Boo at the Zoo at the Denver Zoo
Where: 2300 Steele St., Denver
When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29
The scoop: Grab the kids, throw on your Halloween costumes and head to the Denver Zoo for a special trick-or-treating event. Visit denverzoo.org/booatthezoo, or call 720-337-1400.
Halloween Kids Fest at Downtown Aquarium
Where: 700 Water St., Denver
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Oct. 28, Oct. 29 and Oct. 31
The scoop: The Downtown Aquarium offers an under-the-sea Halloween experience with a Halloween Kids Fest for the whole family.
Elitch Gardens Fright Fest
Where: 2000 Elitch Circle
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday until Oct. 29
The scoop: During the day, it’s all fun and games, but when the clock strikes 6 p.m., this haunt will boast three spooky attractions. Call 303-595-4386 for more information.
Pick out your perfect costume at The Wizard’s Chest
Where: 451 Broadway, Denver
When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday
The scoop: The Wizard’s Chest is the kind of place where you can embrace your inner costume nerd. The store has a huge selection of costumes for you to choose from and that will impress your friends. Visit wizardschest.com/word-press, or call 303-321-4304.
“Elf the Musical” at the Denver Center Performing Arts Complex
Where: Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St.
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13-15, 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17
The scoop: “Son of a nutcracker!” “Elf the Musical” is coming to Denver just in time to get you in the holiday spirit. The story about Buddy, a human who thinks he is one of Santa’s elves, is hilarious, and is the perfect way to spend time with loved ones on a chilly December day.
Miracle on Little Raven
Where: 1610 Little Raven St.
When: Nov. 24-Dec. 24
The scoop: A Christmas pop-up bar is coming to Denver Nov. 24 and it is everything you could want from a Christmas-themed bar. It will be decorated with Christmas lights, Christmas music will be blasting through speakers, and there will be Christmas-themed cocktails to give you all the holiday cheer you can handle. Visit waywarddenver.com, or call 720-449-8300 for more information.
9NEWS Parade of Lights
Where: Starts at Denver City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St., Denver
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 1, 6 p.m. Dec. 2
The scoop: Arrive as early as you can to the 9News Parade of Lights. That way, the family can get a good view of all the shenanigans. bundle up, grab hot chocolate to keep you warm and watch marching bands, parade floats and other forms of entertainment journey down the street.
View holiday lights on city and county buildings
Where: 1437 Bannock St., Denver
When: Nov. 25-Jan. 22
The scoop: What better way to spend the holidays than canvassing Denver to look at holiday lights? Starting Nov. 25 the City and County Building will be lit like a Christmas tree. It is truly one of Denver’s best holiday lights displays.
Attend the Holiday Food & Gift Festival for a one-stop shop
Where: 4655 Humboldt St.
When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 17 and Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 19
The scoop: Imagine a giant Christmas mall filled with arts, crafts, clothes, toys, holiday decorations and more to get your holiday shopping done. Have that picture in your head? That is what the Holiday Food & Gift Festival is. Of course there is a food area to satisfy your hunger and places to grab coffee to keep your energy up.
Denver Rescue Mission’s Turkey Drive
Where: Mike Ward Infiniti, 1800 Lucent Court, Highlands Ranch
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 17 and Nov. 18
The scoop: Drop off a turkey and help the Denver Rescue Mission and 100 agencies provide homeless people with a holiday meal.