My kiddos are excited to share their Christmas lists with Santa and wish him a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I always love it when they remember to thank him, too. Here is a roundup of Santa and friends in and near Boulder, Colorado, so you can be sure your little ones have a chance to say hi and drop off their lists.
Loveland Winter Wonderlights: November 23rd, December 13-14
Loveland is a trek from Boulder. However, if you’re hoping to meet Santa’s reindeer, Loveland Winter Wonderlights offers visits with reindeer on November 23rd and December 13-14. Free visits with Santa are also offered on December 13th and 14th.
The event runs from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each night at the Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. A full schedule and lineup (including when to see the reindeer!) are available on the event website.
Switch on the Holidays: November 24th from 5-7 p.m.
Enjoy local dance and music performances on Pearl Street, and then watch as the switch is flipped and downtown Boulder is lit up in holiday spirit. The program begins at 5 p.m., with a targeted switch flip at 5:20 p.m.
Visits with Santa will happen at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center until 7 p.m.
St. Nick on the Bricks: November 29th and Saturdays, November 30th-December 14th
Head over to the Downtown Boulder Visitor Center beginning Friday, November 29th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and every Saturday from November 30th to December 14th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations of $10 per group are recommended, but the event is free!
Bring your list to give to Santa and a camera to snap a sweet picture.
Consider tying in your visit with Santa with a free ride on the Tebo Train! The Tebo Train, aka Snowflake Express, is back for the holiday season, and the last train leaves promptly at 2 p.m. You can find the train in front of the Wells Fargo Bank at 1242 Pearl St., right by the visitor center where Santa is.
Note that both Santa and the Snowflake Express are weather-dependent. Check the event website for the latest updates and cancellation notices.
Chautauqua Winterfest: December 5th-7th
Come to Chautauqua between December 5th and 7th for Winterfest! Participate in activities like visiting Mr. and Mrs. Clause's cottage, cookie decorating, horse-drawn carriage rides, exploring the winter fairy forest, and more! For details, tickets, and the specific timing of the various activities, visit the event webpage.
Breakfast with Santa and holiday concerts at Chautauqua are additional charges and separate from this event.
Lights of December Parade: December 7th at 6 p.m.
At the Lights of December Parade, enjoy the beautiful floats decorated by local small businesses, nonprofits, and other groups!
The parade starts at 15th and Walnut, heads west to Broadway, north on Broadway (with a reviewing stand at Broadway and Pearl), turns east on Spruce, and finishes at 15th and Spruce.
The grand finale includes seeing an appearance by Santa Claus!
Sunday Stroll with Savannah the Reindeer: December 8th, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Meet Savannah the Reindeer during the Snowman Festival Weekend in Estes Park! On Sunday, Savannah will be downtown for free visits. Families can take pictures with both Savannah and Santa Claus. Details for the entire weekend are on the Snowman Festival website.
The Grinch That Stole Breakfast: December 14th from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Ok, so he’s not Santa, but who doesn’t love the Grinch? Come and help warm his heart at this family-friendly event hosted by the Johnstown YMCA.
Enjoy the Whoville-themed festivities and see the Grinch! This holiday event will include breakfast, crafts, games, and activities for all.
Additional details are on the event page through the YMCA.
Freezie Fest and Cookie Crawl: December 14th from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Come and enjoy a visit with Santa, catch a ride on the Snowflake Express, and play some reindeer games!
While you're there, enjoy some tasty treats at businesses participating in the cookie crawl! The event website has a list of participating businesses and an event map.
Breakfast With Santa: December 15th from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Everyone is welcome to the Lafayette YMCA for breakfast with Santa Claus! Breakfast and photos are provided. Additional information is on the YMCA event website.
Cookies and Cocoa With Santa: December 18th from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Enjoy holiday-themed crafts, cookies, and photos with Santa at the Boulder YMCA! Letter-writing supplies will be provided, and kids can deliver their letters to Santa at the event.
Be sure to bring your own camera for the photo op!
More information is on the YMCA event page.
