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The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year: Things To Do In Boulder, Colorado December 2025

December is full of festivities. If you live in or near Boulder, Colorado, there’s even more to do! Read on to discover what’s happening just around the corner this holiday season: Chatauqua WinterFest 2025 Chautauqua transforms into a winter wonderland every December! Head to the foothills on December 13th from 10:00am to 4:00pm to enjoy horse-drawn carriages, cottage tours, a petting zoo, a fairy forest, a tree-lighting, a children’s concert, holiday hiking, and more. Boulder County Farmers Market – Winter Market The Winter Market takes place the first weekend in December (6th and 7th) from 9:00am to 3:00pm. An annual Boulder County Fairgrounds tradition, this market features over 150 local farmers, food producers, artisans, and ranchers, offering a unique and rewarding shopping experience you won’t find on Amazon. Whether you’re looking for holiday gifts or holiday ingredients, you can find them here! Longmont Holiday Lights and Parade The Longmont Holiday Lights Parade is a two-day event held December 12th and 13th in Longmont’s Roosevelt Park. Stop by on Friday the 12th to enjoy the season's lights, as millions of bulbs get their moment to shine! Walk around the park, sip hot cocoa, meet Santa, or skate around the rink. Stay until 7:45pm to see the laser show! Come back on Saturday (December 13th) to experience the parade. Featuring tons of twinkling floats, local businesses, and an appearance by Saint Nick, this parade is much easier to get to than the one in downtown Denver. Holiday Lights Self-Guided Tour The holiday season is one of the easiest times to create your own fun! If you’re a light enthusiast or enjoy a good shimmer, take a self-guided tour around Boulder. Walk down Pearl Street, drive through the Chautauqua neighborhood, or explore the holiday creativity on the Hill. Check online to find the areas sure to make your evening merry and bright. Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert Get tickets for the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra on December 20th to enjoy an evening of The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi and The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires by Astor Piazzolla. Alex Gonzalez, a violinist who has performed at Carnegie Hall, the National Gallery of Art, and on international tours with The Knights and the Sphinx Virtuosi, will perform alongside the orchestra. CU Rec Center Ice Skating If you’re looking to lace up your skates, the Buffs have your back! The ice skating rink located inside the CU Rec Center offers rec skate, broomball, hockey, figure skating lessons, skating parties, and more. To use the rink, you must be a rec center member or be accompanied by someone who is. A John Waters Christmas A John Waters Christmas takes place on December 14th at the Boulder Theater. This fast-paced stand-up comedy show makes the naughty list with its mature yet all-in-good-fun content. Enjoy an evening of laughs, gasps, and seasonal shenanigans; you’ll never see Santa in the same light again! New Year’s Eve Dinner at St Julien St Julien , located in the heart of Boulder, is known for its holiday traditions, including a New Year’s Eve dinner. Reserve your table for December 31st to enjoy gourmet dining, live music, dancing, and a champagne toast as the clock strikes midnight. Don’t say “bah humbug” to an evening on the town! Make your reservations now before everything fills up. The Habitat Apartments are located in Gunbarrel with convenient access to shopping in Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly perks, and multiple floor plans to choose from. Contact us today to learn why we’re the perfect place to set down roots.

Cozy Crockpot Recipes for Comforting Fall Evenings

As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, nothing beats coming home to the inviting smell of a slow-cooked meal. Crockpots (or slow cookers) make it simple to prepare hearty, comforting dishes with little effort—perfect for busy weekdays or laid-back weekends. Here are some cozy crockpot recipes to warm your home and satisfy your cravings. Classic Beef Stew Few dishes evoke comfort quite like a slow-cooked beef stew. The crockpot enhances rich, deep flavors as the beef turns tender and the vegetables absorb the savory broth. Ingredients 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes 4 carrots, sliced 3 potatoes, diced 1 onion, chopped 3 cups beef broth 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon thyme Salt and pepper to taste Instructions Brown the beef in a skillet for extra flavor (optional). Add all ingredients to the crockpot. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours. Adjust seasoning before serving. Serve with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup This recipe features tender chicken, hearty rice, and a creamy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Ingredients 1 pound chicken breasts 1 cup wild rice 4 cups chicken broth 2 carrots, diced 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 onion, diced 1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Instructions Add all ingredients except the cream and butter to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir in cream and butter before serving. This soup is ideal for cozy nights and goes well with a fresh salad or warm rolls. Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew (Vegetarian) Loaded with plant-based protein and bursting with flavor, this lentil stew is wholesome, satisfying, and perfect for a chilly evening. Ingredients 1½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed 4 cups vegetable broth 3 carrots, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces) 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon thyme Salt and pepper to taste 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (added at the end) Instructions Add all ingredients except the greens to the crockpot. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until lentils are tender. Stir in kale or spinach just before serving. This stew is hearty enough to stand alone but also delicious with a slice of cornbread or over a scoop of rice. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp Comfort food isn’t complete without dessert. This apple crisp fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and baked apples—without ever turning on the oven. Ingredients 6 apples, peeled and sliced ½ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¾ cup oats ¾ cup flour ½ cup butter, melted Instructions Mix apples with half the sugar and cinnamon, then place them in the crockpot. Combine oats, flour, remaining sugar, and melted butter to form the topping. Spread the topping over the apples. Cook on low for 3–4 hours until the apples are tender and the topping is golden. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the perfect finish. The charm of crockpot cooking is in its ease. With a bit of prep in the morning, you can come home to a meal ready to eat. These cozy recipes—hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor—help you enjoy the slower season and make every evening comfortingly special. The Habitat Apartments are situated in Gunbarrel, offering easy access to shopping in downtown Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes featuring private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly amenities, and a variety of floor plans. Contact us today to discover why we’re the ideal place to call home.

Want to See the Fall Colors Before They’re Gone? Enjoy These Last-Minute Spots Near Gunbarrel

The fall colors are fading fast, as leaves literally leave the trees to make way for winter. But this doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck if you’re still hoping to catch some last-minute leaf-peeping. In fact, there are several places near Gunbarrel where you can get in the grove before leaves leave for the season. Check out these lush locales: Mapleton Hill Mapleton Hill is a charming, historic neighborhood located along Mapleton Avenue in Boulder. Staying true to its roots, this area is filled with old-growth maple trees and mighty oaks. You can walk down the streets easily, making it a sweet spot for those wanting vibrant fall colors without the hike. Chautauqua Park Chautauqua is the ideal spot for many outdoor activities in Boulder. It’s full of greenery, including trees turning gold and red, and offers stunning, picture-perfect views. The area's steep grades provide a good challenge for a semi-vigorous hike, but it’s not the best park if you’re looking for solitude. It’s usually crowded, especially on weekends; try to go early or during the week. South Boulder Creek Trail South Boulder Creek is lined with willows and cottonwoods; combine this with a rocky, rolling creek, abundant wildlife, and shrubby slopes, and it’s the perfect place to ride your bike through an autumn wonderland. The creek also connects to different parts of Boulder, giving you a chance to dine or shop while enjoying nature. Aspen Alley Aspen Alley, near the West Magnolia Trailhead by Nederland, is named for its many aspen trees. This creates a lively trail filled with vibrant gold hues and immersive moments. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an escape; the area is often quite quiet, giving you plenty of time for yourself along with stunning views. Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway If you want a leaf-peeping experience from the comfort of your temperature-controlled car, consider driving the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway . This route features numerous aspen groves, photo spots, panoramic views, and elevation changes, taking about 80 minutes to drive. It’s best to go on a clear day; this increases your chances of spotting wildlife too. Colorado’s vibrant colors are fading as cooler weather approaches. But there’s still time to enjoy some leaf-peeping before Old Man Winter arrives. Visit one of the easily accessible spots above and fall in love with fall all over again. The Habitat Apartments are located in Gunbarrel with easy access to shopping in Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly amenities, and multiple floor plans to choose from. Contact us today to discover why we’re the perfect place to settle down.

November 2025 Boulder Events to Get Your Holidays Started

The holidays are on their way, rolling out the red carpet for all sorts of fun chaos. That means things are about to get busy! In fact, events can be found around every bend. If you’re ready to take a break from decking the halls or shopping at malls, consider stopping by the following: Firefly Handmade Holiday Market A seasonal favorite, the Firefly Handmade Holiday Market returns to Pearl Street on November 15th and 16th. Enjoy live music, free admission, local restaurants, and over 80 carefully curated artisans selling everything from jewelry, pottery, toys, and clothing to food, art, candles, holiday decorations, and more. Switch on the Holidays Switch on the Holidays celebrates the lighting of downtown Boulder. It takes place on Pearl Street on November 23rd and features visits with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center until 7:00 PM (at which time, he must return to making his list and checking it twice). St. Nick on the Bricks St. Nick on the Bricks continues through parts of November and December. Kids of all ages are welcome to visit Santa for free on Pearl Street. Bring your camera (such as your phone) to capture some joyful memories. “Snow Much Fun” Light Displays The “Snow Much Fun” light displays start in mid-November and run until mid-January, illuminating the Boulder Civic Area and Pearl Street. Come walk through a winter wonderland and embrace the holiday spirit! Warren Miller Film Premier The Warren Miller Film Premiere has long been a prelude enjoyed by those eager to hit the slopes. In Boulder, this film debuts November 13-15 at the Boulder Theater. Get your tickets before they’re sold out! The Magic of Motown The Magic of Motown happens on November 9th at the Macky Auditorium. Come enjoy the best of Motown, including tributes to The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Four Tops, and more! November Wine Event Cheers to a monthly wine club event hosted by Spruce Farm and Fish at Hotel Boulderado. If you’re craving Pinot or love red, white, and cru wines, mark your calendar for November 12th to enjoy light bites, perfect pairings, and a special wine and food presentation. Whether you're looking for a light display to brighten your night, shopping options, or an evening out, Boulder has you covered. Start your season festively by enjoying one of the activities above, and take a break from the busy holiday chaos. The Habitat Apartments are located in Gunbarrel with easy access to shopping in Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly amenities, and multiple floor plans to choose from. Contact us today to discover why we’re the perfect place to settle down.

Best Local Coffee Shops for Productivity and Inspiration

For writers, artists, entrepreneurs, movers and shakers, and all-around dreamers, few places are as welcoming as coffee shops. Providing a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, opportunities for people-watching when you need a break, and, of course, plenty of enticing aromas, these shops often serve as hubs of productivity and inspiration. Some of the best local cafes for creativity include the following: Village Coffee Shop Despite its name, Village Coffee Shop is more than just a coffee spot; it’s a breakfast experience. Voted one of “America’s Best Hole-in-the-Wall Diners” by NY Daily News and “Best Diner in Colorado” by Business Insider, it’s the grandest of greasy spoons. There’s a reason it’s been in Boulder for nearly 50 years. Aperitivo Located in Gunbarrel, Aperitivo describes itself as a “global fusion bistro” known for its creative flavors. While it offers tapas, cocktails, desserts, and entrees, its coffee and tea selection is particularly diverse. If you’re looking for a spot to settle in and work through brunch, lunch, and dinner, this is the place. WiNot Coffee WiNot Coffee was founded in 2007, almost (gulp!) 20 years ago. It’s an independent, family-owned shop that offers sustainable coffee, snacks, and light meals. Focused on eco-friendly practices and using local products, it’s recognized for its community focus. Its frappes are also celebrated as standout items on the menu. Otis Otis is located outside of Boulder in Lafayette. However, it makes the list because of its unique setup, which might appeal to those looking for a comprehensive co-working space. Not only is it inside the District, an atrium offering everything from donuts and cake to sandwiches and sushi, but it’s also next to Basecamp Coworking, providing access to computers, printers, desks, office rooms, conferencing technology, and more. Bittersweet Cafe Bittersweet Cafe is another shop a few miles east of Boulder, but it’s worth considering if you want a place with easy access to eateries, diners, pubs, and even an old-fashioned candy store. Bittersweet itself is quite quiet and charming, making it a good choice for those who get easily distracted. Coffee has long boosted productivity; it only makes sense that coffee shops can offer even more inspiration. The Habitat Apartments is situated in Gunbarrel with easy access to shopping in Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly amenities, and multiple floor plans to choose from. Contact us today to discover why we’re the perfect place to settle down.

Battle of the Bands is Coming to Boulder’s Fallfest Celebration

The Battle of the Bands will be held from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm on October 4th as part of the Downtown Boulder Fallfest . Whether you’re an emerging rock star, the leader of an experienced cover band, or part of an acoustic trio still waiting to be discovered, you’re invited to apply . This contest is open to both bands and individual musicians. The winner of the Battle of the Bands will be chosen by jury and audience vote. Winners will receive the following: Booking slots at the Roots Music Festival (October 17th-19th) Booking slots at the 2026 Bands on the Bricks $1,000 in prize money Of course, you don’t need to be a singer, guitarist, or drummer to enjoy Battle of the Bands. Come as a spectator, dance to live music, discover new talent, and enjoy a lively afternoon on Pearl Street (the contest is held in front of Boulder’s historic courthouse). In addition to live music, Fallfest features a variety of welcoming, engaging, and Colorado-focused events. Stop by to enjoy the following: Family-Friendly Activities Boulder’s Fallfest features plenty of family-friendly activities for kids eager to run and jump around! Some of the activities include bounce houses on the County Courthouse lawn, giant slides, and inflatable obstacle courses. Food and Drinks Sample food from local vendors and enjoy everything from hearty meals to sweet desserts. The festival will also have a beer garden. Attendees 21 and older can sample craft beers from local breweries, wine, margaritas, and more. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be available. Firefly Handmade Market While you’re on Pearl Street, be sure to pick up your holiday decor at the Firefly Handmade Market . This market features a wide range of handmade items, including jewelry, art, photography, pottery, candles, toys, clothes, and more. Whether you come for the music or (admit it) the beer, the Battle of the Bands and Downtown Boulder Fallfest is a great way to welcome autumn once again. The Habitat Apartments are in Gunbarrel, offering easy shopping access to downtown Boulder and beyond. We provide apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly amenities, and various floor plans. Contact us today to discover why we’re the ideal place to call home.