December 17, 2008

Events for a family-friendly New Year’s celebration

By Denver Catholic Register

Family friendly entertainment and quiet, reflective events happening around the Archdiocese of Denver are among the many choices for ways to ring in the new year.

Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum
This annual favorite performed by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has been adored and applauded by thousands.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances continue through Dec. 21 at the University of Denver’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver.  Tickets range from $25-$38 and discounts are available for parties of eight or more.  Call 303-871-7720 for more information.

Children’s Museum celebration
Children can celebrate the new year early at the Children’s Museum, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive in Denver.  Just like at New York’s Times Square kids can ring in the new year and count down with four ball drops every hour from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 31 complete with confetti splash and bubble wrap “fireworks.”  Call 303-433-7444 for more information.

Theater favorites
The Colorado Theatre Guild invites everyone to check out a show this holiday season as many favorites are being performed around town.  “Beauty and the Beast” is at Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton until Dec. 28; “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” presented by the Colorado Shakespeare Festival at the University of Colorado in Boulder’s University Theatre, plays through Dec. 31; and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” can be seen through Dec. 21 at the Denver Victorian Playhouse.  Get ticket information and directions online at coloradotheatreguild.org.

Serenity retreat
A New Year’s Eve Serenity Retreat for those wishing to find peace and renewed energy for 2009 will be held at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House in Sedalia, Colo., Dec. 30-Jan. 1.  Cost: $170, includes room, meals and retreat activities—but no one will be turned away because of cost.  Call 303-688-4198 Ext. 112 for more information.

Artistically speaking
For something interesting, consider a walk through the Denver Art Museum, which is open Friday evenings until 10 p.m.  The museum is located at 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, Denver.  Get ticket information online at denverartmuseum.org.

Dance and Casino Night
The Shrine of St. Anne, 7555 Grant Place in Arvada, is sponsoring a Dance and Casino Night, from 7:30 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31.  Enjoy music, dancing and casino games.  Tickets are $55 per person.  Call 303-204-4665 for more information.

Zoo Lights
The Zoo Lights continue at the Denver Zoo through Jan. 4. See thousands of lights and dazzling animated light sculptures and enjoy music and other entertainment.  Tickets are $4-$8, children under 2 are admitted free.  The Denver Zoo is located in City Park at 2300 Steele St.  Call 303-376-4800 for more information.