Trying to save a dollar or two 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 $100 for the best seats — we’re looking at you, Colorado Ballet (“The Nutcracker”) and Denver Center for the Performing Arts (“A Christmas Carol”) — but you don’t have to break the bank to feel jolly.
Here are 10 affordable shows — which in this case means under $50 per ticket — that are worth every cent you spend. Prices do not include online fees. All shows are family-friendly unless otherwise noted. See more holiday-fun ideas at denverpost.com/things-to-do.
“Santa’s Big Red Sack”
Feeling more naughty than nice this year? 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 21st year of offensive glee, so buy a shot to celebrate.
(Note: This is not, as you may have already guessed, a kid’s show.) Through Dec. 23 at The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. in Aurora. Tickets: $30. rattlebrain.vbotickets.com/events
“Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum”
The 32nd year of “Granny” boasts the 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 each year. If you haven’t seen this multicultural pageant yet, you’re missing an actual Denver tradition.
Various shows, including matinees, Dec. 2-17, at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, 119 Park Ave. West in Denver. All ages. Tickets: $35-$45. cleoparkerrobinsondance.org
“Winter Soulstice”
In his first year as artistic director of Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, Johnny Nichols Jr. will lead the choral group through “music that honors the Earth, celebrates diversity, and dances to the festive rhythm of soul music,” producers wrote. Expect some classics, as well.
Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, at Central Presbyterian Church; Dec. 8 at Boulder’s First United Methodist Church; and Dec. 10 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch. Tickets: $38-$50. denverchoruses.org
“Santa and the Slay”
The creators of the ’60s-themed Motones & Jerseys show are coming to Northglenn’s Parsons Theatre with this variety show, 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. 8 at 1 E. Memorial Parkway in Northglenn. Tickets: $23-$30. northglennarts.org
“A Winter’s Eve”
Grammy-nominated guitarist David Arkenstone and his musical friends are playing University of Denver’s Hamilton Recital Hall for the holiday-themed “A Winter’s Eve,” which features “a lively candlelit concert” blending “neo-classic crossover, new age, Celtic progressive rock, orchestra and world music,” according to promoters. Phew!
Friday, Dec. 1, at 2344 E. Iliff Ave. in Denver. $22-$35. bit.ly/3sOJiLE
“The Miracle at Tepeyac”
Denver cultural treasure Su Teatro, one of the only theaters that regularly performs bilingual stage shows, is back with its “Miracle at Tepeyac” holiday play. Written and directed by artistic head Anthony J. Garcia, “Tepeyac” is a folk drama that tells the story of “the apparition of the Virgen de Guadalupe to the Indio Juan Diego. The play’s parallel storyline explores contemporary issues such as homelessness and the plight of immigrants,” Garcia wrote.
Dec. 10-17 at Su Teatro Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive in Denver. Tickets: $17-$20. suteatro.org
“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. 23 and 24 at Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 Sherman St. in Denver. All ages. Tickets: $12-$42. centralcityopera.org
“Carols Around the World”
This harmony vocal show from Mile High Barbershop choruses brings out “enchanting carols from the far corners of the globe followed by a soul-stirring set of sacred favorites, such as ‘Silent Night,’ and ‘Ave Maria.’ ” If that sounds like a fresh breeze after too many canned radio playlists, you’re not alone.
Dec. 9 at Gates Concert Hall, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. in Denver. Tickets: $19-$47. bit.ly/3TlNs8H
“Fiestas Navideñas”
ArtistiCO’s annual holiday show features original choreography based on Mexican dance traditions, filtered through this Denver folk-dance ensemble, and directed by acclaimed dancers and choreographers Jose Rosales and Alfonso Meraza Prudente. You may not find this much vivacious holiday pageantry outside of downtown’s Parade of Lights.
Dec. 6-7 at Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. in Denver. Tickets: $19-$42. bit.ly/46I4QXT
“Evergreen”
Denver’s 48-member, note-perfect Ars Nova Singers are bringing back “Evergreen,” described by artistic director Tom Morgan as a winter solstice celebration, featuring cellist Charles Lee and mixing “mystical melodies of the Dark Ages, cherished traditional carols, and splendorous compositions by 21st-century composers.”
Various shows, Dec. 9 at Longmont’s United Church of Christ; Dec. 10 at Denver’s Saint Paul Lutheran Church; Dec. 14-15 at Boulder’s Mountain View United Methodist Church. Tickets: $10-$35. arsnovasingers.org/buy-tickets
