It's the final weekend before Christmas! Denver is warming up and the weather will be perfect for going around mile high city. Plan for family fun, holiday performances and festive things to do all weekend in and around Denver.

Southwest Rink. Bring your own skates skates or rent some for $2 and take a free spin on the outdoor ice rink, open daily Nov. 25-Feb. 16. Hours vary. Free lessons are availble Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon and Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m. Special events are also slated including a Broomball Challenge. 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe Street, 303-825-6787, southwestrink.com

Denver Botanic Gardens. The holidays are not complete without these spectacular light shows

"Blossoms of Light" at the main Botanic Gardens features a tunnel of twinkling lights and a fire pit at the Hive Garden Bistro. Popular romantic and kissings spots, warm drinks and tasty treats await. The gardens transform into magical winter landscapes with colorful lights draped in elegant designs. Entertainers perform on select evenings. Dec. 5-Jan. 1 at 1005 York St.

"Trail of Lights" at the Chatfield location offers a more rustic, but just as amazing experience. The 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead is decorated in a vintage Colorado Christmas theme. The barn and antique tractors are also illuminated, along with the children’s play area and tree house that are synchronized to holiday music. There’s a warming hut and hayrides on Fridays and Saturdays. You can also buy treats and hot drinks. Dec. 5-Jan. 1 at the Chatfield location, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton, 720-865-3500 or botanicgardens.org.

Denver Zoo. "Zoo Lights," with more than 150 animated animal sculptures and 40+ acres of lights, is Dec. 5-Jan. 4, 2300 Steele St., 720-337-1612 or denverzoo.org

Hammond's Factory Tour. This is a great way to to entertain the whole family. Watch candy makers and indulge in your free sample of sweets.  FREE factory tour runs weekdays and during Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 19 5735 Washington St., 303-333-5588, hammondscandies.com 

Colorado Ballet continues its holiday tradition with the Colorado Ballet Orchestra to present "The Nutcracker" Nov. 29-Dec. 27 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Times, tickets vary. The Colorado Conservatory of Dance (nutcracker2014.com), Ballet Ariel (lakewood.org/tickets) and Sangre de Cristo Ballet (sdc-arts.org) are also presenting Tchaikovsky's holiday staple. Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets, 303-837-8888, coloradoballet.org

Downtown Denver Fireworks. Everyone in town has a free, first-class ticket to the sky to see the two idential fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m. and midnight along the 16th Street Mall. downtowndenver.com

Holiday Shopping. It's the season to go looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones. Have fun visiting Denver Pavilions, Larimer Square, and stroll down the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver. Enjoy premier shopping & dining at the Cherry Creek Mall, Cherry Creek North and many other malls in the area.

Denver Nightlife. Find out about entertainment all around town in the dance clubs, brew pubs, nightclub venues, music scene, and other hot spots.  Check out local expert nightlife recommendations at www.10best.com