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.
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