Where to shop, sip and celebrate this holiday season
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
With the holiday season in full swing, Boulder County is brimming with pop-ups, festivals and festive sips for gift hunters, treat-seekers and anyone hoping to sneak a selfie with Santa.
Zoom in: Boulder might not rival Denver for its pop-up bar selection, but it more than holds its own with cozy craft fairs, twinkly takeovers and locally made delights.
🍸 Luxe Lounge, The Velvet Elk Lounge: Downtown Boulder goes glam with luxe holiday decor and spirited drink specials all month long. Don your best (or worst) knit for the Second Annual Ugly Sweater Party on Saturday, and circle back for Latkepalooza on Dec. 18. Through Dec. 31.
🫖 Holiday Afternoon Tea, Hotel Boulderado: Sip premium teas and snack on sweet and savory bites beneath the hotel's iconic stained-glass ceiling. Each service includes live seasonal music. Sundays through Jan. 3. Tickets $50 for adults.
🎅🏻 Miracle on Walnut Street, Rosetta Food Hall: The food hall transforms into a full-blown winter wonderland — wreaths, music, snow and all. Browse holiday gifts, sip seasonal cocktails and catch Santa every Sunday. Through Dec. 27.
🖼️ The New Local Holiday Pop-Up, The New Local: Meet the artists, shop unique pieces and find something for every name on your list. Open 11am–5pm Saturday and Sunday. Free admission.
🛷 Chautauqua Presents Winterfest, Chautauqua Community House: Think carriage rides, a petting zoo, live music, visits with Santa and plenty of holiday shopping. Dec. 12-13; prices vary by event.
🥞 Breakfast with Santa, St. Julien Hotel and Spa: A festive breakfast buffet, holiday crafts and quality Santa time. Tickets $45. Dec. 13 and Dec. 20.
🎁 Boulder Holiday Gift Festival, Mapleton YMCA: Now in its 18th year, this gift festival is a go-to for handmade treasures from local vendors. Free admission, plus a live concert at noon. 11am-noon Dec. 14.
🧶 Handcrafted Holiday Market, Boulder County Fairgrounds: The Longmont Artisan Market's December edition features dozens of creators offering jewelry, clothing, artwork, soaps and more. Dec. 13-14.
🎨 Holiday Pop-Up Shop, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art: Browse gifts crafted by 10 local artists in BMoCA's shop, open 11am-5pm Tuesday through Sunday. Runs through Dec. 28.
📆 Last Chance Gift Fest, Boulder County Fairgrounds: Procrastinators, rejoice. Snag locally made gifts the final weekend before Christmas. Live music included. Free admission and parking. 10am–6pm Dec. 20 and 10am–5pm Dec. 21.