Boulder’s natural world comes alive in the summertime, but there’s no place better to be than Pearl Street during the holiday season. Over the coming months, numerous events are scheduled throughout the city to bring our community together, spread holiday cheer, and remind us that we are so fortunate to call this beautiful place home.
Switch on the Holidays
When: 11/21, 5:00pm
Where: Pearl Street Mall
The darker evenings give us the opportunity to really enjoy holiday lights. During Switch on the Holidays, travel down Pearl Street’s pedestrian mall and enjoy the official illumination of downtown Boulder. Tens of thousands of lights adorn the trees, signage, and historic buildings while Santa Claus starts taking gift requests. Be sure to catch the Boulder Ballet perform during this treasured annual event.
Lights of December Parade
When: 12/4, 6:00pm
Where: Downtown Boulder
Embrace this festive season at the Lights of December Parade. Marching bands create a festive cacophony of music while enchanting floats, funky vehicles, and the jolly Santa and Mrs. Claus drift by. Bundle up, bring some hot cocoa, and slip into the spirit of the season.
WinterFest at Colorado Chautauqua
When: 12/10-12, various times
Where: The Colorado Chautauqua
Last year’s toned-down WinterFest was enjoyable; however, this year the Colorado Chautauqua’s annual celebration is back with a bang. During the weekend, enjoy activities like a Jeff and Paige concert, breakfast with Santa, historic cottage tours, and even horse-drawn carriage rides. Those interested in art or looking to find unique gifts for the holidays will enjoy WinterFest’s public art exhibit and market. Don’t miss this delightful winter-themed festival.
FreezieFest
When: 12/11, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Downtown Boulder
Embrace a little friendly competition at this year’s FreezieFest. This snowman-centric celebration caps off FreezieFest Bingo and is fun for the whole family. Take a free train ride with friends, play reindeer games, and enjoy arts and crafts. FreezieFest is a fantastic way to welcome the winter season and all of its little joys.
Boulder Gift Fest Extravaganza
When: 12/12-19, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Boulder YMCA on Mapleton
Last minute shoppers, rejoice. The Boulder Gift Fest Extravaganza showcases over 100 vendors with various artisan goods, homemade gourmet foods, and more. Find a truly distinctive gift for those special someones in your life while supporting local commerce and the creative community.
Christmas Revels 2021 Celtic Road
When: 12/18, 2:00pm
Where: The Dairy Arts Center
Share stories, witness dance, and experience Celtic performances at the Dairy’s Rocky Mountain Revels: 2021 Celtic Road show this December. Engaging dancers will step in time with each other while storytellers will delight audience members with tales of giants and other legends. Experience a Scottish and Irish cultural immersion this holiday season.
Engulf yourself in the joys of the holiday season and kick off winter with these engaging events throughout Boulder. From live music to holiday parades, our mountain haven offers a little bit of everything.