Things to Do Downtown
~ Happy December ~
And just like that...we have reached the last month of 2024. Time flies when you are enjoying yourself downtown! The fun isn't over just yet...there is still quite a few signature winter events happening during Light Up the Holidays.
Have you seen the new winter light installations throughout downtown? Check out the new 3D present and picture frame sitting on the Boulder County Courthouse Lawn (1300 block of the mall) and the 3D heart on the West End of Pearl Street (in the alley between Bartaco and Centro Mexican Kitchen). They all make for the perfect winter photo ops - be sure to snap a pic and tag us on our socials @downtownboulder!
We want to hear from YOU! Five pairs of unique Adirondack-style chairs were hand-painted by local artists and installed in spots throughout the East End. Support your local artists and vote* for your favorite pair of chairs - the first, second and third winning artists will receive a cash prize! *Voting ends on December 14th.
Stay tuned...this year's Post Holiday Sale starts Thursday, December 26th with exclusive specials and happenings. Bookmark this page and check back in mid-December for the updated list of participating retailers.
Read on for more things happening in December - and don't forget to check out our event calendar and holiday event calendar for daily updates.
~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 like Pearl Street Arts Fest, Bands on the Bricks, etc. and experiences like the Tebo Train (Snowflake Express), Santa Visits at St. Nicks on the Bricks and other holiday happenings. This year, we humbly request that you join us in our fundraising efforts on Colorado Gives Day (December 10th) 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 2024
Snow Much Fun AR Experiences
Now through January 31st, 2025 | Pearl Street Mall
Winter has arrived downtown and with it came some of your favorite friends and activities from the North Pole! Now through January 31st, scan the QR code on the signage found throughout each block of the Pearl Street Mall to enjoy Snow Much Fun AR Experiences. This year's experiences include penguins in a snowglobe, dancing polar bears and two brand new interactive winter games! Looking for step-by-step instructions for these new experiences? Check out Virtual AR Experience's Frequently Asked Questions.
Lights of December Parade
Saturday, December 7th | 6 PM | Throughout Downtown
Downtown's annual Lights of December Parade returns Saturday, December 7th with festivities beginning at 6 PM. Cheer on the array of vibrant floats created by local businesses, churches, non-profit organizations and community groups finishing with a grand appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus!
This year's parade route will begin on 15th and Walnut streets, heading west to Broadway, north through the reviewing stand, turning east on Spruce and finishing on 15th and Spruce!
Freezie Fest & Cookie Crawl
Sunday, December 14th | 11 AM - 3 PM | Pearl Street Mall & Beyond
Light Up the Holidays wraps up with downtown's snowman celebration, Freezie Fest! Saturday, December 14th from 11 AM - 3 PM, enjoy free visits with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center, free Snowflake Express rides and reindeer games (arts and crafts) on the 1300 block of Pearl Street Mall while hanging out with downtown's own Freezie the Snowman!
During Freezie Fest, participate in the inaugural Cookie Crawl! Stop into participating retailers and restaurants for FREE delicious treats and other offerings (while supplies last)! Map out your cookie route by viewing the full list of participants.
Find Freezie
Now through Saturday, December 14th
Your favorite snowman has gone virtual! Now through December 14th, use your smartphone to Find Freezie inside participating businesses and be entered to win one of several $25 Downtown Boulder Gift Cards. Check out this year's Find Freezie rules and detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use this year's Augmented Reality experience on the featured FAQ page.
No smartphone? No problem! Head over to the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center (1303 Pearl) and fill out a paper entry to be entered to win. Gift card winners will be notified the week of December 16th - happy snowman searching!
St. Nick on the Bricks
Saturdays through December 14th | 11 AM - 2 PM
Saturdays, December 7th and December 14th from 11 AM - 2 PM, free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus return to the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center. Don't forget to bring your camera and your wish list! Santa is also hanging out on Walnut Street!Check out dates for Rosetta Hall's free Santa visits.
Coinciding with St. Nick on the Bricks, the 100% electric, Snowflake Express will provide free rides along Pearl Street (weather permitting). Learn more.
*In the spirit of the season of giving, please consider a suggested donation of $10 per group for St. Nick on the Bricks & suggested donation of $5 per group for Snowflake Express to the Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (501c3). Learn more about the organization today.
Chanukah On Pearl
Monday, December 30th | 5:30 PM - 7 PM | 1300 block
Monday, December 30th from 5:30 PM - 7 PM, join co-presenting sponsors, Boulder JCC and Boulder County Center for Judaism for the annual Community Menorah Lighting on the 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall. This special holiday tradition celebrates with a ceremonial menorah lighting, music, hot latkes, sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and more! Looking for more information? Check out the Boulder JCC's event website.
Ocean Bloom at Boulder Theater
Wednesday, December 11th | 6 PM - 11:30 PM
Conscious Roots, in partnership with Only One host a one-of-a-kind immersive concert experience, Ocean Bloom at the Boulder Theater! Enjoy cinematic underwater visuals and storytelling from Emmy award-winning filmmaker Shawn Heinrichs along with performances by Porangui, Liquid Bloom, Bloomurian, Hannah Mermaid and other artists! Get your tickets today.
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