The holiday season in Colorado's foothills has a charm all its own. From the lights along Clear Creek in Golden to the festive storefronts of downtown Evergreen and the annual Christmas parade in Conifer, our mountain communities know how to celebrate.
One of the things I love about living in the foothills is the way our communities come together during the holidays. These events aren't just about shopping and decorations. They're opportunities to reconnect with neighbors, support local businesses, and enjoy the places we call home.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly holiday activities, handmade gifts from Colorado artists, or an evening enjoying the lights, there's plenty happening close to home.
Here are 10 holiday events in Evergreen, Conifer, and Golden from November 15 through December 31, 2026, arranged by date to help you plan your season.
November Holiday Events in the Foothills
November 15: Alternative Gift Fair | Evergreen
Sunday, November 15 | 9 AM–3 PM
Evergreen Lutheran Church | 5980 Highway 73
Get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting some wonderful causes at Evergreen's Alternative Gift Fair.
This annual, volunteer-run event brings together nonprofit organizations offering handcrafted gifts and other meaningful ways to give. Purchases support charitable organizations working locally, nationally, and internationally.
It's an opportunity to find something different from the usual holiday gifts while making a positive impact.
November 20–December 29: 51st Holiday Art Market | Golden
Foothills Art Center at Astor House | 1133 Arapahoe Street
If you enjoy discovering unique gifts and supporting Colorado artists, Golden's Holiday Art Market deserves a spot on your calendar.
Now celebrating its 51st year, this annual market features artwork and handmade items from Colorado artists. It's a place to find distinctive gifts while browsing ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and other creative work.
The market is located in downtown Golden, making it easy to combine some holiday shopping with lunch, a stop at a local coffee shop, or a stroll along Washington Avenue.
Admission is free. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM, and Sunday, noon–5 PM. The market is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
November 26: EChO Turkey Trot 5K | Evergreen
Thanksgiving Day | 9 AM
Evergreen Christian Outreach | 27888 Meadow Drive
Looking for an active way to start Thanksgiving morning? The 16th Annual EChO Turkey Trot is a great local tradition for runners, walkers, and families.
The event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, along with leashed dogs. Costumes are encouraged, making this more than your typical 5K.
Best of all, proceeds support the EChO Food Pantry, helping provide food and essential resources to members of our mountain community.
Race-day registration opens at 8 AM, and the 5K begins at 9 AM.
November 28–December 25: Light Up 285 | Conifer
Community-wide holiday light displays
Conifer is getting into the holiday spirit with Light Up 285, a community-wide celebration encouraging residents and businesses to decorate their homes and storefronts.
The festivities kick off November 28, with participating locations featured on a community map. Visitors can explore the displays and vote for their favorites through December 21.
This is a fun way to enjoy the holidays at your own pace. Bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and take a drive through Conifer to see how creatively our neighbors have decorated.
December Holiday Events in Evergreen, Conifer & Golden
December 4: Evergreen Holiday Walk | Evergreen
Friday, December 4 | 5–9 PM
Downtown Evergreen
Few events capture the spirit of the holidays in Evergreen quite like the annual Holiday Walk.
Now in its 34th year, this beloved community tradition begins with the holiday tree lighting at Evergreen Lake House. Afterward, the celebration moves downtown, where the main street becomes a pedestrian-friendly gathering place.
Visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, fire pits, s'mores, holiday shopping, and seasonal treats.
With storefronts decorated for the season and neighbors gathering throughout downtown, it's one of the best evenings of the year to experience Evergreen's small-town atmosphere.
December 4: Olde Golden Candlelight Walk | Golden
Friday, December 4 | 6–9 PM
Golden's Candlelight Walk is another longstanding holiday favorite, and it's easy to see why.
Residents and visitors gather along historic Washington Avenue with candles, singing carols as they make their way through downtown. The evening culminates with the illumination of thousands of holiday lights along Clear Creek and throughout Golden.
The festivities continue with activities at Golden History Park, the Golden History Museum, and the Golden Public Library.
It's a memorable way to kick off December, whether you're attending with family, friends, or visiting guests.
December 5: Winterfest | Evergreen
Saturday, December 5 | 10 AM–4 PM
Center for the Arts Evergreen | 31880 Rocky Village Drive
If you prefer handmade gifts over crowded shopping malls, Winterfest is a wonderful place to spend part of your Saturday.
Hosted by Center for the Arts Evergreen, this free community festival features Colorado artists and makers offering handcrafted gifts in both indoor and outdoor booths.
There's more than shopping, too. Visitors can enjoy live holiday music, food trucks, hot cocoa, children's crafts, and visits with Santa.
The event also provides an opportunity to explore the Center's annual member exhibition and purchase artwork directly from local artists.
December 5: 43rd Annual Conifer Christmas Parade | Conifer
Saturday, December 5 | Pre-parade activities at 1 PM | Parade at 2 PM
Sutton Road | Aspen Park
The Conifer Christmas Parade is one of the area's biggest holiday traditions, bringing residents together for an afternoon of festive floats, music, and community celebration.
Presented by the Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce, the parade celebrates its 43rd year in 2026.
The parade travels along Sutton Road in Aspen Park, with local organizations, businesses, and community groups joining the festivities. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the season while supporting the people and organizations that make Conifer special.
Plan to arrive early to enjoy the pre-parade activities and find a good viewing spot.
December 12: Golden Holiday Parade | Golden
Saturday, December 12 | 10:30–11:30 AM
Washington Avenue | Downtown Golden
Golden adds a distinctly Colorado twist to the holidays with its annual parade.
The 2026 theme is Western Winter Wonderland, bringing together a little Old West character and plenty of Christmas spirit.
Expect festive floats, marching bands, holiday characters, and Santa as the parade makes its way through historic downtown.
Afterward, stick around to visit Golden's shops, restaurants, and coffeehouses, or enjoy a walk along Clear Creek.
December 19: Jingle on the Avenue | Golden
Saturday, December 19 | 11 AM–1 PM
Washington Avenue | Downtown Golden
If you have young children or grandchildren, Golden's Jingle on the Avenue is a fun way to celebrate the final weekend before Christmas.
Families can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet costumed holiday characters, enjoy seasonal music, and participate in crafts and other activities.
The event is free and open to the public, making it an easy addition to a day of holiday shopping or lunch in downtown Golden.
Make the Most of the Holiday Season in Colorado's Foothills
Whether you've lived in Evergreen, Conifer, or Golden for decades or you're new to the area, the holidays offer some wonderful opportunities to experience what makes these communities special.
My suggestion? Pick a few of your favorite events, invite friends or neighbors along, and make an afternoon or evening of it. Stop for dinner at a local restaurant, browse the independent shops, or simply enjoy the lights and mountain scenery.
And remember, many of these celebrations are organized by local nonprofits, chambers of commerce, businesses, and volunteers. Supporting their events and shopping locally helps keep these traditions going.
A little planning tip: Evergreen's Holiday Walk and Golden's Candlelight Walk are both scheduled for Friday, December 4. You'll probably want to choose one rather than try to squeeze both into the same evening.
For those of us lucky enough to call Colorado's foothills home, these gatherings are another reminder of why we love living here.
Happy holidays from Colorado Foothills Living!
Event details are based on published 2026 schedules. Times and activities may change, particularly with winter weather, so check the linked organizer websites before heading out.
