It’s the holiday season, and that means snow, family, and some fantastic events in Boulder, Colorado. So, fill your travel mug with your favorite hot drink, layer up, and celebrate this festive month in our beautiful city. Here are some highlights of December 2018.
When: 12/1 at 6pm
Where: Downtown Boulder
Help usher in the month by heading to Pearl Street for the 31st annual Lights of December Parade. Churches, civic groups, and local businesses all decorate stunning floats, while marching bands, holiday carolers, and illuminated fire engines bring in the festive spirit. The parade’s finale includes a certain old man in a red suit, sure to give the kids a smile.
When: 12/3 at 5:30pm
Where: Pearl Street Mall (north side of the 1300 block)
Join over 300 community members for the Community Menorah Lighting on the Pearl Street Mall. This annual outdoor event attracts hundreds of parents, children, singles, couples, and everyone in between. The festivities include the Menorah lighting, music, sufganiyot, hot chocolate, and more.
When: 12/5 at 5:30pm
Where: Rembrandt Yard
Ignite is a fast-paced, thought-provoking, social, local event in honor of Chanukah. It’s a high-energy evening of 5-minute talks by people who have an idea and the guts to get onstage and share it with their hometown crowd. Enjoy interesting topics from locals you know, delicious latkes and an open bar.
When: 12/7-12/9
Where: Macky Auditorium
If you’re in the mood for festive music, head over to Macky Auditorium for CU Boulder’s annual holiday festival. This event offers wonderful performances of many traditional holiday favorites, alongside a couple modern twists. Members of CU Boulder’s renowned music faculty will join student choirs, bands, and orchestras in a celebration fit for the entire family.
When: 12/8 from 12-7pm
Where: The Dairy
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, or simply supporting our eclectic artisan community, the Holiday Bazaar at the Dairy is sure to excite and surprise. Live music will bring the festive cheer as you browse textiles, ceramics, trinkets, and a wide variety of handmade goods. This market just might be your one-stop shop for those thoughtful little gifts that help make the holidays so special.
The Christmas Revels: Nordic Lights
When: 12/21-12/26
Where: The Dairy
Every year, the Dairy hosts their holiday performance series, The Christmas Revels. A new theme comes to the spectacle each season, with 2018 showcasing the tales and tunes of Scandinavia. Nordic Lights will feature an extensive cast of children and adults performing stories inspired by the magic of Norse tradition. Renowned violinist and nyckelharpa artist Sandra Wong will headline the musical accompaniment in this interactive and family-friendly event.
When: 12/31-1/1 from 8pm-1am
Where: Hotel Boulderado
With this New Year’s Eve Grand Gala, the Hotel Boulderado celebrates its 110-year anniversary. This black-tie optional event will begin in the lobby with a cocktail hour accompanied by tasteful hors d’oeuvres. A decadent buffet dinner will follow on the grand mezzanine. The soundtrack to the evening will come in the tune of classics performed by the Mark Diamond Band. All of this will culminate in a champagne toast and a balloon drop at midnight.
From holiday concerts to artisan markets to festive parades, Boulder has plenty of reasons to get out of the house this December. This month is one of the best times to get into the spirit and celebrate with our stellar community.