The Story of the Nutcracker - MAPAC Children's Theater
When: All day
Where: Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, 1103 Arapahoe Street, Golden, CO
When Marie's gift from her Godfather Drosselmeier on Christmas Eve gets broken, she tries to find and fix the Nutcracker. Instead, he comes alive, and a story-within-the-story begins! Beome a part of the Nutcracker tale and see if everyone gets to live happily ever after.
Letters to Santa
When: All day
Where: Golden Welcome Center, 1010 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO
Drop off your letter to Santa Claus at the Golden Welcome Center! Be sure to include a return address because any letters "mailed" before December 15th will receive a response from the man in red himself!
10AM, 11AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM - Nature's Gifts
When: All day
Where: Lookout Mountain Nature Center, 910 Colorow Road, Golden, CO
Register:
Session 1 - 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Session 2 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Session 3 - 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Session 4 - 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Hey, all you young nature lovers! Have fun making nature-related holiday crafts for your loved ones! Families with kids of all ages are welcome! (Crafts are geared towards ages 3 - 8 years old).
Free.
CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
When: All day
See all events from the Golden Cultural Alliance.
THE BUFFALO BILL MUSEUM AND GRAVE
987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Road (map)
303-526-0744
CLOSED Monday, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
The Buffalo Bill Story, Buffalo Bill's Death, The Americans, A Visit to the Wild West, Firearms, Kid's Cowboy Corral
COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM
17155 W. 44th Avenue (map)
303-279-4591
CLOSED Monday, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve Day
UPPER GALLERY
Center for Railroad Photography & Art Winners
The winners of the Center for Railroad Photography & Art’s 2025 John E. Gruber Creative Photography Contest have been announced, and these award-winning images are now on display at the Museum.
Black Diamonds and Steel Rails
This fascinating exhibit delves into the rich history of coal in Colorado, examining its crucial role in fueling locomotives, driving industrial growth, and shaping the state’s railroads. Learn about the mining industry, the challenges faced by miners, and how this powerful resource connected communities across the Centennial State.
LOWER GALLERY
Traqueros: Mexican Trackworkers and the American Railroad
(through August 2026)
This powerful display explores the invaluable—yet often overlooked—contributions of Mexican and Mexican American laborers who built and maintained America’s railroads.
FOOTHILLS ART CENTER - ASTOR HOUSE
1133 Arapahoe Street (map)
303-279-3922
CLOSED New Year's Day, President's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Day
50th Holiday Art Market
(through December 29, 2025)
Features works from over 100 Colorado artists in this festive Foothills Art Center tradition.
GOLDEN HISTORY MUSEUM & PARK
923 10th Street (map)
303-278-3557
(Museum) CLOSED Sunday, Monday, New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve Day
Clear Creek Room: The Heart of Golden
Surrounded by North and South Table Mountains, Clear Creek has drawn people to this area for millennia.
We Are Still Here: The Endurance of Native Jewels
(through April 2026)
In this exhibit, we define jewel as both a precious item as well as a woman of strength and importance. Explore how Indigenous women have persevered through hundreds of years of oppression and numerous attempts to destroy their culture. Featuring modern Native fashions that utilize ancient Indigenous jewels, learn about prominent Native women in contemporary American society. Not only are Native Americans still here; they have endured, and they are thriving.
Discovery Awaits: Indigenous Connections, Epic Events, Legendary People, and the Touch Gallery. A new Jolly Rancher exhibit is in the works and will open in 2025.
Golden History Park (11th & Arapahoe): The outdoor setting re-creates the look and feel of a late 1800's mountain ranch complete with gardens, a working blacksmith shop, schoolhouse and chicken coop (chickens included).
MINES MUSEUM
Colorado School of Mines
1310 Maple Street (map)
303-273-3815
CLOSED New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas
The main floor exhibits feature specimens from many Colorado mining districts, other global localities and an introductory video on area geology. The Special Exhibit Room hosts prominent precious metal and invited displays. The main gallery also showcases historic mining murals by Irwin Hoffman.
The basement contains numerous exhibits regarding radioactivity, fossils, basic geology, gemstones, meteorites, ultraviolet minerals and underground mining illumination. The outdoor geologic trail features seven outcrops with various geologic and paleontological points of interest, including fossilized dinosaur tracks, logs and leaves.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN QUILT MUSEUM
200 Violet Street, Unit 140 (map)
303-277-0377
CLOSED New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
MAIN GALLERY
Quilts Inspired from Down Under - a solo exhibit by Bonnie Murphy
(through January 17, 2026)
Drawn to reproduction fabrics and patterns based on historical quilts from the 19th century, Bonnie began to notice most of her quilts were designed by Australian designers, Di Ford Hall, Margaret Mew, Susan Smith and Sandy Cousins, just to name a few! Although hand quilting her first quilts, Bonnie discovered she loved the look of machine quilting and found some very talented ladies who now longarm quilt her creations.
NORTHEAST GALLERY
The Grandeur of the Moment - a solo exhibit by Linda Anderson
(through January 17, 2026)
Linda Anderson tells compelling stories of people in many cultures around the world, many images gathered from her travels. Everyone, everywhere, has a story. Her realistic depictions celebrate the ordinary moments that often go unnoticed, capturing the essence of the humanity we all share. Facilitating that connection visually and highlighting the splendor of the commonplace is her goal.
See all events from the Golden Cultural Alliance
10AM, 11AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM - Nature's Gifts
When: All day
Where: Lookout Mountain Nature Center, 910 Colorow Road, Golden, CO
Register:
Session 1 - 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Session 2 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Session 3 - 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Session 4 - 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Hey, all you young nature lovers! Have fun making nature-related holiday crafts for your loved ones! Families with kids of all ages are welcome! (Crafts are geared towards ages 3 - 8 years old).
Free.
/*Arts and Culture*/ /*Events*/
The Story of the Nutcracker - MAPAC Children's Theater
When: All day
Where: Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, 1103 Arapahoe Street, Golden, CO
When Marie's gift from her Godfather Drosselmeier on Christmas Eve gets broken, she tries to find and fix the Nutcracker. Instead, he comes alive, and a story-within-the-story begins! Beome a part of the Nutcracker tale and see if everyone gets to live happily ever after.
Golden History Tours
When: All day
Golden History Tours offers Wild West Walking Tours, Pub Crawls, Ghost Tours, and more! If you don't see a scheduled tour on a particular date, you can book a tour at a custom time.
More information
Golden Sports
When: All day
Check out the sports schedules for our local teams:
Colorado School of Mines
Golden High School
Bell Middle School
Saturday Morning Run and Social Walk
When: 8AM
Where: Golden History Park, Arapahoe and 11th Streets, Golden, CO
Join the Foothills Running and Cycling Club for a morning run and social walk every week!
For more info, visit our website: www.memberplanet.com/foothillsrunningandcyclingclub
In-Store Kids Workshop
When: 8AM
Where: Home Depot, 16900 W. Colfax Avenue, Golden, CO
Holiday Market
When: 9AM-4PM
Where: Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W. 32nd Avenue, Golden, CO
Get ready for two days of holiday magic at JUC’s 29th annual Holiday Market! Discover unique handmade gifts, artwork, jewelry, home goods, and more, all created by local artisans. Stroll through the booths, listen to live music, grab a bite in the Holiday Café, and soak in the festive spirit.
Stop by the Holiday Café in the Chapel for fresh baked goods, warm drinks, and simple lunch options while enjoying holiday tunes in a cozy, twinkling setting.
Don’t miss the Gift Wrapping Table, where volunteers will wrap your purchases so you can head home ready to tuck them under the tree (donations welcome!).
Bring the kids for a little holiday fun—free child care and crafting time on Saturday makes it easy for parents to shop:
12 PM–2 PM: Gift-making crafts for older kids
10 AM–12 PM: Nursery & daycare for littles
More information
Christkindl Market
When: 9AM-3PM
Where: Denver Kickers Sport Club, 16776 W. 50th Avenue, Golden, CO
Enjoy a day of holiday shopping, music, food and more! Local vendors will be on hand to sell unique arts and crafts, handmade goods, and food. We’ll have a visit from Santa Claus – kids can share their Christmas wishes with the jolly old elf, and photos are encouraged!
Delicious food and drink items will be available inside the Clubhouse.
Brunch at the Rose
When: 10AM-3PM
Where: Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO
The Rose will be hosting brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Come enjoy our delicious brunch menu, along with signature cocktails.
Music from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Reservations
Foothills Art Center - Holiday Art Market
When: 10AM-5PM
Where: Foothills Art Center, 1133 Arapahoe Street, Golden, CO
The annual Holiday Art Market (HART) at Foothills Art Center in Golden, CO is a premier holiday venue for fabulous fine art and craft made in Colorado. Visitors are immersed in a unique holiday marketplace featuring an array of handmade gifts for everyone on their holiday gift giving list. Over 100 Colorado artists offer ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, paintings, woodworking, photography and much more. Plus, your purchases of these one-of-a-kind treasure helps support both local artists and Foothills Art Center!
Admission and activities are free (donations accepted). 303-279-3922.
M-Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 12- 5pm
With these holidays:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Visit www.foothillsartcenter.org.
Watercolor Notecards
When: 10AM-2PM
Where: Foothills Art Center, 809 15th Street, Golden, CO
Join a fun day of designing and painting notecards. Perfect for sending warm wishes to family and friends, or for framing! Learn a variety of watercolor techniques including applying color washes with a variety of brush strokes to create your own set of notecards. Guidance on how to design and create a variety of imagery will be included.
Register
Become a member
/*arts and culture*/ /*events*/
Gingerbread House Workshop
When: 10AM-12PM
Where: Foothills Art Center, 809 15th Street, Golden, CO
Get ready for some sweet holiday fun at the Creative Campus! While your parents shop at HART at the Astor House, you can design your very own gingerbread house — no baking required! We’ll use sturdy cardboard houses and decorate them with candy, paint, hot glue, and all kinds of fun craft supplies. Come make a colorful creation that’s good enough to “eat”!
Register
/*arts and culture*/ /*events*/
Golden High School Holiday Bazaar
When: 10AM-3PM
Where: Golden High School Cafeteria, 701 24th Street, Golden, CO
Come do some holiday shopping at the 11th Annual Golden High School Holiday Bazaar with one-of-a-kind gifts from over 50 different local artists.
This is a fundraiser for the students at Golden High School, helping with scholarships, after prom party, grants, and more.
Free parking and admission.
More information
/*Events*/
Foothills Art Center - Holiday Art Market
When: 10AM-5PM
Where: Foothills Art Center, 1133 Arapahoe Street, Golden, CO
The annual Holiday Art Market (HART) at Foothills Art Center in Golden, CO is a premier holiday venue for fabulous fine art and craft made in Colorado. Visitors are immersed in a unique holiday marketplace featuring an array of handmade gifts for everyone on their holiday gift giving list. Over 100 Colorado artists offer ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, paintings, woodworking, photography and much more. Plus, your purchases of these one-of-a-kind treasure helps support both local artists and Foothills Art Center!
Admission and activities are free (donations accepted). 303-279-3922.
M-Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 12- 5pm
With these holidays:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Visit www.foothillsartcenter.org.
Gingerbread House Workshop
When: 10AM-12PM
Where: Foothills Art Center, 809 15th Street, Golden, CO
Get ready for some sweet holiday fun at the Creative Campus! While your parents shop at HART at the Astor House, you can design your very own gingerbread house — no baking required! We’ll use sturdy cardboard houses and decorate them with candy, paint, hot glue, and all kinds of fun craft supplies. Come make a colorful creation that’s good enough to “eat”!
Register
/*arts and culture*/ /*events*/
Coffee With Councilors
When: 10-11AM
Where: City Hall Council Chambers, 911 10th Street, Golden, CO
Warm up with your City Councilors at this month’s Coffee with Councilors—featuring a festive Councilor Bake-Off! Taste the treats, cast your vote, and discover ways to support local businesses.
Follow up the meeting with a spin downtown to continue your holiday shopping!
/*Events*/
Family Time - Registration Required
When: 10:15-10:45AM
Where: Golden Library, 1019 10th Street, Golden, CO
It’s reading fun for everyone! Gather the whole family for engaging stories, dancing, singing and rhyming.
Registration required
Photos with Santa and the Elves
When: 11AM-3PM
Where: Avalanche Harley Davidson, 18425 W. Colfax Avenue, Golden, CO
Come get photos with Santa and his elves. Fun for the whole family!
More information
Holiday Open House
When: 11AM-3PM
Where: Avalanche Harley Davidson, 18425 W. Colfax Avenue, Golden, CO
Avalanche H-D is having an open house party! Food, Drinks, Music, & Great Times! Join Us For a Rumbling Great Weekend!
More information
Mystery Flip Quilts
When: 12PM
Where: Golden Quilt Company, 1108 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO
Learn to design an easy improvisational paper pieced block and flip the block to make stunning quilts. We will design and make blocks in class so that you can see the mystery layout unfold. The instructor will demonstrate the paper-piecing technique needed to create the blocks.
$75
Quick Class: Celebrate Squash
When: 12-12:30PM
Where: Natural Grocers, 2401 Ford Street, Golden, CO
Despite its name, winter squash is about as fall as you can get. With 11 varieties to choose from—including pumpkin— fall is the perfect time to celebrate squash and its wonderfully delicious flavor profiles and superior health benefits. Roast it, steam it or puree it—come learn all about this favorite fall food and why it’s truly good4u.
More information
Holiday Market
When: 12-3PM
Where: Cannonball Creek Brewing Company, 303 N. Washington Avenue, Golden, CO
Holiday shopping made fun and easy! Grab a pint and check out unique products from local artists and small business owners!
More information
PAWS for Reading
When: 1-3PM
Where: Golden Library, 1019 10th Street, Golden, CO
Read with a four-legged friend from the Denver Pet Partners! Dogs are the perfect reading companions because they create a relaxed, comfortable and safe environment for sharing books. Children must be able to read independently and are encouraged to share a favorite book.
Register
Virtual: Dungeons & Dragons for Beginners
When: 1-2:30PM
Do you love epic fantasy adventure? Dungeons and Dragons is a table top role playing fantasy game where a roll of the dice can change your future. If you have never played before or are a brand new to questing come roll initiative with other new adventurers! Suitable for ages 12-18.
This is a month-long quest, meeting each Saturday. Registration is required and is for all sessions.
/*Arts and Culture*/
Stocking Stuffers
When: 2PM
Where: Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, 1100 Miners Alley, Golden, CO
From the outrageously funny minds behind THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL comes a brand-new, adults-only holiday comedy! This sharp, side-splitting musical is the perfect antidote to the overly sweet holiday fare—packed with heart, a healthy dose of irreverence, and songs you'll be humming all season long. It's big laughs with a holiday twist, and we can't wait for you to be the first to see it.
Tickets
Stocking Stuffers
When: 2PM
Where: Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, 1100 Miners Alley, Golden, CO
From the outrageously funny minds behind THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL comes a brand-new, adults-only holiday comedy! This sharp, side-splitting musical is the perfect antidote to the overly sweet holiday fare—packed with heart, a healthy dose of irreverence, and songs you'll be humming all season long. It's big laughs with a holiday twist, and we can't wait for you to be the first to see it.
Tickets
St. Nicholas Pub Crawl
When: 3-6PM
Where: Goosetown Station, 514 9th Street, Golden, CO
Join us for a Christmas Pub Crawl !! Meet at Goosetown at 3:00 p.m.; then travel to some great local spots!! We will end up back at Goosetown for a DJ dance party, food and drinks!
More information
/*Events*/
Virtual: Dungeons & Dragons for Advanced Players
When: 3:30-5PM
Do you love epic fantasy adventure? Dungeons and Dragons is a table top role playing fantasy game where a roll of the dice can change your future. If you are a seasoned adventurer come roll initiative with other heroes! Suitable for ages 12-18.
This is a month-long quest, meeting each Saturday. Registration is required and is for all sessions.
/*Arts and Culture*/
An Animated Christmas - Golden Concert Choir Holiday Concert
When: 4-6PM
Where: Calvary Episcopal Church, 1320 Arapahoe Street, Golden, CO
In the Great Hall of the beautiful and historic Calvary Episcopal Church of Golden, the Golden Concert Choir presents An Animated Christmas, a light-hearted choral romp inspired by beloved animated children's Christmas specials, such as The Grinch, Frosty, Rudolph, The Polar Express, The Snowman, and a Charlie Brown Christmas.
You are so welcome to come enjoy with us.
/*Arts and Culture*/ /*Events*/
Golden American Legion Dinner
When: 5-6:30PM
Where: American Legion Post 21, 500 9th Street, Golden, CO
Every Saturday the Post has a home cooked meal at 5:00 p.m. and Queen of Hearts progressive raffle at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome as guests of American Legion Post 21. Please sign our guest registry located to the left as you enter through the door. www.goldenpost21.org /*Events*/
Penguin Holiday Clay Workshop
When: 5:30-8PM
Where: Foothills Art Center, 809 15th Street, Golden, CO
As the holiday season approaches, give your winter decorations a personal touch and celebrate with us at the clay studio! Learn how to sculpt charming penguins and tiny igloos—perfect for a dinner party centerpiece or as a gift. All skill levels welcome.
All materials provided in this workshop, just show up in clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty!
Register
Become a member
/*arts and culture*/ /*events*/
Penguin Holiday Clay Workshop
When: 5:30-8PM
Where: Foothills Art Center, 809 15th Street, Golden, CO
As the holiday season approaches, give your winter decorations a personal touch and celebrate with us at the clay studio! Learn how to sculpt charming penguins and tiny igloos—perfect for a dinner party centerpiece or as a gift. All skill levels welcome.
All materials provided in this workshop, just show up in clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty!
Register
Become a member
/*arts and culture*/ /*events*/
Jingle Mingle & Give - 5th Annual Festive Sweater & Toy Drive Party
When: 6-9PM
Where: Golden Mill, 1012 Ford Street, Golden, CO
Get ready to Jingle, Mingle & Give at The Golden Mill! Slip into your most festive sweater flair and dance the night away with holiday cocktails, DJ & 1, and surprise prizes for the most spirited looks.
More information
/*Events*/
Stocking Stuffers
When: 7:30PM
Where: Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, 1100 Miners Alley, Golden, CO
From the outrageously funny minds behind THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL comes a brand-new, adults-only holiday comedy! This sharp, side-splitting musical is the perfect antidote to the overly sweet holiday fare—packed with heart, a healthy dose of irreverence, and songs you'll be humming all season long. It's big laughs with a holiday twist, and we can't wait for you to be the first to see it.
Tickets
Stocking Stuffers
When: 7:30PM
Where: Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, 1100 Miners Alley, Golden, CO
From the outrageously funny minds behind THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL comes a brand-new, adults-only holiday comedy! This sharp, side-splitting musical is the perfect antidote to the overly sweet holiday fare—packed with heart, a healthy dose of irreverence, and songs you'll be humming all season long. It's big laughs with a holiday twist, and we can't wait for you to be the first to see it.
Tickets
