Running and biking Santas, old-timey Christmas fun and more markets

By Steve Graham

Get Out of Town is our weekly roundup of recommended events across Colorado, mostly focusing outside of Denver, to help everyone enjoy the entire state. For more happenings, check out our events calendar.

Christmas on the radio - LIVE

Mariah Carey’s ubiquitous tune might be a modern classic, and watching Charlie Brown may be a multigenerational tradition, but Ouray is really going old school with a recreation of the “Miracle on 34th Street” radio drama, which originally aired right before Christmas in 1948.

On Friday and Saturday at the Wright Opera House, the Ouray County Players will stage a theatrical recreation of the timeless story of a little girl’s belief and the magic of the season.

Breck fills up with Santas and holiday lights

“Miracle on 34th Street” may be about identifying the real Santa, but it will be really hard to find the true Kris Kringle on Saturday in Breckenridge. Hundreds of adults, kids and dogs will fill Main Street in Christmas costumes.

The holiday events kick off at noon, with a handmade holiday market in the Old Masonic Hall, followed by the dog parade at 3:30, the Moose March for kids aged 10 to 17 at 4 p.m., and a Race of the Santas at 4:20. Registration is $30 for adults, and proceeds benefit the Carriage House Early Learning Center.

At dusk, Santa starts a countdown and switches on more than 250,000 LED lights across the town.

Bernerfest in Breck

Also in Breckenridge on Saturday, Continental Divide Winery hosts its annual Bernerfest Party. It starts with a parade of Bernese mountain dogs at 3:30 in front of the winery’s tasting room. The tasting room will also have live music, dog treats and more.

Santa Cycle Rampage in FoCo

Before the Santas run in Breckenridge, they will bike around Fort Collins. Riders in Fort Collins will wear costumes and decorate their bikes for the fifth annual Santa Cycle Rampage, which starts with breakfast at 10 a.m. at Avogadro’s Number. It then travels to Stodgy Brewing, Road 34 and Mayor of Old Town.

More holiday markets

Finally, we’re spotlighting a few holiday markets every week to help you find unique and creative gifts that support local crafters and small businesses.

Monte Vista hosts its annual holiday bazaar Friday through Sunday, with crafts, gifts, food, Santa, the Grinch and professional photography sessions for families and pets.
The 64th annual Georgetown Christmas Market runs the next two weekends, with a European-style outdoor market, beer garden and Christmas Alley. In addition to beer and shopping, there will be Victorian carolers, dancers and other entertainment.
Paradox Beer Company in Divide (west of Colorado Springs) hosts a holiday makers market at noon Saturday, with handcrafted, locally made gifts and raffle prizes.

As always, please send us your events and announcements. We’re happy to share them. If they don’t fit in the Get Out of Town column, we will add them to our events calendar.