Buena Vista’s Christmas Opening
The First Saturday in December
The Buena Vista Christmas Opening is a wonderful holiday tradition that unites our small businesses, visitors and residents to join together and share in the holiday spirit. We invite you and your family to join us in some or all of the events taking place throughout Town, including;
The Chocolate Walk, The Festival of Trees, The Christmas Craft Fair, Photos with Santa (we are pretty sure he is the real Santa!), Free Kids Movie Showing of “The Star,” a Chili Cook Off, Caroling throughout Town, The Polar Plunge Annual Arkansas River Dip, The Parade of Lights and the Community Tree Lighting.
Please visit us often for new event updates as we approach this joyous holiday season.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Chocolate Walk 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
A fun and delicious tour. Pick up your playing card at the BV Community Center in the morning, then visit local merchants, do some holiday shopping, see the amazing holiday products and services, taste exquisite chocolates and get your card stamped. Prize drawings take place if you complete your participant card. More details below!
Visit Santa 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Visit Santa & get your free photo with him for your family. Sponsored by Coldwell Banker/Collegiate Peaks Realty. Santa joins us from Harmony Workshops. Photos will be emailed following the event. Also join us for FREE crafts, entertainment, the festival of trees, and much more all at the BV Community Center.
Parade of Lights 5:15 pm
Your business or group is invited to join us for the Parade of Lights. The parade will start on South Main and end at Splash Park on East Main where Santa will recite ’twas the Night Before Christmas then count down as we light the community tree. Enjoy the parade as a spectator by finding your spot on the sidewalk along the route from South Main to East Main.
Noted below is the 2019 Schedule. The 2020 Schedule will be updated as we get closer to the Holiday Season.
Chocolate Walk
9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Pick up your playing card for $1.00 at the BV Community Center on Dec. 1. Enjoy visiting participating local businesses. Savor their chocolate treats and see their offerings. WIN many prizes for completing your playing card (drawn on Dec. 3). Prizes include a $75.00 Golden Ticket sponsored by Mary Kale of Re/Max, a $70.00 Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Pass, and Rustic Woods $25.00 gift certificate and more! This year some Chocolate Walk stores are participating on Sunday too – thus increasing your chances to fill out your playing card for the drawing on Monday, Dec. 3.
Mt. Princeton Punch Pass Sale
9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Discounted punch passes for Mt. Princeton Hot Springs will be for sale at the WEST Entrance of the BV Community Center 715 E. Main St.
Festival of Trees
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tour local business and non-profit organizations sponsored trees, get coupons and special offers on the trees. The trees surround Santa and add a festive holiday spirit. Held at the BV Community Center 715 E. Main St.
Chaffee Arts In the Loft Show & Sale
10:00 am to 4:30 pm
New this year and with great anticipation Chaffee Arts will showcase a assortment of local artists works. Offering a true taste of our art culture and opportunities to purchase holiday gifts. Held at The Loft Orpheum Theater – 413 E. Main Street.
Local Holiday Craft Fair
10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Visit the Holiday Craft Fair what a fun environment to showcase local works and trades. Tis the season of giving. Held at The Loft Orpheum Theater – 413 E. Main Street. The Loft is also a Chocolate Walk stop so you can savor a sweet and tour the fair.
Mrs. Claus Christmas Sock Knitting
10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Join Mrs. Claus as she makes Christmas socks on her knitting machine at Serendipity Yarn & Gifts. She will share tips and tricks and give one and all a heartwarming welcome. Held at Serendipity Yarn & Gifts – 321 West Main St.
Christmas Tree Permits
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Forest Service will be selling Christmas Tree Permits at the BV Community Center 715 E. Main St.
Sip – Sample – Shop Open House
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Stedman’s is full of delicious local sweets and specialty food and beverages. Come and sample popcorn, fudge, and sweets. Register for prizes, see their stocking stuffers, gift baskets and more. Held at Stedman’s (inside the Shell Station) – 227 US Hwy 24S.
Fireplace Photo Op
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Stop in at the Buena Vista Public Library and take a warm and joyous photo of your family & friends in front of their holiday decorated local stone fireplace. Plus, get a stamp on your Chocolate Walk playing card and share in holiday cheer. This is also a hayride shuttle stop. Held at BV Public Library 131 Linderman Ave.
Boys & Girls Club Decorating Event
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Enjoy ornament decorating, graham cracker houses, cookie decorating and game room activities with host Boys & Girls Club.
FREE Hayrides Shuttles
11:00 pm to 4:00 pm
A complimentary Hayride Shuttle will transport your party from West Main Street, East Main Street and South Main Streets to enable your participation in all of the JOLLY town events. All aboard! Sponsored by Gunsmoke Travel Plaza.
Free Movie “The Star”
11:00 am and 3:15 pm
Join sponsors Pinon Real Estate BV and The Fertile Ground Fund for a FREE viewing of the movie The Star, a nativity story. FREE child drop-off available. While the kids enjoy the movie, you can do your Christmas shopping! Held at The Watershed Garage 410 E Main St. Movie is 73 minutes in length.
Chime Time Shows
11:30 am and 12:00 pm
Start your holiday season with the delightful sound of the 9 talented kids of this youth chime time. Listen to the show and then wait for Santa’s arrival. Held at BV Community Center 715 East Main Street.
Julie Sebastian & Sarah Kites
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Join Julie and Sarah as they sing traditional holiday carols. Sing-a-long and savor our small town Holiday joy. Held outside in front of Simple Eatery 402 East Main St.
Middle & High School Band Performances
Celebrate with McGinnis Middle School and Buena Vista High School bands musicians during two live performances
11:00am to 12:00pm
At The Loft Orpheum Theater 413 E. Main St.
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
At the Re/Max Annex 429 East Main St.
Chili Cook Off
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Vote for your favorite chili created with some of the best recipes from local restaurants and residents. The winner takes home the traveling “Golden Ladle.” A fundraiser for Buena Vista Heritage Museum. Held at the Buena Vista Heritage Museum 511 E Main St.
Visit Santa & Free Photos
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Visit Santa – Kelly Kringle Beek with Harmony Workshops – for free along with a free photo sent to you via email or text to your phone. Sponsored by Coldwell Banker/Collegiate Peaks Realty. Held at BV Community Center.
Christmas Vocals & Guitar
2:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Two talented kids, Finn & Sully, form the base of this guitar, vocal group that shares holiday tunes, carols and more. Held at BV Community Center.
The Polar Plunge Annual River Dip!
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Join South Main Street’s annual Arkansas River dip. An Invigorating and Fun event if you dare! Sponsored by CKS call them with any questions that you may have. Held at the Beach in South Main St.
Hot Cocoa & Warm Up
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
After viewing or participating in the Polar Plunge stop in at the Surf Hotel for heartwarming hot cocoa and fixings. A great way to warm up after the Polar Plunge or before the Parade of Lights which is starting in South Main at 5:15pm.
Strolling Carolers on East Main
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Faith Lutheran Church Carolers are strolling along East Main Street offering holiday cheer and peace on earth and good will to all.
Listen to our Local Jazz Band
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Kicking off the festivities to the Surf Hotel Christmas Tree lighting enjoy local live music by our town’s Jazz Band, enjoy hot chocolate and good Christmas cheer. Held at 1012 Front Loop.
Parade of Lights
5:15pm – 6:00pm ish
A home town tradition which is open to one and all; businesses, non-profits, churches, schools, neighborhoods, horses and carriages are all welcome to enter the parade with a float, bike or illuminated idea. Parade participants meet and queue at the south parking area in South Main St. and sign a waiver. Parade queue will start at 4:30pm. We are encouraging EVERYONE to join or merge with the Parade of Lights as it passes you by as we all then meet at the East Main St. Community Tree Lighting (Optimist Splash Park). Organize your neighborhood, business, street center, church or school or family to join the celebration with your illuminated group.
Community Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa Recital
5:45 pm – 6:00 pm
The Parade of Lights will merge to the Community Tree at Optimist Splash Park on East Main St., and Railroad St. for the Lighting of the Community Tree Celebration. Sponsored by the Buena Vista Beautification Board. Before the lighting of the community tree SANTA will recite “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Evening Affairs
Enjoy visiting South Main St. and East Main St. businesses for dinner, adult beverages, entertainment and festive events.
Happy Holidays!
Starting at 9:00pm
The Lariat will feature Coral Creel. $5.00 cover. Coral Creek is a nationally acclaimed Americana / Newgrass band.
A Community Affair
The Christmas Opening unites small businesses, residents and visitors to share in the holiday spirit and celebrate the true essence of community. Join us for this small town holiday tradition and experience for yourself why Buena Vista is truly special.
Parade of Lights Details & Sign Up
Please join us in Parade of Lights . . . we are looking for one and all with their illuminated display to join in the celebration. Let us know if you and your business/group would like to participate The parade will begin on South Main Street and make its way to Splash Park on East Main Street. Horses and carriages are welcome! Call us 719.395.6612 or email events@buenavistacolorado.org if you would like to participate.
Chocolate Walk Details
The Chocolate Walk is a fun and delicious way to see all of the products and offerings that local businesses bring to our town AND sample chocolates, combined with the chance to win great prizes! It is simple to do: Pick up your Chocolate Walk playing card at the BV Community Center on Saturday morning at 9:00a. The card will outline the simple rules, share addresses for participating businesses and have a place for each business to stamp your card. Head to the participating businesses to get a special, chocolatey treat. When you are done, you return the filled out card to the BV Community Center by 4:30 pm that day or at the Welcome Center by Monday (343 US Hwy 24 S) for drawings and prizes. Drawings will be held Monday afternoon at 3:30p. Winners will be announced via Facebook and called. Prizes vary, but the fun is in the participation.
The Buena Vista Christmas Opening is organized by the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce as a community service to our businesses and residents. We would like to thank our members, volunteers, Board of Directors and supporting businesses for helping us create this town-wide celebration!