Things to Do in December

The most wonderful time of the year is here! From thrilling live performances to a dazzling array of holiday lights, delightful shopping, and scrumptious treats, mark your calendars because your December is about to be booked!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Plan ahead. Buy tickets, sign-up online, or do a little research before attending these events and activities.

Sensitive Santa
When: December 3
Where: Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012

Experience the heartwarming side of Santa with a special opportunity crafted for families with sensory needs. At designated times, the lights will softly dim, and the music will hush to create a serene and comfortable atmosphere. This thoughtful setting provides you and your loved ones with the perfect backdrop for a magical moment with Santa. Explore Santa's appearances at the Town Center at Aurora's Paws & Claus and the Santa Photo Experience to make cherished memories.

Holiday Tree Lighting
When: December 5
Where: Aurora Municipal Center

Embark on a festive journey at the Holiday Tree Lighting with the City of Aurora! Be captivated as thousands of lights illuminate the night. Bring the family to revel in holiday-themed activities, indulge in treats, savor live entertainment, and anticipate a special visit from a renowned guest! Make the Holiday Tree Lighting a December must-do, and kick off your month with enchanting celebrations!

Merry Maker's Market
When: December 5
Where: Aurora Municipal Center

Experience the festive magic beyond the Holiday Tree Lighting – make your way to the Merry Maker’s Market at Aurora Central Library! As the holidays unfold, dive into the inaugural Merry Maker's Market – your ultimate one-stop shop brimming with local and regional vendors. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with a diverse selection of unique finds!

Visit the Village
When: December 9
Where: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80016

Discover the ultimate holiday extravaganza at Visit the Village! Immerse yourself in make-n-take crafts, indulge at the s’mores-making station, sip on wintery beverages, bounce around in the bounce house, enjoy train rides, and so much more! With a plethora of festive activities, Visit the Village is an absolute must for a memorable December!

Christmas In Color Drive-thru Animated Light Show
When: Through December 30
Where: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80016

Prepare for a captivating journey at the Christmas In Color Drive-Thru Animated Light Show, ideal for the whole family. Enjoy the holiday season as you witness a spectacular array of synchronized lights dancing to your favorite festive melodies! Cruise by towering jolly snowmen, beautiful arches, and so much more! Get your tickets here!

Noon Year's Eve
When: December 30
Where: Southlands, 6155 S. Main St, Aurora, CO 80016

Ring in the New Year with joy and excitement at Southlands Noon Year’s Eve! Join in cheerful toasts, engaging activities, and fantastic giveaways, ensuring a lively afternoon to kick off your New Year celebrations in style!

The Pond at Town Square
When: Open through February 25
Where: Southlands, 6155 S. Main St, Aurora, CO 80016

The wonderful holiday and winter tradition is back all through the holiday and winter season! The Pond ice rink returns to Town Square! Bid farewell to flip-flops and dust off your ice skates – it's time to revel in the magic of the cold season once again. Enjoy daily ice-skating sessions with your loved ones on The Pond for the winter season! So, lace up those skates, and remember to bundle up with warm gloves and a snug hat for an unforgettable experience on the ice! Tickets are $14; you can make reservations here!

Camp Christmas
When: Through December 24
Where: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010

Step into a mesmerizing holiday dreamscape at Stanley, where every festive desire comes true. Meet Santa, savor holiday cocktails in enchanting fairy bars, and immerse yourself in whimsical Christmas scenes. This season, Camp Christmas rekindles the magic of timeless holiday traditions. Explore this vast wonderland and experience the joy of all things holly and jolly! Grab your tickets here!

ICE! Featuring A Christmas Story™
When: Through January 1
Where: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019

Walking into a winter—frozen wonderland? Prepare to journey into a holiday escape of epic proportions! Venture through the enchanting world of ICE! featuring A Christmas Story™, where larger-than-life ice sculptures, exhilarating frozen slides, and captivating tunnels dedicated to this beloved movie classic await. Fun fact: ICE! is a masterpiece crafted by master artisans from Harbin, China, who meticulously sculpted 2 million pounds of ice over several weeks to present you with this stunning rendition of the holiday movie classic. Be sure to secure your tickets and experience this icy marvel.

Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
When: Through December 30
Where: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019

Cirque: Spirit of Christmas unveils a sensational spectacle where the holiday spirit takes center stage with astonishing acrobatics. From gravity-defying stunts to mesmerizing displays of flexibility, this year's show revolves around Noel, a child disheartened by the holiday frenzy. In her quest to rediscover the true joy of the season, she encounters spirits who lead her on a spirited journey, unearthing the authentic meaning of the holidays in captivating, dreamlike sequences. Ensure you don't miss out on this high-flying performance of the season by securing your tickets.

Santa's Big Red Sack
When: November 30 - December 23
Where: The People's Building, 9995 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010

Enjoy a side-splitting escape from the usual with "Santa’s Big Red Sack" – a hilariously raunchy favorite that has been tickling audiences' funny bones since 2002! Brace yourself for non-stop sketch comedy, music, and cutting-edge technology, guaranteeing uproarious laughter and a holiday experience that will redefine your festive traditions. Consider this a kid-free zone – it's an evening of humor best enjoyed without the little ones!

THINGS TO DO ALL MONTH LONG

The following will be open throughout December, making it easy to plan your adventures in Aurora.

Gaylord Rockies Holiday Activities

Are you eager to embrace the holiday spirit with some cheerful tunes and tree decorating? Well, you're in luck! Gaylord Rockies invites you to ignite your holiday spirit! Wander through acres of dazzling lights, enjoy captivating live performances, embark on a festive scavenger hunt, indulge in cookie decorating, and immerse yourself in an enchanting outdoor winter wonderland. Discover a plethora of engaging activities designed for the whole family and much more to make your holiday season unforgettable! Check out our Holiday and Activities page to snatch some great deals this season!

Holiday Happenings at Stanley Marketplace

Experience the festive enchantment at Stanley Marketplace this December! Immerse yourself in holiday delights, from shopping to the Ugly Holiday Sweater Silent Disco & Sweater Swap (and Drop!), accompanied by carolers and adorned Christmas trees. Don't miss the lineup of entertaining performances, including Holiday Jazz with Sebastian Maa, the Colorado Youth Mariachi, The Jingle Bells, and delightful visits with Santa! With so much happening, be sure to include Stanley Marketplace in your December plans!

Watch Holiday Performances and Shows

Embrace this December's festive season with Aurora's enchanting musical and theater experiences! Delight in The Vintage Theatre's exceptional lineup featuring the premiere of "Black Nativity," a joyous holiday musical offering a modern twist on the Nativity story from African-American perspectives. Head to The Aurora Fox Arts Center for a holiday celebration with composer/lyricist David Nehls in "A Piano and Me: Holiday Edition." Keep the holiday cheer alive throughout December with Motones & Jerseys: Holiday Hi-Fi, where you can revel in the greatest Christmas tunes and albums. Don't forget to join the Aurora Dance Arts for the fan-favorite "The Nutcracker Ballet" for a magical evening filled with the classic story of Clara as she finds the Nutcracker Prince. Secure your tickets now for a seat to remember!

Shopping in Aurora

Navigate the season of giving with joy and ease! Let our shopping guide and holiday gift guide be your festive compass, ensuring you breeze through your list with time to spare. Explore the best shopping havens at Southlands, the Town Center at Aurora, and Stanley Marketplace – shop till you drop with confidence. Treat yourself to a post-shopping spree with a delectable lunch at one of the many fantastic restaurants on Havana Street! Your holiday season just got a whole lot merrier.