Welcome to Your Holiday Happy Place!
Happy Holidays from Downtown Boulder! Whether you find your holiday spirit searching for the perfect gift for a friend or discovering the perfect gift for yourself, joy can be found in all shapes and boxes this season. If you find your festive mood over cozy cocktails and stunning plates, bring your friends and family downtown to share quality time at a local restaurant. With over 80% locally owned and operated businesses, Boulder is filled with charm and wonder sure to warm your spirit this winter. No matter where you find your holiday happy place, you can find it here.
November 20 - January 31
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, gingerbread people, 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!
Starts December 26, 2022
Post-Holiday Sales
Tie up your holiday season with a bow by visiting downtown Boulder during the most wonderful time of the year! 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. Shop local for all of your post-holiday needs.
November 20 - December 31, 2022
Support Community Food Share
Downtown Boulder is partnering with Community Food Share this holiday season to support their mission to eliminate hunger in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. You can support our fundraiser online and/or bring canned goods to our food drive at the Visitor Information Center (1303 Pearl Street) all season long.
2022
Downtown Boulder Holiday Gift Guide
Need a little gift giving inspiration? Check out the Downtown Boulder Holiday Gift Guide for a variety of unique ideas that support local businesses!
November 20 - December 23, 2022
Find Freezie
Do you want a $25 Downtown Boulder Gift Card? Find Freezie in participating businesses this winter season, scan its accompanying QR code and be entered for a chance to win! Plus, head downtown early on November 20 and visit select businesses to receive a free plush snowman while supplies last!
PAST: November 12 - 13, 2022
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
Starting on November 12 and continuing through November 13, over 80 Firefly artisans will fill the blocks of the Pearl Street Mall, featuring the best of local, handmade craft, art and design in a festive setting. The market will be held in the midst of all the fabulous restaurants and unique shops that downtown has to offer, making it a convenient location to do all of your holiday shopping and celebrating!
PAST: Sunday, November 20, 2022
Switch on the Holidays
Starting at 5 pm, kick off the holiday season as we flip the switch that illuminates lights along the Pearl Street Mall, Civic Area and around the Boulder County Courthouse! Includes a performance by the Boulder Ballet and FREE visits with Santa following the performance.
PAST: November 25 - 27, 2022
Small Business Saturday (Weekend)
Small businesses are like snowflakes, each one is unique. One small purchase can make a big difference. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year. Downtown Boulder businesses are over 80% locally owned and operated - please support local shops and restaurants who call downtown Boulder home this holiday season.
PAST: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Lights of December Parade
Starting at 6 pm, enjoy floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches, schools, community groups and nonprofits as they make a loop around downtown. The grand finale includes an appearance by the jolly old man himself - Santa Claus!
PAST: Saturday, December 10, 2022
Freezie Fest
Join us from 11 am - 3 pm for a celebration of winter and all things snowmen! This snowman extravaganza includes train rides, visits with Santa and free Reindeer Games (crafts and other activities) for all!
PAST: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
Ugly Sweater Bar Tour
Put on your best ugly sweater and grab some co-workers for the Ugly Sweater Bar Tour! Participating restaurants include Ash'Kara, Avanti, Bohemian Biergarten, Gemini and more!
PAST: Monday, December 19, 2022
Chanukah on Pearl
The Boulder JCC and Boulder County Center for Judaism present the Community Menorah Lighting on the 1300 block of Pearl Street Mall. This annual, all-ages, outdoor event is open to the entire community and has become a fun holiday tradition for many local families. The festivities begin at 5:30 pm and include the Menorah lighting, music, sufganiyot (jelly donuts), hot chocolate, and Chanukah favors.
Saturdays, December 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2022
St. Nick on the Bricks
From 11 am - 2 pm, kids of all ages can visit with Santa for FREE outside on the 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall - and enjoy a FREE ride on the 100% Electric Tebo Train aka Snowflake Express (weather permitting)!