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WINTER WONDERLAND
Experience the joy of the holiday season in Cherry Creek North on Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with its first Winter Fest on Fillmore. The free family-friendly celebration transforms the plaza (between First and Second avenues on Fillmore Street) into a winter wonderland with live ice sculpting, carolers, elves, fire pits, giveaways and more, as well as complimentary hot beverages and treats. In addition, bargain hunters will appreciate that the shopping district’s art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, spas and salons will offer special discounts and promotions for the day. cherrycreeknorth.com
REINDEER GAMES
Everyone is invited to participate in these reindeer games. Santa is all over the place this time of year, but, when his reindeer make an appearance, it’s extra special. They’re flying into Murdoch’s Home & Ranch Supply this weekend and next. On Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., see them for free in Westminster (9150 Wadsworth Pkwy.) and from 3 to 6 p.m. in Longmont (2255 N. Main St.). Then, on Dec. 11, they share their magic in Greeley (310 Eighth St.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and in Fort Morgan (1207 W. Platte Ave.) from 3 to 6 p.m. Next weekend, they make two appearances on Dec. 17. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., they will be in Littleton (12154 N. Dumont Way) and fly over to Parker (9853 S. Parker Rd.) from 3 to 6 p.m. Don’t forget your smartphone for a few memorable pictures. murdochs.com
SANTA PAWS
Meow-y Christmas! Even Santa Claus knows, if furry family members are naughty or nice. And, because they’re family, pet parents have to include them in all of the holiday traditions, including sitting on Santa’s lap. Four-legged friends can get a complimentary photo with the big jolly guy at PetSmart on Dec. 10 and 11 from noon to 4 p.m. each day. They can even share their wish list full of treats and toys. petsmart.com
SHIPPING AND RECEIVING
You’ve heard about Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Now comes Free Shipping Day on Dec. 16 — a cyber-event marking the last possible 24-hour period when retailers can guarantee on-time delivery by Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. This year, nearly 900 online retailers are offering free shipping deals, including Toms, Lucy, Cabela’s, Chico’s, Tory Burch, UGG, eBags, JCPenney, Target and more. Minimum purchase requirements and other restrictions will vary by store. Offers will be revealed on the website at 10:01 p.m. MST on Dec. 15. Be prepared to shop until you, or your computer, drop. freeshippingday.com
VACATION PLANS
No need to pack any luggage for this fun vacation. Enjoy a free outdoor screening of the holiday film classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” as part of DIA’s Film on the Fly series in its open-air plaza. The holiday party starts at 4 p.m. on Dec. 16 with an Ugly Holiday Sweater contest. (Stop by a thrift store for some real winners.) The film begins at 6 p.m., so bundle up for lots of laugh-out-loud moments on the big screen. Limited seating will be provided. However, bring your own chair or cushion to ensure a comfortable seat. Consider carpooling or using public transportation to save on parking fees. flydenver.com/events
GOOD FORTUNE
Panda Express wants customers to skip the line by ordering online. Through Jan. 2, 2017, place an online order of $5 (or more) and save $3 with promo code FAST. (The code can only be used once per account.) If your family is dining, have each person place their own order for maximum savings — given the minimum purchase is just $5. A two-entrée and side plate costs $6.90 at most locations. With the discount, pay a little more than $4 (with tax) for lunch or dinner. Even though online orders are usually intended for pickup, grab your order, take a seat in the restaurant and enjoy your meal — just to take advantage of the online discount. pandaexpress.com