Ambling & Rambling: What's happening in Greeley, Weld and Farther Afield in December
By Emily Kemme
Calvin, the lovable cartoon troublemaker, once informed his pet tiger Hobbes, “The days are just packed.” Brimming with satire, Calvin was riffing on the fact that there wasn’t much to do at home, and he was cool with that. But December in Weld County is truly packed with fun activities you’ll want to get on the calendar. Black Friday (week) and Cyber Monday (weekend) are so over. It’s time to deck your halls and light up the world with a smile, a laugh, some singing and even a bit of dancing. Tis the season to polish up the last month of the year and make it a memorable one.
On Saturday, December 9 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., bring your fur baby for Holiday Pup Pics at J & T Feeds, 4835 W. 10th St., Greeley.
Fur-baby photo ops are easy when a professional photographer snaps the shot! Sign up for your setting by calling this neighborhood pet store at (970) 378-0240. Photos can be holiday themed or not, the choice is yours. Brush and fluff your pup and enjoy an adventure together.
Thursday, December 7 beginning at 5 p.m., Hope at the Holidays, an event by Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy, kicks off at Syntax Distillery and Cocktail Bar, 700 6th Street, Greeley.
This four-course progressive dinner, presented by Allo Fiber, travels through Greeley’s festive downtown with stops at local restaurants. Enjoy Happy Hour at Syntax Spirits with appetizers and a specialty cocktail, then it’s off to Centennial Public House for Brew Hour, warm soup and a winter cocktail. Dinner is served at Luna’s Tacos & Tequila where you’ll enjoy tacos and a tequila pairing. Wrap up the night at Tightknit Brewing Co. for a cold brew, dessert and Karaoke during the After Party. Tickets include a special holiday gift bag, and are $100 for the full 4-course tour. Private After Party tickets at TightKnit Brewing Co. are available for $25, which includes one beer, dessert and Karaoke.
Limited tickets available here: https://www.lifestoriesweld.org/hope-tour/
Details about event timing will be emailed to ticket holders the week of the event.
Saturday, December 9 from 4:30-6:30 p.m., remember loved ones at the 7th Annual Lights of Hope, Aims Welcome Center, 4901 West 20th Street, Greeley
The holidays are hard when there are empty chairs and memories of those who filled them. The Community Grief Center hosts an evening to decorate and display luminaries in remembrance of your loved ones. All ages are welcome.
The Community Grief Center is a local BBB Accredited Non-profit that provides free grief programs and activities for people of all ages who are grieving or anticipating a death.
The Greeley Chorale presents the Magnificent Messiah and Holiday Carols at Campus Commons at UNC, 1051 22nd Street, Greeley, on Saturday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m.
The popular performance of Christmas portions of Handel’s venerable Messiah is an annual tradition. The Greeley Chorale adds to this several other choruses from Handel’s work. The second half of the concert features the Chorale singing familiar holiday classics. Tickets range from $10-$40. Visit the UNC website here for advance purchase: tickets.unco.edu
Make a night at the Moxi Theater, 802 9th Street, Greeley, part of your holiday celebrations with one (or all) of these music experiences by Bandwagon Presents:
Friday, December 22 at 8 p.m.: A Very 80s Christmas Party. Celebrate the season, 80s style, with an Ugly Sweater Contest, silent auction filled with generous donations from local downtown eateries and classic 80s hits performed by headliner 6 Million Dollar Band at the Moxi. Auction proceeds benefit the Weld County Food Bank. Don your most outrageous, gaudy sweater and go party with a purpose!
Saturday, December 23 at 8 p.m.: Enjoy 90s country favorites from Garth, Shania, Alan and more at A Very 90s Country Christmas with Double Wide. There will also be Christmas tunes and a full comedy show. Slide into your tight Wranglers, spike the egg nog and head to the Moxi to have a hog-killin’ time—which, for you city slickers, means have a good time!
Sunday, December 31 at 7 p.m.: Wrap the year up with a bow and The Burroughs at Moxi New Year’s Eve 10 Years Anniversary. It’ll be a night of classic soul standards outfitted with modern flair performed by the electrifying powerhouse nine-piece band, The Burroughs. Special guests TBA. Dress to impress because tickets include a champagne toast at midnight. General admission: $25; Reserved: $55
The Moxi is equipped with professional sound and lighting systems, a full-service bar and dining options from adjacent Luna’s Tacos & Tequila and Stella’s Pinball Arcade & Lounge.
Get tickets at www.moxitheater.com
Farther Afield: Saturday, December 16 Visit Loveland Colorado and Loveland Winter Wonderlights presents Winter Wonderlights at Chapungu Sculpture Park, 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Dress up as your favorite movie character, princess or super hero for Holiday Movies Night at Chapungu Sculpture Park, 2345 Centerra Pkwy, Loveland, CO. Activities include dance by The Dance Department and The Studio Dance Teams; musical performances by Kutandara’s Kunak & Takapenga Marimba Bands and Light Show Spectaculars shown several times during the event.
There’s more: watch ice sculpting, see live reindeer, visit with your favorite movie characters, princesses and super heros (and take your picture with them!). Holiday snack favorites like popcorn, mini donuts, Pop Rocks and hot coffee drinks are available.
The event is free, but organizers ask guests to bring donated items for KISSMAS Wishes (diapers, wipes, toothbrushes, toys and children’s books are welcome). Donations must be new and unopened. For an entire list of possible donations, visit KissmasWishes.com.