🎄Your Ultimate Guide to Boulder County's Holiday Magic: Dec. 6–12

🌟 Hello Boulder County Enthusiasts!

The holiday season is here, and Boulder County is brimming with vibrant events, exciting activities, and opportunities to celebrate the magic of winter. This week’s newsletter features the Top 5 Must-See Events, personalized recommendations, and plenty of holiday cheer. Here’s your guide to events happening from Friday, December 6, to Thursday, December 12, 2024.

🎯 Top 5 Picks of the Week

1. Lights of December Parade – 📅 Saturday, December 7, 6:00 PM, 📍 Downtown Boulder.
   Watch Boulder’s beloved holiday parade, featuring floats, bands, and Santa Claus himself. Cost: Free. Details here.

2. Ugly Sweater 5K – 📅 Saturday, December 7, 10:00 AM, 📍 Left Hand Brewing Co., Longmont.
   Run, jog, or walk in your ugliest holiday sweater and celebrate with craft beer at the finish line. Cost: Registration required. Details here.

3. Santa's Workshop – 📅 Saturday, December 7, All Day, 📍 Erie Community Center, Erie, CO.
   Ages 2-8. Enjoy breakfast with Santa, letters to the North Pole, and festive photo ops. Cost: Free. Details here.

4. Chautauqua Winter Film Series: “White Christmas” – 📅 Tuesday, December 10, 7:00 PM, 📍 Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, CO.
   Experience holiday nostalgia with this beloved classic film. Cost: $12. Details here.

5. Holiday Cookie Decorating Class – 📅 Sunday, December 8, 2:00 PM, 📍 Longmont Library.
   Learn cookie decorating techniques for the holidays in this interactive class. Cost: Free. Registration required. Details here.

🎄 Holiday Festivities

1. Niwot Holiday Market – 📅 Saturday, December 7, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 📍 Niwot Hall, 195 2nd Ave, Niwot, CO.
   Shop for unique gifts, enjoy live music, and meet Santa & Mrs. Claus. Cost: Free. Details here.

2. Carriage Rides in Downtown Louisville – 📅 Friday, December 6, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, 📍 Historic Downtown Louisville.
   Free horse-drawn carriage rides under the twinkling holiday lights. Cost: Free. Details here.

3. Santa’s House – 📅 December 6-8, various times, 📍 First Presbyterian Church, 1820 15th St, Boulder, CO.
   Enjoy crafts, treats, and meet Santa in a cozy holiday setting. Cost: Suggested $5 donation. Details here.

4. Erie Country Christmas & Parade of Lights – 📅 Friday, December 6, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, 📍 Briggs St, Erie, CO.
   Tree lighting, live music, and Santa Claus are all part of the magic. Cost: Free. Details here.

5. Festive Art Walk – 📅 Friday, December 6, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, 📍 North Boulder Arts District.
   Explore galleries, live music, and holiday-themed art displays. Cost: Free. Details here.

6. Family Ornament Making – 📅 Sunday, Dec. 8, 🕒 1 PM & 2:30 PM, 📍 1200 Lashley St., Longmont, CO.
   Create winter and holiday keepsakes as a family! Suitable for ages 5+, each participant will make decorations to cherish for years. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
   Cost: $10 per person. Register online or call 303-651-8374. Details here.

7. Longmont Lights Holiday Parade - 📅 Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
   🕒 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 📍 Location: Main Street Longmont, Longmont, CO.

   Experience the magic of the season! Head to Main Street Longmont for a dazzling display of community spirit and holiday cheer. Local organizations will showcase their creativity with stunning light-covered floats. The event culminates in a heartwarming visit and holiday message from Santa himself. It’s a perfect evening to soak in the festive vibes with friends and family. Cost: Free to attend.

8. Longmont Lights Festival - 📅 Date: Friday, December 13, 2024
   🕒 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM,📍 Location: Roosevelt Park, Longmont, CO

   Kick off the holiday season at the Longmont Lights Festival! This family-friendly event includes visits to Santa's Works, opportunities to make festive crafts, and a collection drive for new toys. Stroll through the beautifully lit park while soaking in the cheerful atmosphere. Don’t miss this community favorite! Cost: Free to attend.

9. Parade of Lights 2024 - 📅 Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 🕒 Time: 6:30 PM,📍 Location: Downtown Lyons, Lyons, CO

   A cherished holiday tradition! Join the Lyons community for its annual Parade of Lights celebration. Enjoy the festive atmosphere featuring colorful floats, glowing entries, and performances by local students. Plus, keep an eye out for a special visit from Santa himself! Following the parade, explore a spectacular drone show hosted by the SVVSD Innovation Center. Cost: Free to attend.

10. Holiday Party at Lafayette History Museum - 📅 Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024, 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM,📍 Location: 108 E Simpson St, Lafayette, CO 80026

    Celebrate the season with a festive gathering! Join the Lafayette History Museum and the Museum of Food and Culture for a delightful holiday event. Activities include crafting your own tea towel, making fragrant pomanders, enjoying seasonal treats, and exploring museum exhibits. It’s a family-friendly way to embrace holiday cheer while learning about local history! Cost: Free to attend.

11. Holiday Photo Ops – 📅 Thursday, Dec. 7, 🕒 10 AM - 5 PM, 📍 St. Stephen’s Plaza, 5th & Main St., Longmont, CO.
    Get festive with unique ice sculptures, including a 10-foot illuminated snow globe you can walk into! Enjoy holiday lights, beautifully decorated windows, and plenty of photo opportunities throughout the downtown district. Cost: Free. Details here.

🎨 Arts & Culture

1. Boulder Philharmonic: Holiday Concert – 📅 Sunday, December 8, 2:00 PM, 📍 Macky Auditorium, Boulder, CO.
   Celebrate the season with a program of holiday classics. Cost: Tickets from $25. Details here.

2. Handcrafted Holiday Market – 📅 Saturday, December 7, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 📍 Boulder County Fairgrounds, Longmont.
   Discover unique holiday gifts from over 40 local artisans. Cost: Free. Details here.

3. Longmont Museum Holiday Show – 📅 Saturday, December 7, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM, 📍 Stewart Auditorium, Longmont, CO.
   Local performers bring holiday classics to life. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children. Details here.

4. Get ❄️Snowed In❄️ at the Library! – 📅 Friday, Dec. 6, 🕒 5-7 PM, 📍 Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St., Louisville, CO.
   Drop by for the annual holiday open house featuring live music, winter crafts, a snowy photo booth, and cozy refreshments. Warm up here before heading to the Parade of Lights! Cost: Free. Details here.

5. Parade of Lights Silent Disco by Big Little Sound – 📅 Friday, Dec. 6, 🕒 Time TBD, 📍 The Louisville Underground, 640 Main Street, Louisville, CO 80027.
   Light up the streets with a one-of-a-kind silent disco experience! Gather 100 participants for a glowing parade, then keep the party going with an afterparty at The Louisville Underground. Cost: $20 (includes afterparty access). Tickets available Nov. 1. Email [email protected] for more information. Details here.

6. Sip 'n' Stitch – 📅 Wednesday, Dec. 11, 🕒 5-7 PM, 📍 Pumphouse Brewery, 540 Main St., Longmont, CO.
   Bring your crafting spirit to this fun gathering hosted by the Longmont Yarn Shoppe. Enjoy drinks, great company, and creative vibes. Cost: Free with purchase. Details here.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

1. Crafts & Cocoa – 📅 Friday, December 6, Session 1: 11:00 AM (Registration required), Session 2: 2:00 PM, 📍 Louisville Public Library.
   Enjoy free hot cocoa and learn to make chainmail crafts. Cost: Free. Details here.

2. Elf Storytime & Crafts – 📅 Saturday, December 7, 11:00 AM, 📍 Louisville Library.
   Hear tales from the North Pole, followed by a fun craft session. Cost: Free. Details here.

3. Robotics Workshop for Kids – 📅 Saturday, December 7, 10:00 AM, 📍 Moonpreneur Studio, Boulder, CO.
   Hands-on fun with robotics, coding, and STEM challenges. Cost: Free. Registration required. Details here.

4. Jigsaw Puzzle Competition – 📅 Saturday, December 7, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 📍 Longmont Library.
   Compete with other puzzle enthusiasts for prizes. Cost: Free. Details here.

5. D.E.A.R. – Dogs Enjoy Afternoon Reading – 📅 Sunday, December 8, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 📍 Longmont Library.
   Children can read aloud to therapy dogs to improve literacy skills. Cost: Free. Details here.

6. All Month: Ornament Scavenger Hunt – 📅 Throughout December, 📍 Downtown Longmont.
   Explore downtown businesses to find ceramic snow globe ornaments displayed in their windows! Grab a clue sheet, track your discoveries, and enter for a chance to win exciting prizes. Cost: Free to participate. Details here.

7. TinkerMill: Astronomy on the Sidewalk - 📅 Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 🕒 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM,📍 Location: Downtown Longmont

   Explore the wonders of the night sky! Join TinkerMill for an evening of stargazing in Downtown Longmont. Using professional telescopes, you'll have the chance to observe celestial objects up close and learn from local astronomy enthusiasts. This unique and educational experience is perfect for all ages, so bring the whole family and dress warmly! Cost: Free to attend. Details: Learn more here

🧘‍♀️ Health & Wellness

1. Candlelight Yoga – 📅 Friday, December 6, 6:30 PM, 📍 Yoga Loft, Boulder, CO.
   A calming yoga session by candlelight to ease into the weekend. Cost: $15. Details here.

2. Guided Meditation & Sound Bath – 📅 Monday, December 9, 7:00 PM, 📍 Ripple Effect Yoga, Longmont, CO.
   Relax and rejuvenate with a soothing sound bath experience. Cost: $20. Details here.

3. Family Yoga Workshop – 📅 Sunday, December 8, 10:00 AM, 📍 Louisville Rec Center, Louisville, CO.
   Fun yoga for the whole family, with child-friendly poses and games. Cost: $10 per family. Details here.

4. Zumba in the Park – 📅 Saturday, December 7, 9:00 AM, 📍 Roosevelt Park, Longmont, CO.
   Dance your way into fitness with this high-energy outdoor class. Cost: Free. Details here.

5. Tai Chi in Nature – 📅 Wednesday, December 11, 8:30 AM, 📍 Bobolink Trailhead, Boulder, CO.
   Practice mindful movement with an expert guide in a serene setting. Cost: Free. Details here.

📚 Workshops & Learning

1. DIY Holiday Wreath Workshop – 📅 Friday, December 6, 5:30 PM, 📍 Lafayette Public Library.
   Craft your own holiday wreath with fresh greenery. Cost: $15. Registration required. Details here.

2. Birding Boulder County Through the Seasons – 📅 Saturday, December 7, 2:00 PM, 📍 Louisville Public Library.
   Learn about Boulder County’s ecosystems and birdwatching tips. Cost: Free. Details here.

3. STEM Saturdays – 📅 Saturday, December 7, 1:00 PM, 📍 Louisville Public Library.
   Fun, hands-on STEM projects for kids aged 8-12. Cost: Free. Details here.

🌦️ Weekly Weather Forecast

• Friday, December 6: Mostly Sunny, High 55°F, Low 34°F

• Saturday, December 7: Partly Cloudy, High 57°F, Low 38°F

• Sunday, December 8: Rain Likely, High 51°F, Low 28°F

• Monday, December 9: Snow Showers, High 37°F, Low 21°F

• Tuesday, December 10: Cloudy with Snow, High 42°F, Low 27°F

• Wednesday, December 11: Overcast, High 46°F, Low 30°F

• Thursday, December 12: Clear Skies, High 49°F, Low 32°F

With all our love.

The Boulder County Vibes Team