Grand Junction Holiday Events Guide
December in the Grand Valley is full of holiday magic — from the Parade of Lights to live concerts and community markets, here's how to celebrate the season.
Holiday Season in Grand Junction: What to Expect
When December arrives in the Grand Valley, downtown Grand Junction transforms. The holiday season here has a genuine small-city warmth — decorated storefronts, community events, and a calendar packed with ways to celebrate.
Parade of Lights
The Parade of Lights is Grand Junction's signature holiday event — a downtown parade featuring illuminated floats, community groups, marching bands, and holiday characters. It draws large crowds to Main Street and marks the official kick-off of the holiday season in the Grand Valley. Arrive early for a good viewing spot along the route.
Holiday Concerts at the Avalon Theatre
The Avalon Theatre's holiday season calendar fills up fast. Community orchestras, choral groups, school performances, and ticketed holiday shows make this the most active month on the Avalon's calendar. Classic holiday performances — Nutcracker productions, sing-along events — are annual traditions worth attending.
Holiday Craft Markets
November and December are the peak of the craft fair season. Multiple organizations run holiday markets across the Grand Valley:
- Church bazaars — often the best deals on handmade goods
- Community center holiday markets — local vendors, food, and festive atmosphere
- School holiday fairs — smaller but charming events supporting local schools
Library Holiday Programming
Mesa County Libraries goes all-out for the holidays with special storytime themes, craft events for kids, teen programs, and community celebrations. All free.
Food and Seasonal Events
Holiday food events — cookie exchanges, benefit dinners, community potlucks — fill the December calendar. Restaurants and bars often host holiday parties that are open to the public.
How to Find Holiday Events
The best way to track holiday events across the Grand Valley is to browse WestSlopeEvents.com in November and December. We collect events from dozens of organizers so you can see everything in one place — filter by date range and city to plan your December.