Animal instincts
Thurday-Dec. 31. Time off during the holidays means relaxation for many, but also activity, especially if you’re trying to keep the little ones occupied. Thankfully, the Denver Zoo is offering free admission through Dec. 31 for those 15 and younger.
The City Park institution, which glows this time of year with its nighttime Zoo Lights installation, features 2,500 animals across 80 acres, along with daily animal talks and demonstrations featuring Asian elephants, African penguins, bighorn sheep, flamingos, vampire bats, and tigers.
The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (gates close at 4 p.m.); closed Christmas. 2300 Steele St. in Denver. Visitors 16 and up are $15.75; seniors are $13.65. Call 720-337-1400 or visit denverzoo.org.
The Denver City and County Building is decorated for the holiday season on December 20, 2020.
Light bright
Thursday-Dec. 31. Keep the holidays going this weekend by catching one of the last few Mile High Holidays Drone Shows, which take place nightly at 7 p.m. through Dec. 31 in the skies west of downtown Denver. Not only that, but the Mile High Tree will stay lit through the end of the year as well, from 5 to 10 p.m. each night, at Civic Center Park. The 110-foot installation has become a newer holiday tradition in Denver, with its lighting timed to holiday music.
As for old traditions, the Denver City and County Building, 1400 Bannock St., will remain festive through Jan. 26, when the National Western Stock Show (Jan. 11-26, 2025) ends. Keeping the lights lit that long is a part of city lore — and local old-timers like to leave them on until then as well.
Crazy old nights
Saturday. Are you looking for a “peaceful, easy feeling,” during the crazy week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve? Then check out The Long Run, a Colorado-born tribute band dedicated to the Eagles.
Founded in 2009, “the band immediately hit the road doing fairs and festivals all over the Four Corners states region,” according to the Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave., where The Long Run will play on Saturday, Dec. 28. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. Tickets are $25 at theorientaltheater.com.
Rare elixirs
Sunday. Hops & Pie Artisan Pizzeria closes out 2024 with its End of the Year Fancy Beer Fest, featuring some of the rarest and most coveted beers in the world.
The pizza joint and craft beer bar’s lineup includes Cantillon Fou Foune, Hill Farmstead Anna, Side Project La Belle Fleur, Bottle Logic FOCOCO, The Veil Double Barrel Eternal Slumber, Maine Beer Co. LittleWhaleBoat, Pure Project Diamond Dust See Less, and many more. Hops & Pie, 3920 Tennyson St., in Denver, is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.