What’s Happening in Walden, CO for December 2023
December is one of North Park’s busiest times of the year. Far away from the busy cities and towns of Colorado, Walden is truly a place you can get away from it all. The holiday season brings with it all the wonder and beauty you can come to expect from the Colorado Rocky Mountains. If you are looking for fun things to do in Walden for the holidays, check out what is going on this year in North Park! There is so much going on near Walden, CO for the holiday season!
December Craft Fair
From December 1 to December 22, you can shop for unique Christmas gifts at the Christmas Craft and Vendor show. Stop by the venue at the Chamber of Commerce offices to see what local artisans have to offer for that special gift you can’t find anywhere else. Open daily with a revolving selection of vendors, you might just find the perfect gift for that person in your life who is impossible to shop for.
Where: North Park Chamber of Commerce, 489 Main Street, Walden, CO
When: Open weekdays & Saturday 9-3pm, Sundays Noon to 3pm. Dec 1-22.
Contact: Call Melanie for more info: (970) 846-8906
Karaoke at the Stockman Bar and Grill
The cold weather and long nights can be a lot for some of us to take. What could be better to fight off the holiday blues than a fun night of karaoke at the Stockman Bar and Grill? Bring your friends, enjoy some adult beverages and hearty food to chase the chill out of your bones. You don’t have to be a contestant on the Voice to belt out your favorite songs at the Stockman. Or who knows, you might be the next pop or country idol. It’s one of the best things to do in Walden on a Saturday night you won’t want to miss.
Where: Stockman Bar and Grill, 441 Main Street, Walden, CO
When: 7pm-close, Dec 2nd
Contact: Call (970) 723-8499 for more information.
Merry Moosemas! From Colorado State Forest State Park
Are you tired of the annual drive to the Christmas tree lot to buy some tree missing half its needles that was trucked in from out of state? The Colorado State Forest has you covered when it comes to picking out your own Christmas tree this year. Unlike those expensive trees from a lot in the city, a scenic drive into the mountains near Gould, CO allows you to pick from some of the best Christmas trees in Colorado. Come by the Moose Visitor Center in Gould on December 2-3rd to pick up your tree cutting permit.
Cutting your own Christmas tree is an experience you will never forget and one that your kids will telling their kids about for years to come. Bring your own tools to cut and haul away your trees. Stop by the craft table at the Moose Visitor Center to make your own ornaments. Permits are $5 per tree with a 12’ limit on length. Other conditions for harvesting in designated areas also apply. Contact Colorado State Forest for more information or visit their Facebook page for details.
Where: Moose Visitor Center—Colorado State Forest State Park, 56750 Highway 14, Gould, CO 80480
When: 9am-3pm, Dec. 2-3rd
Cost: $5 per tree (cash or personal check only)
Call: (970) 723-8366 for more information
Festival of Trees
Speaking of Christmas Trees, check out the Festival of Trees at Mansker Station. Local businesses and townsfolk alike will battle it out in fierce competition to decorate the best Christmas Tree in North Park. Voting begins Dec. 1st and remains open until Dec. 9th. Proceeds go towards North Park Public Schools. Don’t forget to check out the Ugly Sweater Contest on the 9th, right next door to the Festival of Trees!
Where: Roadhouse Pizza and Pub/Mansker Station, 35151 State HWY 14, Walden, CO
When: Dec. 1-9th
Ugly Sweater Contest.
Remember growing up and dreading the ugly holiday sweaters that became mandatory at family gatherings because it was rude to not wear that amazing gift your aunt sent you? Now you can show off your love of tacky holiday gifts and appreciation for irony all in one place: Walden’s own Roadhouse Pizza and Pub! Join in for the festivities with an epic contest of terrible Christmas sweaters that will be talked about for the ages, or maybe just until the end of the holidays. When it comes to fun things to do for Christmas near Walden, the Ugly Sweater Contest ranks pretty high. Along with delicious pizza, holiday beverages, and much more! Win cash prizes and bragging rights for the ugliest sweater in all the land! Event Starts at 8pm. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
Where: Roadhouse Pizza and Pub/Mansker Station. 35151 State HWY 14, Walden, CO
When: 8pm to closing, Dec 2nd
Call (970) 723-3334 for details
Women’s Club Luncheon
The North Park Women’s Club hosts a luncheon at the River Rock, featuring food, festivities, and a Christmas sock exchange. Those attending need to bring two pairs of individually wrapped holiday socks. RSVP to Suze by Nov. 28th, 2023.
Where: River Rock
When: 11:30am, Dec. 8th
Call (307) 850-2321 for more information
2023 Christmas Lighting Contest
Who doesn’t love to drive around at night in North Park to see the Christmas lights? On a crisp, clear night, the sight of all those twinkling lights brings back old memories and create new ones. This year, cash prizes and gift baskets will be given to the winners of the Christmas Lighting Contest. Entries are due Dec 9th. Pick up your entry form at Timberline Builders Supply and the 10th Frame. Entries are judged Dec 11 & 12 with the winners announced Dec 15. Check our events calendar for more information.
Where: All Around North Park and Walden, CO
When: Dec 9-12th
A North Park Christmas
If you haven’t experienced A North Park Christmas, you are in for a holiday treat. Each year, the businesses of Main Street are illuminated to celebrate the season. Kick off the festivities at the Grinch’s House and Whoville on Main Street. The helpful staff there can direct you to the next places you need to visit, but in the meantime here’s a highlight of some of what you can see on Main Street in Walden, CO during A North Park Christmas.
Where: Main Street, Walden, CO; Mansker Station
When: Dec. 8-9th & 10th. Various times depending on the event.
Call: (918) 770-1588 for more information
Whoville and the Grinch’s House
Family fun for A North Park Christmas starts here! Get your stamp card to start your scavenger hunt, shop for your favorite Grinch/Christmas ornaments, or kick back with a treat and a holiday beverage while you enjoy your favorite Grinch movie.The fun starts Friday at 9am. Santa arrives at 6pm on Friday and Saturday!
Where: The Grinch House, Main Street, Walden, CO
When: 9am-9pm Fri-Sat. 10-5pm Sun.
Never Summer Trading Co.
Stop by to visit Santa and get a free picture taken with him! Check out the antique model train and holiday decorations. Located in one of Walden’s historic Main Street buildings, the Never Summer Trading Co. is a great place to hunt for Christmas gifts during the festivities. Santa will be there from 6-9pm, Dec. 8-9.
Where: 448 Main Street, Walden, CO
When: 9am-9pm Fri-Sat.;10-5pm Sun
Mansker Station
Come for the Festival of Trees and stay for the delectable desserts, wood-fired pizza, or holiday themed drinks! The 9th is the last day to vote for the People’s Choice for favorite tree. The winner gets $500! Proceeds go to North Park Public Schools.
Where: Mansker Station, 35151 State HWY 14, Walden, CO
When: Fri-Sat 12-9pm Sun 12-8pm
The Historic Elkhorn
Once one of Walden’s most iconic gathering places, the Elkhorn Cafe opens briefly for A North Park Christmas. Events and contests for the whole family are happening at 5-6pm, along with karaoke throughout the evening. Singer Magen Faulconer will be performing from 6-9pm, so be sure to come for live music, dancing, and merriment.
Where: The Historic Elkhorn Bar and Cafe, Main Street, Walden, CO
When: Fri-Sat 4-9pm
December Open Houses
An ongoing tradition for North Park has been the December Open House lineup. Throughout the county, every December, new businesses and established locations open their doors to showcase their goods and services to show what all the fuss is about. Here is the schedule for Open Houses happening in December:
- Dec 1st: US Forest Service: Come see Smokey the Bear! 100 Main Street, Walden, CO 11am-2pm
- Dec 2-3rd: Colorado State Forest Open House. Moose Visitor Center, 56750 Highway 14, Gould, CO 10-3pm
- Dec 5th: North Park Chamber of Commerce, 489 Main Street, Walden, CO. 11-1pm
- Dec 7th: Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge 8am-3pm
- Dec 7th Town of Walden 513 Harrison St., Walden, CO, 2-4pm
- Dec 8th: The 10th Frame 688 Main St., Walden, CO, 1-3pm
- Dec 9th: Peg Brocker Art Studio feat. Heather Elze Creations, 36585 Hwy 14, two miles east of Walden, CO 1-3pm
- Dec 11th JCCOA at the Jackson County Senior Center 312 5th Street, Walden, CO 1-3pm
- Dec 13th: North Park Supers 33482 N. HWY 125, Walden, CO, 8-Noon
- Dec 13th: Jackson County Administrator's Office, 404 4th Street, Walden, CO, 11-1pm
- Dec 14th Jack’s Auto Parts. 528 Main Street, Walden, CO 10-3pm
- Dec 15th: Corkle's Mini-Mart 597 Main Street, Walden, CO 11-6pm
- Dec 16th North Park Baptist Church & Thrift Store, 620 5th Street, Walden, CO 10-3pm
- Dec 18th: Mountain Parks Electric, 600 3rd Street, Walden, CO 8-11am
- Dec 20th: Timberline Builders Supply, 209 Main Street, 11-1pm
- Dec 21st: Mountain Valley Bank, 461 Main Street, Walden, CO 11-3pm
- Dec 21st: North Park Main Street Liquors, 497 Main St., Walden, CO 3-6pm
- Check the Jackson County Star for current times and listings as more open houses are announced!
Brunch with Santa
If you missed seeing Santa at A North Park Christmas, now’s your chance to catch him again at brunch at the Wattenberg Center. Make sure you’ve been extra good in the week between to score extra points on his nice list. Pancake breakfast is served with festivities including pictures with Santa, live reindeer, and music!
Where: Jerlin Wattenberg Center, Jackson County Fairgrounds, Walden, CO
When: Dec 17th, 10-1pm
Cost: $5 per person, kids 3 and under eat free!
School Holiday Concert
The North Park Public Schools k-5 Christmas Concert will be held on Dec 19th to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Featuring old holiday favorites and some new! Support our schools and our kids this holiday season with your presence and applause!
Where: 910 4th Street, Walden, CO. High School Gymnasium
When: December 19, 2023 at 06:30 PM
NYE Bash at Stockman Bar and Grill
To close out 2023 and to bring in the New Year, the Stockman Bar and Grill will be hosting the annual New Years Eve celebration. More details to come as they become available! Have a safe and happy New Year and celebrate responsibly!
Where: 441 Main Street, Walden, CO
When: New Years Eve, Dec 31. From 5pm to closing time
Come Visit North Park this December
If you are wondering what things you can do with the family this Christmas, Walden, CO and North Park offer so much during the holiday season. The month of December is packed full of festivities and activities for all ages. With winter sports such as nordic skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing within reach, you can unwind and take a break from all of that pumping adrenaline with any number of these events. Check out some of our local area accommodations, vacation rentals, and hotels for a longer stay. Enjoy a tasty meal at any number of our restaurants, including some new ones that have just opened for business!
We will see you there!
