Plan a trip to enjoy small-town traditions in November and December

By the Thirst Team

Hallmark Christmas movies are full of small towns with charming decorations and traditions. They may seem fake, but many of those holiday attractions are available in real life across Colorado’s eastern plains and smaller Front Range towns.

Here are some of the seasonal highlights across some of Colorado’s less visited areas.

Blue Violin Christmas concert Nov. 21

The Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas Tour returns to Colorado for concerts described as “Trans-Siberian Orchestra meets Lindsey Stirling.” Traditional carols are blended with high-octane rock anthems and cinematic classical performances, with a dazzling stage set and immersive light show.

The tour stops at Pueblo’s Sangre de Cristo Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 21, and also comes to Parker, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins in the next month.

Nutcracker in a Nutshell Nov. 22

The Sangre de Cristo Ballet and School of Dance present a condensed, one-hour version of “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Pueblo’s Sangre de Cristo Arts Center.

Holiday lighting ceremonies in Pueblo Nov. 25 and 28

The Pueblo County Courthouse Lighting Ceremony starts at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, with fireworks at 7 p.m. The event also includes photo booths, food trucks and caroling.

The following Friday brings the 24th annual Holiday Lighting Extravaganza to the Pueblo Riverwalk. Amid thousands of sparkling lights, there will be festive music, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa.

Pueblo Parade of Lights Nov. 29

Pueblo’s Parade of Lights has been one of the largest Christmas parades in Colorado for more than 30 years. Every year, the event includes festive floats, school marching bands, drill teams, horses and car club vehicles down Union Avenue and Main Street.

Sterling Parade of Lights Dec. 4

Floats, bands, cars and groups will parade through downtown Sterling starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. This year’s theme is “Hometown Christmas.”

Fort Morgan Christmas Parade Dec. 4

The Morgan County holiday season officially kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, with fun floats and bright lights on Main Street for the Fort Morgan Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “Christmas Through the Decades.”

Brush Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 5

The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is a free, family-friendly event with s’mores, cookies and caroling. Regi the reindeer also will make an appearance, and the Sands Theatre will host a free screening of “Elf.”

Chili, soup and treats in Fort Morgan Dec. 6

The first Christmas Treat Walk runs from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, with free treats and decorations in Fort Morgan’s Main Street businesses. Also on Saturday is the 15th Annual Fort Morgan Rotary Chili and Soup Festival, with cookie decorating, gingerbread houses, tractor rides, a visit from Santa and, of course, warming and award-winning chilis and soups. Festival admission costs $5 (free for kids 9 and under).

Ongoing holiday fun

In addition to the one-time events, several ongoing events and entertainment options are available.

The Pueblo Zoo hosts the Electric Critters holiday light show on weekends from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15, and daily from Dec. 20 to 29 (except Dec. 24 and 25). Santa will be there on Sundays in December, and a quieter, less crowded sensory-friendly night is scheduled for Dec. 16.
Save Ralphie’s Christmas by attempting the “A Christmas Story” escape room at the Champions Center in Trinidad. The pop-up escape room is open Fridays Nov. 29 to Dec. 20.
Main Street Live in Trinidad stages “Miracle on 34th Street” on weekends Dec. 12 to 21. Adult tickets cost $20, and are available now.

Art events with holiday shopping

Unique crafts and gifts are available throughout the region at upcoming art walks and sales.

Pueblo also hosts First Friday Art Walks from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.
Fort Morgan hosts a Third Thursday Art Walk Nov. 20 and Dec. 18, with live music and other performances in addition to gallery open houses and shopping.
The Sterling Creatives organization hosts a Black Friday sale from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 129 N. 3rd St.