Nutcracker Pop-Up: Vinyl & Holiday Cheer

by Ethan Brooks

Colorado’s Holiday Entertainment Scene Shines with Ballet, VR, and Vinyl Experiences

A vibrant array of holiday entertainment options are currently captivating audiences across Colorado, from the timeless elegance of ballet to immersive virtual reality and unique musical pop-ups. whether seeking a classic tradition or a novel experience, the state offers a diverse calendar of events to celebrate the season.

Colorado Ballet’s “The nutcracker” Continues to Dazzle

The region’s premiere production of “The Nutcracker,” presented by Colorado Ballet, remains a beloved annual tradition, drawing families to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver. Performances extend through December 28th,with tickets ranging from $65 to $210,available at tickets.coloradoballet.org. Despite quickly selling out prime seating, opportunities remain to experience the “pageantry of the event,” a “classic Colorado experience” as one observer noted.

Did you know?-“The Nutcracker” premiered in Russia in 1892 and gained widespread popularity decades later,becoming a holiday staple worldwide.

HiFi Holiday: A Sonic Retreat at Populus Denver

From Friday, December 19th to Sunday, December 21st, Populus Denver, known for its distinctive aspen tree-inspired facade, will host HiFi Holiday, a collaboration with ESP HiFi, a vinyl-centric listening bar. The event transforms the hotel’s second floor into a “glowing, sensory refuge,” featuring Japanese-inspired cocktails from High Road Spirits and culinary pairings. “The vibe will be set by ESP HiFi,” bringing a “worldly soundtrack…with a curated lineup of Denver vinyl DJs.” HiFi Holiday operates on a walk-in basis, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis from 5-10 PM each night at 240 14th St. More information can be found at populusdenver.com/event/hifi-holiday.

Pro tip:-Populus denver’s design incorporates 1,140 aspen trees, reflecting Colorado’s natural landscape and providing a unique architectural feature.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland Brings Circus Arts to the Front Range

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, a multi-faceted stage revue blending circus artistry with seasonal music, is touring Colorado. Rather than a traditional circus, the show emphasizes “the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers.” Performances are scheduled for Monday, December 22nd at the Avalon Theater in Grand Junction and Tuesday, December 23rd at the Blue Arena in Loveland.tickets for the Loveland show, located at 5290 Arena circle, range from $54 to $220 and are available at treventscomplex.com/events.

Reader question:-Cirque Musica combines live orchestral music with breathtaking acrobatics and aerial artistry, offering a unique holiday entertainment experience.

Step Back in Time with “Horizon of Khufu” VR Experience

Denver audiences can now embark on a virtual journey to ancient Egypt with “Horizon of Khufu,” a new virtual reality experience.Producers describe the experience as a “full-scale, free-roam virtual reality journey” created with input from “Egypt’s premier Egyptologists.” Located at York Street Yards (3863 N. Steele St.,Suite 1168,Denver),the 45-minute experience is recommended for ages 10 and up and is fully ADA accessible. Tickets, priced between $22.10 and $25.50, can be purchased at horizonkheopsexperience.com/denver.The experience will be available through late February 2026.

Did you know?-The Great Pyramid of Khufu, featured in the VR experience, is the largest of the Giza pyramids and one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient world.

You may also like

Leave a Comment