Switch on the Holidays kicks off the winter season of free community events and activities in
downtown Boulder!
Boulder, CO [November 18, 2024] – The magic of the holiday season returns to downtown Boulder this Sunday, November 24, as CU Boulder’s most popular and beloved fan - Peggy Coppom - flips the switch to light up the district’s dazzling holiday lighting displays during Switch on the Holidays. This favorite yearly tradition starts at 5 pm on the 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall and features live performances from the Boulder Ballet and Boulder Chorale, alongside special appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus and Freezie the Snowman.
The evening marks the start of a spectacular season with more than 300,000 LED lights illuminating the Pearl Street Mall and Boulder County Courthouse. Switch on the Holidays is a free celebration welcoming everyone to experience the joy of downtown Boulder this winter.
Festive activities and events will continue through the new year, including:
Snow Much Fun Virtual (AR) Experiences (November 24 - January 31): Discover downtown Boulder’s winter wonderland through a self-guided augmented reality (AR) tour. Scan QR codes in flowerbed posters located along the Pearl Street Mall, the East and West Ends and in participating businesses throughout the district. A web based experience produced by Boulder’s own Reality Mint will reveal delightful surprises like polar bears, penguins and winter games - making for a magical adventure for all ages.
Find Freezie Virtual Scavenger Hunt (November 24 - December 14): Join the hunt for virtual Freezie’s waiting to be discovered in participating downtown businesses! Find one, scan the QR code, and fill out a quick form to be entered into a drawing for one of several Downtown Boulder Gift Cards. Prefer a non-digital option? Stop by the Visitor Information Center (1303 Pearl St.) to enter in person.
Small Business Saturday [Weekend] (November 29-December 1): Celebrate local! Downtown Boulder boasts over 70% locally owned and operated shops and restaurants. This holiday season, visitors are encouraged to support the heart of the community by shopping and dining locally, whether on Small Business Saturday (Weekend) or any day of the year.
St. Nick on the Bricks (Friday, November 29, and Saturdays, November 30 - December 14): Bring the family to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus inside the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Capture the holiday spirit with free photos – selfies encouraged!
Lights of December Parade (December 7 | 6 p.m.): Celebrate Boulder’s hometown holiday tradition with floats crafted by local businesses, schools and community groups. The parade begins at 15th & Walnut, heads west to Broadway, loops past the reviewing stand at Broadway & Pearl, and finishes at 15th & Spruce.
Freezie Fest with a Cookie Crawl (December 14 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.): Join Freezie the Snowman on the 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall for a snowman-themed celebration! Kids can enjoy free crafts, train rides on the Snowflake Express, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Keep an eye out for Freezie the Snowman as he makes special appearances throughout the event. New this year, enjoy some sweet treats on the Cookie Crawl while exploring some of downtown’s best shops and restaurants.
Find full details for all holiday activities at DowntownBoulderHolidays.com. While all events are free to attend, donations to support St. Nick on the Bricks and the Snowflake Express are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated. Parking is easy too – every Saturday and Sunday year round, City of Boulder parking garages are free Learn more at BoulderParking.com.
Light Up the Holidays is brought to you by Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI), with presenting sponsors Corwin Toyota Boulder and Google, and support from the City of Boulder, Daily Camera, YellowScene and KNGU radio.
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For more information:
General public: 303-449-3774 | events@downtownboulder.org
Press: Terri Takata-Smith, VP of Marketing and Communications
303-449-3774 (office)| terri@downtownboulder.org
About Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives
Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI) 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. DBCI, along with the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District, falls under the umbrella of the parent organization, the Downtown Boulder Partnership.