Each Thursday, explore Denver’s essential weekend events curated by The Denver Gazette. Dive into cultural experiences and entertainment delights across the city. Whether you enjoy art galleries, pottery, or outdoor sports, there’s something for everyone in Denver’s vibrant cultural scene. To submit an event for consideration, email listings@gazette.com.

SATURDAY

A weekend awash in the lights and music of holiday parades around the state Saturday. Downtown Denver will be packed with thousands of cheering folks for the colorful 9NEWS Parade of Lights kicking off at 6 p.m. with 40 floats, bands, horseback riders and huge balloons. From 14th and Bannock along Tremont to Arapahoe and Glenarm, grandstand seating at the colorful City and County Building. winterindenver.com/parade. In Downtown Colorado Springs at 5:50 p.m., the 41st Colorado Springs Festival of Lights heads down Tejon Street with 100 floats, marching bands, horses and whimsical characters. coloradospringsfestivaloflights.com. Downtown parade in Grand Junction, 100 floats; and a parade in Conifer. Breckenridge Race of Santas and lights fest, too.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

The first of two weekends for the Denver Winter Market touting its VIP Package, 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday with a tote bag filled with special offerings and discounts for shopping, entertainment, cocktails and entrance for both weekends. General admission at 11 a.m. 100 local small businesses and artists, 85 vendors, food trucks. 3 p.m. Friday. Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway, Denver; mainstreetevents.co.

SATURDAY

A matchless Saturday Night Lights tradition for the next three weeks in Cherry Creek North, Fillmore Plaza, 105 Fillmore St. A tunnel of a million lights, dancing on a light-up floor, entertainment, hot cocoa and Santa and Mrs. Claus, 5-8 p.m. cherrycreeknorth.com/do/saturday-night-lights-2

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

The 140 voices in the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus offer four weekend concerts, My Favorite Queens, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday at Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 Sherman St. Music and a quirky look at the holiday traditions. $35+. denverchoruses.org/box-office.

SATURDAY

A special wintery day all about birds: Wings & Wonder Holiday Festival at Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center, 11280 Waterton Road, Littleton. Take family bird walks, learn bird feeding and be up close with resident birds. Even holiday gift ideas by artisans. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Register: denveraudubon.org/wingsandwonder.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY

Celebrate Mexican holiday traditions with an original ArtistiCO production, Fiestas Navideñas at the Newman Center, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. Focusing on pastorelas, posadas, and the Nativity with music and dance. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. newmancenter.evenue.net/events/aco

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

The first of three Merry Market weekends in Commerce City with its Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, vendors, artists, holiday performances and seasonal family activities. A special treat this Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., homebuilders offer tours of new home models in Reunion. Try to win a year of coffee in this benefit for CUP Colorado offering employment support and job training. Merry Market is in Commerce City Civic Center, 7887 E. 60th Ave.

THURSDAY-DEC. 21

After more than 20 years, the holiday finale for Santa’s Big Red Sack in Aurora, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., Thursdays through Sundays. Full of the season’s fun, acting, music and a little bit of craziness. This time with a reunion of the original cst members. $32. thepeoplesbuilding.com › santas-big-red-sack

SATURDAY

The next three Saturdays, a Holiday Pop-up Market with shopping from more than 60 vendors, a variety of local food and more, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Olde Town Arvada Square, 5726 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada; oldetownarvada.org/events. 

SATURDAY-DEC. 21

If you’ve yet to meet Granny, this is your year. She’s been a part of Denver’s holiday season for 34 years and a dance delight. “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” as she tours the world to find all the beloved traditions. The famed Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, 119 Park Ave., $35-$45. 10 performances. Tickets: cleoparkerdance.org/tickets. 

SATURDAY

Have a Homesteader’s Holiday with this taste of the past at Centennial Village Museum in Greeley. Take a tour, dip some candles, go shopping, visit Cowboy Santa and hear country music. 10 a.m.-4-p.m. Saturday. It’s $4 for ages 3 and older but free with a canned food donation for Weld County Food Bank. bit.ly/3LFymc8.

SATURDAY

Musical members of the community are invited to join The Denver Brass’ Holiday Brass Fest with more than 300 musicians at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Register to sing holiday carols beneath the acoustic glass ceiling of the Galleria at denverbrass.org/store?category=BrassFest. A rehearsal at 10 a.m. before the free public performance.