Discover the charm and cheer of Grand Junction this holiday season with our expert guide. Whether you've called Grand Junction home for years or just for the holidays, this guide ensures a joyful experience.
Popular events in the area include the Boulder Christmas Light Show, where dazzling displays transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. Unique features like synchronized music enhance the experience for all ages, making it a festive treat. And the POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it brings the beloved holiday tale to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Grand Junction
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride (Durango)
- Winter Wonderlights (Loveland)
- Boulder Christmas Light Show (Boulder)
- Longmont Lights (Longmont)
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
- Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
- Pueblo Parade of Lights (Pueblo)
- Festival of Lights (Loveland)
- Lights of December Parade (Boulder)
- Breckenridge Winterfest (Breckenridge)
See these and even more events listed below!
Grand Junction Holiday Light Displays
Boulder Christmas Light Show
What to Expect:
Grand illumination of historic landmarks with festive lights and events.
Description:
Downtown Boulder transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with festive lights, special events, and activities throughout the season. The highlight includes the grand illumination of the Boulder County Courthouse and Pearl Street Mall during Switch on the Holidays. Additionally, events like St. Nick on the Bricks and the Lights of December Parade offer unique experiences, while Freezie Fest celebrates winter with snowman-themed activities.
Where: Boulder | More Info: Boulder Christmas Light Show
Lights of December Parade
What to Expect:
Community-created floats with a grand finale featuring Santa Claus.
Description:
The Lights of December Parade in Downtown Boulder features floats decorated by local businesses, churches, schools, and community groups. The grand finale includes an appearance by Santa Claus. The parade starts at 15th and Walnut streets, heads west to Broadway, north on Broadway, turns east on Spruce, and finishes at 15th and Spruce.
Where: Boulder | More Info: Lights of December Parade
Longmont Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and festive light displays.
Description:
Longmont Lights features millions of holiday lights in Roosevelt Park, along with festive activities like hot cocoa carts, costumed characters, and visits with Santa. The event includes a holiday parade and ice skating at the Longmont Ice Pavilion.
Where: Longmont | More Info: Longmont Lights
Winter Wonderlights
What to Expect:
30-minute music and light shows with moving lights on a 23-foot tall LED mappable Christmas Tree.
Description:
Winter Wonderlights is a free holiday light display at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, featuring 150,000 lights, including holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, and illuminated African stone sculptures. Each night, visitors can enjoy 30-minute music and light shows with eight total songs and moving lights on a 23-foot tall LED mappable Christmas Tree. Special programming includes an inflatable igloo stage and local vendors during select weekends.
Where: Loveland | More Info: Winter Wonderlights
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday celebration with a stationary parade and festive floats.
Description:
The Festival of Lights in Loveland Downtown District is a hometown tradition featuring live music, community performances, a tree lighting ceremony, holiday market, carriage rides, and Santa. Attendees can also participate in a scavenger hunt and enjoy local holiday shopping.
Where: Loveland | More Info: Festival of Lights
Pueblo Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Large-scale Christmas parade with festive floats and marching bands.
Description:
The Pueblo Parade of Lights is a long-standing tradition in Southern Colorado, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and decorated vehicles, marking the start of the Christmas season.
Where: Pueblo | More Info: Pueblo Parade of Lights
Grand Junction Holiday Markets and Shopping
Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local artisans.
Description:
The Firefly Handmade Holiday Market in Boulder features 80 creatively curated artisans selling local, handmade crafts, art, and design. The event is held on Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall, offering live music, local shops, and restaurants. It is a convenient location for holiday shopping and celebrating.
Where: Boulder | More Info: Firefly Handmade Holiday Market
Grand Junction Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet features a world-class ballet performance with an international all-star cast, blending world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. Celebrate America's favorite Christmas tradition with Tchaikovsky's timeless score, showcasing pure holiday magic for all ages.
Where: Grand Junction | More Info: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
What to Expect:
World-class circus performances combined with holiday music.
Description:
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is a spectacular holiday event featuring awe-inspiring acrobatics, gravity-defying aerial feats, and talented musicians. This all-new show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with a musical mix of timeless seasonal favorites.
Where: Grand Junction | More Info: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Evening Under the Stars
What to Expect:
Free outdoor concert with a mix of patriotic, pops, and classical music.
Description:
The Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra presents Evening Under the Stars, a free outdoor concert featuring patriotic, pops, and classical music. The event includes performances by the Grand Junction Centennial Band and the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, making it a cherished summer tradition in the Grand Valley.
Where: Grand Junction | More Info: Evening Under the Stars
John Hiatt
What to Expect:
Intimate acoustic performances by a legendary singer-songwriter.
Description:
John Hiatt is a renowned American singer-songwriter known for his poignant storytelling and masterful acoustic performances. His concerts feature a blend of folk, rock, and Americana, showcasing his extensive musical career.
Where: Grand Junction | More Info: John Hiatt
Junktown Film Festival
What to Expect:
Showcasing diverse short films with mature themes.
Description:
The Junktown Film Festival is a unique event showcasing short films from across the United States and around the world. Located in Grand Junction, Colorado, it features a diverse selection of cinematic works, including some with mature themes. The festival is operated in conjunction with the Avalon Theater Foundation, a group of volunteers dedicated to bringing this event to life.
Where: Grand Junction | More Info: Junktown Film Festival
Classics, Romantics & Modern Day Works
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with diverse classical and contemporary works.
Description:
The Classics, Romantics & Modern Day Works performance by Colorado West Performing Arts Company features a diverse array of classical ballets and original contemporary works. This mixed bill showcases the versatility of the company's artists through various roles, dancing styles, and costuming. The event includes a 20-minute intermission and offers opportunities to meet the cast and take photos.
Where: Grand Junction | More Info: Classics, Romantics & Modern Day Works
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
What to Expect:
Legendary rock band performing classic hits.
Description:
George Thorogood & The Destroyers bring their iconic rock sound to the Avalon Theatre, celebrating 50 years with hits like "Get a Haircut," "I Drink Alone," and "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer."
Where: Grand Junction | More Info: George Thorogood & The Destroyers
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
What to Expect:
Immersive theatrical re-creation of the Polar Express story with hot chocolate and Santa's visit.
Description:
The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is an immersive theatrical re-creation of the classic holiday story, where passengers board a vintage steam train to the North Pole. Enjoy hot chocolate, a sweet treat, and a reading of the Polar Express book. Upon arrival, experience an incredible light show set to holiday music. Santa visits each coach on the return trip, handing out the first gift of Christmas to each passenger.
Where: Durango | More Info: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Grand Junction Other Holiday Activities
Breckenridge Winterfest
What to Expect:
Unique blend of winter sports and cultural festivities.
Description:
Breckenridge Winterfest is a celebration honoring Ullr, the Norse god of snow, with activities including a Viking helmet decorating party, Ullr Parade, Shotski event, and Ullr Bonfire. The festival features various events like ice skating parties, comedy nights, and a High Country Holidays Concert.
Where: Breckenridge | More Info: Breckenridge Winterfest
Loveland Winter Holiday
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday decorations by local artists.
Description:
The Loveland Winter Holiday Council is a community-driven initiative dedicated to maintaining and installing holiday decorations around Loveland. The council features handmade ornaments created by local artists, showcasing a variety of artistic styles and themes.