November’s arrival marks the official start of the busy, end-of-the-year holiday season. But there’s still plenty of time to “pre-charge” your batteries with these events, performances and activities taking place all this month.
Boulder County Farmers Markets
You’ve still got a few opportunities to shop the delicious, locally grown produce and artisanal foods at the Boulder County Farmers Markets for this season. (And if you’ll be hosting Thanksgiving at your house, now is a good time to start checking things off your shopping list. The last market of the season for both Boulder and Longmont takes place on Nov. 18. Between now and then, you can also shop Nov. 4, and Nov. 11. Let’s send our beloved farmers and purveyors off with a bang as they head into their slower season.
And be sure to mark your calendar for the annual winter market, which is scheduled for Dec. 2-3 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds.
MediaLive: Technology As Healing
Head to the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art all this month to see the new exhibit “MediaLive: Technology As Healing.” This powerful show explores the relationship between art and technology, as well as how technology can actually be an agent for good. It features the works of eight artists who use an array of different mediums to consider technology as a solution to some of the world’s most pressing problems. This one is on view now through Jan. 14.
Warren Miller’s “All Time” at the Boulder Theater
Get stoked for this winter’s ski season by attending one of five showings of Warren Miller’s “All Time” at the Boulder Theater this month. The film kicks off a two-year celebration of Miller’s 75 seasons of making ski and snowboard movies—and the stoke is super high with this one. Get tickets for Nov. 9-11.
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
Do you know how great it will feel to be able to check some of your friends and family members off your gift-giving list? Don’t wait until the last minute — start your holiday shopping early this year by attending the Firefly Handmade Holiday Market in Boulder on Nov. 11-12. It will take place on the Pearl Street Mall and will feature more than 80 artists, creatives and makers.
Make a whole festive outing out of it and stick around for live music from the Delta Sonics, the Dollhouse Thieves, Scott Fowler and the Barbara Paris Quartet.
And if you miss the Boulder market (or you just want to keep the holiday cheer going), you can always circle back for the Denver market on Dec. 9-10.
Switch on the Holidays
Ready to kick off the most wonderful time of the year in Boulder? Head downtown to the area near the Boulder County Courthouse on Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. to participate in the annual lighting ceremony called Switch on the Holidays. This is a family-friendly event, so be sure to bring the kiddos with you. To help you celebrate, members of the Boulder Ballet and singers from the Boulder Chorale will be on-site, as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus. And keep an eye out for special guest Freezie the Snowman, too.
Once the lights go on, you can take yourself on a self-guided holiday lights tour of downtown—including checking out some cool augmented reality features. All you have to do is scan the QR codes as you walk the Pearl Street Mall and you’ll get access to Instagram filters that add a touch of whimsy to your photos. The map of all the spots is online.
Small Business Saturday
Get even more of your holiday shopping done—and help support the local businesses that make Boulder County so special—during Small Business Saturday Weekend on Nov. 24-26. You can find the full list and a map of participating businesses online.
Gingerbread Tea
This beloved annual tradition at the St Julien Hotel & Spa will help you get into the holiday spirit—and warm you up from the inside out. Gingerbread Tea kicks off Nov. 26 and takes place every Sunday through Dec. 17. Choose between a 12 p.m. or a 2:30 p.m. seating—and be sure to make a reservation as soon as possible, as spots tend to go quickly for this one. As you sip tea and munch on scones, tea sandwiches and petit fours, you’ll be serenaded by Ron Leagault playing the music from Charlie Brown.
Proceeds benefit There With Care, a nonprofit that supports families and children who are battling chronic illnesses. If you can, bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the toy drive, too.
A Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas
Get swept up in the music of Blue Violin, which stars the award-winning former first violinist of the Boston String Quartet. This year’s lineup includes an electric, world-fusion reimagining of classic Christmas songs, as well as several acoustic arrangements and original compositions. This family-friendly event takes place Nov. 29 at the Dairy Arts Center — get tickets online now.
