The days may be getting shorter and the temperatures cooler, but between the colorful lights on Pearl Street and the many community gatherings, we think Boulder comes alive this time of year. This holiday season, there’s no shortage of great reasons to get together with family, friends, and neighbors around town. Here’s what we’re looking forward to:
When: Saturdays, November 26 through December 24, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center (1301 Pearl Street)
Even Santa likes to hang out on Pearl Street! Bring the whole family to the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center to meet St. Nick and Mrs. Claus themselves and snap some priceless photos.
When: Saturday, December 3, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Boulder
We can’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday season than with this beloved Boulder tradition. In its 29th year, the Lights of December parade features amazing floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches, and civic groups, plus marching bands, fire engines, holiday carolers, and more! Santa Claus will even make an appearance during the grand finale.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
When: Friday, December 9, 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 10, 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Where: Paramount Theatre
Take in a classic holiday experience with the Great Russian Nutcracker put on by the world-famous Moscow Ballet. The performance includes a 60-foot Christmas tree, handmade costumes by award-winning designer Arthur Oliver, hand-painted sets, and nearly 40 classically trained dancers.
When: Sunday, December 11, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Where: Boulder YMCA (28th and Mapleton)
Get a jump on holiday shopping at the 11th annual Boulder Holiday Gift Festival. With more than 90 exhibitors showcasing high-quality art and hand-crafted treasures from local merchants, you’re sure to find meaningful, unique gifts for everyone on your list.
When: Tuesday, December 13, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Rembrandt Yard (1301 Spruce St)
Don’t miss the Boulder Jewish Community Center’s annual Chanukah party for 20s, 30s, and 40s. Ignite is a global network of enlightening five-minute talks on any given topic. Ignite Chanukah’s twist is that all ideas you’ll hear are related to Chanukah or something Jewish related. Presenters have five minutes and 20 slides, which auto advance every 15 seconds. Arrive early for the Vodka Latke pre-party, and plan to stay late and celebrate at the after-party on Pearl Street.
Holiday Wrap Sessions at Boulder Public Library
When: Wednesday, December 21 and Thursday, December 22, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Boulder Public Library’s Canyon Gallery & Theater (1001 Arapahoe Ave)
Gift wrapping is so much more enjoyable when you’re surrounded by friends and neighbors. Finish up your holiday gift wrapping while connecting with others in the community and chatting about civic issues.
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art: Artist Hour
When: Wednesday, December 14 and Wednesday, December 28, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Where: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
Every month, BMoCA hosts a happy hour and one-hour conversation with one of the artists featured in its current exhibit, Evolving Visions of Land and Landscape. This month, get to know two very talented Colorado artists: Don Coen on the 14th and Amelia Carley on the 28th.
Concerts
No matter how low the winter temperatures drop, you’ll warm right up as soon as you step into one of these high-energy indoor concerts:
- The Revivalists on Wednesday, December 7
- Elephant Revival on Thursday, December 8
- Yonder Mountain String Band on Friday, December 30 and Saturday, December 31
- The String Cheese Incident on Thursday, December 29, Friday, December 30, and Saturday, December 31
- Fitz and the Tantrums with Gavin DeGraw on Thursday, December 8
- Greensky Bluegrass on Thursday, December 1
- The Wood Brothers on Friday, December 9
- Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats on Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17
Whether you’re spending the holiday season here in town or traveling elsewhere, we hope you have a restful and happy holiday season!!