Things to Do Downtown
November has arrived, and Downtown Boulder is glowing with holiday cheer. The lights are twinkling, the air is crisp, and the city is buzzing with festive spirit. This month marks the start of the holiday season and a time to gather, celebrate, and make lasting memories in the heart of downtown.
Read on for things to do and check out our upcoming events calendar for November!
~Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives is a 501c3 organization that works to continue to provide free and accessible experiences to Boulder's community through annual events and experiences. We humbly request that you join us in our fundraising efforts to further support our cherished community events. We remain eternally grateful for your support. Looking for more information? Explore Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives.~
Highlights for November 2025
Switch on the Holidays
Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Boulder at Switch on the Holidays on Sunday, November 23! Festivities begin at 11 AM with the Downtown Boulder Cookie Crawl, featuring sweet treats and local shopping at participating businesses.
Then, head to the 1300 block of Pearl Street for an afternoon full of festive performances:
- 2:00 PM – Aspire Aerial Dance
- 3:30 PM – TubaChristmas
- 5:00 PM – Switch on the Holidays Main Program featuring Boulder Ballet and Boulder Chorale
- 5:20 PM (approx.) – Santa, Mrs. Claus, Freezie the Snowman & Freddy the Yeti flip the switch to light up downtown!
Free visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus continue at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center until 7 PM.
St. Nick on the Bricks
Celebrate the magic of the season with a visit from Santa in Downtown Boulder with St. Nick on the Bricks! Stop by the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center (1303 Pearl St) from 11 AM – 2 PM on Friday, November 28 and Saturdays, November 29, December 6, and December 13 for free photos and festive fun with St. Nick himself. Bring your wish list and a camera to capture the holiday cheer!
A $10 per-group donation is suggested to help keep the holiday spirit shining bright downtown.
Tebo Train's Snowflake Express
All aboard the Snowflake Express! Bring the kids downtown for a magical ride on the 100% electric Tebo Train on Sundays, November 30, December 7, and December 14 from 11 AM – 2 PM. Children ages 10 and under (and their grown-ups) can hop aboard in front of Wells Fargo (1242 Pearl St) for a festive journey down Pearl Street. The last train departs at 2 PM, so don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind holiday tradition!
A $5 per-group donation is suggested. (Weather permitting.)
Small Business Saturday Weekend
Celebrate the holiday season and support your local community during Small Business Saturday® Weekend in Downtown Boulder, November 28–30. Explore over 100 locally owned specialty shops, enjoy festive cheer, and find the perfect gifts while dining at downtown’s restaurants. Shopping small not only supports resilient, hard-working business owners but also keeps the heart and vibrancy of Boulder alive. Make your holiday season special by discovering unique gifts and experiences you can only find downtown!
Your Passport to Holiday Fun in Downtown Boulder
Ready, set, dash! From November 23 - December 31, Downtown Boulder’s holiday Downtown Dash is your chance to shop small, celebrate big, and win prizes along the way. Pick up a Dash Card (a business card-sized passport) at participating businesses or the Visitor Information Center, then collect stamps by making purchases or attending Downtown Boulder’s signature holiday events. Each completed card earns entries into weekly prize drawings and a grand prize in January - with bonus entries for visiting different areas downtown. It’s a simple, joyful way to spread cheer, support local businesses, and make your holiday shopping extra merry!
Common Good Forum at Pine Street Church
Join Pine Street Church for the 2nd Annual Common Good Forum: “Common Ground for the Common Good” on Saturday, November 8. This full-day event brings together activists, artists, thinkers, and dreamers to explore unity and collaboration in a divided world. Enjoy inspiring keynotes from Paula Stone Williams and comedian Nancy Norton, plus a “Civility in Civics” panel featuring four Colorado mayors. The day kicks off at 8:30 AM with coffee and conversation at 1237 Pine St. Tickets are offered on a sliding scale to ensure everyone can participate. Don’t miss this chance to connect, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue for the common good.
Boulder EATS! at the Museum of Boulder
Get ready to dig into Boulder’s delicious past (and present) from November 14, 2025 – July 26, 2026! The Museum of Boulder’s newest exhibition, Boulder EATS! Food Traditions Along the Front Range, celebrates how our city helped change the way America eats. From the rise of the natural foods movement to the immigrant chefs and farmworkers who shaped our local flavor, this vibrant exhibit explores the people, innovation, and community behind Boulder’s food scene.
Don’t miss the Grand Opening Celebration on November 15 from 5–7 pm, featuring tastings from local restaurants, immersive exhibits, and a commemorative glass to take home.
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Firefly Handmade Boulder Holiday Market on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16 from 10 AM – 4 PM on the Pearl Street Mall. Explore blocks of local artisans showcasing the best in craft, art, and design, all set amid downtown’s restaurants and unique shops. Find one-of-a-kind gifts, celebrate the season, and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the heart of Boulder!
Give Back This November with Food Drives
Fall Food Drive with Elevations Credit Union & Community Food Share runs now through November 17. Drop off non-perishable donations at Elevations’ downtown location or Community Food Share, and every donation will be matched to double the impact!
Food Drive for Harvest of Hope takes place throughout November at Frisco Tattoo. For every five items you donate, you’ll receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win free tattoo time and artist merchandise.
Help your community and make a difference this holiday season. Every donation counts!
Pearl Street Stampedes
The Pearl Street Stampedes bring CU home football excitement to Downtown Boulder, led by Stephen Tebo’s vintage 1948 fire truck and the Golden Buffalo Marching Band starting at 7 PM on the 1300 block of Pearl Street. Fans of all ages cheer on CU’s Spirit Squad and athletic teams with high fives, music, and lively celebration. Don’t miss the LAST Stampede of 2025 on Friday, November 21, a perfect chance to show Buffs pride and enjoy Downtown Boulder’s festive atmosphere!
Final Saturdays of the Boulder Farmers Market
The Boulder Farmers Market season is coming to a close, with just three Saturdays left! November 8, 15, and 22! Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the vibrant fall harvest and support local farmers and makers before the season wraps up. Stock up on fresh, local produce, artisanal goods, and cozy seasonal favorites like crisp apples, pumpkins, and baked treats. Come stroll the market, soak in the autumn atmosphere, and make the most of these final fall Saturdays in Downtown Boulder
Boulder Out to Lunch Day
Boulder's tradition, Go Out to Lunch Day occurs on the last Monday of each month! It’s time to show downtown restaurants some extra love during lunchtime while also enjoying a midday pick me up with your coworkers, friends, family or just yourself! Step away from your phone screens and phones and get back to your community.
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