11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - The Story of the Nutcracker - MAP Children's Theater
When: All day
Where: Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Avenue, Suite 200, Golden, CO
11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
When Marie’s gift from her Godfather Drosselmeier on Christmas Eve gets broken, she tries to find and fix the Nutcracker. Instead, he comes alive, and a story-within-the-story begins! Become a part of the Nutcracker tale and see if everyone gets to live happily ever after.
10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. - Nature's Gifts
When: All day
Where: Lookout Mountain Nature Center, 910 Colorow Road, Golden, CO
Register:
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Hey, all you young nature lovers! Have fun making nature-related holiday crafts for your loved ones! Families with kids of all ages are welcome! (Crafts are geared towards ages 3 - 8 years old).
Free. There will be a donation box at the event with a suggested donation $3 per child for craft supplies.
CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
When: All day
See all events from the Golden Cultural Alliance.
THE BUFFALO BILL MUSEUM AND GRAVE
987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Road (map)
303-526-0744
CLOSED Monday, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
The Buffalo Bill Story, Buffalo Bill's Death, The Americans, A Visit to the Wild West, Firearms, Kid's Cowboy Corral
COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM
17155 W. 44th Avenue (map)
303-279-4591
CLOSED Monday, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve Day
UPPER GALLERY
Center for Railroad Photography & Art Winners
The winners of the Center for Railroad Photography & Art’s 2024 John E. Gruber Creative Photography Contest have been announced, and these award-winning images are now on display at the Museum.
Without Words
Shining a spotlight on how railroaders have communicated over the years using sight, sound and code
LOWER GALLERY
Hidden from History: A Century of Women in Railroading
This captivating display explores the invaluable contributions of women in the railroad industry over a 100-year period, showcasing their roles in a field traditionally dominated by men.
FOOTHILLS ART CENTER - ASTOR HOUSE
822 12th Street (map)
303-279-3922
CLOSED New Year's Day, President's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas
Decomposing/Recomposing
(through February 2, 2025)
An exhibition by three women using found and original photography to create original compositions exploring the themes of memory, value and time. Featured artists: Gayle Gerson, Jean Hultkrans, and Kirsty Saalfrank.
GOLDEN HISTORY MUSEUM & PARK
923 10th Street (map)
303-278-3557
(Museum) CLOSED Sunday, Monday, New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve Day
Clear Creek Room: The Heart of Golden
Surrounded by North and South Table Mountains, Clear Creek has drawn people to this area for millennia.
We Are Still Here: The Endurance of Native Jewels
In this exhibit, we define jewel as both a precious item as well as a woman of strength and importance. Explore how Indigenous women have persevered through hundreds of years of oppression and numerous attempts to destroy their culture. Featuring modern Native fashions that utilize ancient Indigenous jewels, learn about prominent Native women in contemporary American society. Not only are Native Americans still here; they have endured, and they are thriving.
Discovery Awaits: Indigenous Connections, Epic Events, Legendary People, andthe Touch Gallery. A new Jolly Rancher exhibit is in the works and will open in2025.
The Salon: Golden High School 150th Anniversary Exhibit
Golden History Park (11th & Arapahoe): The outdoor setting re-creates the look and feel of a late 1800's mountain ranch complete with gardens, a working blacksmith shop, schoolhouse and chicken coop (chickens included).
MINES MUSEUM
Colorado School of Mines
1310 Maple Street (map)
303-273-3815
CLOSED New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas
The main floor exhibits feature specimens from many Colorado mining districts, other global localities and an introductory video on area geology. The Special Exhibit Room hosts prominent precious metal and invited displays. The main gallery also showcases historic mining murals by Irwin Hoffman.
The basement contains numerous exhibits regarding radioactivity, fossils, basic geology, gemstones, meteorites, ultraviolet minerals and underground mining illumination. The outdoor geologic trail features seven outcrops with various geologic and paleontological points of interest, including fossilized dinosaur tracks, logs and leaves.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN QUILT MUSEUM
200 Violet Street, Unit 140 (map)
303-277-0377
CLOSED New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
MAIN GALLERY
English Paper Piecing
(through January 18, 2025)
Presentations of English paper piecing quilters incorporating their favorite motifs.
NORTHEAST GALLERY
WILD! SAQA Regional Exhibition
(through January 18, 2025)
SAQA | Studio Art Quilt Associates | Colorado, Wyoming & Utah Region
Let your imagination take you on a journey to a WILD place. Explore ALL things wild, such as untamed wildlands, wild spirit, wildlife, free, and uninhabited places.
See all events from the Golden Cultural Alliance.
11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - The Story of the Nutcracker - MAP Children's Theater
When: All day
Where: Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Avenue, Suite 200, Golden, CO
11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
When Marie’s gift from her Godfather Drosselmeier on Christmas Eve gets broken, she tries to find and fix the Nutcracker. Instead, he comes alive, and a story-within-the-story begins! Become a part of the Nutcracker tale and see if everyone gets to live happily ever after.
10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. - Nature's Gifts
When: All day
Where: Lookout Mountain Nature Center, 910 Colorow Road, Golden, CO
Register:
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Hey, all you young nature lovers! Have fun making nature-related holiday crafts for your loved ones! Families with kids of all ages are welcome! (Crafts are geared towards ages 3 - 8 years old).
Free. There will be a donation box at the event with a suggested donation $3 per child for craft supplies.
Golden History Tours
When: All day
Golden History Tours offers Wild West Walking Tours, Pub Crawls, Ghost Tours, and more! If you don't see a scheduled tour on a particular date, you can book a tour at a custom time.
More information
CSM Track Team Alumni Classic
When: All day
Where: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Saturday Morning Run and Social Walk
When: 8AM
Where: Golden History Park, Arapahoe and 11th Streets, Golden, CO
Join the Foothills Running and Cycling Club for a morning run and social walk every week!
For more info, visit our website: www.memberplanet.com/foothillsrunningandcyclingclub
In-Store Kids Workshop
When: 9AM-12PM
Where: Home Depot, 16900 W. Colfax Avenue, Golden, CO
Holiday Craft Faire
When: 9AM-4PM
Where: Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W. 32nd Avenue, Golden, CO
Handmade crafts, jewelry, pottery, candles, art prints, stuffed critters, soaps and more.
More information
Golden High School Holiday Bazaar
When: 9AM-12PM
Where: Golden High School Cafeteria, 701 24th Street, Golden, CO
Come do some holiday shopping at the 10th Annual Golden High School Holiday Bazaar with one-of-a-kind gifts from over 50 different local artists.
This is a fundraiser for the students at Golden High School, helping with scholarships, after prom party, grants, and more.
Golden Comprehensive Plan Community Engagement & Feedback Opportunity
When: 10-11:30AM
Where: Golden Community Center, 1470 10th Street, Golden, CO
A Comprehensive Plan is a policy document that guides long-term decisions for the City, covering land-use decisions like rezoning, infrastructure investments, and programming choices. It lays the foundation for future zoning codes, which then turn the plan into reality.
This is another opportunity for public feedback.
Learn more about the Comprehensive Plan on the Guiding Golden page.
Coffee With Councilors
When: 10AM
Where: Golden Community Center, 1470 10th Street, Golden, CO
Join your City Councilors for coffee and conversation!
This December, the focus is "What's New in Your Neighborhood"—a discussion about the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Bring your ideas, questions, and thoughts, and be part of shaping the future of our community. Let’s connect and have a meaningful conversation!
Brunch at the Rose
When: 10AM-3PM
Where: Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO
The Rose will be hosting brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Come enjoy our delicious brunch menu, along with signature cocktails.
Music from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Reservations
Foothills Art Center - Holiday Art Market
When: 10AM-5PM
Where: Foothills Art Center, 1133 Arapahoe Street, Golden, CO
The annual Holiday Art Market (HART) at Foothills Art Center in Golden, CO is a premier holiday venue for fabulous fine art and craft made in Colorado. Visitors are immersed in a unique holiday marketplace featuring an array of handmade gifts for everyone on their holiday gift giving list. Over 100 Colorado artists offer ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, paintings, woodworking, photography and much more. Plus, your purchases of these one-of-a-kind treasure helps support both local artists and Foothills Art Center!
Admission and activities are free (donations accepted). 303-279-3922.
M-Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 12- 5pm
With these holidays:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
More information
Visit www.foothillsartcenter.org.
Swap Meet Craft and Bake Sale
When: 10AM
Where: Dirty Dogs Roadhouse, 17999 W. Colfax Avenue, Golden, CO
Everything from Motorcycle parts to Peanut Brittle. You never know what you will find for you or for a Christmas gift.
More information
Christkindl Market
When: 10AM-3PM
Where: Denver Kickers Sport Club, 16776 W. 50th Avenue, Golden, CO
Enjoy a day of holiday shopping, music, food and more! Local vendors will be on hand to sell unique arts and crafts, handmade goods, and food. We’ll have a visit from Santa Claus – kids can share their Christmas wishes with the jolly old elf, and photos are encouraged!
Delicious food and drink items will be available inside the Clubhouse.
Holiday Wreath Workshop
When: 10AM-12PM
Where: Golden Mill, 1012 Ford Street, Golden, CO
Are you ready to deck the halls with your very own handmade wreath? Join us at the Golden Mill for a delightful Holiday Wreath Workshop that's sure to ignite your festive spirit! Perfect for holiday lovers, this workshop is all about creativity, fun, and a little holiday magic.
More information
Foothills Art Center - Holiday Art Market
When: 10AM-5PM
Where: Foothills Art Center, 1133 Arapahoe Street, Golden, CO
The annual Holiday Art Market (HART) at Foothills Art Center in Golden, CO is a premier holiday venue for fabulous fine art and craft made in Colorado. Visitors are immersed in a unique holiday marketplace featuring an array of handmade gifts for everyone on their holiday gift giving list. Over 100 Colorado artists offer ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, paintings, woodworking, photography and much more. Plus, your purchases of these one-of-a-kind treasure helps support both local artists and Foothills Art Center!
Admission and activities are free (donations accepted). 303-279-3922.
More information
Visit www.foothillsartcenter.org.
Family Time - Registration Required
When: 10:15-10:45AM
Where: Golden Library, 1019 10th Street, Golden, CO
It’s reading fun for everyone! Gather the whole family for engaging stories, dancing, singing and rhyming.
Registration required
Holiday Open House
When: 11AM-3PM
Where: Avalanche Harley Davidson, 18425 W. Colfax Avenue, Golden, CO
Avalanche H-D is having an open house party! Food, Drinks, Music, & Great Times! Join Us For a Rumbling Great Weekend!
More information
Full Walking Tour @ Dinosaur Ridge
When: 12-2PM
Where: Dinosaur Ridge, 16831 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO
The Full Walking Tour is a guided tour of the East and West sides of Dinosaur Ridge. A volunteer guide will interpret the dinosaur tracks and bone fossils, local history, and geology during the one-way, 1.5-mile tour on a paved trail will take 1.5-2 hours. All walkers require a ticket to be transported via a shuttle bus to their starting point. This tour is designed for participants ages 10 and older.
Learn more and register at:
https://dinoridge.org/visit-dinosaur-ridge/full-walking-tour/
PAWS for Reading
When: 1-3PM
Where: Golden Library, 1019 10th Street, Golden, CO
Read with a four-legged friend from the Denver Pet Partners! Dogs are the perfect reading companions because they create a relaxed, comfortable and safe environment for sharing books. Children must be able to read independently and are encouraged to share a favorite book.
Register
Virtual: Dungeons & Dragons for Beginners
When: 1-2:30PM
Do you love epic fantasy adventure? Dungeons and Dragons is a table top role playing fantasy game where a roll of the dice can change your future. If you have never played before or are a brand new to questing come roll initiative with other new adventurers! Suitable for ages 12-18.
This is a month-long quest, meeting each Saturday. Registration is required and is for all sessions.
Mineral ID Day
When: 1-4PM
Where: Colorado School of Mines Museum, 1310 Maple Street, Golden, CO
Let us identify your most mysterious gems, fossils, and minerals!
- Limit of 3 specimens per visitor
- We will only provide identification, not valuation
More information
Holiday Shakedown Street Market Part 2
When: 2-6PM
Where: Over Yonder Brewing Company, 18455 W. Colfax Avenue #103, Golden, CO
In flowing with tradition, this is our second of two Holiday Shakedown Street Markets, where you have the fresh opportunity to shop a variety of talented and local artists and vendors while sipping on Yonder beers. Shop and support local and small this holiday season while giving wonderfully unique and hand-crafted gifts.
Meet Santa
When: 2-4PM
Where: The Eddy Taproom & Hotel, 1640 8th Street, Golden, CO
Stop by The Eddy Taproom & Hotel to meet Santa on December 7th and 14th! Bring your kids and dogs for free photos.
More information
Virtual: Dungeons & Dragons for Advanced Players
When: 3:30-5PM
Do you love epic fantasy adventure? Dungeons and Dragons is a table top role playing fantasy game where a roll of the dice can change your future. If you are a seasoned adventurer come roll initiative with other heroes! Suitable for ages 12-18.
This is a month-long quest, meeting each Saturday. Registration is required and is for all sessions.
Golden Concert Choir Winter Concert - Carols from Around the World
When: 4-6PM
Where: Calvary Episcopal Church, 1320 Arapahoe Street, Golden, CO
There will be a baked goods and craft sale before and immediately after the concert, and refreshments to follow. The doors will open at 3:00 p.m. crafts will be amazing. I look forward to seeing you there!
Tickets will be available at the door. The prices are: $20 for Adults, $15 for Seniors, $5 for Students and Free for Under 6-year-olds.
Golden Concert Choir Winter Concert - Carols from Around the World
When: 4-6PM
Where: Calvary Episcopal Church, 1320 Arapahoe Street, Golden, CO
There will be a baked goods and craft sale before and immediately after the concert, and refreshments to follow. The doors will open at 3:00 p.m. crafts will be amazing. I look forward to seeing you there!
Tickets will be available at the door. The prices are: $20 for Adults, $15 for Seniors, $5 for Students and Free for Under 6-year-olds.
Golden American Legion Dinner
When: 5-7PM
Where: American Legion Post 21, 500 9th Street, Golden, CO
Italian Sausage Sandwich / Salad / Dessert Public Welcome www.goldenpost21.org
Rescheduled: Rocky Mountain Police & Fire Chaplains Fundraiser
When: 6-9PM
Where: Morris & Mae, 18475 W. Colfax Avenue, Golden, CO
An evening of music from Derek Hall, comedy with Vinnie Montez, and delicious food to benefit the RMPFC.
More information
A Christmas Carol
When: 7:30PM
Where: Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, 1100 Miners Alley, Golden, CO
A loyal and zany take on the holiday classic, adapted for the stage by Josh Hartwell.
Miners Alley Playhouse is proud to present this new and updated version of Charles Dickens' heartwarming story of holiday redemption. Using only a handful of actors to bring dozens of characters to life, it's fast-paced fun that will get you in the seasonal spirit!
As we welcome the holidays in our new performing arts center, this year's version promises to be funnier, spookier, and crazier than ever. Featuring the same cast you know and love, including the roller skates!
A Christmas Carol
When: 7:30PM
Where: Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, 1100 Miners Alley, Golden, CO
A loyal and zany take on the holiday classic, adapted for the stage by Josh Hartwell.
Miners Alley Playhouse is proud to present this new and updated version of Charles Dickens' heartwarming story of holiday redemption. Using only a handful of actors to bring dozens of characters to life, it's fast-paced fun that will get you in the seasonal spirit!
As we welcome the holidays in our new performing arts center, this year's version promises to be funnier, spookier, and crazier than ever. Featuring the same cast you know and love, including the roller skates!
