Boulder's Holiday Season 2013
Memories are made with traditional favorites, new-fangled events and mild weather
The holiday season in Boulder is a mixture of events that run the gamut - from traditional and expected to the whimsical and surprising. In this Colorado college town known for its independent spirit and love of the outdoors, there are many festive events that will create life-long holiday memories.
Flagstaff Star Illumination
Nov 18, 2013
For more than 70 years, the giant star on Flagstaff Mountain shines throughout the holiday season. This year the star was upgraded with energy efficient bulbs.
Switch on the Holidays
Nov 24, 2013
See downtown Boulder come alive with sparkling lights and a visit from Santa. The Boulder Chorale performs and Santa counts down to the grand illumination of downtown Boulder - including the iconic art-deco Boulder County Courthouse and the Pearl Street Mall. Stick around for free visits with Santa until 7:00.
Santa's Arrival & Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Twenty Ninth Street
Nov 29, 2013
Watch Santa arrive by horse-drawn carriage and light up the tree! Afterwards, see his reindeer, take a carriage ride, listen to carolers and get your photo taken with him. They'll be hot drinks and cookies - even a gift for the little ones. Twenty Ninth Street is Boulder's outdoor shopping mall with a mix of casual and upscale shops and restaurants.
St Nick on the Bricks
Nov 29 & 30 and Dec 7, 14, 21, 2013
On the Pearl Street Mall in historic downtown Boulder, kids of all ages can visit with Santa. Bring your camera! Afterwards, spend time on Boulder's beloved and iconic street watching the street performers, ducking in out of decorated shops and strolling along sidewalk cafes.
The Nutcracker
Nov 29-Dec 1, 2013
America's favorite ballet is brought to life by the Boulder Ballet and a live performance by the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra in 100-year-old grand theater. This is one of only two Denver metro-area companies offering a full scale production with a professional ballet company and live orchestra. Classical choreography is infused with theatrical magic and circus arts.
CU Presents
December 6-8, 2013
For more than 60 years, Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, located on the CU campus, hosts one of Boulder's most loved holiday concerts. The College of Music's choirs, orchestras, ensembles, and soloists perform The Holiday Festival in the beautifully decorated 101-year-old auditorium. Also, for a very special Winter Solstice, The Turtle Island String Quartet and Tierney Sutton heat up the season with world holiday music.
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
Dec 6-8, 2013
From art to accessories, stitches to stationery, bring a piece of Boulder home with you. Over 80 Colorado indie-craft artisans bring the best in handmade gifts to downtown Boulder. There's even treats from a local baker and a self wrapping station.
Scrooge's Holiday Flight
Dec 6-8, 2013
Boulder's aerial dance company, Frequent Flyers Productions, takes its inspiration from the traditional "Christmas Carol" and turns it upside down- literally! Instead of traditional ballet, the student company uses the low-flying trapeze, stilts, hoop, and aerial fabric.
Miracle on 29th Street
Dec 7, 14, 21, 2013
Celebrate the season at Boulder's outdoor shopping center. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides, reindeer, ice skating and Santa visits all add to the festive atmosphere. Twenty Ninth Street is a shopping and dining destination with a mix of casual and upscale shops and restaurants.
Lights of December Parade
Dec 7, 2013
Boulder's 26th annual hometown parade meanders through historic downtown Boulder. Hear marching bands, watch floats go by and get a feel of Boulder's distinctive lifestyle during this night-time parade. The grand finale includes an appearance by the jolly old man himself - Santa Claus!
New Year's Day
January 1, 2014
Shift your focus from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day with the Polar Plunge at the Boulder Reservoir. Join hundreds of other brave and adventurous souls and celebrate the New Year by jumping into 39 degree water. For 30 years, it's been the way Boulder's outdoor fanatics ring in the New Year.
Weather
Boulder is located at the foot of Colorado's mountains which makes for surprisingly mild weather. We have more than 300 days of sunny blue skies. Having at least an inch of snow on the ground on Christmas Day isn't too unusual, but having actual snowfall on Christmas Day is much rarer. If the weather is warm, you could rent a bike or go for a hike.
Located 35 minutes northwest of Denver and 45 minutes from Denver International Airport, Boulder is a captivating community enriched with natural beauty, hip urban culture and a vibrant love of the outdoors. Visit Boulder and experience its distinctive lifestyle overflowing with world-class restaurants, inspired shopping and art, unbeatable people watching, and thousands of acres of wide open spaces.
Contact: Kim Farin, Public Relations and Projects Manager
Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau
2440 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado
303-938-2066
Photos: Photo Tour