Arvada will open its holiday calendar Nov. 28 with the annual Olde Town tree lighting, launching a series of markets, family activities, performances and seasonal competitions scheduled across the city through early January. The lineup combines free events with ticketed programs, giving residents several ways to participate while directing attention to Olde Town merchants, local artists and other seasonal venues.
Olde Town starts the season
The opening celebration is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 28 as part of Small Business Saturday. A holiday march led by the brass band Guerilla Fanfare will precede the official lighting at 6 p.m., when Mayor Lauren Simpson is scheduled to take part. The event places the lighting ceremony alongside a shopping-focused day, linking a public gathering with activity in the Olde Town business district.
Visit Arvada’s schedule continues with recurring programs throughout December. Free artwork from local artists will be distributed during Holiday Art Drops on Dec. 3, 10 and 17. On Dec. 4, 11 and 18, Merry Merch Drop Fridays will offer free Olde Town merchandise to qualifying shoppers. The events create a weekly rhythm for visitors who want to browse businesses, collect seasonal items or take part in the district’s holiday programming.
Markets, Santa visits and winter activities
Saturdays with Santa will run Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., alongside the Winter Farmers Market. Santa visits will be available at no charge from noon to 3 p.m. Families can also attend breakfast with Santa at School House Kitchen and Libations on those three dates. Together, the market and Santa schedule offers a recurring weekend destination while keeping local food, shopping and family activities on the same calendar.
- Nov. 27-Dec. 13: The Arvada Center’s 40th annual Fine Art Market and Pottery Sale, featuring work by more than 100 Colorado artists.
- Dec. 7: Cider and Eggnog Competition from 5 to 8 p.m.; tickets begin at $35.
- Dec. 9: Holiday Competition Night with gingerbread houses, costumes and caroling.
- Dec. 16: Olde Town Cookie and Holiday Treat Tour from 4 to 7 p.m.; tickets cost $20.
- Through Jan. 4: The Olde Town skating rink, holiday bingo and an elf hunt.
The Arvada Center’s art market extends beyond the Olde Town schedule and gives the season a substantial arts component. Running from Nov. 27 through Dec. 13, the sale will feature work from more than 100 Colorado artists. For artists, the event provides a formal marketplace for their work; for residents, it adds a locally focused shopping option during a period when gift buying and arts events overlap.
Key dates at a glance
| Date or period | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov. 28 | Olde Town tree lighting and Small Business Saturday celebration |
| Dec. 5, 12 and 19 | Winter Farmers Market and Saturdays with Santa |
| Dec. 16 | Olde Town Cookie and Holiday Treat Tour |
| Through Jan. 4 | Skating rink, holiday bingo and elf hunt |
Several offerings are free, including the tree lighting, Holiday Art Drops, Merry Merch Drop Fridays and scheduled Santa visits. Other activities have admission costs, including the cider and eggnog competition and the cookie and holiday treat tour. Residents planning to attend can use the event schedule to distinguish between open public programming and activities requiring tickets.
Visit Arvada is providing information about event schedules and ticket prices through Olde Town Arvada. With programs ranging from a public tree lighting to a multiweek art sale and recurring winter-market dates, the calendar gives Arvada residents a range of options while highlighting the city’s small-business district, local creative work and seasonal gathering places.
