46. Winterskate
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: Grab your skates! There are now two WinterSkate locations in Boulder County, one in the Steinbaugh Pavilion in historic downtown Louisville, and at Flatiron Crossing Mall in Broomfield. Skate rentals, lessons, and group discount rates are available.
47. Lights Of Downtown December Parade
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (303) 449-3774
Description: This eclectic parade on the first Saturday in December launches Boulder’s holiday season. Like many parades throughout the year, the route circumnavigates the pedestrian center. The parade is both sweet and hokey. You’ll see everything from Boulder’s Girl Scout troops with battery-operated Christmas lights in their hair to the local Polar Bear Club members prancing about the cold streets barefoot and bathing-suited, hopping into a hot tub on wheels whenever they need to warm up again. Eco-elves prance by in curled-toe green slippers, passing out information about recycling; local marching bands play; and gleaming antique cars and fire trucks get festooned with ornaments. The parade starts around 6 p.m.
48. Louisville Parade Of Lights
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (303) 666-5747
Description: Garlands swing from Main Street lamps, and choral groups perform by City Hall. There are open houses and hayrides. More than 20 floats join the parade, which starts at 7 p.m. on the first Friday in December.
49. Holiday Festival Concert
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (303) 492-8423
Description: This early December event is so popular, the auditorium fills up for the dress rehearsal in addition to the actual performance. Tickets go fast. University of Colorado College of Music students and faculty perform in a festively decorated Macky Auditorium. The program features Christmas favorites and seasonal music from various cultures. There are performances on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $12 for the rehearsal and prices range from $12 to $52 for the actual performance.
50. Historic Homes For The Holidays
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (303) 444-5192
Description: Grand homes deck their halls for the holidays, and everyone is invited to have a look during the first weekend in December. Mapleton Hill Victorians and Romanesque Uni-Hill homes are among those that have been part of the tour. The decorating by the owners and professionals is spectacular. This fund-raiser for Historic Boulder also includes a gift shop and drawings for door prizes. Ticket prices vary.
51. Messiah Sing-Along
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (303) 666-9016
Description: Professionals fly in to sing the solos, and the choir practices for weeks to lead a rousing rendition of Handel’s Messiah. But the passion comes from the regular folks who fill the pews. Some are practically pros, while others have never sung before, but they all join in for the rousing “Hallelujah Chorus,” which must be audible all the way to the heavens. There are two evening performances and one matinee the weekend before Christmas Eve. Tickets are $13.