Dec. 4 & 5: Bromwell Public School Holiday Boutique, benefiting Bromwell Elementary, Fri., 3-5:30p.m., and Sat., 9:30a.m.-5p.m., at 2500 E. 4th Ave. Good Shepherd Catholic School Holiday Bazaar, benefiting the K-8 school, Sat., 9a.m.-2p.m., at 620 Elizabeth St. Waldorf School 35th Annual Holiday Fair, benefiting Denver Waldorf School, Sat., 9a.m.-3p.m., at 940 Fillmore St.

Pick the perfect pot for a present at the Denver Potters Association Holiday Show and Sale, at Sixth Avenue United Church, 3250 E. 6th Ave., Fri.-Sun., Dec. 4-6, featuring one-of-a-kind pottery, jewelry, glass, wood and other fine crafts. Hours: Fri., 10a.m.-8p.m.; Sat., 9a.m.-6p.m.; Sun., 11a.m.-3p.m. Free. Info: 303-377-5535.

Gather Christmas goodies without the fuss and muss of baking at Epiphany Lutheran’s Christmas Cookie Walk, Sun., Dec. 6, noon-4p.m., at 790 S. Corona St. Homemade cookies sold by the pound, benefiting the church. Info: 303-722-5311 or www.epiphanylutheran.net.

Handmade crafts, food and face-painting await kids of all ages at the Christmas Bazaar & Craft Show at Platt Park Senior Recreation Center, 1500 S. Grant St., Sat., Dec. 5, 10a.m.-4p.m. Prizes every hour, plus story time and a visit from Santa Claus.

Raise awareness of and funds for relief and development agencies at Global Bazaar, Sat., Dec. 5, 10a.m.-3p.m., at First Christian Reformed Church, 1814 S. Emerson St., with food, gifts and holiday décor made locally and around the world. Light a la carte lunch (about $5) and Denver Christian Schools Grace Notes children’s choir concert at 11a.m. All proceeds go to global relief and development agencies. Info: 303-733-4936.

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless presents a Holiday Craft Fair at Blue Spruce Townhomes, 7300 E. Severn Place (Quebec St. between 6th & 8th avenues), Sat., Dec. 5, 10a.m.-5p.m., featuring handmade gifts and holiday items crafted by women in transitional and low-income housing. Info: Ali Hesson, 303-297-4063.

Rebuilding Together Metro Denver launches its first Chili Cook-off to fund its year-round home repair services to help low-income seniors and the disabled age in place. Family friendly event kicks off Sun., Dec. 6, 11a.m., with big-screen TV tuned to the Broncos vs. Chiefs game. Chili tasting at 11:30a.m. Tickets $10. Held at RTMD’s new warehouse, 2422 S. Trenton Way, Unit A. Info: 720-524-0840, www.rebuildingdenver.org.

Budget busted by shopping? Why not spend time – not money – at a free day at Denver’s Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., thanks to the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. Free admission to Colorado residents on first Saturdays (Dec. 5, Jan. 2). Info: 720-865-5000, or www.denverartmuseum.org.

‘Tis the season for silk – scarves, purses & pashminas – at Silks of Cambodia Fall & Xmas Trunk Show Sales, featuring hand-woven works by Cambodian families, hosted by Robert and Catherine Bayne at their historic 70 W. Cedar Ave. home, held Fridays, 4-7p.m., and Saturdays, 3-6p.m., until Christmas. Cash or check only. Info: 303-744-8810.

Enjoy Victorian candle-lit Christmas revels this month at the Molly Brown House, 1340 Pennsylvania St.: A Nut-cracker Christmas Candlight Tour takes place Fri. & Sat., Dec. 11 & 12, at 6:30 & 7:30p.m. (extra 5:30p.m. tour on Sat.) Cost: $13-16, includes cookies and cider and historic museum tour. Take a break from the holiday hustle & bustle with a guided tour, followed by tea sandwiches and desserts at Holiday High Tea, every Fri., Sat. & Sun. through Dec. 20, with seatings at 11a.m. (except Sundays), and 1 & 3p.m., plus Wed. & Thur., Dec. 16 & 17, at 11a.m. & 1p.m. Cost: $25. Reservations required for all events; call 303-832-4092, ext. 16, or go online to www.mollybrown.org.

Turn off the lights to emphasize the importance of energy efficiency during Lights Out Lunch, Fri., Dec. 11, noon-1p.m., sponsored by Xcel Energy. Take a small step toward conserving energy by safely shutting off lights for one hour. Purchase discounted compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs at participating retailers, and recycle used CFLs free of charge at Ace Hardware and Home Depot stores. Info/sign up for prizes: www.LightsOutLunch.com.

Ancient Harmony Tai Chi School has been giving back to its community for 5 years, with low-cost tai chi classes, tai chi for arthritis seminars, and tai chi for substance abuse. Join in celebrating Ancient Harmony’s fifth anniversary at a free Open House, Sat., Dec. 12, 6-10p.m., at 274 Galapago St., with refreshments, Tai Chi demonstrations, and dance class details. Info: 720-272-4280.

Barbara Mahler discusses her children’s novel, The Hole in the Sky, at a free signing at The Bookies bookstore, 4315 E. Mississippi Ave., Sat., Dec. 12, from 2-4p.m. Night after night, the wizzen Netri woke Mahler up and told her stories about a land on the other side of the hole in the sky. She wrote down his tales and the result is her first full-length novel. Info: www.netnewsdesk.com/the bookies, or call 303-759-1117.

Join Suzanne Vega and the usual poetic suspects for the Poetry y Mas, second Saturdays (Dec. 12) at Chicano Humanities & Arts Council, 772 Santa Fe Dr., 2-4p.m. Visit www.ChacWeb.org or call 303-571-0440 for info on this and other diverse cultural events.

Denver Parks & Rec seeks residents’ recreational reflections for a new playground in DeBoer Park, E. Harvard Ave. & S. York St. Originally designed by landscape architect Saco R. DeBoer in the 1940s, the Better Denver-funded project aims to create a playground for all ages and abilities, with play structures and informal play areas. View theme board and plans at the website: www.denvergov.org/parks_recreation; click on “Public Meetings, Notices & RFPs.” Email nicole.hadley@denvergov.org with comments about the proposals by Dec. 15.

Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St., has late autumn answers to your gardening questions! Colorado Master Gardeners are available to answer questions, Tues., Dec. 15 & 29, noon-4 p.m., in-person at the Gardens’ Helen Fowler Library, by phone, 720-865-3575, or via e-mail at gardeninghelp@botanicgardens.org. It’s a joint program of Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and Denver Botanic Gardens. Info: www.botanicgardens.org.

Latke lovers can savor festive flavors at Temple Micah’s Top Latke Cook-off and Chanukah Party, Fri., Dec. 18, 4:30-6:30p.m., at the 2600 Leyden St. temple. It’s followed by a Chanukah service and concert filled with communally kindled candles, holiday blessings and music. The feast includes latkes, drinks, salad and dessert, plus awards, silent auction of chanukiot (Chanukah candelabras), children’s activities and musical festivities. Cost: $5 singles, $20 families, or free for seniors and chefs who are members of Temple Micah; Chanukah service and concert free. RSVP and pay for the meal at www.micahdenver.org. Throughout the month, support the congregation’s Winter Clothing Drive, by donating new or gently used outdoor apparel for children and adults. Info: office@micahdenver.org, or call 303-388-4239.

Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St., serves up home-cooked weekly meals for all: Breakfasts served 1st, 2nd & 3rd Fridays, 8:30-10a.m., for $5 ($4 members). Senior/community lunches at very reasonable prices served each Tues. & Wed. at noon (except Dec. 22 & 23), including a Holiday Meal on Dec. 15 & 16. Stop by! A Southern Celebration is this month’s I Don’t Wanna Cook Night, Thur., Dec. 17, 4:30-6:30p.m., for $5/person ($3/kids 5-12). Beverages, salad, dessert included. Eat in or take out. Note, the Center will be closed Thur. & Fri., Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. Info: 303-733-4643, www.wscc-denver.org.

The Denver Astronomical Society welcomes all to view the night skies through its 20-inch telescope for $1 at an Open House, Sat., Dec. 19, starting at 5:30p.m., at historic Chamberlin Observatory (in Observatory Park, E. Warren Ave. & S. Fillmore St.) Also, DAS hosts Public Nights each Tues. & Thur., now starting at 7p.m., in the Observatory, with lecture and viewing. Reservations required; $3, $2 kids. Info/reservations: call 303-871-5172 or visit www.thedas.org.

Select a festive fir from the Christmas Tree Lot Fundraiser, benefiting 65+ youth & community programs, open through Christmas Eve (Thur., Dec. 24) on the corner of S. Monaco Pkwy. & E. Evans Ave. Programs receiving proceeds include school Super Citizenship Awards, Thanksgiving & Christmas Day Food Baskets, Respect for Law, Brain Bowl. Denver Dumb Friends League’s Furry Scurry Race, Thomas Jefferson High School Holiday Craft Fair, March of Dimes Mud Volleyball Tournament and Multiple Sclerosis Society BikeMS event. Santa Claus will be on-site weekends.

Throughout December, Tattered Cover Bookstore will once again collect new and gently used children’s books to be distributed by Reach Out and Read – Colorado’s pediatric literacy programs. Reach Out and Read trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud and to give books to children at pediatric checkups from 6 months-age 5, with a special focus on children growing up in poverty. By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers, ROR helps families and communities encourage early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in reading. Collection boxes will be placed in all three Tattered Cover locations (2526 E. Colfax Ave.; 1628-16th St. in LoDo, and 9315 Dorchester St. in Highlands Ranch Town Center). Tattered Cover will donate one new book for every 10 books donated to the drive. Info: www.tatteredcover.com.

As the old year closes, open a new book with an adult book group at your local branch library. Scheduled meetings, open to all: Central, W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. & Broadway, 720-865-1111:Downtown Bookies, 2nd Tues., 7p.m.; Thursday Afternoon Book Group, 2nd Thur., 1p.m. Eugene Field, 810 S. University Blvd., 720-865-0240: University Park and South Denver author Steve Fisher shares historic photos and fields questions, Thur., Dec. 10, 6p.m. Free. Ross-Cherry Creek, 301 Milwaukee St., 720-865-0120: Closed for Better Denver bond-funded upgrades. Ross-University Hills, 4310 E. Amherst Ave., 720-865-0955: Evening Book Club, 4th Mon., 6:45-8p.m.; Books ‘n Brown Bag Book Club, 1st Fri., 12:30-2p.m. Schlessman, 100 Poplar St., 720-865-0000: Booktalkers Book Club, 2nd Thur., 10:15a.m. Virginia Village, 1500 S. Dahlia St., 720-865-0940: Daytime Book Club, 2nd & 4th Tues., 1:30-2:30p.m.; We Love A Mystery Book Club, 3rd Wed., 6:30p.m. Note: all branch libraries will close early (4p.m.) Wed., Dec. 24 & 31, and close all day Thur., Dec. 25 & Jan. 1, for holidays.

Denver’s first indoor farmers’ market peddles produce every Saturday, at 200 Santa Fe Dr., 9a.m.-2p.m. Denver Urban Homesteading (DUH) and local farmers and fooders using organic and sustainable practices offer cow & goat cheese and milk, beef, mutton, poultry, product shares, cider, juice, preserved fruits & vegetables, baked goods, artwork and urban farming wares. DUH is a central Denver food and agricultural center providing education to the public on homesteading (how to raise backyard chickens, goats, bees and fish), offering lectures and seminars on agricultural and food topics, and helping make the route from farmers to consumers transparent while distributing farm products to the public at its market. Info: www.denverurbanhomesteading.com, 303 572-3122.

Explore the stories behind the city’s historic landscapes and landmarks on Denver Story Trek, an interactive, self-guided tour of the city. It’s simple to use and free! Choose from dozens of story sites and featured treks or create your own trek, then bike, walk or drive there. Dial 303-562-2407 on your phone or download audio files to listen to a free story about each site. Visit www.denverstorytrek.org for details.

Tote your tired tannenbaum out to the curb for Treecycle, Jan. 4-15, and recycle it into something useful (mulch, not next year’s gift wrap!) Set out your tinsel- and decor-free tree by 7a.m. on normal trash pick-up day, at least four feet from other containers, bags, dumpsters or debris, and Denver Recycles will take it away to the mulching mill. Info: 720-865-6810, www.DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles.

Dust off those drums and start practicing for the Celebration Drumming Circle at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 2700 S. Downing St., Tues., Jan. 12, 6:30-8:30p.m. The community-wide drumming circle invitational is sponsored by Fourth Dimension of Emmanuel. Instruments provided, but you may bring your own. Love offering. Park across the street. Info: Greg Young, 303-756-1549.

Denver Rescue Mission urgently needs gently used clothing and new socks and underwear for children. When school begins, many homeless and low-income families cannot afford new clothing and come to DRM for help. Donations accepted at the Lawrence Street Shelter, 23rd & Lawrence St., any day or time. Info: 303-297-1815.

Like to sing? Enjoy sharing the gift with others? Then join the HarMOMics, a women’s singing group, practicing Wednesdays, 9:30-11a.m., at Kirk of Bonnie Brae, 1201 S. Steele St., and singing for nursing homes, church groups and group meetings. Info: 303-333-4931.

Visit the historic Byers-Evans House Museum, 1310 Bannock St., with expanded hours: Mon.-Sat., 10a.m.-4p.m., with guided tours offered on the half hour, 10:30a.m.-2:30p.m. The restored 19th century dwelling was home to prominent pioneering Colorado families through the mid-20th century. Info, 303-620-4933 or visit www.coloradohistory.org/hist_sites/Byers_Evans/byers_evans.htm.