Our traditions as family, friends and even community, in many ways, are what define our relationships. Day to day traditions like sharing stories over the dinner table, or monthly movie nights enhance our lives, but holiday traditions have a space all their own.
Longmont gives residents several opportunities throughout the season to add to their collection of holiday traditions with annual community events. Music, twinkling lights, and of course visits with Santa, are all included.
Holiday Tree Lighting
Longmont’s Holiday Tree Lighting event will return on Friday, November 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., for the 12th consecutive year, according to marketing specialist Colin Argys. While the event will showcase the traditions the community looks forward to, including lighting of the tree, holiday-themed music, cultural programming, craft activities, food and beverages, an appearance by Santa, and goodie bag giveaways, there will also be plenty of new traditions to embrace, says Argys.
The biggest change for 2022 is the location. While it has previously been held in the 6th Avenue Plaza just west of the intersection of 6th and Main, this year, the event is moving to the Library and Civic Center Plaza at 350 Kimbark, on the west side of the Longmont Library off of Kimbark St.
There will be new entertainment to look forward to, as well. “This year’s event will feature a holiday laser display, a DJ playing family-friendly holiday music, a reading from a local author, craft activities, sweet treats, warm drinks, and Santa! We’ll also be lighting up 17 trees with holiday lights in the plaza area during the event,” says Argys.
For more details, visit downtownlongmont.com/holidays
Niwot’s Enchanted Evening
Attendees of Niwot’s Enchanted Evening can expect an event steeped in tradition. The celebration, held November 25, the Friday after Thanksgiving, from 6 to 9 p.m., is now in its 20th year. While it has always featured community, music, and lights, it now features more vendors and entertainment than ever before, says Linda Klueber, Niwot Business Association member and event co-chair.
Per local tradition, the tree lighting takes place while the town waits for Santa to arrive in a horse-drawn carriage to greet the children at the Grange, says Klueber. Guest can also enjoy music in various locations, including the songs of carolers, quartets, harpists, banjo players and guitarists, she says. Hayrides, carriage rides, and the chance to shop with local retailers and vendors will also be available. “People love the community’s comradery and the classiness of the entire event,” says Klueber.
For more details, visit Niwot.com
Longmont Museum Holiday Show
Back again for the seventh year in a row, the Longmont Museum’s annual Holiday Show will delight guests of all ages. Hosted by Justin Veach, the manager of Stewart auditorium, the event will feature some of the best musicians and performers in the region, including the Boulder KlezmerConsort, The Mestas-Abbott Latin Jazz Quartet, and Hazel Miller & The Collective.
The event takes place on Saturday, December 3, with two performances scheduled for 3 and 7 p.m. at the museum, located at 400 Quail Road in Longmont. Ticket prices are $15 for museum members, $18 for students and seniors. General admission is $20. Guests are encouraged to wear festive attire and to come early to sip on the Longmont Museum’s signature holiday cocktail or beverage of their choice at the cash bar.
For more details and to purchase tickets, visit longmontcolorado.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/45739/2085
Longmont Lights
Held on December 9 and 10 at Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont lights has something for everyone. Guests can take a casual stroll through the park to enjoy the sparkle of millions of holiday lights or put on skates and enjoy the ambiance while gliding through the Longmont Ice Pavilion.
For more details, visit longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-n-z/recreation-services/community-events/longmont-lights
Longmont Symphony The Nutcracker
On December 3 and 4, the Longmont Symphony presents its annual performance of The Nutcracker. With the exception of 2020 due to COVID-19, the event has occurred every holiday season for over 25 years, according to Laurie Brook, Longmont Symphony’s executive director.
Ticketholders can expect all the same holiday traditions they’ve come to know and expect over the years, says Brook. There’s no substitute for “the special joy and wonderment that the children experience with this magical production. Many of the children come all dressed up for this Holiday event,” she says. But it’s not just the kids who create a festive atmosphere. “The smiles and joyfulness we see in everyone is very special,” Brook notes.
The Longmont Symphony is also offering something new this year, a special performance known as a “Gentle” Nutcracker. According to Brook, it is “specially designed for neurodiverse individuals, their families, and caregivers. This is a unique opportunity for these individuals, so they too, can enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker.”
For more details, visit longmontsymphony.org
— By PAM MOORE for LONGMONT MAGAZINE
