The Grinch’s heart will be warmed by the festive atmosphere in and around northern Colorado. (Greeley Tribune file photo)
Visits with Santa, live reindeer encounters, Christmas lights and gift markets are among the fun and festive events scheduled for the week of December 2-8 in Greeley, Loveland, Cheyenne and surrounding areas. These are just some of the events.
Saturday, December 2nd
1. Homesteaders Holiday begins at 10 a.m. at the Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A. St. in Greeley, and features historic building tours, candle dipping, holiday crafts, entertainment and more for all ages. Admission is $4 if he is 4 years old or older. Youth ages 12 and under are free with a canned food donation to Weld Food Bank, and children 2 and under are free with no food donation. For more information, see https://tinyurl.com/bde7pkah.
2. The 2nd Annual Winterfest Artisan Market will be held at 10 a.m. at Timnath Town Center (4750 Signal Tree Drive). At the market, handpicked artists and crafters sell a variety of gifts for the whole family. Stay for a day and enjoy food from local food trucks. The event is free and open to all ages. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/4n6a9328.
3. Windsor Wonderland is set for 4 p.m. at Boardwalk Park, 119 N. Fifth St. in Windsor, and will include Santa arriving by train, tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment and more. No registration is required and the free event is open to all ages. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/2p9tryk8.
4. Santa’s reindeer will be at Bath Garden Center and Nursery (2000 E. Prospect Road, Fort Collins) at 10 a.m. Visitors can also enjoy hot chocolate, write a letter to Santa, and meet the elves. Reservations are required to participate, and admission is $5 per guest ages 3 and older. Children ages 2 and under are admitted free. For more information, including how to reserve a spot, visit https://tinyurl.com/mexmrfy6.
5. The Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra will take the stage for its annual Poinsettia Pops at the Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., at 7 p.m. Music fans of all ages will enjoy a variety of holiday classics performed by the Greeley Chorale and Orchestra. Greeley Children’s Choir. Tickets are $42 per person for A seat and $30 per person for B seat. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/52tf29m4.
6. All ages are welcome to meet Santa at the Wicked Tequila Room, 123 E. 4th St., Loveland, from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring your loved ones, friends, and even pets to take a photo with the man in red. Participation is free and no registration is required. For more information, contact Wicked Tequila Room at (970) 278-5474.
7. Cheyenne Little Theater presents “A Christmas Story” at the Historic Atlas Theater, 211 Cheyenne W. Lincolnway, from 7:30 p.m. This story by Jean Shepherd tells the story of Ralphie Parker and his adventures as he receives a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. All the elements of the popular movie are included in the live show. All ages are welcome to attend, and ticket prices range from $19 to $29 per person depending on seat selection. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/4fj9wseu.
Sunday, December 3rd
8. Kress Cinema and Lounge is hosting screenings of “The Polar Express” at 817 8th Street in Greeley at 1 and 4 p.m. All ages are invited to put on their best pajamas and enjoy a magical holiday afternoon. Tickets are $10 per person. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/5n8j5768.
9. The Windsor Chamber Choir will present a classical Christmas concert at Bethel Lutheran Church, 328 Walnut Street, Windsor, at 4 p.m. The concert will be conducted by Dr. Alyse Brown and will feature a variety of holiday songs. Admission is free, but a $10 donation per person is suggested. For more information, visit windsorchamberchorale.com.
10. The 5th annual Johnstown Jingle, featuring a visit from Santa, tree lighting ceremony, toy drive and more, will be held at 150 S. Parish Ave. at 2 p.m. This is a free event, so anyone of any age can participate. For more information, see https://tinyurl.com/yc73h8as.
11. Stretch out at Puppy Yoga with Big Bones Canine Rescue at Tom Davis Saloon, 450 N. Cleveland Ave., Loveland, at 2 p.m. Adults 21 and older can participate in an hour of yoga and pup fun and enjoy a complimentary mimosa, Bloody Mary, or beer. Tickets are $30.65 per person and can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/2hvb2n7v.
12. Join Words of Windsor for a special reading of “The Polar Express” at 3 p.m. at the Loft, 631 Birch St., Unit B, Windsor. All ages are welcome to attend the event as ‘The Conductor’ reads magical holiday stories. Participation is free and no registration is required. For more information, contact Words of Windsor at (970) 658-2669.
Wednesday, December 6th
13. “The Art of Learning Through the Holidays” will be broadcast on Facebook Live at 7 p.m. This program is open to children of all ages and discusses the various holidays and traditions that occur throughout the year around the world. Author Liz Kleinrock and illustrator Chaya Prabhat introduce the program. The program is free and does not require registration. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/53uc8apu.
14. Party Guru Productions presents Hamdi with Jules, Dogan and Alimay at 8 p.m. at the Aggie Theater, 204 S. College Ave., Fort Collins. British-born Hamdi’s music encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, making him popular in the underground music scene. The show is open to adults 18 and older, and tickets are $20 per person online and $25 per person at the door. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/4wz2y2bm.
Thursday, December 7th
15. John Craigie and special guest Madeline Hawthorne will bring the Keep It Warm Tour 2023 to Colorado at FoCo, Washington, 132 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, 7 p.m. Craigie is a singer, songwriter, and producer based in Portland, Oregon, who brings a variety of experiences to his stories through his music, including soul and folk. He welcomes all ages to participate, and admission is $26 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/y7eupra.
16. Join us for Christmas Holiday Trivia at Aunt Helen’s CafĂ© and Wine Bar, 800 Eighth Ave., Greeley, from 6:30 p.m. Adults 21 and older will have a chance to get 20% off their tab when they come dressed as their favorite character from the movie. The game is free to play and does not require registration. For more information, contact Aunt Helen’s at (970) 515-6542.
Friday, December 8th
17. Weld Community Credit Union will host a visit from Santa at 2555 47th Street in Greeley from 3 to 5 p.m. People of all ages are welcome to visit the credit union for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. Visitors do not need to be credit union members to join in the fun. The event is free and no registration is required. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/3vazbw94.
18. Canyon Concert Ballet will host a performance of “The Nutcracker” at Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., Fort Collins, starting at 7 p.m. People of all ages will enjoy classic holiday stories set to great music. Tickets are $40 for adults, $34 for seniors, and $34 for children. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/3jpmx47n.
19. Musician Trevor Michael will perform at Black and Blues Music and Brews, 423 N. Cleveland Ave., Loveland, from 7:30 p.m. The Kentucky native creates a unique sound that blends bluegrass roots with indie folk. The concert is open to adults 21 and older and is free of charge. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/4zey3hse.
20. Enjoy holiday lights from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Garden of Lights at Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Center Ave., Fort Collins. The half-mile loop features glowing grape vines, dancing colored flowers, and other fun festive displays for all ages. Admission is $10 for guests 12 and older, $5 for children 5-11, and free for children 4 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/2h2ftv9h.
21. Timeless Tinsel will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic Governor’s Mansion, 300 E. St. in Cheyenne. The mansion will be decorated with historic holiday decorations from all eras. Admission is free and people of all ages are welcome to participate. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/2ddbtntv.