THURSDAY-MONDAY

Some of the beautiful holiday lights are continuing through Christmas time. Hudson Gardens in Littleton, Hudson Holidays through Dec. 31, Light Up the New Year, Jan. 2-28, hudsongardens.org/enjoy/holidays. Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland, a million lights, through Dec. 24, tinyurl.com/558v7fzy. Union Station Denver Merry & Bright Lights, through Dec. 26, denverunionstation.com/events/merry-bright-lights-2. Mile Hi Tree, Denver, through the Dec. 31 ball drop, tinyurl.com/y893kr46. Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light, Denver, through Jan. 7, Chatfield Farms Trail of Lights, through Jan. 1, both closed Christmas Day, botanicgardens.org. Luminova Holidays, Elitch Gardens, through Dec. 31, closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, elitchgardens.com/luminova-holidays. Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Magic of Lights, through Dec. 31, tinyurl.com/sxyw3rns. Royal Gorge Bridge of Lights, Cañon City, through Dec. 31, closed Christmas Day, royalgorgebridge.com/bridge-of-lights.

THURSDAY

Hello to the first night of winter with a Winter Solstice guided hike at Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood, 15600 W. Morrison Road, 6-8 p.m. After the hike a campfire marshmallow roast and burning of the yule log. Bring a mug for a hot beverage. $2 event fee. Register: tinyurl.com/mw9t36eb. 

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

The magical Christmas story “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” performed by stars of the Central City Opera with a full orchestra, follows the story of young Amahl who can’t make anyone believe his story of three visitors, a star in the heavens and a miracle child. Denver Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 Sherman St., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. both days. Tickets $42, $12 for ages 2-17. tinyurl.com/3buu8jvu. 

SATURDAY

The holiday Jewish music of the world at Klezfest, featuring Hal Aqua and The Lost Tribe, Rabbi Joe Black with Sandra Wong, and Mishmish. 7:30 p.m., Saturday at Mercury Café, 2199 California St. Tickets $28: mercurycafe.com/event/klezfest

SUNDAY

Little ones everywhere can follow Santa as he and his reindeer fly around the globe and get closer to their homes. It’s the beloved NORAD Tracks Santa and a fascinating geography lesson as well. Go online and watch him at noradsanta.org or call his helpers at 877-HI-NORAD (877-446-6723).

SUNDAY

A breathtaking mountain Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade in Telluride begins at 6:30 p.m. as ski and snowboard instructors carry torches down the mountainside and fireworks light the sky. Beautiful and memorable, perfect for photos. Best view is from area of Lift 4. telluride.com/festivals-events/events. 

SUNDAY

The Winter Park Torchlight Parade is another Colorado Christmas Eve tradition, starting at 5 p.m. A whole evening by the bonfire followed by fireworks and the torchlight parade down the mountain. winterparkresort.com/things-to-do/events/torchlight-parade

SUNDAY

The final night of a traditional Mexican Las Posadas follows the Christmas Eve journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem the night baby Jesus is born. Free. Dress for the weather, 4-5:30 p.m. Mexican hot chocolate, hot cider and biscochitos. Tesoro Cultural Center, The Fort Restaurant, 19192 Highway 8, Morrison. tesoroculturalcenter.org/las-posadas