The mountain community’s holiday traditions encourage families to celebrate the season in fun fashion. Why not make memories while enjoying live performances, skating on one of the country’s most beautiful lakes, or experiencing the thrill of taking a polar plunge? Whatever you choose, you will be supporting our amazing nonprofits who create such a wonderful environment for all of us.

Evergreen Players to Present a Unique Rendition of “A Christmas Carol” December 19-21

Evergreen Players is thrilled to bring back a cherished holiday tradition: “Seasons Readings,” featuring six outstanding actors from their master company portraying all the characters in an exclusive rendition of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Experience the onstage talents of Scott and Mandy Ogle, Bruce and Gail Montgomery, Matt Bachus, and Michele Wright as they make the characters come alive through dynamic costume changes, voice modulation, and physical transformations.

Shows will be held at historic Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive in Evergreen. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30 pm and the Saturday and Sunday matinee performances start at 2 pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for students. Group discounts are also available.

Go to evergreenplayers.org to purchase tickets online, or call 720.515.1528.

Chamber Orchestra to Perform Holiday Tunes and Classical Compositions December 20

The Evergreen Chamber Orchestra (ECO) and the Altezza Chamber Choir (featuring singers from the Evergreen Chorale) are preparing a memorable concert for December 20, with performances at 3 pm and 6 pm at Evergreen Lutheran Church, 5980 County Hwy 73 Evergreen. Prior to the 3 pm concert there will be a chance to visit Santa.

Concertgoers will hear holiday favorites including “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night” juxtaposed with classics from Bach and Strauss, and Dan Forrest’s evocative “Carol of Joy.” The ECO 2025 Young Artist Solo Competition winner, Aidan Hodges, will be featured performing the first movement of the Saint Saëns Violin Concerto No. 3.

Tickets for guests 16 and older are $40, and admission for those younger than 16 is $20. Go to evergreenchamberorchestra.org to buy tickets in advance.

Enjoy a Family-Fun New Year’s Eve at Evergreen Lake

Gather your family and begin your New Year’s Eve celebration at Ice Fest, hosted by the Evergreen Park & Recreation District from 10 am to 6 pm on December 31 at Evergreen Lake. Skate on the largest outdoor Zamboni-groomed skating rink in North America, play hockey and broomball, and then toast marshmallows while warming by a firepit. There will also be onsite food trucks, live music, an ice carving demonstration, and games for all ages.

Admission is $25 for attendees 5 years and older, with children under 5 free. Tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event on a first-come, first-served basis. Skate rentals are available while they last, and free shuttles to the lake will run from Stagecoach Park at 3229 El Pinal Drive. Go to evergreenrecreation.com for more information.

Splash Into 2026 at the Polar Plunge on Evergreen Lake Benefiting INSPIRE

For an invigorating first day of 2026, you can participate in the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge organized by Active4All, a nonprofit arm of the Evergreen Park & Recreation District. Event proceeds will support the EPRD INSPIRE program, which provides inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities, making a meaningful impact on the lives of participants and their families.

Whether you’re a seasoned thrillseeker or a first-time participant, the Evergreen Lake Plunge promises an adrenaline rush unlike any other. This fun tradition will take place from 10 am to noon. Organizers invite plungers to come dressed in their wildest costumes and bring their friends and family to join for hot drinks and treats.

Early registration is encouraged because spots are limited. Go to A4AEvergreen.org

The event will offer heated changing rooms separate for men and women, and food trucks onsite. EMS and Evergreen Fire/Rescue will be available to assist. There is limited $25 VIP parking at the lake house. Parking is also available in the Lakepoint Center lot, the Keys on the Green lot and along the downtown corridor. Carpooling is recommended. Free shuttles will transport participants from Stagecoach Park.

Ice Melt Ticket Sales Underway

The Mountain Foothills Rotary Club has begun selling tickets for the Ice Melt Contest, an annual fundraiser the Club organizes to benefit the EPRD INSPIRE special needs program, Resilience1220, Crutches4Africa, and other charities supported by the Mountain Foothills Rotary Foundation.

In the next few weeks, Rotarians will place a barrel on the frozen Evergreen Lake. Individuals can participate in the Ice Melt Contest by purchasing tickets and entering the date and time when they believe the barrel will fall through the ice. First place prize for the most accurate guess is $1,000; second place $500; third place $250; and fourth place $125. Entries are due by midnight on March 17, 2026.

Tickets are one for $3, two for $5, five for $10, 11 for $20 and 67 for $100. Additional contest details and information on sponsorship opportunities are available at EvergreenIceMelt.com.