Trying to save a dollar or 10 while enjoying the holidays? It’s a struggle, especially if you want to catch a seasonal show with family or friends.
Some of the metro area’s biggest productions are easily topping $125 for the best seats, but you don’t have to take out a loan to feel jolly.
Here are 10 affordable shows — which in this case means under $50 per ticket, all-inclusive — that are worth hard-earned money. All shows are family-friendly unless otherwise noted, and taxes and fees are part of the ticket price. See more holiday-fun ideas at denverpost.com/things-to-do.
“Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum”
The 33rd year of “Granny” is replete with the globe-spanning music, dance and spoken-word performances that the acclaimed Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and its partners are known for, with new tales and twists in store. If you haven’t seen this multicultural pageant, you’re missing an actual Denver tradition.
The 130-minute performance at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre features Cleo Parker Robinson as Shakti, Chloé-Grant Abel as Cantadora and Cedric Hall as the Griot. Margarita Taylor returns as Granny, according to producers.
Various shows, including matinees, Dec. 7-22, with a Spanish-language show Dec. 13 and on-demand streaming Dec. 23-Jan. 5, 2025. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, 119 Park Ave. West in Denver. All ages. Tickets: $35-$45. cleoparkerrobinsondance.org
The raunchy holiday comedy “Santa’s Big Red Sack” is playing at Aurora’s People’s Building, Dec. 5-23, 2024. (Provided by The People’s Building)
“Santa’s Big Red Sack”
Feeling more naughty than nice? We can all relate to dark irreverence during the holidays. Fortunately, another local tradition is providing the snarky humor that our souls crave — in this case, “Santa’s Big Red Sack,” a comedic show of “nonstop sketch comedy, music and technology bursting at the seams,” according to producers. It’s celebrating its 22nd year of offensive glee, so buy a shot to celebrate.
(Note: This is not, as you may have already guessed, a kid’s show.) Dec. 5-Dec. 23 at The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. in Aurora. Tickets: $31. thepeoplesbuilding.com
Denver Gay Men’s Chorus is giving “holiday queer” with its “North Pole BriGAYde” show, Dec. 5-23. (Provided by Rocky Mountain Arts Association)
“North Pole BriGAYde”
The North Pole BriGAYde is back to show us the cheer of “holiday queer” through a powerful chorus of voices that “bring the magic of the season to Denver and the North Pole,” organizers wrote. Songs in the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus 43rd holiday show trace a narrative of love and acceptance, including holiday hits and pop interpretations.
Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, at Central Presbyterian Church; Dec. 13 at Unity of Boulder; and Dec. 15 at Boulder’s First United Methodist Church; and Dec. 10 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch. Tickets: $18-$38. denverchoruses.org
There are also complimentary tickets for those with financial hardships, schools, LGBTQ+ student groups, and youth-based nonprofits. Email info@rmarts.org at least one week before the shows.
“Holiday Hi-Fi” and “The Ugly Sweater”
Motones & Jerseys, the creators of the ’60s-themed “Holiday Hi-Fi” show, are returning to Northglenn’s Parsons Theatre with this variety production, which features “an array of musical performances, ranging from classic Christmas carols to modern pop hits, and side-splitting comedy. Santa’s mischievous elves and other special guests ensure that there’s never a dull moment …”
Dec. 14-15 at 1 E. Memorial Parkway in Northglenn. Tickets: $24-$32. northglennarts.org. Also under $50 per ticket: the Dec. 21 performance of Second City’s touring holiday-comedy show, “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly Sweater.” $36-$40.
Jenny Oaks Baker, pictured here in 2023, brings her “Joy to the World” show to Gates Concert Hall on Thursday, Dec. 12. (Provided by Newman Center)
“Joy to the World: A Sacred Christmas Celebration”
This traditional show is put on by Jenny Oaks Baker “and her talented children, musical group Family Four, as they present an inspiring Christ-centered Christmas show of sacred, exhilarating and treasured Christmas Carols,” according to the University of Denver’s Newman Center.
The show features Irish Soprano Alex Sharpe, formerly of Celtic Woman, and baritone Preston Yates. With music by Emmy-award winning composer Kurt Bestor, narration by New York Times best-selling author Jason F. Wright, dancing by Littleton Youth Ballet and Celtic Steps, and with the Cornerstone Chorale joining Oaks Baker, Family Four and percussionist Jay Nygaard.
7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 at Gates Concert Hall, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. in Denver. $29-$130. newmancenter.evenue.net
Local artist Adolfo Romero paints a mural of Oscar Zeta Acosta, a Chicano lawyer, writer and activist on the south side wall of Su Teatro performing arts center April 04, 2018. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
“Christmas en Colorado”
Denver cultural icon Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, one of the only theaters that regularly performs bilingual stage and Spanish-language shows, is this year presenting artistic director Anthony Garcia’s “Christmas en Colorado” holiday play, with direction by Hugo E. Carbajal, music by Tish Hinojosa and musical direction by Rudy W. Bustos.
Dec. 5-22 at Su Teatro Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive in Denver. Tickets: $17-$20, with group rates available. suteatro.org
Central City Opera’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” returns to the Front Range Dec. 20-22. (Amanda Tipton, provided by Central City Opera)
“Amahl and the Night Visitors”
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” tells the story of “a magic star, a shepherd boy, and how unselfish love can work miracles.” Rendered with a full orchestra, this show is a rare, family-friendly opera being performed by Central City Opera — with a full orchestra in tow.
Dec. 20-22 at Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 Sherman St. in Denver. All ages. Tickets: $12-$42. centralcityopera.org
“Joy Around the World”
The mighty Cherry Creek Chorale is back with Denver Children’s Choir for a musical celebration that emphasizes “diversity and global harmony.” Enjoy Rachmaninoff’s Bogoroditse Devo and “the fabulous carol arrangements by the renowned Karl Jenkins. Each piece has been thoughtfully selected to transport you to a place where the beauty of music transcends borders and brings us together as a community,” organizers wrote.
Dec. 13-14 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave. in Cherry Hills Village. Tickets: $17.25-$27.25. bit.ly/3TlNs8H
“White Christmas,” based on the 1954 movie, plays in Lakewood Dec. 6-22, 2024. (Provided by Lakewood Cultural Center)
“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”
This stone-cold classic, based on the 1954 movie, gets a showing at the Lakewood Cultural Center this season as Performance Now Theatre Company revives the music and lyrics of Irving Berlin — with a book is by David Ives and Paul Blake.
“This comedic and joyous show business story focuses on a popular song-and-dance team of two WWII veterans who become romantically involved with a musical sister act while teaming up to save a failing inn,” including songs such as “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the title song.
Dec. 6-22 at 470 S. Allison Parkway in Lakewood. Tickets: $19-$42. lakewood.showare.com
Sounds of the Rockies Chorus at the Colorado Freedom Memorial’s 10th anniversary commemoration ceremony at Springhill Park, May 27, 2023, in Aurora. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
“Sound of the Rockies & Timberliners: A Christmas Carol”
This harmony vocal show brings out the classic songs and silhouette of the timeless “A Christmas Carol,” which is a good way to experienced the play outside of pricey stage productions.
“First, feel the emotional resonance of the Sound of the Rockies, ranked 7th globally and renowned for their powerful, genre-spanning performances,” organizers wrote. “Then, experience the Timberliners, a mixed barbershop chorus offering an exhilarating blend of diverse voices and genres, creating a celebration of inclusivity and artistry.”
Dec. 14-15 at Gates Concert Hall, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. in Denver. Tickets: $10-$27. newmancenter.evenue.net