Celebrate the Holidays Small-Town Style in Parker, Colorado

If you are looking for small-town holiday activities close to the city, come to Parker, Colorado. Just 23 miles southeast of Denver, Parker retains a friendly small-town feel, from the downtown shops in historic buildings to year-round community events. The town even retains the old-time spelling of the main thoroughfare, Mainstreet (this is not a typo!). Check out what's happening during the 2006 holiday season.

Ye Olde Yuletide Bazaar

When: November 18, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Parker Mainstreet Center, 19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker CO 80138

Support local charities and scholarships while enjoying holiday crafts and treats at Ye Olde Yuletide Bazaar in Parker. Sponsored by the Mountain Pine Woman's Club, this fun event boasts crafts of all kinds, delicious foods, and product distributors. There will be 75 booths and parking is free at the Parker Mainstreet Center. Find one-of-a-kind gifts for the holiday season.

Holiday Extrava-Dance-a Performance

When: December 1, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.; December 2, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Location: Parker Mainstreet Center, 19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker CO 80138

Join the Parker Youth Ballet and the Parker Cultural Commission as they celebrate the holiday season with their production of "A Holiday Extrava-DANCE-a" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The first act features dancing Santas, reindeer, and snowmen along with all your favorite well-loved holiday songs. Then the Grinch makes an appearance on stage, once again failing to ruin Christmas for all the little Who's in Whoville. Bring the whole family and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets are $5.00, $4.00 with donation of a non-perishable food item. Tickets may be purchased at the Parker Recreation Center and prior to each performance as available.

Santa Breakfast

When: December 2 and 9, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: The Wildlife Experience, 10035 S. Peoria, Parker CO 80134

Join Santa for breakfast at the Wildlife Experience! This year, the event runs for two Saturdays and offers fun activities for families. Children can do holiday crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, and personally deliver a wish list to Santa. Parents are encouraged to take pictures. And if you forget your camera, disposable cameras are available for purchase at the gift shop. Call 720-488-3300 for more information.

Christmas in the Country Craft Fair

When: December 9, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Parker Mainstreet Center, 19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker CO 80138

For the 4th year, Parker will host the Christmas in the Country Craft Fair. There will be 70 booths featuring local artisans and crafters as well as distributors of products such as Discovery Toys and Pampered Chef. Food is available from various vendors including Kool Kafe Hot Dogs and Burritos, Biggins BBQ, and others. Attendance is expected at more than 500 and parking is free. A great way to stock up on hand-made gifts for the holidays.

Parker Christmas Carriage Parade and Tree Lighting

When: December 9, 2006 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Parker on Mainstreet

Bring your family to a winter parade. The town of Parker and the Colorado Driving Society are hosting the 2006 Parker Christmas Carriage Parade and Tree Lighting Festival, followed by fun family activities at O'Brien Park and the Parker Mainstreet Center. The parade features horse-drawn carriages, wagons, and stagecoaches from across Colorado and begins at 2 p.m. on Mainstreet in historic downtown Parker.

After the parade, enjoy activities at O'Brien Park including live music by the Runaway Express Band, an interactive petting zoo, pony rides, and baby reindeer. Other activities located at the Parker Mainstreet Center, 19650 E. Mainstreet, include pictures with Santa, a winter food market, and a craft fair from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The afternoon wraps up with performances by local youngsters in the park and complimentary cookies and hot chocolate at the Mayor's Tree Lighting scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Giddy-up!