Complete Boulder Holiday Events Guide 2018

Excited for the holidays? Get ready for a fun-filled season of parades, festivals, handmade markets, fireworks, visits with Santa and so much more! Here is your complete guide to over 40 holiday events happening in and around Boulder. (For a full listing of visits with Santa around the area click here!)

A Christmas Story: The Musical at Boulder Dinner Theater

Photo Courtesy BDT Stage

When: November 10, 2018 – January 5, 2019

Ralphie Parker wants only one thing for Christmas: An Official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. A Christmas Story, The Musical is the hilarious account of Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree this Christmas. Directed on Broadway by Tony Award®-winner John Rando and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, this musical based on the classic 1983 movie, which itself was based on stories by legendary radio humorist Jean Shepherd, features funny and heartfelt songs by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul and a faithful yet inventive book by Joseph Robinette.  A Christmas Story, The Musical captures holiday wonder with such deliciously wicked wit that it is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike!

Boulder Dinner Theater is located at  5501 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303. $40 – $, Tickets here.

Louisville WinterSkate

When: Thanksgiving week ’til the end of February

Located at the Steinbaugh Pavilion in Historic Downtown Louisville WinterSkate is an old-fashioned ice skating rink complete with skate rental, concessions and traditional holiday music. Celebrating its thirteenth year as the original outdoor ice skating rink in the community, WinterSkate presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the winter season in a beautiful small-town setting.

Louisville WinterSkate is held at the Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front Street in Historic Downtown Louisville. Cost (includes skate rental): Adults: $1, Kids (ages 4-12): $9, Children (ages 3 & under): $4, College Students and Military (with valid ID): $8, Senior Citizens (65+): $8. Bring your own skates, receive $5 off admission!

Winterfest Wednesday

Photo Courtesy Orchard Town Center

When: Wednesday, November 21, 2018 from 5 PM – 8 PM

Winterfest Wednesday is The Orchard‘s annual kick-off to the holiday season, kicking off the holiday season and transforming Town Center Square into a child’s holiday dream. The opening show will offer families a tantalizing tale of fun as a cast of characters come to life before their eyes, dancing, singing and helping all of us to find the spirit of the holidays. Santa will make his grand arrival at 6 PM joining in the fun and bringing to life The Orchard’s 50’ Christmas Tree with lights and music. Festivities will continue through the evening with music and entertainment!

The Orchard Town Center is located at 14697 Delaware St #850, Broomfield, CO 80023. This event is FREE.

Longmont Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: November 23, 2018, from 6:30 PM – 7 PM

Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Longmont kicks off the holidays! Bring your friends and family and celebrate with a ton of special events including: Santa, Holidays Around the World hosted by Patrick Paws from LMNO Puppets, Cultural Festivity, sing-alongs, caroling, warm drinks, crafts snacks & Goodie Bags.

This event is held in Downtown Longmont, 6th Ave. Plaza, west of 6th Ave. and Main St. Cost: FREE.

Boulder Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Photo Courtesy Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra

When: November 23 – December 2, 2018

Thanksgiving weekend, the curtain rises for America’s favorite ballet, brought to life by Boulder Ballet and the Boulder Philharmonic (November 23 – 25) and the Longmont Symphony (December 1 – 2). Make your plans now for this thrilling and heartwarming spectacle, all performed to Tchaikovsky’s masterful score.

The Nutcracker will be performed at Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St, Boulder, Colorado 80309. Cost: $15 – $84, tickets here.

Boulder SantaCon

Photo Courtesy Boulder SantaCon

When: November 23, 2018, from 5:30 PM-Midnight

A SantaCon is simply a gathering of people dressed as Santa. Traditionally, SantaCon is free to attend, however, some events have costs that need to be covered and the organizers ask for a contribution. Others are held in support of a good cause and also have a mandatory contribution. Boulder SantaCon has not yet released more details, but I will update as the information comes in.

SantaCon is held in downtown Boulder. Cost: FREE.

St. Nick on the Bricks

Photo Courtesy Downtown Boulder

When: Friday, November 23, 2018 & Saturdays November 24 – December 22, 2018, from 11 AM – 2 PM

Head to Pearl Street where kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. Bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories.

Find Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center, 1301 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302. Cost: FREE.

Hazel Miller Band Christmas Show

Photo Courtesy Hazel Miller Band

When: Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 7:30 PM

Colorado favorite Hazel Miller, the most sought after performer in Colorado for the past 30 years, will kick off the holiday season with arrangements of seasonal favorite tunes infused with jazz, swing, gospel, latin and pop flavors at Hazel Miller Band’s Christmas Show. Featuring a mix of sacred and secular holiday music, Hazel Miller and her band will perform arrangements of “Silent Night” in an Afro Cuban style, “O’ Holy Night” in a blues style, “Away in a Manger” in a Gospel ballad style… and much more.

Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, Colorado 80302. Cost: $25, tickets here.

Niwot’s Enchanted Evening

When: Friday, November 23, 2018 from 6 PM – 9 PM

Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, the community of Niwot officially ushers in the holiday season with Enchanted Evening. The night will begin with the lighting of the community tree, welcoming Santa to town, presenting a Live Ice Sculpture demonstration in Cottonwood Square. Check out Ptarmigan String Quartet who will be performing Holiday music in the Grange with Santa from 6-8:30 PM. For full event info, click here.

Enchanted Evening will be held at Cottonwood Square, Downtown Niwot. This event is FREE.

Photo Courtesy Longmont Theatre Company

Photo Courtesy Longmont Theatre Company

When: November 23 – December 8, 2018. Times vary, see schedule here.

The Longmont Theatre Company presents this adaptation of the Dickens classic by American playwright Romulus Linney, A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from an embittered, miserly man into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits — who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means — remains a perennial holiday favorite, reminding audiences of the true spirit of the season.

The Longmont Theatre Company is located at 513 Main St, Longmont, Colorado 80501. Cost: $10. Tickets available here.

Holiday Open House at The Flower Bin

Photo Courtesy The Flower Bin

When: Sunday, November 25, 2018, at 1 PM – 3 PM

Check out The Flower Bin of Longmont’s Holiday Open House featuring live entertainment, holiday cookies, apple cider and visits with Santa! The Flower Bin will have all the essential holiday decorations on hand for sale including live Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, poinsettias and more.

The Flower Bin is located at 1805 Nelson Rd, Longmont, CO 80501. Cost: FREE.

Centennial Ballet’s Sugar Plum Tea Party

Photo Courtesy Centennial State Ballet

When: Saturday, November 24 & Sunday, November 25, 2018 at 1 PM & 4 PM

Centennial State Ballet’s fundraiser, the Sugar Plum Tea Party includes a delightful afternoon of warm tea, sweet and savory edibles and harp accompaniment as well as a souvenir photo taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy character. Centennial State Ballet invites both young and old to join them in a wonderful afternoon at the start of the 2018 holiday season. The event is the perfect introduction to the classic tale of Clara and her prince with a mini Nutcracker performance that includes interactive portions for young audience members. A Nutcracker boutique with whimsical gifts for sale will also be on display during the event.

The tea party will be held at the Xilinx Retreat Center, 3100 Logic Drive, Longmont, CO 80503. Cost: $35/person. Tickets here.

FACE: Holiday Shows

Photo Courtesy BDT Stage

When: November 26, November 27 & December 31, 2018

THREE unforgettable nights at the Boulder Dinner Theater, see the long-awaited Face holiday concerts! Face is a nationally recognized vocal rock band based out of Boulder, Colorado, bringing a new edge and attitude to the human voice. Using just four singers and a vocal drummer, Face creates a rock-music phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed. No instruments and no special effects -– just five guys. Named “Best Local Musician/Group” by Boulder Weekly in 2015, 2014 and “Best Local Band” by Denver A-List 2013. These shows will sell out! Get your tickets early.

FACE holiday concerts will be held at – Boulder Dinner Theater, 5501 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303. $45 – $99, Tickets here.

Chanukah Cooking for Kids

Photo Courtesy Boulder JCC

When: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 from 4:30 PM – 6 PM

Celebrate the holidays through cooking! Join the Boulder Jewish Community Center to create delicious Chanukah recipes to share with family and friends. Each child will leave with recipes and special treats. Class is open to kids 5 – 10 years old.

Boulder JCC is located at 6007 Oreg Ave, Boulder, CO 80303. Cost: $18/child, register here.

Channel 93.3 Not So Silent Night ft. The Revivalists

Photo Courtesy The Revivalists

When: Friday, November 30, 2018, from 6 PM – 11 PM

Channel 93.3 is bringing back the Not So Silent Night, featuring The Revivalists, Elle King, American Authors, and Max Frost + Wildermiss.

Where: 1STBank Center, 11450 Broomfield Ln, Broomfield, CO 80021.  Cost: $43.50 – $49.95, available here.

Scrooge, A Musical

Photo Courtesy Jester’s Dinner Theatre

When: November 30 –  December 30, 2018. Times vary, schedule here.

Jester’s Dinner Theatre presents Scrooge, a musical version of the the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol”. The Jesters has been doing this production every Christmas for over 20 years! Don’t miss this classic.

Jester’s Dinner Theatre is located at 224 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501. $17 and up. Tickets here.

Boulder Lights of December Parade

Photo Courtesy Downtown Boulder

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 6 PM

Head downtown for Boulder’s annual tradition, the 31st Lights of December Parade. The parade features floats decorated by local businesses and organizations, as well as marching bands, fire engines, holiday carolers and of course – Santa!

The parade of lights is held on the Pearl Street Mall, Pearl Street, Boulder CO 80302. This event is FREE.

Niwot Holiday Parade

Photo Courtesy Niwot, Colorado

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 11 AM

Santa returns to Niwot Saturday morning, December 1, to join in on the Holiday Parade. The parade starts at 11:00 AM. Participants will march down 2nd Ave from Murray Street to Niwot Road. When the parade finishes Santa will be in the Grange until 1:00 PM to take the children’s Christmas gift wish list. The local business will be open with additional craft vendors in the Grange.

Along 2nd Avenue from Murray Street to Niwot Road, Downtown Niwot. This event is FREE.

Santa’s House Boulder

Photo Courtesy Santa’s House Boulder

When: December 1 & 2, 2018 from 10 AM – 4 PM

A holiday tradition since 1972, Santa’s House is a community event hosted by the women of Boulder Area Alumnae Panhellenic for kids and families in the Boulder and North Metro area. Kids will enjoy meeting Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Christmas Bear & Puppy, and Mother Goose. Games with prizes, music and storytelling are also available – bring your camera to capture the magic of the holiday season. Proceeds benefit local charities Imagine! and EFAA.

Pi Beta Phi University of Colorado at Boulder, 890 11th St, Boulder, Colorado 80302. Tickets $5 (cash only).

Holiday Mountain Market in Nederland

When: December 1 & 2, 2018 from 10 AM – 5 PM

Visit Nederland’s Holiday Mountain Market, held the first weekend in December at the Nederland Community Center. In addition to photos with Santa, this annual arts and crafts festival features local mountain artists, unique gifts, festive food, a silent auction, and holiday music.  Photos with Santa 12PM – 3PM each day.

Nederland Community Center is located at 750 CO-72, Nederland, CO 80466.

Breakfast with Santa in Broomfield

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 8 AM – 10:30 AM

Join Santa in a free breakfast of coffee, juice, fruit and pastries at the annual Broomfield Lions Club‘s Breakfast with Santa. The Lions Club will host Santa as well as playing Christmas movies for the kids at the Broomfield Community Center Lakeshore Room.

 Broomfield Community Center is located at 280 Spader Way, Broomfield, CO 80020. This event is FREE.

Jeff and Paige Chanukah Concert

Photo Courtesy Jeff and Paige

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 4 PM – 5 PM

Join the Boulder Jewish Community Center for an interactive musical celebration of Hanukkah with Jeff and Paige! With elaborate costumes and song, Jeff and Paige use storytelling to explore Hanukkah and celebrate its many traditions. This a family-friendly event, and all ages are welcome!

Boulder JCC is located at 6007 Oreg Ave, Boulder, CO 80303, Cost: $10 per child, $5 for Adults, Children under 2 are FREE

Erie Country Christmas & Parade of Lights

When: Friday, December 7, 2018 from 5 PM – 8 PM

Erie is hosting its annual Country Christmas & Parade of Lights, featuring Santa’s Workshop, Local School Choirs, complimentary s’mores, living Nativity scene, free hayrides and a Parade of Lights followed by visits with Santa!

This event is held in Historic Downtown Erie, Briggs St & Moffat St, Erie, CO 80516, and is FREE.

Lyons Holiday Parade of Lights & Craft Bazaar

Photo Courtesy Lyons, CO

When: December 1 – 2, 2018. Full schedule here.

The bright glow of the holidays is once again coming to the Town of Lyons for the Lyons Holiday Bazaar & the Holiday Parade of Lights.  All weekend long, stop by the craft bazaar, featuring 60+ local artisans. The parade will will be filled with illuminated, colorful floats, many of which will be decorated in the theme of this year’s parade — Rocky Mountain Holidays. Live music and entertainment will follow the parade as well as a fireworks display!

The Holiday Parade of Lights will be held at Sandstone Park, Lyons, CO 80540. The event is FREE.

Superior’s Skate with Santa

Photo Courtesy Superior Chamber of Commerce

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 3:15 – 4:45 PM

The holiday festivities begin at the Superior Sports Stable for Superior Chamber’s Skate with Santa. Skate with Santa at the Sport Stable from 3:15-4:45 PM. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available as well as an opportunity to have your photo with Santa. NEW THIS YEAR: we will have a small business owners “shop” set up at the event as well so plan to look for a few gifts while you are getting in the holiday spirit.

The Superior Sports Stable is located at 1 Superior Drive, Superior, CO 80027. This event is FREE.

Charlie Brown goes to the Nutcracker

Photo Courtesy St. Julien Hotel & Spa

When: Saturdays, December 1 – December 22, 2018 at 6:30 PM

Jazz up your holiday season at St Julien Hotel & Spa with this complimentary performance. The show blends the music from “Charlie Brown Christmas” show, composed by Vince Guaraldi, with the jazz versions of “The Nutcracker,” written by Duke Ellington, features the Ron LeGault Trio. Curl up by the fireplace, sip a seasonal cocktail and spread holiday cheer.

See the performance at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa Great Room, 900 Walnut St, Boulder, Colorado 80302. Open to the public.

Lafayette’s Home for the Holidays

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Join Lafayette for this free event, Home for the Holidays featuring a tree lighting, caroling and more. Visit with Santa and Jingles D. Checker, kids crafts, High Peaks Twirlers performance, caroling, and see the tree lighting.

This event will be held at Festival Plaza, 311 S Public Rd, Lafayette, Colorado 80026. 

Winter Market at Boulder County Fairgrounds

When: December 1 – 2, 2018 from 9 AM – 3 PM

The 12th Annual Winter Market at the Boulder County Fairgrounds on Dec. 2 and 3 will feature 70 local food growers and producers and 60 Colorado artists. Enjoy the flavors of root vegetables, winter squash, specialty cuts of lamb, beef and pork, fresh eggs, preserved fruits and vegetables, wine, coffee, and delicious baked goods. Free kids activities. Grab breakfast or lunch, listen to live music, and browse local art including candles, jewelry, photography, stationery, and knitwear.

Boulder County Fairgrounds is located at 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, CO 80501. 

Menorah Lighting on Pearl Street

When: Monday, December 3, 2018 at 5 PM

The annual Menorah Lighting on Pearl Street attracts over 300 parents, children, grandparents, couples, singles, and passers-by each year, and has become a holiday ritual for numerous local Jewish families. The event features live music, Chanukah Favors to first 100 participants, plenty of fresh sufganiot, small menorah and candle sets to take home, Menorah Lighting under the stars with the Participation of Community Leaders and Dignitaries, a fresh, hot Latke Bar,  as well as hot coffee, hot chocolate and more. This event is jointly sponsored by the Boulder County Center for Judaism, the Boulder JCC, the Boulder Jewish News, JEWISHcolorado, the Oreg Foundation, Audrey and Andy Franklin and Rhonda and Bruce Wildman.

This free event is held at the Pearl Street Mall, Pearl Street, Boulder CO 80302.

Ignite Chanukah 2018

Photo Courtesy Boulder JCC

When: Wednesday, December 5, 2018 from 5:30 PM – 11 PM

Ignite Chanukah is a fast-paced, fun-filled evening of 5 minute TED-talk-style presentations given by your peers. Pair that with latkes, falafel, and open bar, and it is sure to be a night not to miss. It is the biggest Adult Chanukah Party in Boulder! Tickets include: admission, open bar, latkes, falafel, snacks, raffle prize ticket, & admission to the after party! Stay to see your peers share stories about their passions, in short, 5-minute presentations. Stay even longer for the after party!

Where: Rembrandt Yard, 1301 Spruce St, Boulder, CO 80302. Cost: $30 *This is a 21+ event. Tickets available here.

The Barefoot Movement Holiday Show

Photo Courtesy The Barefoot Movement

When: Wednesday, December 5, 2018 from 7 PM – 9 PM

The Barefoot Movement is performing a bluegrass holiday celebration at the Broomfield Auditorium. Complete with all of your classic seasonal favorites wrapped in a Christmas package.

Broomfield Auditorium is located at 3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield, CO 80020. Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door, available here.

Chanukah on Ice

When: Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 4 PM – 6 PM

Skate with family and friends to Chanukah music at Chanukah on Ice! Lighting of the public Menorah in Louisville will be followed by a night of ice skating and delicious sufganiyot (jelly donuts)! For more information, contact Chany at lbkosher@gmail.com or Irene at irene@boulderjcc.org.

Steinbaugh Pavilion is located at 824 Front Street in Historic Downtown Louisville.

Longmont Lights Holiday Festival & Parade

When: Friday, December 7, 2018 from 5 PM – 8 PM and Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 5 PM

Join Longmont in its annual weekend holiday celebration, Longmont Lights! The festival begins on Friday at Roosevelt Park with Santa’s Workshop, a free craft area for kids and visits with Santa, live reindeer, holiday ice show, open skating, hot cocoa carts, fire pits and food truck sales. The evening culminates in a fireworks display. On Saturday, enjoy open skate ice skating and the Jingle Bell Rock Parade down Main Street. For the full schedule of events, click here.

Longmont Lights will be held at Roosevelt Park & Downtown Longmont, 700 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont, CO 80501. The event is FREE.

CU Holiday Festival

Photo Courtesy CU Presents

When: December 7 – 9, 2018, full schedule here.

Boulder’s most beloved December tradition gathers together for the Holiday Festival,  CU’s most remarkable student and faculty talent for an unforgettable concert that’s fun for the whole family. Delight in the twinkling lights, seasonal greenery and festive atmosphere of Macky Auditorium as student choirs, bands and orchestras perform holiday favorites and new surprises.

Where: Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, 1595 Pleasant St, Boulder, CO 80309. Cost: Starting at $20, Tickets available here.

Louisville Parade of Lights

Photo Courtesy of Louisville Chamber of Commerce

When: Friday, December 7, 2018 from 5:30 PM – 9 PM

Join Louisville in its annual Parade of Lights. Enjoy musical entertainment provided by local schools & churches, a living nativity, petting zoo and visits with Santa.  The Parade begins at 7:00 PM at the south end of Main Street and ends on South Street. Enjoy choirs singing, the living nativity, visits with Santa, carolers, ice skating and lots more!

This event will be held at Main St, Louisville, CO 80027. The event is FREE.

Broomfield Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Photo Courtesy City of Broomfield

When: Friday, December 7, 2017 from 6 PM – 8:30 PM

All of Broomfield welcomes the arrival of Santa Claus at the George DiCiero City and County Building at the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy children caroling from the local schools, decorated Community Park trees, and the annual lighting of the community holiday tree by the Mayor. You can also ride the holiday wagon ride and talk to Santa. Bundle up and share in the Holiday Cheer!

George DiCiero City and County Building is located at 1 Descombes Dr, Broomfield, CO 80020. This event is FREE.

Historic Hoverhome’s Annual Holiday Tours

Photo Courtesy St. Vrain Historical Society

When: December 8 – December 16, 2018 from 1 PM – 4 PM

Come and enjoy the holiday season at Historic Hoverhome in Longmont! Tour this beautifully decorated 1913-1914 historic house all decked-out for the holidays. These open-house tours allow guests to tour the house at their leisure, and no RSVPs are required. Tours also include hot cider and cookies, Christmas music and caroling, and costumed docents. Fee is $10 per person, children under 6 are free. Tour fees and donations collected assist The St. Vrain Historical Society with the management, preservation, and care of Hoverhome.

Historic Hoverhome is located at 1309 Hover St, Longmont, CO 80501-3161, United States. Cost: $10/person. Kids under 6 are FREE.

Niwot’s Holiday Fayre

Photo Courtesy Niwot Colorado

When: Saturday, December 8, 2018 from 10 AM – 4 PM

Boulder Children’s Chorale Holiday Performance

Photo by Glenn Ross, Courtesy Boulder Children’s Chorale

When: Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 2 & 4 PM

Check out the Boulder Children’s Chorale performance of Songs for the Season at the Boulder Public Library. Experience some holiday cheer in this free performance featuring the four choirs of the Boulder Children’s Chorale.

 Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, Colorado 80302. These performances are FREE.

Frequent Flyers Presents Four Seasons

Photo Courtesy of Frequent Flyers Productions Facebook Page

When: December 14, 2018 at 7 PM  and December 15 at 2 PM & 7 PM

Celebrate the holidays with Frequent Flyers‘ Youth Student Company in Four Seasons. With new and original aerial dance works, the dancers will transport you through the many and varied sensations of the seasons. You’ll experience the joy and renewal of Spring, the sun-kissed dreams of Summer, the bluster and mystery of Fall, and the gleaming enchantment of Winter. Expect a magical evening of joy and reverence with dancers on aerial fabrics, lyra, trapeze, and more!

Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, Colorado 80302. Cost: $16 – $20. Tickets available here.

Fourth Annual Longmont Museum Holiday Showcase

Photo Courtesy Longmont Museum and Cultural Center

When: December 15, 2018 at 7 PM & December 16, 2018 Santa Reception at 3 PM and Concert at 4 PM

The Longmont Museum’s holiday tradition continues with the 4th Annual Holiday Festival. Join the Longmont Museum for songs of the season and holiday cheer from some of the finest musicians and performers in the region. Featuring the Heath Walton Jazz Quintet, the Boulder Klezmer Consort, Longmont’s Centennial State Ballet in excerpts from the Nutcracker, Venezuelan rhythms from Gonzalo Teppa, and much more. Matinee ONLY: Special Santa reception with complimentary cookies and hot chocolate before matinee performance only, beginning at 3 PM. Concert begins at 4 PM.

Longmont Museum & Cultural Center is located at 400 Quail Rd, Longmont, Colorado 80501, Cost: $20 Adult, $15 Seniors & Students. Tickets available here.

Season of Light at Fiske Planetarium

When: Throughout December

Light up the cold dark season with Fiske Planetarium‘s warm and bright holiday show! Season of Light explores the reasons humans are so fascinated with lighting up our lives during the December holiday season. It’s an exploration of the astronomical meanings behind seasonal traditions, including the “Star over Bethlehem”. This show traces the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season — from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah.

Fiske Planetarium is located at 2414 Regent Dr, Boulder, CO 80309. Tickets and showtimes here.

Santa’s House at Village at the Peaks

Photo Courtesy Village at the Peaks

When: December 15 – December 22, 2018 from 12 PM – 4 PM

Visit Santa’s House at Village at the Peaks this season! Bring your own camera or cell phone to capture the magic. Visits with Santa are first come, first served. No reservations or appointments are available.

Village at the Peak is located at 1250 S Hover St, Longmont, Colorado 80501. This event is FREE.

Longmont Symphony Candlelight Concert

When: December 16, 2018 from 4 PM – 6 PM

Join the Longmont Symphony Orchestra, with guest conductor David Rutherford, in their Candlelight Concert, an intimate chamber music concert celebrating the music of the season.

The Candlelight Concert will be held at Westview Presbyterian Church, 1500 Hover St, Longmont, CO 80501. Cost: Adults $25, Seniors $22, Youth (12 – 18) $5, Children Under 11 FREE, tickets available here.

The Nutcracker

Photo Courtesy Centennial State Ballet

When: December 21 – 23, 2018, Schedule here.

Centennial State Ballet is proud to present the 18th annual performances of The Nutcracker. The classic holiday tale of Clara and her prince as they travel to the land of sweets comes to life on stage, in this grand-scale production. Longmont’s youth ballet company performs under the direction of Executive Artistic Director Kristin Kingsley. Accompaniment by the Centennial State Ballet Chamber Orchestra. The performances also feature guest artists Matthew Helms.

This performance will be held at Niwot High School, 8989 Niwot Rd, Niwot, Colorado 80503. Tickets $22 – $25, available here.

Christmas Revels: An Irish Celebration of the Winter Solstice

Photo Courtesy Rocky Mountain Revels

When: December 21 – December 26, 2018, Times vary, see schedule here.

Celebrate the season through music, dance, and drama with the Rocky Mountain Revels. An eagerly awaited holiday tradition, The Christmas Revels returns with a show steeped in Irish music, dance and story-telling. This spirited chorus of adults and children will capture your hearts and set the stage for the holidays! This year’s Christmas Revels will draw you into the celebration with audience sing-alongs, Mummer’s Play and Lord of the Dance. Popular local Irish musicians and award winning step dancers set your blood pumping and your heart singing!

Dairy Arts Center is located at  2590 Walnut St, Boulder, Colorado 80302. Cost: $28, tickets here.

Santa HQ at Flatiron Crossing

Photo Courtesy HGTV

When: Throughout November & December. Hours vary, see schedule here. Make reservations here (optional).

Santa is available for photos and visits at Santa’s Headquarters presented by HGTV, located at the base of Flatiron Crossing‘s Grand Staircase. Reservations available, but not required! Exciting Features include Elf-Ray Vision, Naughty-or-Nice ‘O Meter, Holiday Fun Photo Options & More! Reserve your time with Santa here.

Santa will be at Flatiron Crossing Mall, 1 W Flatiron Crossing Dr, Broomfield, CO 80021. Cost: Photo packages start at $34.99.