Celebrate the final weeks of 2025 with festive markets, concerts, charity drives, family activities, and New Year’s Eve celebrations across Mesa, Garfield, and Montrose Counties. Here’s your detailed guide to everything happening December 16–31.


🎁 Holiday Drives, Markets & Art Events

Paws & Claus: Holiday Food & Supply Drive for C.A.R.E.

Dec 16–19 • 9am–5pm daily
📍 Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, 295 Rio Grande Ave
📍 Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, 300 Meadowood Dr
💲 Free


Support Colorado Animal Rescue pets by donating items from their holiday wish list, including wet and dry pet food (original packaging only), treats, toys, collars, leashes, blankets, pill pockets, and trash bags.
Donations accepted at both drop-off locations during business hours.
For questions call 970-456-6871 or visit https://soprislodge.com/paws-claus/


Deck the Walls Holiday Market

Dec 16–19 • 10am–5pm
📍 Launchpad Carbondale, 76 S 4th St


Explore a festive marketplace showcasing 70 local artisans, featuring handmade gifts, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and creative goods. A perfect way to support local makers during the holiday season.


Give the Gift of Art: Holiday Marketplace of Fine Art

Dec 16–31 • 11am–5pm (Runs through Jan 3)
📍 Montrose Center for Arts, 205 E Main St
💲 Free
A special fundraising event featuring original paintings, pottery, jewelry, wood art, fabric art, and Colorado-made work from MCA artists.
Includes:

  • Holiday Silent Auction with one-of-a-kind pieces
  • Wide selection of handmade gift items
  • Proceeds benefit local artists and MCA
    Gallery open Tues–Sat, 11am–5pm.

🎶 Seasonal Performances & Concerts

Gettin’ In the Christmas Mood – Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra

Dec 17 • 7pm
📍 Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar, 2565 American Way, Grand Junction
💲 $20
Experience big-band renditions of holiday classics as the Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra transforms the venue into a swinging winter celebration. Enjoy drinks, dinner, and festive jazz.


The Nutcracker – CMU’s Asteria Theatre

Dec 18–20
📍 Asteria Theatre, 864 Bunting Ave, Grand Junction
💲 $30–$80
A beloved Western Colorado holiday tradition, complete with enchanting sets, dazzling costumes, and a talented cast of regional performers.
Showtimes:

  • Thu, Dec 18 • 7–9pm
  • Fri, Dec 19 • 7–9pm
  • Sat, Dec 20 • 2–4pm & 7–9pm

Mary Poppins – The Theatre Project

Dec 19–21
📍 Avalon Theatre, 645 Main St, Grand Junction
💲 $70.74
A full production of the beloved musical featuring live performances, classic songs, and family-friendly magic.


Showtimes:

  • Fri, Dec 19 • 7pm
  • Sat, Dec 20 • 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec 21 • 2pm

🎄 Community Gatherings & Family Activities

Orchard Mesa Christmas Activity

Dec 19 • 6–8pm
📍 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3076 E 1/2 Road
💲 Free
A warm, community-focused evening with music, food, and holiday socializing open to all.


Ugly Sweater 5K Fun Run/Walk

Dec 20 • 10am–12pm
📍 Copper Club Brewing Company, Fruita
💲 $35 for adults; Kids 12 & under run free


Wear your most festive sweater and enjoy a winter morning of movement and fun. Includes:

  • Entry to the 5K
  • A craft beer or hot chocolate
  • Custom pint glass or water bottle
  • Post-run party with music
  • Optional Beer Olympics fitness games
    Benefits Girls on the Run Western Colorado.

Mulled Wine & Cookies Day

Dec 22 • 10am–5:45pm
📍 Whitewater Hill Vineyards, 220 32 Road
💲 Free
Enjoy a cozy afternoon of mulled wine, cookies, and local wine shopping—perfect for last-minute holiday gifts.


Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Dec 22 • 7pm
📍 Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction
A cirque-style holiday spectacular blending acrobatics, live music, and theatrical flair for all ages.

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