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Christmas Beer and Cookies Tour
It hardly seems fair that only Santa Claus has carte blanche to sample cookies across the Mile High City. So, now it’s your turn. During this gastronomic tour, hungry holiday revelers will sample confections at four different RiNo breweries—but instead of milk, the treats will be paired with 10 pours of locally made beer. The experience also includes a guided tour of the RiNo Arts District, Denver-centric Christmas stories, plus a Santa hat so you can really get into character. Nov. 30–Dec. 28; Thursdays 5:30–7:45 p.m., Sundays 12:15–2:45 p.m.; $55
Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto
If your toddler hasn’t stopped singing “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” since Encanto came out or requests an Elsa braid and Frozen on a near-daily basis, this live show at Ball Arena might live rent-free in their head forever. We dare you not to sing along as characters like Elsa and Mirabel perform the all-too-familiar scores of both movies while they glide around the rink. Buy a ticket to the preshow experience to score photo-ops with the stars of the show, plus access to storytimes, games, and crafts. Dec. 1–3; times vary; starting at $25
Give One Year of 5280 for just $16.
If you’re the friend who always brings the paper plates to the holiday potluck, let the pros at Que Bueno Suerte teach you how to make an appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Chef Kate Gisbert will teach guests about the Christmastime Mexican tradition of “tamalada,” which brings family and friends together to make tamales. Participants will receive two drinks, a meal, plus a dozen tamales to take home—just in case your at-home efforts don’t work out. Dec. 2–23; Saturdays noon–4 p.m.; $60–$70
Heart of the Holidays
Larimer Square might be strewn with lights year-round, but the block will glow a bit brighter this month thanks to extra seasonal decor (see: the towering Christmas tree) and plenty of festive programming. This weekend, participate in the lighting of the holiday evergreen, snap a photo with Santa, sing along to live music from the Original Dickens Carolers, and consider adopting a puppy at an adoption event hosted by MaxFund and DogSavvy (you know, if your kid has been extra good this year). Later in the month, hit up a holiday-themed HIIT class or get your home ready for the in-laws with wares from a local art market. Dec. 2–23; times vary; free attendance
Tea Street 5-Year Anniversary Pop-Up
To celebrate its fifth year slinging yummy milk teas and toothsome boba, this Glendale outpost is hosting a sugar-fueled bash. The first 30 guests will receive a stylish Tea Street bucket hat and everyone can enjoy BOGO deals, raffled gift cards, a photo station, plus a sneak peak at the 2024 menu. Whatever you do, don’t miss the meal kits from Yuan Wonton and Sweet Rice Flour, which will be available for pick-up at the event (pre-order is required, here) and include chili wontons and Earl Grey choux puffs. Dec. 2; noon–3 p.m.; free attendance
Whether your gift recipient knows every Paris arrondissement by heart or she just likes “bubbly,” you’ll leave this female- and French-focused shopping pop-up with un cadeau, er, present, for her. As you sip on a complimentary flute of sparkling wine, you can browse woman-owned businesses such as Best French Forever (artisan-made products from Provence, such as organic lavender sachets), skincare purveyor Pardon My French, French-born artist Anne Timmerman, and host of the event, La Bouche Wine Bar. Dec. 3; 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; free attendance
