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.

Santa's Superhero, Prince & Princess Night
When: December 4
Where: Town Center at Aurora | Directions

Don your best superhero cape or tiara for a superhero and holiday mashup! Take exciting photos with Santa superhero-style and grab your memorable keepsake at the Town Center at Aurora! To see more of Santa, reserve your photo time here. 

Sensitive Santa
When: December 8
Where: Town Center at Aurora | Directions

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 7 
Where: Aurora Municipal Center | Directions

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 3
Where: Aurora Central Library | Directions

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 7
Where: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds | Directions

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 29
Where: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds | Directions

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!

Sensitive Santa
When: December 7
Where: Southlands | Directions

Enjoy a special visit with Santa at Sensitive Santa! This unique event is crafted for families needing a sensory-friendly environment to spend time with Santa! Enjoy a relaxed vibe to create a comfortable atmosphere for you and your family! Don't miss out on seeing Santa this season by reserving a time to meet him during the Santa Photo Experience in Southlands or bringing your furry friends for a fun photo op every Wednesday evening! Learn more here! 

Noon Year's Eve
When: December 31
Where: Southlands | Directions

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: Through March 2
Where: Southlands | Directions

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!

Holiday Fun at Stanley | Directions

Experience the festive enchantment at Stanley Marketplace this December! Immerse yourself in holiday delights from First Fridays at Stanley, crafting your way through the Holiday Crafternoon Series, grooving to the Holiday Silent Disco, and meet Santa, from bilingual (Vietnamese) Santa to bilingual (Spanish) Santa! Walk and shop through Stanley businesses to find the perfect gift and see Stanley decorated to the nines with Christmas trees. Don't miss the lineup of entertaining performances by Ye Wanton Singers and Reunited Acappella. With so much happening, be sure to include Stanley Marketplace in your December plans!

ICE! Featuring The Polar Express™
When: Until January 1
Where: Gaylord Rockies | Directions

Walking into a winter—frozen wonderland? Prepare to journey into a holiday escape of epic proportions! Venture through the enchanting world of ICE! Featuring The Polar Express™, 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: Frost 
When: Until January 1
Where: Gaylord Rockies | Directions

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.

See a Holiday Performance

"It's A Wonderful Life" - A Symphonic Celebration of the Holidays
When: December 7 - 8
Where: APS Avenues Auditorium | Directions

See a riveting holiday performance with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra that explores your favorite holiday stories, including A Charlie Brown Christmas, Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Life, and Christmas Vacation! 

USAF Academy Band Presents: "Holly & Ivy"
When: December 13
Where: Cherokee Trail High School | Directions

See a riveting holiday performance with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra that explores your favorite holiday stories, including A Charlie Brown Christmas, Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Life, and Christmas Vacation! 

Aurora Rhythms 2024: The Bishop's Wife Live Radio Play
When: December 19
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Library | Directions

Come celebrate the season with a festive presentation of The Bishop's Wife! This lively performance transports you to the golden era of live radio, capturing the magic of the 1930s and beyond. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a charming supernatural romantic comedy that's sure to bring holiday cheer.

Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Aurora Fox Christmas Show
When: Until December 22
Where: Aurora Fox Arts Center | Directions

Oh, humbug! The titular Ebenezer Scrooge is coming to the Aurora Fox stage this November! Venture to the past, present, and future of Christmas with this popular holiday tale. Follow along with Ebenezer Scrooge and his friends as they discover the true spirit of the holiday season. 

Who's Holiday
When: December 2 - 31
Where: Vintage Theatre | Directions

See Cindy Lou Who, like never before! Perfectly suited for an adult's night out, this hilarious Christmas show tells the story of Cindy Lou, who's throwing a Christmas party in her trailer. Follow along as she retells the story of meeting the Grinch and more wild tales featuring funny twists and turns!

**For mature audiences. Adults only**

Black Nativity
When: Until December 29
Where: Vintage Theatre | Directions

Explore the retelling of the classic nativity story through the lens of African American perspectives. This vibrant holiday musical was written by Langston Hughes, one of the legendary leaders of the Harlem Renaissance, whose incredible show graces the Aurora Fox stage! Experience dramatic dances, bold performances, uplifting gospel music, energetic African beats, and more! 

Santa's Big Red Sack
When: December 5 - 23
Where: The People's Building | Directions

Made explicitly for adults, this holiday season, check out a non-stop sketch comedy show with the ultimate holiday twists. Santa's Big Red Sack is a laugh-out-loud show promising to bring out all the laughs and irreverent fun with performances by eccentric characters. See what's new in the Sack this season! 

**For mature audiences. Adults only**

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!

Ice Skating at The Pond

It wouldn't be winter without ice skating! Southland's ice skating pond is open until early March, so grab your friends for a fun day gliding on ice! Make sure to make your reservation here. 

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.

Visit Santa in Aurora

Catch Santa in Aurora before he leaves on his sleigh to get ready to deliver presents! He's making special stops all over the city so the whole family can share a memorable moment with him! Catch him for the ultimate holiday photo experience at the Gaylord Rockies, Town Center at Aurora, Southlands, Stanley Marketplace, and more! Discover more places you can find Santa in Aurora here!