2024 Holiday Happenings for Moffat County
Courtesy Photo
The Craig Press will be running a calendar of holiday events through the end of the year previewing community gatherings and wintertime activities. To submit events for Holiday Happenings, email details including time, date, place, cost and a description of the event to news@craigdailypress.com.
Kicking things off the right way
The 2024 Parade of Lights will be in full gear Saturday, Nov. 30 through downtown Craig as part of a downtown kickoff to Christmas.
Following the morning’s Small Business Saturday at downtown shops, the unveiling of the annual Festival of Trees at the Yampa Building will take place in the early afternoon.
The evening starts with a tree lighting in Alice Pleasant Park leading up to the parade. The theme this year is Christmas Movies, and prizes are available for floats by local groups. Entry forms are available at K.S. Kreations.
Early donations for the Holiday Drive will be accepted throughout the day, and refreshments for the parade will include hot chocolate, cider and cookies at Bank of Colorado.
When: Small business Saturday starts at 9 a.m., Festival of Trees from 1-3 p.m., tree lighting at 5 p.m., parade at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30
Where: Downtown Craig
Cost: Free to attend
For more information: 970-824-2151
The spirit of giving
Yampa Valley Gives will host its community rally Wednesday morning at the Craig Chamber of Commerce in the Yampa Building.
As a program of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, in partnership with Colorado Gives Foundation, the effort is intended to bolster and benefit area nonprofits.
When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4
Where: Yampa Building, 775 Yampa Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation welcome
For more information: 970-879-8632 or yvgives.org
A drive to do good works
The 26th Annual KRAI Holiday Drive by radio station KRAI & 55 Country returns Dec. 6 to Centennial Mall. The yearly gathering seeks community donations of non-perishable food, toys, clothing and monetary contributions to benefit the less fortunate.
Among the programs that will receive help through the drive are Christmas for Kids, Christmas for Seniors, Interfaith Food Bank, Advocates and the Humane Society of Moffat County.
When: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6
Where: Centennial Mall, 1111 W. Victory Way
Cost: Donations welcome
For more information: 970-879-7909
Art from the heart
The 14th annual Holiday Artisan Market hosted by Yampa Valley Artisans sets up shop Dec. 6 and 7 with handcrafted products by area residents available for purchase for Christmas gifts. More than two dozen artists and businesses will be providing their wares, including pottery, fiber and leather goods, soaps and candles, among other items.
The market will also feature lunch options for patrons and vendors.
When: 3-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Moffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 640 E. Victory Way
Cost: Free to attend
For more information: HolidayArtisanMarket.com
Home for the holidays
Philanthropic Educational Organization hosts its annual Holiday Home Tour, highlighting several Moffat County homes welcoming attendees at locations within Craig city limits as well as north of town and a 100-year-old historic home near Lay.
In addition to the tour of homes, a drawing is available for a holiday gift baskets.
Tickets are available at each home and at Kitchen a La More.
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Homes located at 2419 E. Victory Way, 34885 North Highway 13, 875 Barclay St., 995 Alta Vista Drive, 695 Riford Road, and 856 Lay Creek Drive
Cost: Tickets $15 per person for both days, $1 for drawing
For more information: 970-629-3169
Bingo!
Yampa Valley Fiberworks will host an ornament bingo event Dec. 7.
Those who attend can make a unique ornament made out of four different mediums while playing a unique version of Bingo.
All materials will be provided, and registration in advance is strongly recommended for either the morning or afternoon session.
When: 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Yampa Valley Fiberworks, 41180 North Colorado Highway 13
Cost: $42 per person
For more information: 970-824-9568 or yampavalleyfiberworks.com
A roaring good party
Boys & Girls Club of Craig welcomes community members to its 20th annual Cowboy Christmas event.
A formal dinner, community honors, live and silent auctions, Youth of the Year speeches, music, dancing and more will be part of the effort to support the youth organization with a special Roaring Twenties theme.
When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Craig, 1324 E. US Highway 40
Cost: Contact organizers
For more information: 970-826-0411 or bgcnwc.org
The write stuff
Justin Stokes State Farm Insurance and Craig Press will host Letters to Santa Dec. 12. The day includes free pictures with Santa Claus and holiday goody bags.
Kids can bring their letters with them or drop them off in advance at State Farm or at The Print Shop, 529 Yampa Ave.
When: 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12
Where: Justin Stokes State Farm Insurance, 580 Pershing St., 400
Cost: Free to attend
For more information: 970-824-3258
This little light of mine
Community members are invited to celebrate the holidays while honoring the memories of loved ones during the Celebration of Light Dec. 12 hosted by Northwest Colorado Health in conjunction with the Craig Chamber of Commerce mixer.
Individuals of all ages are welcome to craft a candle jar to memorialize a loved one, with additional kids activities provided, as well as light appetizers and refreshments.
Candle lighting begins at 5:30 p.m.
When: 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12
Where: Yampa Building, 775 Yampa Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
For more information: info@northwestcoloradohealth.org
Santa central
Centennial Mall will host its Christmas Craft & Vendor Show Dec. 13 to 15. Residents are encouraged to shop from 50 vendors in attendance, as well as grabbing a bite and partaking in the holiday fun for all ages.
The event will feature an appearance by Santa Claus on Saturday only as he visits with local kids. Families are welcome to take their own photos for free with Santa, and organizers will be offering their own photos available for $5.
When: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Centennial Mall, 1111 W Victory Way
Cost: Free to attend
For more information: 970-714-1414
College Christmas
Colorado Northwestern Community College will host its Community Christmas Party Friday, Dec. 13 at the Craig campus.
The holiday gathering includes a free dinner. All are welcome to join.
When: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13
Where: CNCC, 2801 W. Ninth St.
Cost: Free to attend
For more information: cncc.edu
Downhome for the holidays
Craig Chamber of Commerce will host Downhome Christmas Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Yampa Building. With local singers performing holiday tunes and hot chocolate on sale from Youth United Way, the holiday fun includes the announcement of the winners of the auction from the Festival of Trees.
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Yampa Building, 775 Yampa Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
For more information: 970-824-5689
A pretty penny
Bank of Colorado is hosting the Deck the Halls contest for children, which could win them money toward a savings account. Kids can decorate an ornament and drop it off to the bank branch in Craig by Dec. 18. Craig Senior Center will pick the winners in each age division, which will be announced Dec. 20. Age divisions include 6 and younger, 7-10, 11-13, and 14-18.
Winners will receive $100 in a savings account at Bank of Colorado, with $50 for each runner-up.
When: Deadline Wednesday, Dec. 18
Where: Bank of Colorado, 250 W Victory Way
Cost: Free to compete
For more information: 970-824-9421
Last Chance before Christmas!
Yampa Valley Fiberworks will host an homage class for $20 per person from 10 a.m.-noon, as well as a Last Chance open studio session Dec. 21 for Fiberworks’ Pottery Emporium.
Last Chance will be the final opportunity for patrons to get Christmas materials together for the holiday. Throughout the Saturday event, kids can also paint an ornament. The business will also offer free gift wrapping for items bought only at Yampa Valley Fiberworks.
When: Homage class 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Dec. 20; Last Chance open studio Saturday, Dec. 21
Where: Yampa Valley Fiberworks, 41180 North Highway 13
Cost: $20 for class; $10 for ornament painting
For more information: 970-620-3083
I got chills
Yampa River State Park will host Ski and Skate with Santa Dec. 21.
At the site, west of Hayden, patrons can bring skis, skates and snowshoes for some outdoor winter fun. With a visit by Santa Claus, the outdoor event will also feature a holiday lighted ski trail through the woods, ice skating under the spot lights, a bonfire, hot chocolate and plenty of holiday cheer.
The event is free but a valid parks pass is required.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21
Where: Yampa River State Park, 6185 West US Highway 40
Cost: Free to attend, parks pass required
For more information: 970-879-3922
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