
Wishing you and your family a season of gratitude and grace,
CASSANDRA GREEN, EDITOR
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Joan Dameron | joan.dameron@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Jeni Fleck | jeni.fleck@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kristen Gonzales | kristen.gonzales@kcrcopywriting.com
EDITOR
Cassandra Green | cassandra.green@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kait Dameron | kait.dameron@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Abby Watkins | abby@abbywatkinsphotography.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kristen Gonzales, Julie Hoglund, Cassidy Ritter, Kara Witherow
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Justin Cook, Brad Crooks, Vanessa Kruse, Kim McClintock, Joel Paevalis, Alison Stanton, Abby Watkins, Kevin and Cathy at KeyserImages.com, Liam Skousen at SKO Photo
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
1: Cencalli Taqueria and Agaveria's Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting 2: Owners Andres Venalonzo and Zoe Romero 3: Mayor Joshua Rivero and owner Zoe Romero 4: Mariachi band provided entertainment 5-7: Parker Arts Route 66 Themed Fundraiser on October 4th.
Photos courtesy of Kevin and Cathy at KeyserImages.com
8-10: Perspire Sauna Studio’s Ribbon Cutting 11-14: Be The Good Ones Denim and Diamond Fundraiser held at Pikes Peak Event Center
8: Mayor Joshua Rivero and owners Jason and Stephanie Chervenyak. 11: Co-founders Erin Jones, Alex Yakobovich and Leah Ryan with the board and volunteers. 12: A magician added to the fun! 13: Braxton and Emily Johnson looking at Silent Auction items. 14: Brandi Wilks showing off all the rings she found in the scavenger hunt.
JUSTIN COOK
JUSTIN COOK
JUSTIN COOK
LIAM SKOUSEN - SKO PHOTO
LIAM SKOUSEN - SKO PHOTO
LIAM SKOUSEN - SKO PHOTO
LIAM SKOUSEN - SKO PHOTO
FALL IS IN FULL SWING AT WEST MAIN TAPROOM & GRILL!
The fan-favorite brisket tacos are back, and our new BBQ Nachos are stealing the show — piled high with pulled pork, black beans, queso, roasted poblanos, salsa fresca, pickled onions, and crema. Enjoy hearty fall plates like the BBQ Bacon Smash Burger, Butternut Squash Salad, and Steak & Gnocchi. Pair it all with a seasonal cocktail or local Oktoberfest brew.
West Main Taproom & Grill — Parker’s go-to for great food, craft beer, and good company.
BBQ Bacon Smash Burger
— our smoky, saucy, double-patty masterpiece stacked with bacon, cheese, and crisp onions on a brioche bun.
Our BBQ Bacon Smash Burger brings serious flavor. Two perfectly seared beef patties are layered with smoky bacon, melted cheese, tangy BBQ sauce, and crispy fried onions, all nestled on a toasted brioche bun. It’s bold, juicy, and a little messy in the best way possible. Pair it with a local brew from our 54 taps and catch the game on one of our many TVs — it’s fall comfort done right.
business monthly
ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
A Season of Joy at Redstone Bank
This holiday season, Redstone Bank is spreading festive cheer with its Christmas Tree Showcase, featuring twelve creatively decorated trees from local businesses and nonprofits on display at the Parker branch from Thanksgiving through December 10th. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree with a $5 donation, and the winning tree will be announced at 3 p.m. on December 11th, just ahead of the bank’s beloved Christmas at the Peak celebration.
Scan to read more
Douglas County Libraries Volunteer Receives 2025 Award
Douglas County Libraries is proud to announce that Chris Brannock was recently honored with the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) at its annual conference in September. The award recognizes a volunteer currently serving in a Colorado library who has provided exemplary service over several years, and considers length of service, demonstrated impact on library users and unique contributions.
Scan to read more
Ninth Annual Turkeys for Our Troops Veterans Day Event
This Veterans Day celebration will be held at Tailgate Tavern on Tuesday, November 11th, from 4 to 6 p.m. Veterans will be honored and donations will be collected for Thanksgiving turkeys for Fort Carson families.
Dr. Julia Plevnia (pictured) is one of the featured Veteran speakers. Dr. Plevnia did her oral maxillofacial surgery residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where she treated critically wounded soldiers, retirees and family members.
Photography by Kim McClintock
Photography by Brad Crooks
VETERAN BEN BATISTE
The Power Of Giving Back To Your Community
ARTICLE BY KRISTEN GONZALES PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY WATKINS
Ben Batiste, a veteran and financial services expert, is no stranger to hardship. Despite loads of odds stacked against him early in life, he maintains a positive mantra and lives by it daily.
“My practice is based on helping others with reducing their taxes as well as creating wealth more efficiently, including retirement planning,” Ben says. “And we do this with no fees.”
“I believe if you put good out into the world, whether religious or not, if you put good out, good will come back,” he says passionately.
Ben entered the U.S. Marine Corps to escape the horrors of homelessness and abuse. As a child, his normal was divided between a trailer with no running water, at the whims of food pantries and clothing donations, and a home where abusive behavior was part of everyday life. Being raised in equally challenging environments, Ben sought an outlet that would give him a chance at a better life.
“It was like from one extreme to the next,” Ben explains. “That’s what kind of led me into the military.”
He joined the Marines for five years before transitioning to the Army National Guard as a medic in the 36th Infantry. From there, he was deployed to Afghanistan, where he was injured
and spent over a year rehabilitating at Fort Sill. After recovering, he began his federal service career, but soon realized that he could help others through financial services.
“My practice is based on helping others with reducing their taxes as well as creating wealth more efficiently, including retirement planning,” Ben says. “And we do this with no fees.”
His mantra of “no fees when learning” stems from his belief that fees create a barrier that precludes people from learning something new.
“Why have to learn something on your own when someone out there who is an expert can actually teach for free?” Ben asks. He believes that his early family life could have been different if they had been equipped with the financial knowledge of how to succeed without worrying about the costs associated with learning those essential skills.
“When it comes to building wealth and retirement, the longer we delay, the more time we put off and the less amount we can actually build,” Ben explains. “I want to prevent that by saying, you can learn for free. You can sit down, learn something new, get a strategy, get your analysis, all for free.”
He goes on to say, “When I was looking at the transition, and if I look back on my life, my entire adult career was based on service, whether it’s military, law enforcement, being a medic–all those different things. It’s 100% service-based. And so it’s like, how do I still help people, but in a different way?”
Ben found a new calling that promotes service through his business. If it turns out that they want to work with him further after the initial discussion, then that’s great; if not, he knows he has passed on essential knowledge without a hefty price tag.
Still, he takes giving back to the community a step further by working with non-profit organizations, including the Buckley Spouses Alliance and Heart2Hand.
As a board member of the Buckley Spouses Alliance, they operate a food pantry on Buckley Air Force Base and host community events, such as diaper and clothing drives, for military families.
“About 25% of military families are facing food disparity,” Ben explains solemnly.
While the military provides an allotment to soldiers and their families, people who come on hard times and need to support other family members are left needing more food, without the money to buy it. The Buckley Spouses Alliance works to ensure that service members dealing with struggles can still provide for their families without judgment.
“Maybe if I’m that one person that’s willing to do the free stuff, to donate the time, more so than most professionals, then maybe not only can we help with the hunger, the clothing or the diapers, but ultimately maybe prevent the situation to begin with.”
This non-profit organization has merged to support multiple military bases throughout Colorado and is kicking off its efforts soon with a baseball tournament at Buckley, called Bases Loaded.
Another non-profit organization he supports is Heart2Hand, run by his good friend, Rob Nelson. They do a turkey drive every year for Thanksgiving, as well as diaper and food drives throughout the year.
“The community, when I was growing up, did a lot and donated a lot,” Ben says regarding helping his own family. “And so there’s a part of me
that’s like, I received a lot from our community, and it’s time to give back to my community.”
He extends his giving back to his community even further through his business, as he sees it as a way to help prevent some monetary mistakes that people often don’t realize they make.
“Maybe if I’m that one person that’s willing to do the free stuff, to donate the time, more so than most professionals, then maybe not only can we help with the hunger, the clothing or the diapers, but ultimately maybe prevent the situation to begin with,” Ben explains.
Joan turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
Parker City Lifestyle
Published by Joan Loved by Parker
COMMUNITY Beyond SCHOOL
When Anna Savier was a new mom, she, like many parents, craved community.
“I wanted to have playdates with other moms and get to know other people when I was new to the community,” Anna says. “It was really hard because you drop off your kids, you go to work and you don’t meet people.”
Now, as a mom to an 8-year-old and 10-year-old, Anna’s taking matters into her own hands by opening the doors of her school, Karter School of Parker, to the community at large.
Karter School of Parker, which opened on August 11, is a Montessori and STEAM-inspired school for infants through pre-kindergarten students. When school’s not in session, Anna makes the classrooms and building available to the public, not just the Karter school’s parents.
Last month, for instance, the school hosted a harvest and home market with local vendors and food trucks. They didn’t charge a vendor fee either. “We take nothing from it,” Anna says. “It’s just for the community.”
In November, the school is hosting a canned food drive. All food gathered will be donated to a local food bank.
CONTINUED >
Karter School of Parker Opens Doors to Parents And Broader Community
ARTICLE BY CASSIDY RITTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL PAEVALIS
“Once a month, we try to do something to bring everyone together and be supportive of each other,” Anna says. “If we can help a little bit, why not? ... I have a facility that I don’t have to ask permission to use. So why not help the people that I can?”
Anna also wants to support new moms. She plans to offer postpartum and mommy and me music and yoga classes in the future.
When Anna opened Karter School of Thornton in 2023, she offered similar programs for new moms and hosted community events. These classes and events help the Karter parents form a second family and bring the broader community together.
The events have been so successful that the Karter parents in Thornton formed group chats for dad poker nights and mom get-togethers. Some parents even put together a Karter Garage Sale in September, where Karter parents sold children’s clothes, toys and equipment to the broader community.
True, organic friendships are forming between parents. “That’s why I do it,” Anna says. “I do it for the bonding because we all need support, and I do the Karter community events because I want to help the community.”
The Parker and Thornton locations are part of the Karter Schools brand, which Anna and her sister, Linh Nguyen, co-founded in 2012 in Virginia, where Linh lives. Karter Schools remains a family-owned business with five locations in Virginia and two in Colorado. A third location in the Centennial State is expected to open in the Denver Tech Center next summer.
Since its founding, Karter Schools has always given back to its local communities and churches. Anna says giving back is part of her Vietnamese culture.
Anna’s and Linh’s give-back mentality reaches beyond the four walls of their schools and local zip codes. They are working to build a school in Asia.
“In Asia, there are a lot of kids that can’t afford to get educated and have the care and tools [they need],” Anna says. “So, we do this because we try to give back to our Vietnamese community.”
Dates to know
• 2012 — Karter Schools’ founding year
• October 2023 — Karter Schools opens first Colorado location in Thornton
• Aug. 11, 2025 — Karter School of Parker opens at 19920 Hilltop Road
• Nov. 3-10, 2025 — Parker location hosts canned food drive
• Coming Soon — Postpartum, Mommy and me music and yoga classes at Karter School of Parker
BY DAVE REITER
Invest in a Legacy of Healing: Support The Aspen Effect
Nestled in the rolling landscapes of Douglas County, The Aspen Effect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit changing the trajectory of youth and family mental health through one powerful approach—connection. Using equine-guided and nature-based mentorship, The Aspen Effect surrounds youth and families with supportive relationships that cultivate trust, resilience and emotional growth. Their model has been especially impactful for youth navigating anxiety, substance use disorder and social isolation.
As part of the Colorado Gives Campaign November 1st – December 9th, The Aspen Effect invites community members and philanthropists alike to be part of something transformative. With 100% of parents endorsing the programming and families never charged a fee, your donation directly supports preventative care that meets youth where they are—often outside the walls of a traditional clinic.
In a time when mental health challenges continue to rise, The Aspen Effect stands as a grounded, innovative solution. This Colorado Gives Day, help them expand their reach and deepen their roots. Go to www.ColoradoGives.org and search for The Aspen Effect.
ARTICLE BY JERRY VAN LEUVEN
Photos by Savannah Johnson
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ARTICLE BY JULIE HOGLUND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY WATKINS
LOCAL HORSEWOMEN RESCUE SEVEN HORSES AND COMMIT TO THEIR REHABILITATION AT WHISPERING PINES EQUESTRIAN IN ELIZABETH
Rescuer and horse trainer Ann Fouret recalls her first encounter with the seven horses she was tasked to rescue. “They were skin and bones and living in dark barn stalls without ventilation. They were like shells of horses. Their eyes were blank, like they were some-
decided to keep them alive because they are making good progress.
Kindal is the manager of Whispering Pines Equestrian, and Ann is a skilled trainer and owner of Fouret Farms. Together, they took on a sizable feat when they adopted Mort, 9; Charlotte,
"THEY WERE SKIN AND BONES AND LIVING IN A DARK BARN."
where else. They were only getting fed once a day, and their food and water troughs were slimy and dirty. The horses didn’t want to drink from them.” Kindal Nay, fellow rescuer and manager of Whispering Pines Equestrian, says, “My heart just dropped seeing the state they were in. When we opened the barn door, the first thing that hit me was the smell. It was overpowering.” Five younger horses were closed in the barn, and two older ones were in the outside pens.
The elderly, ailing owner planned to send the older ones to a rescue, but her plan fell through. Horse rescue organizations are beyond capacity, making it challenging to place them. Ann and Kindal decided to rescue all seven horses, including the older ones. “We decided that we would bring the 25 and 26-year-old stallions to their barn and get them healthy before we put them down. I didn’t want them to die in that horrible place,” says Ann. They have since
9; Taco, 6; Queenie, 13; E.T., 19; Blaze, 25; and Larry, 26.
The horses have been living at Whispering Pines for six weeks and are undergoing physical and mental healing as they acclimate to their new home. They had barely been ridden or handled in seven years, so Ann and Kindal started working with them slowly, providing food, which they eagerly devoured, clean stalls with both indoor and outdoor areas, as well as medical care, grooming and interaction with people and other horses on the property.
“I enjoy seeing their personalities come out; they’re very different, but they’re all very sweet and kind, considering all they have been through. They are starting to trust again and know they are okay here, that there will always be food and attention. Horses are very social, and they were kept in individual pens where they couldn’t touch or groom each other for years.
CONTINUED >
Now, they are being turned out together and beginning to make new friends among the herd of horses boarded on the property,” Ann says.
The monthly cost to rehabilitate each horse ranges from $1,500 to $1,700, covering housing, food, supplements, medical care, training and grooming to maintain their health. If you would like to contribute to their care, visit the Facebook page, ‘Save the Seven’.
It takes time and dedication to care for these beautiful animals. It was clear these women prioritize the welfare of the horses and have given them a new life, where they can thrive in health and happiness! Their eyes have life in them again!
Whispering Pines Equestrian is set on a beautiful acreage in Elizabeth, CO., where Kindal manages the business of boarding, breeding, training, rehabilitating, sales, lessons, leasing and more. She can be contacted at (970) 629-3072.
Fouret Farms is Ann’s training business on the Whispering Pines Property. Contact her at (719) 641-9176.
CHRISTMAS SHINES BRIGHT
GAYLORD ROCKIES RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER OFFERS A BEAUTIFUL WINTER WONDERLAND GETAWAY
ARTICLE BY KARA WITHEROW PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAYLORD HOTELS
The best Christmas memories don’t have to be made far from home. Just a quick drive from Denver, Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, will soon turn into a winter wonderland where families can slow down, laugh together and make new traditions.
From November 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026, the resort comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, festive music and seasonal treats that dazzle, delight and set the perfect holiday scene.
ICE! FEATURING DR. SEUSS’ “HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!”
At the heart of So Much Christmas at Gaylord Rockies Resort is ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!”
The beloved children’s book is brought to life with more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved, boldly colored ice. Guests can wander through iconic scenes, marvel at sculptures nearly 30 feet tall and zoom down ice slices, all while staying warm in parkas provided by the resort.
Journeying through the attraction, guests will see stunning ice carvings of familiar characters and scenes, including the grumpy Grinch’s lair, Who-ville, the Grinch carving roast beast and 12-foot ice statues of the Grinch.
SO MUCH CHRISTMAS
Beyond ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Gaylord Rockies Resort offers a winter wonderland of festive activities for the whole family.
Brave the indoor four-lane snow tubing hill for a thrilling ride, craft and decorate gingerbread creations, solve riddles on a Grinchy scavenger hunt or step inside Santa’s workshop to meet the man in red himself.
After a day filled with Christmas cheer, linger a little longer over an exceptional meal. At Old Hickory Steakhouse, savor timeless cuts in an elegant setting. Garden + Grain Seasonal Kitchen showcases fresh, local ingredients and Copper Table tempts with authentic Colorado cuisine and traditional flavors. As the day winds down, enjoy an evening stroll through the glowing, glittering Grand Lodge.
This year, skip the travel stress and give your family the greatest gift of all: time together. With so much to see and do, Gaylord Rockies Resort is the ultimate destination
“This Christmas, Gaylord Rockies Resort transforms into a winter wonderland...”
for creating holiday traditions and making memories that will be treasured for years to come. Explore overnight packages, ticket bundles and special offers at ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com , and make this holiday season one your family will never forget.
H O P E
Begins with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
A Season for Flowers
This autumn we’ve got you covered for fresh florals and gifts. Whether it’s a centerpiece for Thanksgiving, a birthday celebration, a hostess gift, or just because, Parker Blooms has the perfect something for your special someone. Order online or give us a call. Thank you!
ParkerBlooms.com 303-841-5515
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Tips on meal prepping for less stress
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.
Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.
Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.
To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand –even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh Groceries
• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dustfree until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
NOVEMBER 1ST
Masquerade Ball: Halloween Weekend
Vehicle Vault | 5:30 PM
Mingle with those whose faces you may not know, but whose energy you’ll never forget: decadent dinner, open bar and live entertainment.
NOVEMBER 8TH
Ryan Hamilton
PACE Center | 7:30 PM
Armed with the unique perspective of growing up in rural Idaho to becoming a favorite in the New York stand-up comedy scene, Ryan Hamilton is one of a kind. His wholesome style has endeared him to audiences across the country, making him one of Rolling Stone’s Five Comics to Watch.
NOVEMBER 20TH THROUGH 25TH
Nutcracker of Parker presented by Colorado School of Dance
PACE Center | 2:00 PM
This magical ballet features the famous score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, alongside the best of the best pointe dancers and community actors, blending a cast of both professionals and local dancers from our community. Presented by Colorado School of Dance, this is Parker’s longest-running, mainstage professional Nutcracker Ballet since 2003. 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. showtimes.
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NOVEMBER 27TH
Turkey Day 5K Fun Run/Walk
Parker Recreation Center | 8:00 AM
Part of the Parks and Recreation Run Series, this family-friendly community event is a laid-back trot with friends and neighbors. Registered participants will receive a commemorative knit beanie, souvenir race bib and hot cocoa, cider or coffee. Participants may also choose to add on a finisher medal during registration. This event is not officially timed.
NOVEMBER 28TH
Mayor’s Holiday Lighting
O'Brien Park
O'Brien Park comes alive for the holidays as the town kicks off the holiday season at the Mayor’s Holiday Lighting. Community members, families and friends come together for a chilly, but enchanted evening in O’Brien Park.
NOVEMBER 29TH THROUGH DECEMBER 21ST
Hometown Holiday Weekends Begin Nov. 29, 2025
Downtown Parker
Head down to this Hometown Holiday Kick-Off Weekend. Take pictures with Elsa and Olaf, Buddy the Elf and more. Enjoy a ride on the Parker Express around O’Brien Park. Learn about and meet Santa’s reindeer. Starting November 30th through December 21st, weekends are a festive time in beautiful Downtown Parker.
