Boulder Events Dec/Jan 2024

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do this winter season.

Lights of December Parade
Dec. 2
Come celebrate over 30 years of this beloved community parade. Spectators will enjoy floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches and civic groups. Crowds will enjoy marching bands, lit fire engines, holiday carolers and much more. The grand finale includes an appearance by the jolly old man himself—Santa Claus. Historic Downtown Boulder & Pearl Street Ball. Free. 6pm. boulderdowntown.com.

Grief and Loss Coaching Group for Grieving During the Holidays
Nov. 7–Dec. 12
Grieving During the Holidays Grief and Loss Coaching Support Group is rooted in providing a caring space for finding solace during the holiday season and beyond in a community setting focused on both recent and longer-term grief experiences. It is guided by best practices for grief support for hope and healing. Join us as we collaborate and uplift each other through understanding and connection. $135. rootsandwingsgriefcoaching.com.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 1
Be part of this annual community event when all of Broomfield welcomes the arrival of Santa Claus at the George DiCiero City and County Building at One Des Combes Drive. The air is filled with children caroling from the local schools, the Community Park trees are spectacular, the Mayor lights the community holiday tree, families can enjoy free cookies and rides on the holiday wagon ride and children are able to talk to Santa. Free. 6–8pm. broomfield.org.

Parade of Lights
Dec. 1
This Louisville holiday tradition has been a favorite for over thirty years. The festivities begin with musical entertainment provided by local schools and churches and visits with Santa. The main attraction, the Parade of Lights, starts at 7pm. Historic Downtown Louisville on Main Street. louisvillechamber.com.

Hazel Miller and the Collective Holiday Concert
Dec. 1
Every year Hazel and the band elevate our hearts and bring us a sense of joy and warmth—it’s the soulful way to feel the spirit of the season. Ms. Miller, an accomplished performer who has been playing in Colorado for almost four decades, was honored on the floor of the Colorado State Senate in March 2023, and on June 10th, 2023, she was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. $25. 7–9:30pm. thedairy.org.

Lights of December Parade: Viewing Party with Live Holiday Music
Dec. 2
Join us for a night of holiday fun as you view the downtown “Lights of December Parade” from the cozy comfort of R Gallery’s Wine Bar window. Enjoy free hot chocolate or a glass of fine wine or craft beer as you listen to holiday music performed by local songwriter, Laurie Dameron. The parade starts at 15th & Walnut Street and passes right in front of R Gallery on Broadway. The grand finale includes an appearance by the jolly old man himself—Santa Claus! Free. 6–9pm. rgallery.art.

The Longmont Museum’s Annual Holiday Show
Dec. 2
Featuring The Mestas-Abbott Quartet, Brothers of Brass and Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore, the Longmont Museum’s holiday tradition returns for its eighth year. Join us for songs of the season and holiday cheer from some of the finest musicians and performers in the region. Cash bar with signature holiday drink.
$20–$25. visitlongmont.org.

Niwot Holiday Market
Dec. 2
Shop from a variety of holiday pop-up vendors located at the Grange and businesses all over town with a festive food hall at the Left Hand Grange. Festive drinks include mulled wine, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, egg nog and more. There will also be carolers, harpists, horse and carriages and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free. 10am–4pm. niwot.com.

Longmont Symphony Orchestra & The Boulder Ballet: Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 2–3
More than any other ballet, Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, “The Nutcracker,” is about children and the magic of childhood. For many young people, the enchanting performance of “The Nutcracker” is their first experience seeing professional dance performance. Times and prices vary. Vance Brand Civic Auditorium. longmontsymphony.squarespace.com.

Homes for the Holidays
Dec. 2–3
Historic Boulder is excited to present its 37th annual Homes for the Holidays Tour. Through the years, this enchanting experience has taken us through a selection of meticulously decorated historical homes, where creativity, tradition and holiday spirit come together to create a truly magical atmosphere. The Homes for the Holidays tours allow event goers to explore the architectural marvels, exquisite craftsmanship and captivating stories that reside within Boulder’s earliest homes. This year, the tour will take us on an educational journey that will explore transformed carriage houses or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the Mapleton and Whittier neighborhoods of Boulder. $20–$50. 11am–4pm daily. historicboulder.org.

Boulder County Farmers Markets Annual Winter Market
Dec. 3
Join us for our most festive market of the season. Held annually at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, the annual Winter Market brings together 150 local farmers, ranchers, food producers and artisans to create a local-only holiday shopping experience that champions small businesses. Free. 9am–3pm. bcfm.org.

St. Nick on the Bricks
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23
Kids of all ages can visit with Santa outside on the 1300 Block of the Pearl Street Mall. Bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories. Free. 11am–2pm. boulderdowntown.com.

Gingerbread Tea at St. Julien Hotel & Spa
Dec. 3, 10, 17
Put on your Sunday’s best and join us for Gingerbread Tea. Gingerbread Tea is a long-standing tradition at St. Julien with proceeds benefiting “There with Care,” a non-profit organization that supports families and children facing critical illness. As such, we ask that you consider bringing an unwrapped toy to support our toy drive. Children will enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, complete with a complimentary chef hat and apron, while adults can relax to the soothing sounds of live holiday jazz. The price for tea includes, scones, petit fours, tea sandwiches and assorted gourmet teas. $20–$45. 12pm–5pm. stjulien.com.

The Climate Emergency: Science and Solutions featuring Mike Nelson
Dec. 5
Mike Nelson has served as Chief Meteorologist for Denver7 since 2004. In 2001, he was recognized by the Colorado Broadcasters Association as their “Citizen of the Year” for his volunteer work in Colorado schools. Mike has also written two books on Colorado weather, as well as “The World’s Littlest Book on Climate” with Dr. Pieter Tanns and Michael Banks. Mike was named a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society in 2019. $15. 7:30pm. Chautauqua Community House Series 301 Morning Glory Drive, Boulder. chautauqua.com.

The Momedy Club: Escape From The Holidays
Dec. 8–9
A retreat from the rigamarole! Your passport for distraction and entertainment. Let us pamper you with fun, featuring Emily Kingsley, stand-up comedian, from the Matriarchy; Jessie Rodriguez presenting her Handprinted Movies; and Lisa Trank, storyteller of Mother dot Writer. $35–$50. Doors open at 6:45. Stewart Auditorium. longmontoutloud.com.

Winterfest
Dec. 8–10
Bring your friends and family and kick off the holidays with a tree lighting ceremony, horse-drawn carriage ride, Santa’s Cottage, a historic cottage tour, festive market, guided hikes and more. Prices and times vary. Colorado Chautauqua National Historic Landmark, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder. chautauqua.com.

Holiday Festival
Dec. 8–10
Be immersed in the comfort and joy of twinkling lights, seasonal greenery and beautiful music at CU Boulder’s Holiday Festival, an enchanting annual tradition for all ages. The celebration brings together student choirs, bands and orchestras—along with world-class faculty performers—for a winter concert of holiday favorites and a few fresh delights. From orchestras, bands and choirs to jazz, world music and opera to world-class faculty and guest performances, the CU Boulder College of Music brings hundreds of stunning performances to Boulder audiences throughout the academic year. Times and prices vary. cupresents.org.

Holiday High-Junks & Aerial Absurdities
Dec. 8–10
Frequent Flyers^® Aerial Dance presents Holiday High-Jinks & Aerial Absurdities, a light-hearted poke at the holiday hustle and bustle. Aerial shenanigans on invented apparatus, lively music, A.I. generated experiments and more for a fun antidote to all the holiday hoo-hah. Times and prices vary. Gordon Gamm Theater. thedairy.org.

Winter Magic Arts Extravaganza
Dec. 8, 9, 10, 16
Featuring one-of-a-kind gifts including ceramics, paintings, jewelry, fiber arts, wood and so much more. Plus, there will be food trucks and award-winning brews. Free. Times vary. Wibby Brewing in Longmont. ebcacolorado.org.

Boulder Holiday Gift Festival
Dec. 10
The festival is a great place to find the perfect gift from amazing local exhibitors. You will find a vast array of amazing high-quality gifts that are locally made. This fun and unique shopping experience can be enjoyed by the whole family. Free. 11am–5pm. Concert starts at 12pm. coloradoevents.org.

Family Ornament Making
Dec. 16
Create Christmas and winter holiday decorations with the young people in your life at the Longmont Museum. We’ll be crafting, painting and creating keepsakes that will delight for years to come. This class is for children aged 5 and up, accompanied by an adult. $10. longmontcolorado.gov.

Vegan Holiday Market
Dec. 16
This is a celebration of all things small business during the holiday season. It’s a place to shop locally and support small businesses for gifts, enjoy some lunch and connect with your community. Free. 11am–3pm. The Avalon Ballroom. vegfestco.com.

Longmont Symphony Orchestra - Candlelight: A Baroque Christmas
Dec. 16
The main attraction for our holiday concert is Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” From the genre of cantata-mass, this hybrid form is set for solo voices, choir and orchestra. Textural contrast, expressive variety and emotion arise from the words of the mass. Enjoy the beautiful sound of the Baroque style throughout this special holiday performance. Prices vary. 4–6pm. Vance Brand Civic Auditorium. longmontsymphony.squarespace.com.

Boulder Bach Festival
Dec. 17
The mission of the Boulder Bach Festival is to celebrate the music of Johann Sebastian Bach by providing high-quality performances and educational opportunities that will not only satisfy those who already love Bach’s music but will also introduce Bach’s music to others. Prices vary. 4pm. Dairy Arts Center. boulderbachfestival.org.

Christmas at Hotel Boulderado
Dec. 25
The festive spirit of the season reigns true at our Christmas Day celebrations, where you will marvel at the beautifully adorned 28-foot Christmas tree in Hotel Boulderado’s lobby. Enjoy seasonally prepared menus with three different locations to choose from. boulderado.com.

New Year’s Eve Party at St. Julien
Dec. 31
Join us for an unforgettable Gold Rush-themed New Year’s Eve celebration at St. Julien Hotel & Spa. We have planned an evening filled with live music, delicious food and a lively atmosphere. You can dance the night away with Mannequin The Band, sip on refreshing cocktails and raise a toast to the year ahead with your friends and loved ones. 21 and over. $149–$179. stjulien.com.

“Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History” Exhibit
Dec. – Sept. 2025
The Museum of Boulder, in partnership with Adrian Miller, the Boulder County NAACP Chapter and the Boulder Public Library’s Maria Rogers Oral History Program, will develop activities to highlight the history of Black people in Colorado with our IMLS: Museums for America grant. The program will collect original oral histories and research, consolidate research data and make it publicly available and host a series of programs about race. Free–$10. 9am–5pm, daily. museumofboulder.org.

NFL Sunday Ticket
Dec. 1 – Feb. 11
Come watch football with Avanti F&B every Sunday all season long on the fourth floor and enjoy food and drink specials with the sound on for key games. Free. Times vary. boulder.avantifandb.com.