Thursday, December 5

26th Annual Tommyknocker Holidays: Enjoy a Children’s Parade down Main Street in Central City to the City Tree followed by a Children’s Party at the Teller House! Starts at 1:30 p.m. 

Friday, December 6

Storytime with Elsa: Feeling Frozen? Warm up with songs and stories from Elsa from the movie, “Frozen”! Kids can enjoy some wintry crafts and take pictures with the princess herself! Meet in the Community Room at the Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72 at 10:15 a.m.

26th Annual Tommyknocker Holidays: Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Central City City Hall at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Carol and Candlelight walk to Teller House for a potluck dinner and ugly sweater contest! The Peak to Peak Chorale will perform at 7:45 p.m. 

Family Movie Matinee: Bring the kids for free popcorn and a movie as we watch “The Wild Robot,” a family-friendly film, in the meeting room. PG. 1 hour and 42 minutes. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Gilpin County Public Library located at 15135 Highway 119, Black Hawk. 

Saturday, December 7

26th Annual Tommyknocker Holidays: Shop for holiday gifts at the Tommyknocker gift bazaar featuring arts and crafts, Father Christmas, cookie decorating, a gingerbread house contest, Victorian costume contest, and children’s coloring contest! Happening Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Teller House located at 120 Eureka Street in Central City.

Winter Wonderland Around the World: Celebrate cultural holiday traditions with a performance by the Peak to Peak Chorale! There will be three different performances: December 7 at 3 p.m. at Gilpin County School, located at 10595 Highway 119, Black Hawk; December 8 at 3 p.m. at Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association, located at 31528 Highway 72; and on December 13 at 7 p.m. at Golden Gate Grange, located at 25201 Golden Gate Canyon Road. 

Parent’s Night Out: Nederland Community Library will be hosting a drop off for kids 5 and up. We provide pizza, popcorn, juice, crafts, games, movies and more! Waivers and emergency contact info needs to be filled out if we do not have your info on file. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Located at 200 Highway 72. Please sign up at https://nederland.colibraries.org/parents-night-out/.

Nederland Holiday Mountain Market: Come shop local arts, crafts and various vendors! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nederland Community Center located at 750 Peak to Peak Highway in Nederland. 

Christmas Craft Fair: Come join us for two days of holiday crafting fun! Kids of all ages can come make ornaments, cards, and other holiday decorations. Holiday cards and stamping crafts will also be available for teens and adults. Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gilpin County Public Library, located at 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk. 

Nederland Food Pantry and Clothing Closet: The Nederland Food Pantry, located at 196 W 1st Street, is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. We are here to help our community in need by providing food, clothing, and other essential support. No appointment is necessary. For more information, check out our website at www.nederlandfoodpantry.org or call 720-418-0892.

Monday, December 9

Nederland Writers: Bring something you are working on to share and get feedback on or join the group to listen in and hone your skills. Area writers gather at Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72 every Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, visit https://nederland.libcal.com.

The Mountain Meditation Circle: A free and open group that has been meeting every Monday evening at 6 p.m. for the last four years at Gilpin County Public Library. New participants are always welcome. New members will need to provide their contact information prior to attending their first meeting. Please email Alisa at wittalisa@gmail.com or call her at 847-890-5262.

Meditation and Mindfulness: Practice meditation, explore readings, and join discussions in this free program at Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72 every Monday at 5:30 p.m. No meditation experience necessary! Please email Eric at davis.eric.alan@gmail.com with any questions.

Tuesday, December 10

Make Your Own Holiday Cards: Upcycle broken, old books into beautiful holiday cards! 3 to 5 p.m. at the Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72.

Sci Fi Book Club: This month’s book is Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. Newcomers welcome. Starts at 7 p.m. at the Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72. Please register at https://nederland.libcal.com/event/11612543. 

Nonfiction Book Club: Introducing a new nonfiction book club that meets every other month at 6 p.m. at the Gilpin County Public Library, 15135 Highway 119. Copies will be available at the circulation desk. Please contact Jen Matthews at jmatthews@gilpincounty.org with any questions. 

Wednesday, December 11

Children’s Storytime: Join us every Wednesday morning for our Children's Storytime. Most of our children range from 0-5 years of age but all children are welcome. Enjoy stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and more. A themed craft will follow every storytime. The previous week's crafts are available while supplies last. 10 to 11 a.m. at the Gilpin County Public Library located at 15135 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Saturday, December 14

Santa Visit: Watch Santa arrive in a firetruck! Free activities! Visit the Coal Creek Canyon Community Center for a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, cocoa and cookies, letters to Santa, and a small gift. Noon to 2 p.m. at 31528 Highway 72. 

Nochebuena: Traditionally celebrated in Spain, Latin countries, and the Philippines on the eve of Christmas night. Join us for a taste of tamales and salsa. Create a special craft and enjoy a Spanish storytime. 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72. Please register at https://nederland.libcal.com/event/13569528. 

Winter Arts Festival: Enjoy live music performances, a visit from Santa Claus, and cookie decorating while shopping for holiday gifts! Happening Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 15 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Sunday, December 15

Cookie Decorating Contest: If you’d like to contribute cookies to the contest, drop off is 10 to 11 a.m. For any questions, call Roxanne Goodwin at 612-805-9606. Community tasting and judging is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church located at 210 North Jefferson Street in Nederland.  

Tuesday, December 17

Holiday Concert: Harpist Kathryn Harms will demonstrate the versatility and depth of the pedal harp with seasonal and holiday favorites. Celebrating joy and peace, this festive program includes reflective pieces and modern pop favorites. Starts at 6:30 p.m. and is expected to be a one hour program. At the Gilpin County Public Library, located at 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk. 

Did we miss you? Would you like your event listed in the Cracker Barrel? Please submit your event online at https://www.themtnear.com/ events-submission/ to be included in the next edition. Check us out online at www.themtnear.com/events for more upcoming events.