While the holidays can be stressful as we try to meet unrealistic expectations to create Hallmark moments, we can choose to embrace the holidays as a time to appreciate the wonder and joy around us. Living in the mountain community affords us opportunities to celebrate the season at events that foster goodwill, fun, and greater connections with our neighbors.
Affordable Workforce Housing Discussion Set for November 20
With the rising cost of housing, many employees in Jeffco, including teachers, nonprofit employees, artists, service industry workers and firefighters can no longer afford to live in the communities where they work. Learn what governmental and nonprofit agencies are doing to solve this affordable housing challenge at a workshop on Wednesday, November 20 from 7-8:30 pm at Congregation Beth Evergreen, 2981 Bergen Peak Road. Panelists are Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper, Kristine Disney with the Jeffco Advocacy Network, and savinay nathan, Community Impact Vice President of the Colorado Gives Foundation. This free workshop is open to the public. Go to bethevergreen.org for more information.
Help Support Families in Need by Trotting on Thanksgiving Morning
A Thanksgiving tradition, the Evergreen Christian Outreach Turkey Trot, will take place on Thursday, November 28 with a 9 am start time from the EChO parking lot on Meadow Drive. The 3-mile loop will continue along Hwy 74, through the downtown traffic light, and around Evergreen Lake before returning to EChO headquarters. Participants can walk at their own pace or register for the race. Pets are welcome on leashes and in costume. Strollers are discouraged due to the stairs on the section of the route near the dam.
Holiday pies will be given to the male and female winners of their age brackets. Pies will be given to the first owner and dog pairing to reach the finish line, and to the participant wearing the best costume. The awards ceremony will take place at EChO at 11 am. In lieu of canned goods, EChO is encouraging online donations.
For more information and to register, go to evergreenchristianoutreach.org.
Wild Aware Program Examines Wildlife Safety Versus Roads
Two experts in road ecology will headline a Wild Aware presentation on Thursday, December 5 from 6:30-8 pm in the Evergreen Fire/Rescue auditorium at 1802 Bergen Parkway. The event will showcase conservationist, journalist, and award-winning author Ben Goldfarb, whose book, “Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet,” was named one of the best books of 2023 by The New York Times. Joining Goldfarb will be Julia Kintsch, the founder of ECO-resolutions and an expert in minimizing and mitigating the impacts of infrastructure, like roads and fencing, on wildlife and ecological systems. The forum is free, but organizers ask that you register at wildaware.org.
Enjoy Downtown Evergreen’s 32nd Annual Holiday Walk on December 6
Gather your family and friends for a magical evening in Evergreen as you stroll through the Holiday Walk on Friday, December 6 from 5-9 pm. The festivities begin when Santa and Mrs. Claus lead the traditional holiday tree lighting at Evergreen Lake House at 5:15 pm. Enjoy a walk to the main downtown area for photos with the Clauses at White Rabbit Boutique, and live performances by local music and dance groups at Evergreen Crafters. Thanks to the Evergreen Downtown Business Association organizers and the proceeds from the EDBA Dam Duck Derby in August, pedestrians will take over the main street, which will be closed to traffic until 9 pm.
Explore Evergreen’s quaint shops with one-of-a-kind gifts, warm your hands at one of the crackling streetside fire pits, and help yourself to s’mores. Children will have the pleasure of having their faces painted and meeting Santa’s reindeer. For official photos with Santa, please pre-book a time at
evergreensantaphoto.setmore.com.
Immerse Yourself in Conifer’s Christmas Parade, December 7
The town of Conifer shares its yuletide spirit at its annual Christmas Parade. “A Season of Stories,” this year’s theme, is a nod to the newest addition to the community—The Conifer Public Library.
The joy of reading and storytelling will be reflected in the participating floats when the parade steps off at 10:30 am just after Santa’s arrival at 10:20 am. The daylong celebration will include a Christmas Market with vendors, live entertainment, a horse-drawn trolley, spirit tents, and food concessions. Santa Land, sponsored by the Elk Creek Fire Protection District, will feature visits with Santa until 1 pm.
Attendees can watch the parade in style with VIP tickets, which include 2-top or 4-top seating in a heated tent, a private bar with unlimited beer, wine, cocoa and cider, and complimentary snacks. VIP passes are $50 per person.
Free parking is available at West Jefferson Elementary School, Conifer Community Church, and at the Aspen Park RTD lot. For more event information, visit goconifer.org.
Historical Society Hosts Guided Holiday Tour of Hiwan Museum
The public is invited to enjoy the Hiwan Museum in all its holiday splendor. Sponsored by the Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society, a community open house will be held on Friday, December 13 from 4-6:30 pm. The guided tour of the historic home will display its fine craftsmanship that has been carefully preserved. There will be entertainment, and light refreshments will be served in the warm, historic atmosphere. The Hiwan Museum is located at 28473 Meadow Drive.
Get Your Pets Ready for Their Close-Ups With Santa, December 14-15
If you are looking for a memorable photo for your holiday cards, or for a keepsake frame, bring your camera, pets and kids for pictures with Santa to the Aspen Park Vet Hospital from noon-2 pm on December 14, or to the ResqRanch in Evergreen from noon-3 pm on December 15. There will be hot cocoa, food, a sleigh, and other surprises for the family. The event is donation-based—contributions directed to the ResqRanch, a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-educating horses. To learn more, go to resqranch.org
To sign up for pet photos with Santa, RSVP at PetsResqMe.com/SantaPics.
Art, Entertainment and Shopping Highlight CAE’s Winterfest, December 14
The Center for the Arts Evergreen’s annual Winterfest artisan gift market and holiday festival will take place December 14 from 10 am-4 pm on the grounds and inside the Center. This free community event will celebrate local artists whose works will be available for purchase, feature a special appearance by Santa, offer an interactive holiday craft station and present live holiday music throughout the day. The kids will enjoy the face painting booth, and there will be food trucks and a hot cocoa bar for the entire family.
Visitors will have a unique opportunity to view and buy works curated for the annual CAE Member Exhibition. Complimentary gift wrapping will make it easier for visitors to have their treasures ready to place under the tree.
