This month marks the end of 2013, and the commencement of the holiday season. Boulder has a wide array of events in store, from balls to concerts, to parades and so much more. Regardless of your faith, there are plenty of events to choose from. So, gather up the children, bring them into town, and let them experience the joys of this year’s holiday season.
Holiday Festivities
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
- Monday, December 2nd at 5:30pm
- Pearl Street, Boulder CO
Join your neighbors and friends for the annual lighting ceremony in honor of the start of Hanukkah. This event is open to anyone, whether you are Jewish, or simply wish to experience this ceremony. To celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah, local businesses will be offering snacks and refreshments during and after the ceremony. Not to mention, Crocs will be there donating shoes to those affected by the flood. There will even be a musical performance by renowned Jewish singer-songwriter Steve Brodsky.
Holiday Concert with the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus
- First United Methodist Church, Boulder CO
- Wednesday, December 4th at 7:30pm
- Tickets: $30 www.bcap.org
In collaboration with The Boulder County AIDS Project, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus will be putting on their annual holiday concert celebrating World AIDS Day. The DGMC will perform alongside the Denver Women’s Chorus, singing holidays songs as well as special pieces in recognition of World AIDS day.
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
- Friday, December 6th through Sunday, December 8th
- 1600 Pearl Street, at the former Borders Book Store
- Tickets: $3
Looking for artisanal gifts this holiday season? The Firefly Handmade Holiday Market is the place to shop. Over 90 local artisans will be showcasing their handcrafted, one-of-a-kind products at this three-day event. To honor the spirit of giving, portions of each admission fee will be donated to the Open Arts in support of their mission to inspire through the education and creation of visual arts.
- Hours:
- Friday – 5pm to 9pm
- Saturday – 10am to 5pm
- Sunday – 11am to 5pm
Lights of December Parade
- Saturday, December 6th at 6:00pm
- Pearl Street Mall
Gather up the children and head downtown to watch Boulder’s 26th annual Lights of December Parade. Marching bands, fire engines, and carolers will all be in attendance. Santa Clause himself is rumored to be making an appearance, so be sure to tell the kids!
The Nutcracker
- December 7th and 8th
- Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, Longmont
The Nutcracker ballet production is timeless holiday classic, and a favorite event to see with friends and family. On December 7th and 8th, Boulder Ballet will be performing The Nutcracker alongside the Longmont Symphony Orchestra, at the Vance Brand Civic Auditorium in Longmont. This spectacle is the perfect way to spend an evening with the family.
A Taste of Boulder
- Fridays at 3:00pm
- Saturdays at 2:30pm
- Tickets: $70
Follow a local, passionate food-loving tour guide to Boulder’s most revered, independently owned restaurants. The tour begins with cocktails, follows with dinner, and ends with dessert. Because this is more than just a sampling tour, food will be provided at two stops, and dessert at a third. The tours are taking place all month long, giving you plenty of dates to choose from. Tickets for the tours are $70, which includes tax as well as a gratuity at each restaurant.
New Year’s Eve James Bond Ball
- Where: Hotel Boulderado
- When: December 31st at 8pm
Ring in the New Year in style at the James Bond Ball. Dance the night away with your significant other while live bands perform in the background. Tickets for the ball range from $60 for general admission, to $140, which includes dinner and reserved seating. Evening attire is recommended, so gentlemen, it’s time to dust off those tuxedos.
Concerts:
- Infamous Stringdusters
- Saturday, December 7th & Sunday, December 8th
- Tickets: $22 in advance and $25 DOS
- Doors: 7:00pm
- Yonder Mountain String Band
- Friday, December 27th through Tuesday, December 31st
- Tickets: $30 – $65 depending on the day
- Shows will begin at either 8pm or 9pm, depending on the date.
- Mr Anonymous Christmas Party
- Friday, December 20th
- Doors: 8:30pm
- Tickets: $8
- Brother Ali
- December 30th & 31st
- Doors: 8:30pm
- Tickets:
- $25 on the 30th
- $40 for New Years Eve
There are an overwhelming number of events happening this month in Boulder. Music lovers will be happy to know that The Boulder Theatre and the Fox Theatre are putting on shows almost every day of the month. Families with children can attend countless story time events throughout town, or even grab a sitter and head out for an adult-only evening. Regardless of your idea of fun, there is certainly something for everyone!