Things To Do Downtown
Happy December! 'Tis the season to shop small, dine local and soak in all the holiday cheer Boulder has to offer. Stroll Pearl Street and the Civic Area in the evening to enjoy over 400,000 LED lights illuminating the district in stunning colors and displays - and don't forger to check out downtown virtually while you're there! Now grab your calendars - there is a lot going on this month!
Light Up the Holidays with Downtown Boulder and experience the joy of the season! Celebrations this month kick off with the Lights of December Parade on Saturday, December 3 and continue the following weekend with Freezie Fest on December 10. Plus, enjoy St. Nick on the Bricks every Saturday now through December 24! And the Boulder JCC and Boulder County Center for Judaism present the Community Menorah Lighting on the 1300 block of Pearl Street Mall on Monday, December 19.
New this year, experience Boulder through a new lens by participating in a virtual (AR) tour of downtown. Scan QR codes placed from the East End to the West End to the Civic Area, and meet snowmen, narwhals, penguins and more through Instagram filters. And don't forget to participate in Find Freezie! Locate a plush snowman in participating businesses now through December 23 and scan his accompanying QR code to be entered to win a $25 Downtown Boulder Gift Card (given away weekly).
Mark your calendars for the Right Here, Right Now UN Global Climate Summit, happening in town from December 1 - 4. The summit convenes global experts from over 50 countries to discuss the relation of climate change to human rights on a global scale, and how each area of civil society can work together to act on climate solutions. In-person and virtual registration is free and open to all.
In addition to our highlights below, you can always check out other downtown Boulder events that are going on on our events calendar.
As we continue to rebuild and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we humbly request that you join us in our efforts to support our cherished community events.
Highlights for December 2022
Lights of December Parade
Don't miss out on the annual Lights of December Parade on December 3 at 6 pm! Spectators are invited to enjoy floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches, schools, community groups and nonprofits. The grand finale includes an appearance by the jolly old man himself - Santa Claus! The parade starts at 15th & Walnut streets, heads west to Broadway, north on Broadway (with a reviewing stand at Broadway & Pearl), turns east on Spruce and finishes at 15th & Spruce.
Freezie Fest
Join us downtown on December 10 from 11 am - 3 pm for a celebration of winter and all things snowmen! This snowman extravaganza includes FREE train rides (weather permitting), visits with Santa and Reindeer Games (crafts and other activities) for all. Plus, play Find Freezie for a chance to win one of several $25 Downtown Boulder Gift Cards!
St. Nick on the Bricks
Every Saturday now through December 24, kids of all ages can visit with Santa for FREE outside on the 1300 Block of the Pearl Street Mall from 11 am - 2 pm. Bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories.
Snow Much Fun Virtual (AR) Experiences
Explore downtown Boulder through a new lens as you adventure through a self-guided AR tour of the district. Meet a snowman, an orca, polar bears and more as you scan QR codes on each block to access filters via Instagram. Journey from the East End, the Pearl Street Mall and the West End all the way to the Civic Area as you follow along on this winter wonderland trail! Runs now through January 31, 2023.
Post Holiday Sales
Starting December 26, enjoy Post Holiday Sales as you stroll throughout the district to shop at select specialty retailers. Downtown Boulder is made up of over 80% locally owned and operated businesses - that is a big reason to shop small for all of your post-holiday needs!
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Heard about something we're missing? We'd love to help share news of safe downtown activities - please email us!