Christmas Train Show
Santa Cause Run
Grand Junction, CO December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21
Grand Junction, CO December 14
Cross Orchards Historic Site Can’t get enough of The Polar Express? Get in the holiday spirit and visit the Grand Valley Model Railroad Club’s annual Christmas Train Show, featuring model trains, real trains and a ride-on train. Visit with Santa Claus and sip hot apple cider at Cross Orchards Historic Site. This event will take place several times throughout December. museumofwesternco.com
No, that is not a typo! Santa Cause Run at Las Colonias Park Amphitheater is a holiday 5K run or walk to help fund inclusive playground equipment. The first 300 participants will receive a Santa suit to wear during the race! gjcity.org/residents/ parks-recreation/special-events/ santa-cause-run
Vail Snow Days
Grand Junction, CO December 14
Vail, CO December 12-15 Brace the cold and reward yourself with free concerts by Modest Mouse and The Head and the Heart at Ford Park, in-town and onmountain early season specials, a bonfire, an expo village and more at the four-day festival in the snow! vailsnowdays.com
Craft and Vendor Fair Grand Junction, CO December 14 Join the Career Center at their holiday bazaar! Purchase gifts for the whole family from more than 40 local vendors. Bring the little ones to take photos with Santa Claus and make gingerbread houses! The event has free admission and will be from 9 to 3 p.m. at 2935 North Ave. cc.d51schools.org/news/what_s_ new/holiday_bazaar
Fruita Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting
Ugly Sweater and Cookie Exchange Painting Party Fat Cat Pottery is hosting this festive, fun holiday event in downtown Grand Junction. Wear your favorite holiday sweater and bring cookies to share, along with the recipe! Paint a project of your choice and enjoy snacks and door prizes. The event is $10 plus the price of pottery. fatcatpotterygj.com/event/ ugly-sweater-cookie-exchangepainting-party
The Nutcracker at Robinson Theatre Grand Junction, CO December 20-22 Enjoy a holiday classic, The Nutcracker, presented by Absolute Dance at Robinson Theatre in the Colorado Mesa University Moss Performing Arts Center. Watch special guest ballerinas perform alongside local dancers. Tickets are available online. absolutedancegj.com/nutcracker
Fruita, CO December 14
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
Embrace the Christmas spirit at Fruita’s Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting! The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. and the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. This year’s parade theme is Holiday Traditions. fruitachamber.org/ fruita-hometown-christmas
Telluride, CO December 24
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This is a favorite holiday tradition in Telluride for both locals and visitors. Watch from town as skiers and snowboarders cruise down Coonskin and Telluride Trail with torchlights on Christmas
Eve, lighting up the side of the mountain. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. telluride.com/festivals-and-events/ christmas-eve-torchlight-parade
New Year’s Eve Sleepover for 3rd-6th Graders Grand Junction, CO December 31 Drop off your kids at the Eureka McConnell Science Museum at Colorado Mesa University for a New Year’s Eve sleepover before heading out to your own New Year’s Eve parties! Kids will spend a night at the museum where they will learn about science, have a pizza dinner and black light dance party, watch a movie and celebrate the new year. Register online. eurekasciencemuseum.org
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Telluride, CO December 31 If you missed the torchlight parade on Christmas Eve, don’t worry. It’s happening again on New Year’s Eve, but this time, there’s fireworks! Skiers and snowboarders will coast down the mountain on Coonskin and Telluride Trail carrying blazing torches, followed by a firework show. telluride.com/festivals-and-events/ new-years-eve-torchlight-parade
JANUARY Bangs Canyon Trail Run 30K/60K Grand Junction, CO January 4 This self-supported trail run over the rough terrain of Bangs Canyon will keep runners challenged. Designed to be run in cold, lessthan-ideal conditions, the race beings in two waves – 7:30 a.m. for those doing the 60K race or those who are slower runners, and 8:30 a.m. for normal 30K runners. mesamonumentstriders.com
