Boulder Events: Lights of December

Photo courtesy of Downtown Boulder

Are you looking for something fun to do with the family in Boulder over the weekend? I mean, something that doesn’t involve going into another big box store while attempting to avoid the inevitable meltdown that happens when a 4-year-old gets overwhelmed by fluorescent lights, holiday music, and all the candy that they aren’t allowed to eat right now.

Honestly, that nearly brings me to an in-store meltdown…

If the answer is yes, then take your kiddos to the 26th Annual Lights of Decemberparade in downtown Boulder this Saturday, December 7th. Downtown Boulder is alight with decorations; now take them all in, along with a beautiful parade that, of course, includes Santa himself.

The parade kicks off at 6PM on Saturday and starts at 15th and Walnut Streets, then heads west to 11th, then north to Spruce. There are reviewing stands at Walnut and 14th and on 11th and Pearl, for those of you who come early enough to be able to snag one of those seats.

To avoid the mayhem of parking right around the beginning of the parade, why not come an hour or two early and enjoy dinner or snacks on the Pearl Street Mall? That way you’ll have your full strength as you and your kiddos gawk at the spectacle of the parade. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind as your gearing up for the parade that evening:

• Parking in the City of Boulder garages is free on Saturday and Sundays, so just head right there and avoid the Russian roulette of street parking in the area.
• You’re a Boulderite, so I’m sure this probably goes without saying, but make sure to dress warmly and in layers. It’s only supposed to reach high teens at the end of this week.
• Grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate before you start watching the parade. It’s a natural hand and face warmer. Places around the parade route includeThe Laughing Goat, Ozo Coffee, Amante Coffee, The Cup and Boxcar Roasters

Before you head out, there’s a handy map for the parade route and all other relevant locations (such as parking), so print up a copy or save it on your phone to reference it later in the evening.