Holiday tickets on sale for Denver Zoo Lights, “The Nutcracker,” Blossoms of Light and more

Thanksgiving may still be a few weeks away, but now is the time to buy tickets for the Front Range’s fast-selling, Christmas and holiday-themed shows and lighting displays — some of which kick off mere days from now.

Here’s the rundown of what you should jump on before shows inevitably sell out, and how to get tickets. Visit individual venues’ websites for more information on health and safety rules, and stay up to date at denverpost.com/things-to-do.

Blossoms of Light

Denver Botanic Gardens’ annual holiday light shows are massive crowd pleasers, as evidenced by the often-packed strolls through the 23-acre York Street location. Its Blossoms of Lights returns next week for a Nov. 18-Jan. 7 run (and is closed Nov. 24 & Dec. 25), with regular daily hours from 4:30-9 p.m.

Returning this year, according to officials: 100-foot-long light tunnel, glowing orbs, holiday treats, warm drinks and more. “In line with our core value of sustainability, all lights used in the event are LED,” the organization said.

1007 York St. in Denver. Tickets: $24 adult; $22 senior (65+), $21 adult member, $19 senior (65+) member; $20 child (ages 3-15); $17 child member; free for children 2 or younger, via 720-865-3500 or botanicgardens.org

Zoo Lights

Denver Zoo’s all-ages, outdoor extravaganza evolves slightly from year to year, with dazzling installations joining its animated, animal-shaped displays, carousel rides and hot drinks (some of them just for adults, naturally) at 2300 Steele St.

New this year along with the usual 1 million-or-so twinklers: Aurora Borealis, Savannah Sunset and Electric Jungle-themed installations along with its nightly ice-carving, fire barrels and the aforementioned festive food and drink. Note: Passes will NOT be available on site.

Tickets are on sale to the general public on Tuesday, Nov. 15: $15-$25 via 720-337-1400 or denverzoo.org/events/zoolights

“The Nutcracker”

Is there any show more traditional, beloved or (let’s face it) incredibly common than “The Nutcracker” in contemporary U.S. holiday culture? There’s no shortage of versions in the metro area, but the biggest and best is undoubtedly Colorado Ballet’s.

Refreshed last year with new sets and costumes by Thomas Boyd and Holly Hynes, the 62nd run takes over the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at Denver Performing Arts Complex for 26 in-person shows, with five different casts of dancers and live music performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, according to producers. Tchaikovsky in the house!