“There’s no place like home for the holidays” takes on new meaning this year. We’ve all spent an exorbitant amount of time within our residences and the ultimate gift would be the opportunity to gather, hug, share spiked eggnog and maybe even belt out Wham’s “Last Christmas” with distant cousins after indulging in the aforementioned ‘nog.
But as restrictions and safety guidelines brought on by COVID remain in place, people’s celebrations will likely look significantly different from last year. Don’t fret. Your holiday social calendar doesn’t have to be as sparse as Charlie Brown’s tree. The Front Range is doing its darndest to still keeping things merry and bright with an array of in-person and virtual events.
Who would have thought kids would be waving to Santa from the other side of a plexiglass barricade or having Zoom conferences with him to go over their wish list, but these are the unprecedented times we find ourselves in.
As always, be sure to check online to see if these planned happenings are still occurring or if they have been swiftly removed from the itinerary — much like that fishnet-clad leg lamp, from the window, in 1983’s “A Christmas Story.”
Mask up in your most festive face-covering, grab your spruce-scented sanitizer and venture out or fire up your device for some cyber celebrations.
Boulder
Community Menorah Lighting The annual menorah lighting on Pearl Street has moved online for the first night of Hanukkah. Join the Boulder County Center for Judaism for virtual latkes, inspiring words from Rabbi Scheiner and music by Steve Brodsky; 5:30-6:30 p.m., Dec. 10; free; boulderjcc.org.
Snow Much Fun Downtown Boulder and the City of Parks and Rec have partnered to create a safe, in-person, self-guided light tour. The Boulder Bandshell has been transformed into “Candy Cane Lane.” On the 1200 block of Pearl Street, near Lush Cosmetics, passersby can take in a purple tree — a homage to Prince. There are also plenty of photo ops to be had with a family of glowing reindeer and a tribe of bears set up on the Boulder Courthouse lawn; various locations in downtown Boulder and Civic Area; through Jan. 10; free; boulderdowntown.com.
Letters to St. Nick The jolly guy in red won’t be able to visit one-on-one with kids this year, but tikes can still drop letters off for him in a special mailbox located within the Capital One Café. Letter writers should include an email for Santa to write back. Kids can email Santa now at santa@downtownboulder.org; Capital One, 1247 Pearl St.; now through Dec. 19; drop off when the café is open, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; free; boulderdowntown.com.
Find Freezie Bingo We’ve all heard of Elf on a Shelf, but here’s a chance to win a $25 gift card to participating downtown merchants. Download PDF bingo cards that list the store locations where you can spot the stuffed snowman. Gift card prize drawings will happen weekly through Dec. 19; free; boulderdowntown.com.
Window Display Contest Don your most festive mask to stroll downtown Pearl Street and check out storefronts decked out with gorgeous displays through Dec. 31. Those who don’t wish to venture out in person can check out the twinkling displays online. boulderdowntown.com.
WinterFest Visit the dazzling WinterFest bear sculptures, as part of Art in the Park, designed by 15 local creatives, which are placed around Chautauqua Park’s wonderland of a campus. The bears will remain up through an auction on May 1. Bring along your phone and partake in an on-site cyber scavenger hunt at your leisure; Dec. 11–May 1, 2021; 900 Baseline Road, free; chautauqua.com/winterfest2020.
General Store Holiday Shopping Pop-Up and Grand Reopening To celebrate the reopening of its General Store, Chautauqua is hosting a two-day pop-up on the porch and grounds. Teeming with everything from local honey and pastries to leather goods, the historic space provides unique gifts for everyone on your list; Grand Reopening: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec.11; Holiday Pop-Up 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 12-13; The General Store at Chautauqua, 900 Baseline Road; free; chautauqua.com.
A Mary Galey Holiday Pay a virtual visit to this restored and festively decorated historic cottage; starting Dec. 11; chautauqua.com.
Boulder Ballet Presents the Nutcracker Suite Engage in this holiday tradition with a virtual twist. The classic production will feature students of the Boulder Ballet school with guest performances by the company, Peter Davison, George Thomas and Mark Ragan. GB Culinary will be selling Nutcracker-inspired savory and sweet snack boxes on opening night (Dec. 13), with 20% of all snack box proceeds benefitting Boulder Ballet; 2 p.m. Dec. 13-Jan. 1, 2021; tickets to the online performance are donation-based; boulderballet.org.
Making Merry – Greatest Hits Stories on Stage presents its fan-favorite holiday show virtually this year. Gabriella Cavallero, Jamie Horton and Candy Brown will be performing beloved holiday classics and David Nehls will be providing the music; 1:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 13, $15; storiesonstage.org.
Hotel Boulderado Pre-Christmas Pop-Up Dinner Treat yourself to cuisine on the patio of The Corner Bar or arrange to pick up the food for an intimate evening in. Venture inside to check out this classic hotel’s towering tree set up for the season; 3-8 p.m. Dec. 18-19; The Corner Bar; 2115 13th St.; $55 per person; boulderado.com.
CU Presents Holiday Festival While audiences won’t be able to attend an in-person show at Macky this season, they can watch all the stellar performances while at home, sipping cocoa; available to stream through Jan. 4; $20-$80; cupresents.org.
Art Parts Holiday Bazaar Explore this eclectic art mart filled with upcycled art, jewelry and other crafts handmade by local artists; multiple dates through Jan. 2; Bricolage Gallery; Art Parks Creative Reuse Center, 2860 Bluff St.; free; artpartsboulder.org.
A Christmas Story Takeout Dinner Remember that scene from “A Christmas Story” when the Parkers lose their roasted turkey to the neighbor’s unruly dogs? They go out to Chop Suey Palace for Chinese food and once again joy is restored. West End Tavern is carrying on the tradition with a meal inspired by the film. Pre-order and enjoy a Chinese-style feast, at home, featuring spare ribs and duck straight out of West End’s smoker, along with fried rice, bao, Brussels sprouts, rice pudding and more; 4-7 p.m. Dec. 24; $70 for 2 and $140 for 4; cocktails and more available to add; thewestendtavern.com.
Denver Metro
I Love Christmas Movies Are you a fan of “The Polar Express,” “Elf” or “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?” Now, you can walk through your favorite Christmas movies in this all-new, never-before-seen 17,000-square-foot multi-sensory pop-up exhibit; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., multiple dates through Jan. 3; Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center; 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora; $13.99 – $24.99; gaylordrockies.com.
House of Christmas Lights Marvel at 12,000 Christmas lights all programed to music by one of Castle Rock’s best DJs. You’ll hear classics like “Jingle Bells” and “Little Drummer Boy,” in addition to modern hits like “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd. There’s even a COVID song; 4028 Ashcroft Ave., Castle Rock; 5:30–8:30 p.m.; multiple dates through Dec. 26; free; facebook.com/castlerockdjandsound.
Oh What Fun Shoppers at The Orchard can take in the shopping district’s marvelous light displays from the backseat of a carriage; 5-9 p.m. and 2-9 p.m. multiple days through Dec. 20; Macy’s, 14535 Delaware St., Westminster; free; theorchardtowncenter.com.
Estes Park
Estes Park Quota Festival of Trees View the beautifully decorated trees on display through Dec. 18. Chances for the trees are $1 per ticket, $5 for six tickets and $10 for 13 tickets. Many trees include gift certificates to local restaurants and stores; 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 18; The Estes Park Resort, 1700 Big Thompson Ave.; facebook.com/TasteOfEstes.
Yuletide Lights Driving Tour Take a cruise through beautiful Estes Park and visit festive local businesses and residential houses on a self-guided driving tour. Then stretch those legs and take a walk around to gaze at the decorated storefronts and display windows, many of which are participating in the Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Find the tour map at visitestespark.com/holiday-lights.
Holiday Caravan Lights Tour Kicking off from the library, a firetruck will lead a caravan of cars through a lights tour around town; 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14; Estes Valley Public Library, 335 E. Elkhorn Ave.; free; esteschamber.org/holidays.
Elk of Estes Holiday Scavenger Hunt The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a scavenger hunt to find Santa’s special partner, a local bull elk posing as Rudolph. Participants can hunt down messages, fill out a game card and email a picture of the game card to admin@esteschamber.org to be entered into the weekly raffle drawing; through Dec. 20; Raffle prize drawings will be held Dec. 14 and 21; esteschamber.org/holidays.
Santa Comes to Town The jolly man will be social-distant visiting outside Macdonald Book Shop offering children a chance to safely see the man in red. Reservations are required, call 970-586-3450 or email contact@macdonaldbookshop.com. The first 50 families to sign up receive a book and a family ornament from Simply Christmas; 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12; 152 E. Elkhorn Ave.; free; macdonaldbookshop.com.
Fort Collins
Garden of Lights Walk through a winter wonderland that’s lit up by an insane amount of LED lights. After a recent expansion, this year’s event will feature even more light sculptures and music; 5-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 27; Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave.; $5-$10; fcgov.com/gardens/garden-of-lights.
Little Zurich Holiday Market This outdoor marketplace will host a variety of crafts and activities like candle dipping and wreath making. Sit by the fire pit beneath twinkling lights and sip on hot chocolate, mulled wine and pressed cider. The courtyard will feature vendor huts that will safely house rotating creators and artisans; 4-8 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through Dec. 31; Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House, 316 Willow St.; free; wolverinefarm.org.
NoCo Winter Wonderland Drive through a mile stretch of twinkling lights and wildlife-themed light sculptures. The tour takes 15 minutes, reserved timed entry is required by booking online; 5-9 p.m. various dates through Dec. 31; Colorado Youth Outdoors, 4927 E. County Road 36; $20 per vehicle; nocowinterwonderland.com.
Canyon Concert Ballet’s Nutcracker Boutique Shop for the holidays with an array of nutcrackers, ornaments, plush toys and more. All proceeds support the nonprofit dance school and ballet company; 2-6 p.m. Dec. 12; Canyon Concert Ballet lobby, 1031 Conifer St.; free; ccballet.org.
Socially Distant Santa Sightings Santa will chillin on the Grand Staircase where visitors can wave, deliver him a letter through a “magic mailbox” and receive a free toy and keepsake photo in front of the tree; noon-4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 20; The Elizabeth Hotel, 111 Chestnut St.; free; fb.me/e/1mSgRW4x2.
Frederick
Estes Valley Chamber Singers at Rinn Revel in a cappella songs of the season with this Christmas concert that can be experienced in person or virtually. If you plan to physically attend the concert at Rinn Church, please contact Scott Anderson at 303-995-3541 or Scottsbluff2@gmail.com for a reservation; 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Dec. 12; Rinn United Methodist Church, 3783 Bella Rosa Parkway, Frederick;
facebook.com/RinnUnitedMethodistChurch
Longmont
Chanukah Drive-In and Menorah Lighting Chabad Jewish Center of Longmont is hosting this multi-media experience for all ages. Enjoy a showing of 1979’s “The Frisco Kid” safely, from the comfort of your car. Popcorn, latkes and doughnuts will be served; 5:45-8 p.m. Dec 10; Longmont Museum parking lot, 400 Quail Road, Longmont; $18 per car; jewishlongmont.com.
Drive-In Holiday Movies “Four Christmases,” enjoy this laugh-out-loud holiday comedy starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn; 8 p.m., Dec. 12; “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” revisit this holiday classic about the beauty and kindness of the season; 5 p.m., Dec. 19; “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” watch the antics of the Griswolds in this seasonal cult classic; 8 p.m.; Dec. 20; Village at the Peaks (Regal Cinema parking lot) 1250 S. Hover Road, $10 per car; VillageAtThePeaks.com.
The Santa Truck Catch Kris Kringle, who has ditched his sleigh for a decorated truck, and will talk to kiddos from a distance using a microphone. Drop off letters and include contact information to get a card. Time slot reservation preferred but not required; text 970-903-9192; 1-4 p.m. Dec. 13; Longmont Elks Lodge #1055, 306 Coffman St.; free.
Ugly Holiday Sweater Fashion Show Contest This show, streamed live on Firehouse Art Center’s Facebook Page, will feature musical performances by David Hartman, as well as Holiday Greetings from Firehouse staff, volunteers and past exhibiting artists. Interspersed throughout the event will be pictures submitted by contestants vying to win the title of “Ugliest Holiday Sweater.” The deadline to submit your ugly sweater entry to holidaysweater@firehouseart.org is Dec. 16. Firehouse is also selling kits to create your own wearable masterpiece; 6 p.m.-7:30 Dec. 17; $5 to enter the fashion show, winners will receive prizes; firehouseartcenter.org.
Santa at The Bee Hugger Farm Kids can deliver their letter to Santa, who will be sitting on a big tractor. A smaller tractor, nearby, will be where the kids can sit for photo ops with the merry man. Warm up with hot cocoa and other surprises; text 303-330-8277 to reserve a time slot; 1-4 p.m. Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m Dec 19; The Bee Hugger, 12590 Ute Highway; $15-$20; facebook.com/HoneyHarvestsHappiness.
Socially Distant Visits with Santa St. Nick will be behind plexiglass ready to hear all the Christmas wishes of those young and old. Santa’s helpful elf will relay messages from to Santa; reservations required; all guests over 2 years of age must wear a mask. Only two families at a time will be allowed in the tent; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Multiple dates through Dec. 20; Village at The Peaks; 1250 S. Hover Road; $5; villiageatthepeaks.com.
Winter Market: Open-Air Pavilion Series Wibby Brewing has set up a unique and safe shopping experience, featuring one-of-a-kind products from local makers throughout the Front Range. Peruse jewelry, woodworking, ceramics, hanging and pallet art, cacti, scarves, hats, masks, accessories, wallets, soaps, decor, salsas, signs and much more, while jamming to live music and enjoying a beer; noon-4 p.m. Dec 12-13; Wibby Brewing, 209 Emery St.; free; wibbybrewing.com.
Video Calls with Santa Parents can sign up for up to five kids at a time to video conference with Santa while he is working away in his North Pole workshop; 2:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13; free. rec.ci.longmont.co.us.
Loveland
Winter Wonderlights Celebrate the holidays at this glorious walkable light attraction. Each night, enjoy holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, illuminated African stone sculptures and a 30-minute music and light show; 5-9 p.m. Multiple dates through Jan. 1; Chapungu Sculpture Garden, 6105 Skypond Drive; free; canned food donations to support the Loveland Food Bank will be accepted on weekends; chapunguatcenterra.com.
Christmas Walk in the Woods Book a private stroll for you and up to 14 people in your party. There will be plenty of chances to take photos with festive backdrops that include Santa’s house, Elf workshop, 1968 Chevrolet Christmas Truck and more. Dogs are allowed; The Savage Woods, 1750 Savage Road; multiple days from now through Jan. 21; $45; ChristmasWalkintheWoods.com.
Christmas Lights Driving Tour Join a “car train” and take in the neighborhood’s light displays from the comfort of your car; 6 p.m. Sunday; Taft Gardens, 1525 Gard Drive; free; facebook.com/events/206693084161587.
NoCo Secret Santa’s Free ‘Toy’ Store While this event was originally designed as a way for kids in need to select free toys, this year it has morphed into a gift card-donation drive. Folks moved to donate can drop off Walmart, Amazon, Target or Visa gift cards to locations throughout Loveland, including Shippers’ Supply Custom Pack, Tilted Barrel Brew Pub, Satori Tattoo, Ebb and Flow Healing and other locations on Dec. 12.
Downtown’s 25 Days of Christmas Through Dec. 25, Downtown Loveland will feature special holiday promotions from various local businesses. Purchase gift cards, order curbside pickup or delivery and shop in-person and online to support local shops; fb.me/e/1jJJygs96.
Hunt for the Holiday Gnomes Be on the lookout for Herbie, Loveland’s holiday gnome, and all of his gnome friends around town. To play, download the free app EVENTZEE to find out where they are, to meet them and to complete their challenges. Snap photos with the gnomes and be entered into the contest. Show the completed badge at the Loveland Visitors Center from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday to claim your prize; visitlovelandco.org/gnomes.
Niwot
Downtown Niwot Holiday Magic Get in on the festive fun with carolers, treats and more. Festival drinks include hot apple cider, eggnog, mulled wine and other refreshing offerings. Enjoy live music, business pop-ups, appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, horse and carriages, ice sculptures and a “Nutcracker” dance; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Dec. 12; Historic downtown Niwot; free; niwot.com.
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COVID the Grinch has nothing on these 2020 Front Range holiday events - Boulder Daily Camera
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