Seasonal Events and Programming ‘Switch On’ November 23
Boulder, CO - [November 17, 2025] – Downtown Boulder invites the community to celebrate the start of the holiday season on Saturday, November 23, 2025, with a full day of family-friendly festivities, including a holiday Cookie Crawl, Switch on the Holidays, and opportunities to participate in the Downtown Dash.
The day begins with the Cookie Crawl from 11 am to 2 pm, visitors are invited to stroll through participating downtown businesses for free sweet treats while supplies last. Starting at 2 pm, Aspire Aerial Dance will perform on the 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall followed by a festive performance by TubaChristmas at 3:30 pm. The celebration continues at 5 pm with Switch on the Holidays, featuring live performances from Boulder Ballet and Boulder Chorale, as well as special appearances by Santa Claus, Freezie the Snowman, and Freddy the Yeti, who will flip the switch to illuminate downtown Boulder’s dazzling holiday lights. Thousands of LED lights will sparkle along Pearl Street Mall and the Boulder County Courthouse, creating a festive winter wonderland perfect for shopping, dining, and seasonal cheer (Santa will also stick around for photos and visits until 7 pm).
The inaugural Downtown Dash officially begins on November 23 and runs through December 31, 2025. The public is invited to collect stamps by making purchases at over 50 participating businesses and/or attending any one of Downtown Boulder's signature events including the Cookie Crawl, Switch on the Holidays and the Lights of December Parade. Stamps are collected on the official Dash Card and as stamp cards fill up, participants may enter into weekly giveaways and a grand prize drawing! It’s a simple, joyful way to get rewarded for supporting local businesses this holiday season.
Festivities continue through the remainder of the year with some of Downtown Boulder’s most iconic traditions:
St. Nick on the Bricks - Friday, November 28 & Saturdays November 29, December 6 & December 13, 2025 | 11 am – 2 pm
A cherished Boulder tradition! Families are invited to visit and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus for free at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center. Bring your wish list and a camera to capture the moment—donations of $10 per group are appreciated. Visitors participating in the Downtown Dash can request a Santa stop stamp from Visitor Center Ambassadors.
Tebo Train's Snowflake Express
Families can hop aboard the 100% electric Tebo Train's Snowflake Express, on Sundays, November 30, December 7, and December 14, from 11 am to 2 pm. Children ages 10 and under (accompanied by an adult) can enjoy a festive ride along Pearl Street, boarding in front of Wells Fargo at 1242 Pearl Street. A suggested donation of $5 per group helps support this special community experience. Guests participating in the Downtown Dash can stop by the Visitor Information Center after their ride to show their train sticker and earn a stamp toward prize drawings.
Small Business Saturday (Weekend) - November 28 - 30, 2025
Support Boulder’s incredible community of small businesses by shopping local throughout this holiday season. Many retailers will celebrate Small Business Saturday from the Friday after Thanksgiving throughout the holiday weekend and beyond! This is the perfect time to support small businesses who are crucial to our local economies and communities. The public is encouraged to come and shop at all the places that help make downtown Boulder vibrant, unique, and welcoming.
Lights of December Parade – Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 6 pm
One of the city’s most anticipated events returns as dozens of beautifully decorated floats, walking groups, marching bands, and community organizations parade through downtown. The event concludes with a special Santa appearance, spreading holiday joy to all lining the streets. The parade begins at 15th & Walnut streets, heads west to Broadway, north on Broadway, turns east on Spruce and finishes at 15th & Spruce.
Details about all holiday happenings can be found online at DowntownBoulderHolidays.com. Light Up the Holidays is produced by Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives, presented by Corwin Toyota Boulder and Elevations Credit Union and sponsored by City of Boulder, Daily Camera, Lifetime Home Remodeling and Yellow Scene Magazine.
For more information:
General Public: 303-449-3774 | events@downtownboulder.org
Press: Tana Benitez, Marketing & Communications Coordinator | 303-449-3774 ext. 5 | tana@downtownboulder.org
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About Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI)
Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2017. DBCI’s mission is to engage both visitors and locals through arts, culture, innovation, and inclusive, community-driven experiences in downtown Boulder. Learn more at DBCIBoulder.org. DBCI operates under the umbrella of the Downtown Boulder Partnership, alongside the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District.