Holiday fun indoors and out

Seasonal shows and events have something for the whole family

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There’s a lot going on this time of year, and we’re not just talking about shopping and holiday parties. Boulder offers a plethora of events and activities for families in December.

 

Whether your little ones enjoy playing out in the cold or staying warm inside with a good story, there’s bound to be something they’ll love. So when you’re done wrapping presents and baking Christmas cookies, check out these kid-friendly holiday happenings.

Ballet Nouveau Colorado’s The Nutcracker

Ballet Nouveau Colorado presents the only Nutcracker in town where all children are invited on stage after the show to learn steps from the performance and have the chance to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, her Cavalier, the Nutcracker and Clara. Final performances run Dec. 17-19 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Visit www.bncdance.com or call 303-466-5685.

The Ice Rink at One Boulder Plaza

While it might not be cold enough to feel like winter yet, you can get in the frosty spirit at the Ice Rink at One Boulder Plaza. Operating seasonally from November through February, the rink is open seven days a week, with extended holiday hours from Dec. 20 through Jan 2. You can even go skating on Christmas Day! For more information, visit www.bouldericerink. com or call 303-209-3722.

St. Nick on the Bricks

Don’t miss your last chance to meet Santa. On Saturday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., kids of all ages can visit with St. Nick at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center, at 13th and Pearl streets. Whether you are asking for a fire engine for Tommy, a new doll for Molly or a diamond ring for mommy, bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories. Or let someone else take the photos. Professional photography will be available from AtomJohnson Photography (www.atomjohnson.com/ santa). For more information, visit www.boulder downtown.com/events or call 303-449-3774.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s A Christmas Carol

A true classic never grows old.

Start a new holiday tradition — or continue an old one — with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Can the miserly Scrooge escape a future that is haunted by his past? Follow his journey of self-redemption as all your favorite characters — Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the Spirits of Christmas — come to life on stage. Performances run through Christmas Eve. For more information, visit www. coloradshakes.org.

Fiske Planetarium at CU

The Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado campus offers a selection of kids’ programs for the holidays, like Season of Light, Fiske’s classic holiday show exploring festivals of light from many different traditions. This is a great show to get the entire family into the holiday spirit. The Astronomical Star of Bethlehem, presented by amateur astronomer Gil Buller, examines the sky at the time of the birth of Christ to see which astronomical phenomenon might have been the Star of Bethlehem. And don’t miss an entirely new spin on an old holiday favorite: Laser Nutcracker, accompanied by lasers and special effects. For dates and times, visit fiske.colorado.edu/ events, or call 303-492-5001. These special holiday shows run through the end of December.

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