Celebrate the holiday season across the Western Slope with festive markets, concerts, family activities, charity drives, and multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations. Here’s your full guide to everything happening December 16–31 in Grand Junction, Carbondale, Fruita, and Montrose.
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.
Kandace Hyland, a marketing director in Utah, was surprised to learn that daycare staff in the state don’t have to be vaccinated against measles, even amid an ongoing outbreak. “I’m nervous sending her to daycare every day,” she says of her baby. (Amy Maxmen/KFF Health News)
Several Saturdays in the spring and fall, Steve Siple joins other locals in Charlotte, North Carolina, to pick up trash along the city’s light rail lines. The volunteers typically clear about a mile of the trail before ending at a brewery to celebrate and socialize. It’s one of several ways Siple prioritizes social connection. (A.M. Stewart for KFF Health News)
A voter drops off their ballot at a ballot drop box outside of the La Familia Recreation Center in Denver Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline)