2023 Arvada Holiday Guide. This Year, Holiday Here!
We’re adding more events as we go, so check back again!
*Shop local, shop small this Holiday Season*
Dozens of unique-to-Arvada gift ideas for your special someone.
The holidays are fast approaching, and we simply could not wait to start spreading all of the cheer Arvada has to offer! We’ll be celebrating in style this year with pop-ups, holiday markets, live performances, Santa visits, and much more.
Bookmark this page and our event calendar for the FULL line-up of fun, festive and family-friendly activities throughout the city (insider tip: check the calendar often…new holiday events are added every day!)
Happy Holidays from all of us in Arvada!
Holiday Lighting Schedule: Olde Town Arvada Water Tower
November 23: Thanksgiving
November 25: Small Business Saturday
December 7: Hanukkah
December 25: Christmas
December 26: Kwanza
December 31: New Year’s Eve
Throughout the Season
November 22 – through January | Times below
Nothing is more fun than a twirl around a skating rink under the twinkling lights! Head to Olde Town to take your turn! Adult skate rental, $10; children under 12, $7. You can also bring your own skates!
Hours:
Monday – Wednesday - 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Thursday – Friday - 3:00 pm to 8:00pm
Saturday - 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday - 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Arvada Center:
November 24 – December 30
This stylish, contemporary take of the fairy tale classic promises fantastical costumes, hilarious dialogue, romantic lyrics, and unforgettable music for a truly magical experience.
Olde Town Arvada Holiday Pop-Up Market: Weekends from November 24 to December 23
This year, Olde Town is undergoing a festive transformation into a Holiday Wonderland! They’re recreating charming German Christmas Market-style huts, adorning Olde Town Square. The market kicks off on Friday, November 24th, and will be open every weekend until December 23rd. Each weekend, they'll feature a fresh lineup of vendors, ensuring a delightful and diverse shopping experience for everyone!
Fridays: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturdays 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sundays: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Echter’s Holiday Classes: November 25 - December 17
This year, they will celebrate the warmth of the season with wreath-making workshops, porch pot workshops, pinecone bird feeder activities, visits from Santa, and a special holiday gnome-making workshop.
The North Pole Mailbox: Letters to Santa:
November 24 - December 15
Santa’s mailbox will return to the Apex Center (upstairs in Guest Services). Write your letter, put it in an envelope with your return address (no stamp necessary), and drop it off in the mailbox!
37th Annual Fine Art Market & Pottery Sale: November 30 - December 17
Come shop for thousands of giftable items like jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, paintings, cards, and more from over 100 Colorado artists! Your purchases directly support the artists and the Arvada Center Galleries. Instructors and students of the Center’s own ceramics education studio offer an extensive selection of functional and sculptural pottery, with all purchases supporting the artists and the Arvada Center.
Saturdays with Santa + Winter Market: Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 | 11:00am - 3:00pm (Santa visits noon - 3pm)
Don't miss your chance to meet Santa, the jolly man in red, for FREE and lots of fun! Santa will be spreading cheer in Olde Town Arvada Square from noon to 3 pm on December 2, 9, 16, and 23. Every child who visits Santa will receive a complimentary cookie from Rheinlander Bakery to add sweetness to their holiday season!
But that's not all - be sure to explore the Olde Town Winter Market from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. This bustling market will showcase numerous vendors offering handmade gifts, toys, and delectable local food. Discover locally crafted candles, clothes, jewelry, and soaps, as well as rare sauces and mixes for your perfect holiday feast. The Winter Market, a collaboration with the Arvada Farmers Market, promises a unique shopping experience filled with holiday spirit
Insider tip: if you want to skip the line to see Santa, consider attending the School House's breakfast with Santa from 11am to noon. It's a delightful way to start your festive day.
Whiskey Advent Calendar:
December 1 – 24
Every day from December 1st to the 24th, Schoolhouse Kitchen & Libations is offering a 1oz pour of a different whiskey at an incredible 50% discount. It's a daily treat that will make your countdown to Christmas even more exciting!
Holiday Pop Ups in Arvada
Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience at the 5th Annual NOEL Christmas Pop-Up Bar with bingo, holiday workshops, karaoke, Santa and more! Located at The Bluegrass Lounge in Olde Town Arvada, this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. This year’s theme: Christmas in Colorado!
Flights Wine Cafe - Announcing the first annual Candy Cane Kissmas holiday pop-up. Opening on Saturday, November 25, Candy Cane Kissmas will inspire guests to get into the spirit of Christmas with a curated menu of house-made specialty drinks and small bites. Tasteful, festive decorations adorn these outside spaces, which have been enclosed for winter and are heated. Jolly cocktails include Holiday Champagne (pear vodka with sparkling wine); Hot Buttered Cider (a Flights rum-spiked specialty); Jingle the Bells (bourbon and cranberry); Mistletoe Kisses (rosemary vodka martini); Pumpkin Cheesecake Martini (includes RumChata); Tipsy Mrs. Claus (cinnamon vodka with cranberry); and others. Flights' regular wine, beer, cocktails and food will continue to be available.
Sippin’ Santa at the Arvada Tavern
A tropical 21+ Christmas extravaganza at their secret tiki bar, Sippin' Santa at Bernard's Tiki Room, opens November 24th. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with Christmas-themed tiki drinks served in whimsical mugs that are available for purchase to take home as a keepsake or a stocking stuffer for that special someone.
Make a reservation online or call 303-690-6269 to secure your spot, reservations include a $10 non-refundable fee and are for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Enjoy chilly nights with festive drinks while savoring delectable small appetizers!
Holiday at Hogwarts at The Stockroom
Something Wicked this way comes….join them for a magical evening of enchanted cocktails. Please limit your party to 6 or less people. This is a 21+ Event. (this event is in no way affiliated with Harry Potter).
Holiday Calendar Highlights
November 24:
Applewood Arts Festival: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm | November 24-25
Over 80 selected artisans, featuring handmade items, vintage-inspired goods, re-purposed finds, fabulous fashions, craft food creations and more! The Applewood Arts Festival takes place at the Arvada Center.
November 25:
Too Much Turkey 5k @ Colorado Tap House: Start times at 10:00 am and 10:30 am
A 5k-ish, fun-run event that starts and ends at this awesome taproom in Arvada. Run, walk, jog - whatever goes! Complete the course and celebrate with us and a FREE, local craft brew at the finish line AND a slice of pie to go with it! Start windows will be available at 10:00am & 10:30am.
Olde Town Tree Lighting: 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Don’t miss the Annual Olde Town Tree Lighting presented by School House Kitchen and Libations.
Festivities kick off at 4:00 pm with a lively pop-up makers' market, bars, and skating in the Square. The evening's musical enchantment begins with a festive march led by the talented brass band, Guerrilla Fanfare, winding through the charming streets of Olde Town.
Watch as local businesses illuminate their spaces with holiday lights, starting at 5:00 pm at Carly's Boutique (7401 Grandview Ave). Guerrilla Fanfare will guide everyone back to the Square, where delightful holiday activities will commence before the grand tree lighting at 6:00 pm! Following the magical moment, revel in the melodious tunes of The bFlatirons and explore Olde Town businesses and their Holiday Pop-up Market for unique shopping experiences.
Small Business Saturday Kick-Off: 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Kick Off Small Business Saturday with the businesses of Olde Town beginning at 10:30 am in the Olde Town Square! FREE coffee from Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters Arvada and FREE snacks from Secret Level for the first 100 people who stop by. There will also be the opportunity to register to win prizes! Shop Small. Shop Local.
November 29:
Social Cooking - Charcuterie Board: 11:30am – 1pm
Are you entertaining for the holidays? Learn how to assemble a charcuterie board and a pastrami rose. We will prepare a savory and sweet dip as we slice and dice in our amazing kitchen. All supplies will be provided.
Yoga For Holiday Stress: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Are the holidays wearing you down? Wish you could slow down a bit and enjoy more? We can help! Join us for a fun, holiday yoga experience designed to relax and center the body, mind and spirit. Class includes instruction, self-care techniques and hot tea, only $30. Space is limited to 10, so reserve your spot early!
December 2:
FARVADA Holiday Market: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Enjoy a variety of vendors to jump start your holiday shopping at the Three Creeks School in west Arvada.
Santa’s Pajama Party:
9:30 am to 11:30 am
Come dressed in your favorite jammies, visit with Santa, and enjoy crafts, games, and more. Skate on the indoor synthetic ice rink, run through a mini ninja obstacle course and sip on hot cocoa.
Simms Art Show:
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Browse the unique and beautiful art created by many talented artisans. This is a great show to shop for holiday gifts and decor. Free entry.
Dickens Christmas Experience: 11:30 am to 6:00 pm
The Dickens Christmas Experience is an all-ages community event to celebrate the holiday season and the life of AUMC and the greater Arvada community. This is a FREE event.
Holiday Makers Market & Photos with Santa at Talnua Distillery: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Local artisans with handmade jewelry, pottery, fine art, and more. Hippie Pie Yay Food Truck will also be on site serving up delicious grub. And, Santa will be on site from 2 - 5pm. Photos will be free with the purchase of any of their festive holiday cocktails, single pours, or flights. (This is a 21+ event)
Living Stone Nativity Drive-Through:
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
This heartwarming event is tailor-made for families and embraces the entire community. Bring the family for a live nativity scene, interactive petting zone, warm-up by the fire and enjoy delicious refreshments.
December 4:
8th Annual Eggnog & Cider Competition:
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Head to Olde Town for a true hometown holiday experience. Celebrate the tradition of Lagniappe (lawn-yap), as businesses stay open late and thank loyal customers with a special gift with purchase.
Take part in the annual Eggnog & Cider Competition. Buy your pass and visit participating businesses for samples of eggnog and cider around Olde Town, then vote for your favorite!
UPDATE, 11/20/23: This is event is SOLD OUT for 2023.
Arvada Fire’s Annual Chili Cook-off:
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
This annual event includes a silent auction and raffle, festive cheer, and of course, a lot of delicious chili.
All nine of their stations will be making a unique recipe and batch of chili. At the cookoff, you are invited to taste them all and vote for your favorite. A suggested entry donation of $5 is appreciated. Proceeds from the chili cookoff go towards the event host, Friends of Arvada Fire, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support Arvada Fire’s mission.
December 5:
Active Adult-Santa Grab Bags - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Need a little holiday cheer? Apex has partnered with their Active Adult Sponsors to put together some delicious holiday treats. Grab your treats and bring your camera for a photo opportunity with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
December 6:
Cocoa and Candy Canes: 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Grab your favorite holiday sweater and join Mrs. Claus for some holly, jolly, fun time with stories from the North Pole, warm cocoa, and frosty mint candy cane treats. Mrs. Claus and the elves will be there for face painting, songs, and dancing with their friends. Share some friendship along with your cocoa, and join them.
Therapeutic Recreation Holiday Musical: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
December 7:
Unite Through Light - Community Menorah Lighting: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
The Olde Town Arvada Menorah Lighting will take place the first night of Chanukah with cool Chanukah songs, dreidel mascot, live Chanukah music, chocolate coins, latkahs and donuts, a mind-blowing juggling show and more! Fun for all ages. Event is free. Everyone is welcome.
Whiskey Wonderland Ugly Sweater & Whiskey Tasting Party: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Get ready to sip, sparkle and dance the night away in your festive worst. Grab your tickets, dust off that ugly sweater, and prepare for an unforgettable Whiskey Wonderland Ugly Sweater & Whiskey Tasting Party!
December 8:
Holiday Ice Show: 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
The Apex Center Ice Arena’s annual Holiday Ice Skating Show. Free admission. Local skaters will perform to their favorite holiday tunes. Bring the family and come and see some fantastic skating.
Christmas Carols & Cookies: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Open house group sing and Christmas treats. All are welcome to join as we sing our favorite Christmas carols, eat cookies and drink hot chocolate.
December 9:
Cookies with Santa
9:00 am - 11:50 am
Santa Claus will be making a special trip to visit the Apex Center. Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and a holiday craft with the jolly man in red, and don’t forget to take your picture with him before he flies back to the North Pole. Registration is required, but you can drop in at any time during the hour you register to avoid long lines.
Arvada Historical Society Holiday Open House: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Brunch with Santa - 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Enjoy our All Day Brunch Buffet on the Mezzanine. Kids will enjoy one of their holiday crafts before photos with Santa.
Craft Clay Ornaments: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Craft clay ornaments with all of the necessary materials are provided, just bring your creativity and holiday spirit. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just looking for a fun activity to get into the season, this event is designed for you.
Arvada Chorale presents Singing the World 'Round, a Winter's Journey:
7:00 pm to 9:00pm
From Central America to West Africa, Latvia to the West Indies and the United States, this concert takes us around the world to celebrate the holidays through choral music. The centerpiece of this program will be Conrad Susa's "Carols and Lullabies" for chorus, marimba, harp and guitar. A concert of enchanting and inspirational singing to kick off your holiday season. (This performance repeats on December 10 from 3pm - 5pm)
December 12:
Holiday Movie Trivia Night at Marmalade Lounge: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Grab your team of 3-5 people, brush up on your iconic holiday movie knowledge, and join us for a cheerful night of Trivia in the lounge. Enjoy drink specials and great prizes.
Tickets are per person, but should be purchased in groups of 3-5 to form your trivia team. $10 ticket per person. Spaces are limited!
December 13:
Social Cooking - Cookie Exchange: 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Bake, socialize, and exchange holiday goodies in our fabulous kitchen. Bring an already prepared batch of your favorite holiday treat to exchange with others and leave with a plate full of delectable delights.
LUKI Brewery’s Cirque du Snow: 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Enjoy thematic activities and treats to keep you in that festive mood. Look for cookie decorating, holiday movie bingo, Bierstacheln and more! (Bierstacheln is a historical way to drink beer in the winter months. We warm the beer up with a hot poker for a unique warm beer experience not to be missed!)
December 14:
Whobilation Celebration Tea Party - 2:00pm to 3:30 pm
Don’t be a Grinch and come in from the cold for cookie decorating, silly stories, Whobilation dancing, feasting on Who pudding and grinch punch, and crafting a take-home ornament. Little Whos can come dressed in their party finest or their grinchiest sweater.
December 15:
Hazel Miller and The Collective: Christmas with Soul: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join Hazel Miller and the Collective for a Gospel-inspired jazzy Christmas concert. This concert is pure “Holiday Spirit” sung and played with heart and soul! It will be an incredible evening of music, holiday joy, and fellowship.
Mingle & Jingle with Santa 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Santa’s Hosting a Cocktail Party at Freedom Street Social! Each ticket includes a carving station buffet + 2 holiday drink tickets. At this adult-only party, you’ll have your chance to Rock Around the Christmas Tree with the Jolliest Elf!
December 16:
Gingerbread Building: 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm
Get in the holiday spirit and join them for a morning of gingerbread house building, cookies, and hot chocolate. All supplies will be provided.
Whobilation Celebration Tea Party: 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Don’t be a Grinch and come in from the cold for cookie decorating, silly stories, Whobilation dancing, feasting on Who pudding and Grinch punch, and crafting a take-home ornament. Little Whos can come dressed in their party finest or their grinchiest sweater.
Winter Wonderland Pool Party:
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Enjoy wintery fun at the Apex Center indoor pool. Admission includes a campfire mug, hot chocolate bar, and 3 hours of exclusive swimming. Registration is limited, so reserve your spot early.
Olde Town Arvada Santa Crawl: 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Start at Cheapskates at 6:00 pm, visit 6 of the locations listed and then finish back at Cheapskates by 11:00 pm with your validated cards, and you could win in the raffle!
December 19:
Adult Trip – Christmas Lights Tour: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
On this ever-popular trip, they tour the town looking at Christmas lights and end the evening at the Community Recreation Center with hot chocolate and goodies.
December 20:
Santa Skate: 6:00 pm to 7:45 pm
Take your picture with Santa and the Zamboni. No registration is necessary. Extended session time. Regular public skating fees apply for admission and rentals.
LUKI Brewery’s Cirque du Snow: 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Enjoy thematic activities and treats to keep you in that festive mood. Look for cookie decorating, holiday movie bingo, Bierstacheln and more! (Bierstacheln is a historical way to drink beer in the winter months. We warm the beer up with a hot poker for a unique warm beer experience not to be missed!)
December 21:
King of Glory Lutheran Church - Blue Christmas Worship Service: 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm
Contemplative worship service held on the longest night of the year, offering space for quiet reflection, prayer and solidarity for those experiencing grief or struggling with loss.
December 31:
Noon Year’s Eve: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Do you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your little one but not stay up until midnight? Celebrate with them on December 31 for Noon Year’s Eve. They will have music, games, a bounce house, and a balloon drop at noon to start 2024 off right. Spots are limited, so early registration is recommended.