6 Statewide Activities Heating Up the Holiday Season
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!
From major fashion influencers like Dior, to an abundance of local ales, these Colorado events are inspiring us to explore the local food, art, and holiday scene this winter.
Denver International Wine Fest
November 1-3
Wine aficionados rejoice! The buzzing Denver International Wine Fest returns to the Mile High City to pour full-bodied wines paired with crave-worthy bites for the 14th year in a row. The affair will kick off with a wine and food pairing from acclaimed Front Range chefs (think: Cameron Baker the sous chef of Fruition to Cattivella Wood Fired Italian’s Sous Chef Zurisadai Resendiz). Following the competition, is Grand Tasting on Friday and the fest is concluded with a tribute meal to the motion picture, Julie & Julia, that’s full of champagne and Julia Child-inspired eats.
The All Colorado Brew Fest
November 10
Coloradans have an undeniable passion for their craft beers, and nearly 55 (and counting) breweries have committed to donating their beer for sampling at the Chapel Hills Mall Event Center on November 10. Some familiar names like Breckenridge Brewery, Avery Brewing CO, Great Divide Brewing Co, and the Best in Show 2017 winners, Paradox Beer Company (for their peachy-golden sour dubbed, ‘Alchemy Stones’) will be in appearance at the brew-filled fest.
Winter Wonderlights
November 16
Up in Northern Colorado, the quaint town of Loveland is gearing up for winter festivities with a lit up walking tour and other family friendly attractions in Chapungu Sculpture Park. Set to begin the weekend before Thanksgiving and to run through the New Year, this year’s location includes a unique cultural twist. Spectators will not only get to walk through 60,000 twinkling string lights, but will roam through a variety of African stone sculptures as well as jam out to Zimbabwe drumming group, Djembe Jive on the opening weekend. Free face painting, an inflatable Kris Kringle selfie station, and nightly lighting shows will also occur over the duration of the whimsical festival.
Dior: From Paris to the World
Opens November 18th
Denver Art Museum will host the U.S. debut of the renowned exhibition, Dior: From Paris to the World, this holiday season. Surveying more than 70 years of the House of Dior’s legacy and influence, the exhibit features a selection of 150 haute couture dresses, accessories, photos, original sketches, and archival material. Curated by Denver Art Museum’s Florence Müller, it will trace the history of the iconic haute couture fashion house, its founder, Christian Dior, and the subsequent artistic directors who carried Dior's vision into the 21st century.
Denver Christkindl Market
November 18 – Dec 23
The annual market celebrating German cuisine, bier, and gift-giving trinkets returns for nearly a whole month full of holiday entertainment. The market includes live music everyday it’s open with traditional German dancers, polka music and even bluegrass tunes with patrons are encouraged to jump in on the dancing. Shoppers can also expect to witness sparking ornaments in every color as well as other holiday knick-knacks flooding the marketplace. Get holiday shopping done early or simply roam the market to get into the holiday spirit.
Vail Snow Days
December 13 – 16
Ski the slopes by day and groove to the soulful rock blues tunes from Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats by night at this four day snow fest. The prominent Vail Ski Resort and Village is hosting a long weekend chock-full of wintertime outings as well as a peak into the mountain town’s culture. Explore local businesses with Savor Vail: Shop, Sip, Save– an all weekend shopping experience featuring local boutiques in the heart of Vail. Also, expect to see a snow pub crawl, live concerts every evening at Ford Park, and plenty of après ski.
