GET OUTTA HERE!

Christkindl Market brings Old World traditions to Denver

For a taste of Bavaria, visit Denver’s Skyline Park at 17th Street and Arapahoe (16th Street Mall area) for the 11th Annual Denver Christkindl Market, a German holiday festival running Friday through Dec. 23.

The tradition of the Christkindl is widely observed throughout German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland and also parts of the Czech Republic, Italy and others.

Depending on region and family tradition, either the Christkind or “Der Weihnachtsmann” (Father Christmas or Santa Claus) is the bearer of gifts for children on Christmas Eve. As early as the Middle Ages, German towns have held Christkindl markets, or Christ-child markets, in their town squares.

You’ll find German and international vendors, as well as local artisans, selling delicate blown-glass ornaments, lace, porcelain, hand-carved wooden toys and nutcrackers. There will be hot cider and Glühwein (spiced wine) simmering, nuts roasting and bratwurst cooking. Carolers and bands provide live entertainment, as well as a giant version of a classic German pyramid with four-foot-tall dancing characters.

This week is designated as “Children’s Week,” during which St. Nicholas’ birthday will be celebrated on Tuesday, and St. Nick will be there. A variety of children’s activities are planned all week.

Week Three is designated “The Greatest Generation Week,” with special music and entertainment for seniors and veterans on December 12 to 14 during the day. Tap your toes to your favorite holiday tunes at the 37th Annual TubaChristmas Concert on Dec. 11, featuring 300 tuba players from all over the region.

The final week of the Christkindle Market is dedicated to last-minute shoppers needing to quickly find a distinctive gift for someone special.

Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays-Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays,. For information, call 1-720-837-6905, or visit www.denverchristkindlmar ket.com.

Take along your ice skates and try out the Southwest Skating Rink just across the 16th Street Mall from the market.

For a listing of all the seasonal activities, holiday events and lodging deals, check out www.downtowndenver.com.

Head to Devil’s Thumb Ranch for snowy dose of holiday cheer

The annual holiday fête at Devil’s Thumb Ranch near Tabernash again offers the opportunity to indulge in a good dose of holiday cheer Friday and Saturday. The event has grown to include a special Holiday Gift Market complete with carolers and cocktails, and the Deschutes Beer-Pairing Dinner the night before the famed Tommelfest Nordic Festival begins. The weekend also marks the final dates for season-pass ski deals, with price increases starting Dec. 11.

The Holiday Gift Market kicks off the festival on Friday, where local artisans showcase and sell unique gifts from their collections. Craft beer and culinary enthusiasts can then gather at Heck’s Main Lodge for a three-course indulgence of Deschutes award-winning craft beers, paired with locally sourced and sustainable cuisine from executive chef Evan Treadwell. The next morning, Tommelfest opens up for registration at 8 a.m., with festivities and competition commencing at 10 a.m.

The Tommelfest Nordic Festival is packed with ski clinics, a barbecue, a short-track laser biathlon relay, a season pass-holder cocktail reception (wear your Viking helmet to add to the fun) and more. The Snowman Making Contest and Norwegian Keg Toss are always a hit, and you can sign up for free skate, ski and classic ski lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers.

Eco-friendly Devil’s Thumb Ranch is 65 miles west of Denver and seemingly a million miles away, nestled among 6,000 acres of Colorado wilderness. Get a complete schedule of Tommelfest events and activities online at www.devils thumbranch.com, or by calling 1-800-933-4339.

Explore other Grand County holiday happenings, ski deals and lodging options by visiting www.visitgrandcounty.com.

JOY HARPER, THE GAZETTE