Boulder shines bright all winter long with holiday markets, fairs, and festivals that bring the community together in true Colorado spirit. From shopping for gifts on twinkling Pearl Street to taking a cozy carriage ride at Chautauqua, the season brings plenty of ways to celebrate creativity and soak in the season’s magic.
Here are some of the best ways to get your fill of holiday cheer this winter.
Boulder Mountain Handmade
Nov. 8-9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Boulder Elks Lodge, 3975 28th St.
Admission: Free
Now in its 49th year, Boulder Mountain Handmade is a longtime staple for artisan shopping. The two-day event features handmade goods from local artists—think: pottery, textiles and specialty foods—while raising funds for the Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District. Hosted by the BMFPD Auxiliary, this feel-good event helps support Boulder’s first responders while kicking off the season with plenty of holiday cheer.
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
Nov. 15-16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall, Boulder
Admission: Free
Firefly Handmade transforms Pearl Street into a vibrant open-air marketplace filled with 80-plus local makers, artisans and designers. Stroll through festive booths brimming with jewelry, home goods and gourmet treats, all made by Colorado creatives. With live music, family activities and easy access to cafés and restaurants, this beloved event is the perfect way to shop small and kick off the holidays.
Light Up the Holidays – Downtown Boulder
Starting Nov. 23, ongoing through Dec.
Location: Downtown Boulder
Admission: Free
Every winter, Downtown Boulder hums with lights and music, offering a merry reason to brave the chill and shop the night away. The celebration begins Nov. 23 with the “Switch on the Holidays” lighting ceremony, then continues with events, promotions, and pop-up activities throughout December, including a Santa meet-and-greet and electric Snowflake Express train rides. Bundle up, grab a cocoa and wander the illuminated streets for a dose of magic.
ARTastic Winter Market
Dec. 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Horizons K–8 School, 4545 Sioux Dr., Boulder
Admission: Free
Boulder’s Annual ARTastic Winter Market returns for its 21st year, spreading good will to shoppers and giving back to the community. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts from over 50 local artists and makers, from soap and skincare to woodwork and toys. Enjoy festive music, sweet treats and a student seller area showcasing young creators. With 25 percent of sales benefiting Horizons’ kindergarten through eighth grade arts programming, every purchase helps support the next generation of artists.
Boulder County Farmers Markets Winter Market
Dec. 6-7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Boulder County Fairgrounds, Longmont
Admission: Free
The Boulder County Farmers Markets Winter Market brings 150 local farmers, food producers, and artisans together for the region’s most delicious holiday weekend. Stock up on fresh winter produce, handmade foods and artisan goods while enjoying hot drinks, live music and a bustling food court. From heirloom squash to handmade candles, this local-only market makes it easy to check loved ones off your list and support producers long after the harvest is over.
Chautauqua WinterFest
Dec. 12–13
Location: Colorado Chautauqua, 900 Baseline Rd., Boulder
Admission: Free (fees apply for select activities)
Experience Boulder’s natural outdoor magic at WinterFest, a Chautauqua holiday tradition. Enjoy live music, food and drinks, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a whimsical Winter Fairy Forest. Visit Santa’s Cottage for pictures with the Clauses and craft ornaments by the fire or meet friendly farm animals at the petting zoo, all set against the backdrop of the Flatirons. Perfect for families, WinterFest offers cozy holiday nostalgia for all.
Groundworks Art Lab Holiday Sale
Dec. 13–14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 3750 Canfield St., Boulder
Admission: Free
Find artful, handcrafted gifts at Groundworks Art Lab’s annual holiday sale, featuring ceramics, tableware, and décor made by the studio’s talented teaching artists. Meet the makers, browse one-of-a-kind pieces, and take home something beautiful and functional for yourself or a loved one. Can’t make it in person? Explore the virtual gallery and shop directly from artists online.
