🦃 What’s Happening in Boulder County This Thanksgiving Week? (Nov 22-29)

Hello Boulder County Lovers!
Thanksgiving week is here, and we’ve gathered the best events to keep your days filled with fun, connection, and celebration. From culinary delights to community activities and wellness opportunities, there’s something for everyone. 🍂

🎨 Arts & Culture

• Merry-achi Holidays Plaza Lighting – 📅 Saturday, November 23, 6:00 PM, 📍 Library West Plaza, Longmont (350 Kimbark St.).
  Celebrate the season with mariachi performances, crafts, sweet treats, and warm drinks. Join the countdown as the plaza lights up at 6:30 PM. The first 300 attendees get a free goody bag! Cost: Free. Details here

  Pre-Party: Start at 5:30 PM at Old Town Marketplace (332 Main St.) for snacks, drinks, and a roaming mariachi performance.

• Switch on the Holidays – 📅 Sunday, November 24, 5:00 PM, 📍 Pearl Street Mall, Boulder.
  Witness downtown Boulder come alive with sparkling lights during the annual Switch on the Holidays event. Attendees will count down to the grand illumination of the area, including the iconic art-deco Boulder County Courthouse. Keep an eye out for a special appearance by Santa Claus! Cost: Free. Details here

• A Greyhound of a Girl – 📅 November 27 - December 1, 📍 Dairy Arts Center, Boulder.
  An award-winning animated film about four generations of women on a heartwarming journey of dreams, family, and resilience. Cost: Tickets available online. Details here

• St. Nick on the Bricks – 📅 Friday, November 29, and Saturdays, November 30 - December 14, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 📍 Pearl Street Mall, Boulder.
  Bring the kids to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for free visits and photos at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center. A cherished tradition that brings holiday cheer to all ages. Cost: Free. Details here

• Boulder Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – 📅 Saturday, November 30, 6:30 PM, 📍 Macky Auditorium, Boulder.
  Begin the holiday season with a magical performance featuring dazzling choreography and enchanting music. Cost: Tickets start at $25. Details here

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

• Longmont Ice Pavilion Opening – 📅 Friday, November 22, 1:00 PM, 📍 Roosevelt Park, Longmont.
  Kick off the winter season with the opening of the Longmont Ice Pavilion! Enjoy public skating, skate rentals, lessons, hockey, and private facility rentals. With holiday lights adding to the festive atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to create lasting winter memories. Cost: Check website for details. Details here

• Snow Much Fun Light Displays – 📅 November 24 - January 31, 📍 Civic Area and Downtown Boulder.
  Stroll through hundreds of thousands of colorful LED lights illuminating Boulder’s Civic Area and downtown. Enjoy themed displays, perfect for family photos, and interactive augmented reality experiences along the way. Cost: Free. Details here

• Library Treasure Hunt – 📅 November 1 to 30, All Day, 📍 Children’s Area, Louisville Library, Louisville.
  Embark on a treasure hunt adventure at the library! Pick up your treasure map at the Children’s Desk, explore the library to find all the hidden spots, and unlock the treasure box for a prize. Fun for families and all ages! Cost: Free. Details here

• Moana 2 Party at the Longmont Library – 📅 Tuesday, November 26, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 📍 Longmont Library, Longmont.
  Join a fun-filled Moana-themed party with crafts, songs, and games for 1st-5th graders. Cost: Free.

🍽️ Culinary Delights

• Local Harvest Dinner – 📅 Sunday, November 24, 6:00 PM, 📍 Black Cat Bistro, Boulder.
  Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience featuring local, seasonal produce. Cost: $45. Details here

• Thanksgiving Wine Tasting – 📅 Wednesday, November 27, 7:00 PM, 📍 Boulder Wine Company, Boulder.
  Join Boulder Wine Company for a delightful evening of wine tastings. Experience a selection of fine wines in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Cost: $25. Details here

🛍️ Shop Local

• Farmers Market Finale – 📅 Saturday, November 23, 9:00 AM, 📍 Boulder Farmers Market, Boulder.
  Stock up on fresh produce and artisan goods at the last market of the season. Cost: Free. Details here

• Longmont Holiday Market – 📅 Monday, November 25, 10:00 AM, 📍 Longmont Fairgrounds, Longmont.
  Discover unique handmade gifts, meet local artisans, and enjoy live crafting demonstrations. Cost: Free. Details here

• Holiday Passport Program – 📅 Until January 3📍 Various Locations, Downtown Longmont.
  Collect stamps from participating businesses to win exciting holiday prizes while shopping locally. Cost: Free. Details here

• Small Business Saturday – 📅 Saturday, November 30, All Day, 📍 Various Locations, Boulder.
  Support local businesses by shopping on Pearl Street, where boutiques, indie shops, and cozy eateries offer festive shopping opportunities. Cost: Free. Details here

🧘 Health & Wellness

• Giving Thanks in the Outdoors – 📅 Sunday, November 24, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, 📍 Outdoor Classroom, Lafayette (105 W. Baseline Rd.).
  Join a 1.5-mile contemplative walk to reflect on gratitude and connection to nature. Includes stories, symbols, and guided discussions.

  Cost: Free, reservations required. Details here

• Barre Fitness Class – 📅 Tuesday, November 26, 6:30 AM, 📍 Boulder Rec Center, Boulder.
  Start your day with a low-impact, high-energy workout combining ballet-inspired moves, strength training, and cardio. Cost: $15. Details here

• Turkey Buster Boot Camp – 📅 Wednesday, November 27, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, 📍 Longmont Rec Center, Longmont.
  Get a good calorie burn before the big feast! This special pre-Thanksgiving boot camp is led by the Recreation Center's fitness staff. Use your pass or pay a drop-in fee; no registration required. Cost: Drop-in fee or pass required. Details here

• Massage Therapy with Erica Yoder Chapman – 📅 Wednesday, November 27, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, 📍 Louisville Recreation & Senior Center, Louisville.
  Relax and rejuvenate with massage therapy by Erica Yoder Chapman. Contact Erica for availability. Cost: $85 (1 hour) / $45 (half-hour); Discounts for age 60+. Details here

• The Pilgrimage Run – 📅 Thursday, November 28, 9:00 AM, 📍 Erie Community Center, Erie.
  Join this fun, family-friendly Thanksgiving run! Choose between a 2-mile or 4-mile course on mostly flat, forgiving trails. Cost: $35. Details here

• Louisville Turkey Trot – 📅 Thursday, November 28, 9:00 AM, 📍 Old Town Louisville (951 Spruce St.).
  Join the 11th Annual Turkey Trot to support Community Food Share and fight local hunger. Enjoy a fun family run, free refreshments, and craft beers (21+). Proceeds provide meals for those in need. Cost: Donations encouraged. Details here

🌟 Community Spotlights

• Thanksgiving Joy & Sing Community Potluck – 📅 Sunday, November 24, 11:00 AM, 📍 First Presbyterian Church, Boulder.
  Celebrate community and gratitude with a potluck meal and joyful singing. Bring a dish to share and enjoy this heartwarming event. Cost: Free. Details here

• Produce in the Park: Free Food Distribution – 📅 Sunday, November 24, 12:00 PM, 📍 Longmont.
  Pick up fresh fruits, veggies, and more at this free walk-up food distribution. Bring a reusable bag; one bag per household. Food available while supplies last.

  Cost: Free. Details here.

• Thanksgiving Gratitude Service & Joy Sing – 📅 Sunday, November 24, 11:00 AM, 📍 First Presbyterian Church, Boulder.
  Celebrate Thanksgiving with a heartwarming gratitude service and sing-along event. Cost: Free. Details here

• Thanksgiving at Second Baptist Church – 📅 Thursday, November 28, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 📍 5300 Baseline Rd., Boulder.
  A free indoor Thanksgiving meal, plus distribution of winter coats, clothing, blankets, and more. Return transportation provided.

• Coat Drive Collection – 📅 Until Thursday, November 30, 📍 Boulder.
  Donate gently used coats to support local shelters and help those in need during the colder months. Cost: Free. Details here

• Handmade Gift Bag Drive – 📅 Now through early December, 📍 Longmont Meals on wheels.
  Help brighten the holidays for clients by creating homemade gift bags! Bags should be 5”w x 7”h x 1”d and can be sewn, crocheted, or knitted. Tutorials are available at Hellosewing and Happiest Camper. Fabric is available upon request. Drop off completed bags at the secure dropbox on the west side of the Longmont Senior Center or mail them to Longmont Meals on Wheels by early December. Contact: Katie at [email protected] for more details. Details here

• Community Thanksgiving Feast – 📅 Thursday, November 28, 2024, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 📍 Central Presbyterian Church, 31 N. 7th Street, Downtown Lafayette.

  Celebrate Thanksgiving with a free, community-wide feast hosted by Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM). Enjoy a traditional meal featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, cranberry sauce, and pies. The event is open to all, fostering a spirit of togetherness and gratitude.

  Cost: Free. Donations of food, supplies, or funds are welcome to support the event. Volunteers are also needed for various roles. For more information or to contribute, visit the LUM Community Thanksgiving Feast page.

• Community Thanksgiving Dinner at The River Church – 📅 Thursday, November 28, 2024, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 📍 The River Church, 18668 N. St. Vrain Drive, Lyons, CO.

  Celebrate Thanksgiving with a complimentary community meal hosted by The River Church. Enjoy traditional dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, fostering connection and gratitude among attendees. All are welcome to partake in this festive gathering. Cost: Free. For more information, visit the event page.

🌳 Park of the Week

Heil Valley Ranch
📍 Location: Heil Valley Ranch, Boulder
Explore one of Boulder County’s most beautiful parks, offering serene trails, scenic vistas, and abundant wildlife. Perfect for hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature. Don’t miss the Ponderosa Loop Trail, which is especially lovely at sunset.
Details here