Looking for things to do over winter break? Here are some activities to enjoy in and around Boulder.
Holiday activities
Boulder Star
The Boulder Star on Flagstaff Mountain was lit for the 75th time this November in honor of Veteran’s Day and will remain lit throughout the early winter. View the dazzling lights from campus with a cup of cocoa to keep you warm or from one of many open space locations around Boulder.
Please note: No hiking or gathering is permitted in the area around the star.
Location: Boulder, CO
Price: Free
Dates: November to January
Visit Pearl Street
Pearl Street sits in the heart of Boulder just outside campus and offers a wide range of entertainment, dining and shopping options. Plan a free Santa visit at St. Nick on the Bricks, splurge on a holiday concert at the Boulder Theater or finish your last-minute holiday shopping.
Location: Pearl Street, Boulder, CO
Price: Free to Moderate
Dates: Open
Snow Much Fun
Enjoy a self-guided holiday light tour through Downtown Boulder and the Civic Area. The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department and Downtown Boulder pair up to build a creative and enchanting lights display. Highlights include the “Let It Snow” display at the Boulder Library and “Candy Cane Forest” near Glen Huntington Band Shell.
Location: Downtown and Civic Area, Boulder, CO
Price: Free
Dates: Nov. 21 to Jan. 9
Sports and recreation
CU Buffs Basketball
Show your school spirit by cheering on the Buffs!
Location: CU Events Center
Dates:
- Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. vs. Utah
- Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. vs. Arizona
- Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. vs. Southern Utah
- Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. vs. Oregon
- Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Oregon State
Price: Free entry for women’s games with CU Sports Pass. Discount tickets for men’s games with CU Sports Pass.
Snowshoeing
Don’t let the snow stop you from enjoying a hike! Boulder has miles of trails to explore.
If you don’t have all the essential gear, the Outdoor Program Equipment Rental Center has snowshoes, winter hiking boots, trekking poles, insulated pants and jackets and more available for rent.
Location: Boulder trails and trailheads
Dates: Open
Price: Free
The Rec
Take advantage of Winter Break Appreciation Week with free access to the Rec Center Jan. 2-8 for Buff OneCard holders.
The Rec is open with flexible hours during winter break.
Location: The Rec Center
Dates: Flexible holiday hours
Price:
- Free entry with Buff OneCard.
- $10 guest fee for non-Buff OneCard holders.
- An additional fee applies for the climbing gym and skate rentals.
Other activities
eTown
eTown is a non-profit with a mission to entertain and educate diverse audiences with live shows and syndicated radio programs. Attend a live radio show taping or musical performance at their Boulder eTown Hall.
Location: 1535 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO
Dates:
- Dec. 18 from 7-9:30 p.m. Live eTown radio show taping, tickets $25
- Dec. 22 from 7-9:30 p.m. A Winter’s Eve with Megan Burtt and Sturtz, tickets $25
- Jan. 7 from 7-9:30 p.m. Live eTown radio show taping, tickets $32.50
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
For art Buffs, visit the BMoCA to check out the newest exhibits.
- Eileen Roscina: Natura
- Cherish Marquez: Topographic Memory
- Kristopher Wright: Just As I Am
- Karen Breunig: Woman in the Water
- Juan Fuentes: Pride on Your Side
- Christine Nguyen: Mountain Totem and Moons
Location: 1750 13th St., Boulder, CO
Dates: Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: Free Saturdays and $2 for students on other days
BLDG 61 at the Boulder Public Library
Visit the Boulder Public Library’s BLDG 61. This free community workshop is equipped with a broad selection of tools and materials for creative projects. The space offers laser cutters, sewing machines, 3D Printers, looms, woodworking tools and more. Finish last-minute holiday projects or simply have fun creating in the maker space.
Review the BLDG 61 Makerspace Policy and fill out the release form before attending.
Location: 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO
Dates: Open studio Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2:45-6:45 p.m.
Price: Free