Light Up the Holidays in Downtown Boulder Beginning November 20, 2022
Celebrate the winter season with festive happenings on the Pearl Street Mall and beyond.
Boulder, CO [November 14, 2022] – Kick off the holiday season in downtown Boulder on November 20 with fun festive activities lasting the entire day. At 5 pm, Santa and helpers will flip the switch to illuminate the district in winter lights. The evening includes a performance by the Boulder Ballet and appearances from Santa, Mrs. Claus and downtown’s very own Freezie the Snowman.
Switch on the Holidays is a free annual event that celebrates the fantastic display of nearly 400,000 LED lights, colorful ornaments and snowflakes throughout the Pearl Street Mall, Boulder County Courthouse and Civic Area. “Downtown becomes a magical winter wonderland with the illumination of colorful lights throughout the district,” said Chip, Downtown Boulder’s CEO. “There is no better place to get into the holiday spirit than our amazing downtown.”
Switch on the Holidays begins a busy few months of activities including:
Snow Much Fun Virtual (AR) Experiences (November 20 - January 31) – New this year! Explore downtown Boulder through a new lens as you adventure through a self-guided augmented reality (AR) tour of the district. Scan QR codes on each block of the Pearl Street Mall as well as the East End and West End and throughout the Civic Area near the library to access fun filters via Instagram. Follow along on this winter wonderland trail and meet snowmen, penguins and more as you go!
Find Freezie (November 20 - December 23) – Find Freezie participants can enter for a chance to win one of several $25 Downtown Boulder Gift Cards. Starting November 20, find a Freezie in a downtown business and scan his accompanying QR code. Fill out a short form to be entered to win in weekly drawings! No phone on you? No problem! The Visitor Information Center (1303 Pearl St.) will have an enter-to-win box for those seeking a non-digital option. Plus, come downtown early during Switch on the Holidays for a chance to receive a free plush mini Freezie from participating businesses while supplies last.
Small Business Saturday Weekend (November 25 - 27) – Downtown Boulder is made up of over 80% locally owned and operated businesses..that’s a big reason to shop small! This Small Business Saturday (Weekend) and all winter long, be there to support small business owners who serve as the backbone of the community. Find the perfect gift while spreading holiday cheer!
St. Nick on the Bricks (Friday, November 25 and Saturdays from November 26 – December 24) – Santa and Mrs. Claus will welcome kids of all ages to visit and share wish lists during St. Nick on the Bricks from 11 am – 2 pm. Cameras are highly encouraged and selfies are welcome! Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus are FREE.
Lights of December Parade (December 3 | 6 pm) – Spectators are invited to enjoy floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches, schools, community groups and nonprofits during the annual Lights of December Parade. 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 (December 10 | 11 am - 3 pm) - A celebration of snowmen and the holiday season! Head to Freezie Fest on the Pearl Street Mall for free Reindeer Games (kids crafts and activities), train rides on the Snowflake Express, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus and a special appearance by Freezie the Snowman.
Information about holiday events can be found online at DowntownBoulderHolidays.com. The public is encouraged to park in one of the City of Boulder’s Parking Garages (every Saturday and Sunday year round, City of Boulder parking garages are free of charge). Information about downtown parking can be found online at BoulderParking.com.
Light Up the Holidays is produced by Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI). It is presented by Corwin Toyota Boulder and Tebo Properties. The event is sponsored by Capital One Cafe, City of Boulder, Daily Camera, Hotel Boulderado, Western Disposal Services and Xcel Energy.
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For more information:
General public: 303-449-3774 | events@downtownboulder.org
Press: Emi Smith, Marketing & Communications Manager
303-449-3774 (office)| emi@downtownboulder.org
About Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives
Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI) (formerly known as the Downtown Boulder Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created in 2017. The organization's mission is to engage visitors and locals alike through arts, culture, innovation and inclusive, community-driven experiences in downtown Boulder. (DBCIBoulder.org). DBCI, along with the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District, falls under the umbrella of the parent organization, the Downtown Boulder Partnership.