Editors Picks | November 2024

Best Festivals, December 2024

Great minds think alike, as both Erie and Louisville are hosting separate events, both called the “Parade of Lights,” on the same day, December 6. The Erie event from 4:00-9:00 features choir performances by local schoolchildren at Orchard Community Church, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Coal Creek Park, and a parade that kicks off from Perry Street & Briggs and ends up Kattell St. and Cheesman. Louisville’s event similarly features choirs at Walnut & Main, visits with Santa behind Bittersweet Cafe, and a parade that heads up Main Street from South Street to Elks.

Not to be outdone, the City of Boulder itself has the Lights of December Parade going on December 7 at 6 p.m. Kicking off at 15th and Walnut and finishing at 15th and Spruce, the parade features spectacular floats from local churches, schools, businesses, and non-profits, to be capped off by an appearance from Kris Kringle himself.

Santa is making a lot of stops in Boulder County this year, as he’s also planning to stop by the It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration that’s happening on December 8 at Lafayette Plaza from 4:00-6:00 p.m.. In addition to a Santa photo op table near Lafayette Historical Society‘s Old Betsy, there’s also going to be a tree lighting and train rides on the Lafayette Express. Plus there’s a no-host bar for the adults and food from Sideboard Lafayette and Round Table Pizza, making it an event for anyone.

CU Boulder’s Holiday Festival, taking place from December 6-8, is a celebration of holiday music with performances from student choirs, bands, faculty orchestras, and guest performers brought to you by the renowned CU Boulder College of Music.

For those who want to not just take a picture with St. Nick but hang out with him, too, Superior Winter Fest also features skating with Santa, as well as a winter market, a hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating, and s’mores stations.

As Christmas isn’t the only holiday being celebrated this season, CU Boulder’s Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS) is holding a Kwanzaa Celebration at Abram’s Lounge on December 5 from 5:00-6:45. Geared not only towards CU students but also towards community members who want to learn about and celebrate the holiday, the event will feature traditional rituals and a Kwanzaa feast for attendees.