🎄 Denver’s Most Festive Show Returns This Weekend
A Colorado Christmas Shines Bright at Boettcher
Happy Friday, Denver!
Ben here — and if you need something this weekend that instantly flips your brain into full holiday mode, this is it. A Colorado Christmas is back, and it’s the kind of big, warm, glittery concert that makes even the grinchiest Denverite hum “Sleigh Ride” on the walk back to the car. Whether you’re bringing family, a date, or just treating yourself to a little seasonal magic, this one hits the spot every single year.
🐐 Meet Rocky — Your New Official Mascot
The votes are in — and our mischievous little goat finally has a name! After a spirited showdown, Rocky walked away with the crown (probably because he head-butted the competition).
From here on out, you’ll see Rocky popping up in guides, polls, recs, and the occasional chaotic adventure. Thanks to everyone who voted — you’ve officially shaped the future of our tiny hooved troublemaker.
Rocky says hi. And also: “Where’s the snacks?” 🐐💥
👉 What should Rocky do next? Should he:
Click an option to vote
The Bulletin
Have something meaningful to share with the community? Showcase your business, event, opportunity, or announcement with a growing list of 5,200+ readers.
☕ Who’s Brewing the Best Cup in Denver?
From oat-milk artistry to espresso shots strong enough to fix your whole week, Denver’s coffee scene does not play. We’re putting the city’s best cafés head-to-head to find out who really rules the roast. ☕🔥
Need a brain break?
Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.
Cravings: TK’s Surf & Turf Kitchen 🦞🔥
Craving seafood that means it? TK’s Surf & Turf Kitchen brings Denver some of the most flavor-packed plates in the city — massive portions, buttery lobster and crab rolls, spicy mac, lamb chops, and that beloved banana pudding. Add in the warm, family-style service and you’ve got a crave-worthy comfort feast every single time.
📍 Southeast Denver (10890 E Dartmouth Ave #13) | 💰 ~$30–$50 per person | ⏰ Open until 10:30 PM
📣 Quick Favor? Take Our 2025 Reader Survey!
We’re leveling up What’s Happenin’ and your voice guides everything we build. From the events we feature to the stories we cover, this newsletter is shaped by you, the people who actually read it.
We put together a quick 2-minute Reader Survey to learn what you value most, why you read, and how we can make this an even better part of your week.
👉 Take the Annual Reader Survey (2025) — your answers directly shape the future of this newsletter!
Your feedback = better stories, better events, better everything.
Thanks for being here ❤️
⭐ A Colorado Christmas with the Colorado Symphony
If you’re craving peak holiday vibes — the warm, orchestra-fills-your-soul kind — this is the Denver tradition to plug into this weekend. A Colorado Christmas returns to Boettcher Concert Hall with the Colorado Symphony, Colorado Symphony Chorus, and the Colorado Children’s Chorale, all led by conductor Taylor Martin and hosted by Denver favorite Devin DeSantis.
Think: classic carols, stunning choral moments, winter-movie magic, and a big, joyful sing-along at the end. Oh — and Santa and Mrs. Claus will literally be there to audit your December behavior. No pressure.
🎟️ $15–$123 (prices may increase closer to showtime)
⏰ Multiple performances:
• Fri, Dec 12 — 7:30 PM
• Sat, Dec 13 — 2:30 PM & 6:00 PM
• Sun, Dec 14 — 1:00 PM
🎶 What you’ll hear:
Holiday favorites arranged by Gary Fry, Rutter classics, selections from Messiah, Sleigh Ride, Jingle Bells, Trepak from The Nutcracker, Somewhere in My Memory from Home Alone, plus a surprise sing-along that always turns the whole hall into a giant, glittering choir.
The vibes? Pure joy. Bring the kids, bring your parents, bring your inner child.
Mile High Happenings
Friday, December 12
Saturday, December 13
Sunday, December 14
💼 Local Jobs Worth Checking Out
We believe great communities connect people to great opportunities.
Full-time
Local Happenings
Denver Mint to Strike Special Coins for America’s 250th
Denver will help produce new 2026 dimes, quarters, and half-dollars celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Each coin will feature new designs plus dual dates — 1776 • 2026 — marking America’s semiquincentennial.
The Denver Mint, operating since 1863, will be one of the sites striking the commemorative coins as part of the nationwide celebration.
Bottom line: Expect your 2026 change to look a little extra patriotic.
See You This Weekend, Denver 🎶
If you make it to the show, send me your favorite moment — bonus points if you catch Santa mid–quality control check. Denver is packed with holiday events right now, and I’ll keep the best of them coming your way all month long.
💬 Got ideas for making What’s Happenin’ Denver even better?
I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply — I read every message and always respond when I can.
Stay cozy, stay merry, and I’ll see you back here on Monday.
— Ben
Keep Reading with a Free Subscription
Get unlimited access to all newsletters, local guides, and exclusive content. Join our community!
Already a subscriber?