Things to Do Downtown
December is here, and Downtown Boulder is shining brighter than ever. With the holidays in full swing, the streets are alive with twinkling lights, cheerful shoppers, and the unmistakable spirit of the season. It’s a time to slow down, savor the magic, and celebrate all the ways our community comes together in the heart of Boulder.
Thank you to everyone who came out to Switch on the Holidays! Missed the festivities or want to relive the magic? Check out our photo gallery to see all the smiles, sparkles, and special moments from the day!
Read on for things to do and check out our upcoming events calendar for December!
~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 December 2025
Colorado Gives Day
Celebrate the spirit of giving this season by supporting Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI) with Colorado Gives Day on Tuesday, December 9! This year, all new monthly donations are matched up to $100, doubling your impact.
Your support helps bring to life some of downtown’s most beloved events, including the Lights of December Parade, Bands on the Bricks, Munchkin Masquerade, the Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival, Pearl Street Arts Fest, the Snowflake Express, and many more community-driven celebrations that make Boulder vibrant year-round.
Chanukah on Pearl
Join the Boulder community for the annual Chanukah on Pearl on Monday, December 15 at 5:30 PM, featuring Boulder County’s largest outdoor Menorah lighting! This free festive evening includes live music by Steve Brodsky, a joyful Menorah lighting ceremony, traditional Chanukah treats, and hot chocolate. Families and friends of all ages are welcome to celebrate together in this cherished holiday tradition. Advance registration is strongly encouraged to help organizers plan for treats and communicate any updates.
Lights of December Parade
Bundle up and join the fun at the Lights of December Parade on Saturday, December 13 at 6 PM! This beloved community tradition brings together dazzling floats crafted by local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups celebrating holiday spirir. Spectators can grab a warm drink and enjoy the best views near the reviewing stand at Broadway & Pearl, where each group will be announced along the route.
The parade begins at 15th & Walnut, travels west to Broadway, heads north, and then loops east on Spruce before concluding at 15th & Spruce. And of course, the grand finale features Santa himself!
Participating in Downtown Dash? Don’t forget to stop by the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center before or after the parade to earn your event stamp.
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 Saturday 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. Grab a Dash card while you're there, and get stamped for Downtown Dash!
Downtown Dash
Dash into the holidays! From now through December 31, Downtown Dash gives you a fun way to shop local, enjoy festive events, and earn prizes. Grab a Dash Card at participating businesses or the Visitor Information Center, then collect stamps by making purchases or attending signature holiday happenings around downtown!
Every completed card counts as an entry into weekly prize drawings and the grand prize in January... plus, you can earn bonus entries by visiting different areas of downtown. It’s a cheerful, easy way to support local businesses while adding a little extra magic to your holiday season!
Snowflake Express
All aboard the Snowflake Express! Bring the little ones downtown for a magical ride on the 100% electric Tebo Train on Sundays, December 7 and December 14, from 11 AM – 2 PM. Children ages 10 and under (with their grown-ups) can hop on in front of Wells Fargo (1242 Pearl St) for a festive journey along Pearl Street. The last train leaves at 2 PM, so be sure to catch it!
A $5 per-group donation is suggested. (Rides operate weather permitting.)
Stop by the Visitor Information Center afterwards to get stamped for the Downtown Dash!
Santa Sightings at Rosetta Hall
Experience the magic of Miracle on Walnut Street at Rosetta Hall, running November 29 – December 27. Every Sunday from 11 AM – 2 PM, meet Santa himself in a winter wonderland filled with wreaths, music, snow, and holiday cheer.
Sip on seasonal cocktails, explore Rosetta’s holiday gift collections, and grab exclusive merch, perfect for your favorite food and drink lovers. Come for the sparkle, stay for the festive spirit!
Go 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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