The ringing of the Salvation Army bells, the live Christmas concert singalongs, and the sounds of families delighting in a winter festival signal another memorable holiday season in our mountain community. These joyful noises are especially desirable this year after the quietude of the pandemic. We are fortunate to have such a thriving arts community in our midst and so many talented performers who uplift our spirits. Let’s join the chorus and offer them our resounding cheers!
CAE Hosts Dec. 4 Winterfest
For four decades, Winterfest has been a signature event for Center for the Arts Evergreen. This festive celebration, from 10 am – 4 pm on December 4, is a must for families wishing to embrace their holiday spirit. Featured this year will be both indoor and outdoor activities at CAE’s building at 3188 Rocky Village Drive. An outdoor stage will feature live entertainment from local choirs and musicians.
There will be a winter market with a host of vendors selling handcrafted items, art, jewelry and other unique gifts to make holiday shopping more fun. Participants will have the chance to create a present for themselves or a loved one at the ornament station. Food vendors will provide tasty treats along with a hot chocolate bar. Children will enjoy a photo op with the Sugar Plum Fairy and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
All proceeds from Winterfest will support year-round arts programming. For more information, go to evergreenarts.org.
Evergreen Chamber Orchestra Offers December 11 Holiday Concert
Celebrating its 40th anniversary season, the Evergreen Chamber Orchestra is preparing its Colorado Mountain Holiday Concert for music lovers of all ages. The program will take place on December 11 at 3 pm at the Evergreen Lutheran Church, 5980 Highway 73, and will highlight traditional Christmas and Hanukah music with audience singalongs, too.
The 40-member volunteer orchestra, under the direction of William Hill, has a solid track record of delighting classical music fans in Evergreen, Conifer and Arvada with a series of special concert events and recitals. The holiday concert marks a return to live performances after 18 months of virtual offerings during the pandemic. For tickets and more information about attendance policies related to
COVID-19, go to Evergreenchamberorch.org.
Add a Little Levity to Your Holiday Season With “A Christmas Story”
The Evergreen Players are inviting us to sit back and enjoy the exploits of Ralphie Parker during a staged reading of the holiday classic “A Christmas Story.” Choose from one of three live performances December 17 and 18 at 7:30 pm and December 19 at 2 pm at Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive.
Find out if Ralphie’s wish for a Red Ryder air rifle comes true as he navigates the challenges of childhood. Admission is $25 for adults, and $20 for seniors. Student admission is $20 and youth tickets are $15. For tickets and more information, go to evergreenplayers.org.
The Evergreen Players began in 1950 as a group of friends gathering in each other’s homes to read plays aloud. Today it is a nonprofit producing more than 10 shows per year including classics, comedies, musicals and dramas.
Evergreen Chorale’s Messiah
Ushers in Christmas Week
The Evergreen Chorale is poised to deliver what is sure to be a stirring rendition of Handel’s Messiah in collaboration with the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra on December 17 at 7:30 pm and on December 19 at 4:30 pm at the Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 South Colorado Boulevard in Denver. Tickets are $26 for adults, $22 for seniors and $16 for students. There are discounts available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, visit ovationwest.org.
In its 50th anniversary season, the Chorale is a multi-generational ensemble of singers, ages 15-85, led by Artistic and Principal Musical Director Christine Gaudreau. This well-respected community choir attracts talent from the mountain community and beyond with the goals of encouraging artistic growth and engaging audiences through outstanding concert experiences and innovative musical collaborations.
Calling All Bell Ringers!
The Salvation Army Wants You!
Returning this season is the familiar ring of the Salvation Army bells outside the Evergreen Safeway and Evergreen King Soopers grocery stores. Given that the pandemic prevented the collection of donations in 2020, and the needs of so many families have increased, the Salvation Army is hoping for a generous response this year.
Ninety percent of all monies donated to the Salvation Army locally remains in the Evergreen community to support families and seniors. The 156-year-old nonprofit funds fall holiday food baskets, Easter meals, back-to-school clothing for area school children, and emergency assistance for families struggling to make utility, medical, auto repair and rent payments.
Many individual volunteers and service organizations make ringing the bell a tradition each year. The Salvation Army is actively recruiting additional volunteers for the busy holiday season from mid-November until Christmas day. If you are interested in ringing a bell for a good cause, email julieschiffmayer@yahoo.com or check out the available volunteer shifts at bit.ly/3qbAuvn
