Santa Claus is a pretty busy fellow, but manages to make several pit stops in Denver before Christmas. Even though Santa's home of the North Pole is at sea level, Santa is no stranger to high altitude once he hops in his sleigh. Visit Santa Claus at one of these Denver locations during 2009. Most locations charge for photos, but Bass Pro Shops and Larimer Square both offer free photos with Santa Claus with your own camera.

• Visit Santa Claus in Denver

Two Denver celebrity Santas will visit Cherry Creek North this Christmas. Denver Bronco Darrell Reid (pictured at right) and Denver Nugget Chris "Birdman" Andersen will both fill some big shoes as Santa Claus at the JW Marriott at 150 Clayton Lane. Anderson will appear as Santa on Sun. Dec. 13, 2009 from 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., while Reid will appear on Fri. Dec. 18, 2009 from 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, and all proceeds will be donated to charity.

• Celebrity Santa

Photo courtesy of Cherry Creek North

The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District sponsors free days for Colorado residents at Denver attractions. The 2010 schedule includes free days at the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Denver Zoo. This year, the SCFD will also sponsor a free ticket lottery for performances at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.

• Free Days at Denver Museums for 2010

The Colorado Governor's Mansion will be open for holiday tours from Sat. Dec. 12 - Sun. Dec. 18, 2009. The free tours showcase the first floor of the Boettcher Mansion, where Colo. Gov. Bill Ritter lives with his family. The Ritters decorate the 1908 mansion at 400 E. 8th Ave. in holiday style every year. The Colorado Historical Society will lead tours from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Reservations are not required, but groups larger than 10 should call the Historical Society at 303-866-3682.

• 2007 Governor's Mansion Photos

Photo (c) 2009 Nina Davidson, licensed to About.com