Light Displays and Carriage Rides This Weekend!
As the holiday season arrives, Northern Colorado and Colliers Hill transform into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, festive parades, and cherished traditions. From dazzling light displays and European-style Christmas markets to tree lighting ceremonies, horse-drawn carriage rides, and performances like Handel’s Messiah, these heartwarming events capture the joy and magic that make this season unforgettable.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, December 4
SATURDAY CARRIAGE RIDES
Get into the holiday spirit with free horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown Erie! ALLO Fiber and Downtown Erie team up to bring you this delightful experience as part of Shop Small Saturday. Bundle up and enjoy a magical ride through the festive streets while supporting local businesses.
TOMORROW, Friday, December 5
ERIE PARADE OF LIGHTS
Experience the magic as twinkling floats light up downtown Erie! Start your evening with local school choirs, free carriage rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus before the dazzling parade begins. Enjoy open skating at Coal Creek Park, hot chocolate at Orchard Community Church, and food vendors throughout the area.
BROOMFIELD HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Welcome Santa Claus to Broomfield in spectacular style! The air fills with caroling from local schoolchildren as the Mayor lights the community holiday tree. Enjoy free cookies, festive wagon rides through Community Park, and precious moments with Santa himself at this beloved annual tradition.
LOUISVILLE PARADE OF LIGHTS
Watch downtown Louisville transform into a winter wonderland! Twinkling floats and marching bands parade down Main Street while local choirs and musicians provide festive entertainment. Arrive early for visits with Santa and holiday fun before the spectacular parade at 7 p.m.
Downtown Louisville, 1000 Main St, Louisville
5:30 p.m. (performances and Santa); 7:00 p.m. (parade)
Tickets: Free
Friday–Saturday, December 5–6
GIFT OF HOME TOUR 2025
Step back in time and experience Christmas the way it was meant to be—simple, joyful, and full of heart! Tour three of Longmont’s beautifully decorated historic homes including Hoverhome, Callahan House, and Sandstone Ranch, with no vendors or shopping to distract from the timeless architecture and warm holiday spirit. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley, helping hardworking families achieve affordable homeownership.
Multiple Longmont Historic Homes
Fri., 4:00–8:00 p.m. (General Admission/VIP); Sat., 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20–$45
Friday–Sunday, December 5–7
5TH ANNUAL SJB CHRISTMAS MARKET
Discover unique treasures at this authentic European-style Christmas market featuring 17 festive booths! Browse handmade crafts, local jewelry, and one-of-a-kind gifts while savoring chimney cakes, baked goods, mulled wine, and beer. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, and meet St. Nick in this magical holiday atmosphere perfect for the whole family.
323 Collyer St, Longmont
Fri., 4:00–8:00 p.m.; Sat., 12:00–7:30 p.m.; Sun., 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
DEFINING SCROOGE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Delve into the villain backstory of Ebenezer Scrooge in this original homegrown musical! Written by Rob Mess with music by Bob Wood, this fresh take explores the events and influences that shaped literature’s most iconic miser. The production blends heartfelt storytelling with captivating musical numbers, inviting audiences to reflect on themes of transformation, redemption, and the human spirit.
Longmont Performing Arts Center, 513 Main St, Longmont
Dec. 5–14 (specific times vary)
Tickets: $17–$38
Saturday, December 6
ADAMS COUNTY CRAFT SHOWS: HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW
Shop exclusively handmade treasures at this beloved Adams County Museum fundraiser! Browse unique gifts created by local artisans in a festive atmosphere at the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds. Parking is free and children twelve and under get in free.
Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Rd, Brighton
9:00 a.m.
Tickets: $5 (children 12 and under free; cash only)
Saturday, December 6
THE “GENTLE” NUTCRACKER
Experience Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker Ballet in a sensory-friendly abridged version designed for individuals with special needs and their families! The Longmont Symphony Orchestra and Boulder Ballet present this inclusive holiday tradition that brings the magic of the season to everyone.
Vance Brand Auditorium, 600 E Mountain View Ave, Longmont
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Pricing available online
LEFT HAND’S ANNUAL UGLY SWEATER 5K RUN 2025
Lace up in your ugliest sweater for this wildly popular 5K run/walk/jog! The course starts and ends at Left Hand Brewing’s Tasting Room, where finishers celebrate with a free brew and limited edition holiday ornament. Bring your ID and get ready to get festive! Left Hand Brewing Tasting Room and Garden,
1265 Boston Ave, Longmont
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Tickets: Register via Eventbrite
LAFAYETTE HOLIDAY MARKET
Sleigh the season with local artisans offering unique gifts and holiday treasures! Enjoy a special tree lighting ceremony that illuminates the night, plus Santa Claus stops by for photos and to collect wishlists from eager children.
Festival Plaza transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive spirit and merry shopping.
Saturday–Sunday, December 6–7
THE ST. VRAIN HOLIDAY MARKET
Cross everyone off your list and treat yourself too at this festive two-day market! Local jewelers, ceramicists, and talented artists fill The St Vrain with handmade treasures while you sip festive drinks and enjoy holiday nosh. The perfect blend of shopping, community, and seasonal cheer awaits.
The St. Vrain, 635 3rd Ave., Longmont
Sat., 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Sunday, December 7
LAFAYETTE HOLIDAY ORNAMENT MAKING
Create your own unique ornaments using natural elements and decorative techniques! Ceramicist Kyle Gutierrez guides you through pressing textures into clay in this collaboration with the Open Space Department. Take home beautiful handmade ornaments that capture the spirit of the season.
The Collective Community Arts Center, 201 N. Public Rd, Lafayette
Tickets: Free (registration required)
Friday, December 12
LAFAYETTE FLASHLIGHT CANDY CANE HUNT
Grab your flashlight for the ultimate candy cane adventure across City Park fields! Search for hidden candy canes in the dark, hunt for elusive elves to claim special prizes, then warm up inside the recreation center with hot chocolate, cookies, and photos with Santa
Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, 111 W. Baseline Rd, Lafayette
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free (registration required)
LONGMONT LIGHTS
Roosevelt Park sparkles with millions of holiday lights for this festive Friday celebration! Stroll past thousands of twinkling displays, enjoy hot cocoa, meet costumed characters, visit Santa’s workshop, and gather around fire pits. The night ends with a spectacular laser show at 7:45 p.m.!
KIDS’ NITE OUT – WINTER WONDERLAND
Parents, enjoy a night out while your kids have a blast at this ultimate winter wonderland party! Activities include an ultimate snowball fight, candy cane floor hockey, marshmallow igloos, and reindeer scavenger hunts, plus swimming, video game tournaments, arts and crafts, and sports in the gymnasium. With a maximum 1:25 staff ratio, nationally background-checked staff, and on-site police partnership, your children are safe and supervised.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT: FLATIRONS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Swing back in time with this traditional 18-piece big band led by vocalist Deborah Stafford!
Hailed as one of Colorado’s 10 Best Jazz Bands by The Denver Post, the Flatirons Jazz Orchestra authentically recreates the romance and excitement of the Swing era in the Longmont Museum’s Stewart Auditorium.
Saturday, December 13
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION AT BROOMFIELD PLAZA
The most wonderful time of the year arrives at Broomfield Plaza! Bring the whole family for live entertainment, Santa visits, holiday music, festive crafts, cookies and cocoa, and a holiday photo station. This free celebration fills the afternoon with joy and seasonal cheer.
LONGMONT PARADE OF LIGHTS
Twinkling floats light up downtown Longmont in this dazzling procession! Watch the magic as decorated entries make their way down Main Street, culminating with Santa waving good night to all. The perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
LONGS PEAK CHORUS PRESENTS “JINGLE ALL THE WAY”
Fill your heart with holiday cheer as over 40 voices sing in rich barbershop harmony! Enjoy a festive mix of classic carols and contemporary favorites, plus special performances by talented quartets from within the chorus. This unforgettable afternoon of harmony, laughter, and joy rings in the holidays with style.
LSO CONCERT CANDLELIGHT: HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Celebrate the holidays with the Longmont Symphony’s beloved annual tradition! The orchestra joins the Longmont Chorale and vocal soloists for Handel’s moving and joyous Messiah in a candlelit concert that captures the spirit of the season. This ever-popular performance is a must-see holiday experience.
Vance Brand Auditorium, 515 Kimbark St Suite 105, Longmont
4:00–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Pricing available online
Saturday–Sunday, December 13–14
2025 HANDCRAFTED HOLIDAY MARKET
Support local artists and makers at this collective market celebrating small businesses! Browse handmade treasures from talented artisans across two days at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. Connect with the creative community while finding unique gifts and supporting the local arts scene.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING TO THE HILL
From twinkling tree lighting ceremonies and festive performances to European-style markets and neighborhood celebrations, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the wonder of Christmas in your own community at Colliers Hill. With limited Richmond American homes still available from the mid $500s, this is your opportunity to settle in and celebrate the holidays surrounded by the warmth of a new home and the joy of neighbors who feel like family.
