By this time of the month, you’ve likely packed your calendars with splendid events to celebrate Christmas, been up and down the hill to take in some lights or a show, and popped into your favorite local venues for some singalongs and holiday favorites.
But it’s still Christmastime and there is much to be celebrated. As school lets out and family visitors trickle in, there are still a few chances to catch some local musical holiday cheer before the big day arrives. Our mountain towns offer intimate but culturally rich holiday experiences, the perfect outings to top off your plans.
First up, Stagedoor Theatre in Conifer is still running their rendition of Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn,” a personal favorite of mine. Performances began on December 3, but you can catch the show through Dec. 18. Tickets are available at stagedoortheatre.org.
The bustling little town of Golden has plenty to offer at the holidays, and on December 18, thrill your kids with “Jingle on the Avenue: A Holiday Character Mingle.” The Olde Golden Christmas Committee presents this free event from 11 am to 2 pm, which includes horse drawn carriage rides, letters to Santa, and Newfoundland dog cart rides, if you can believe it. Details at visitgolden.com.
Even when Christmas Day is behind us, the season isn’t really over, and especially not in Evergreen. Entertain yourself during that odd week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve with a few fun shows about town, including at El Rancho Brewing Company, offering live music on December 23, 24, 30 and 31. And when you make it to New Year’s Eve, Skate the Lake is back on, from 3-8 pm on December 31. This year’s event features a movie and a laser show.
Of course, I always preferred cuddling up to the piano and tinkling out Christmas carols with my family, and this year, I have the added bonus of both of my daughters’ burgeoning musical talents. I have heard three-chord versions of the holiday classics more times than I can count, and so I am expanding our musical library. In the spirit of lesser-known holiday songs, this year we are caroling “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming,” “Once in Royal David’s City,” “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella,” and “The Gower Wassail.” No show dates or tickets necessary. When you hear these strange, haunting carols outside your window, it’s us bringing the show to you, like a gift. Merry Christmas!
