Our annual holiday “Grand Opening” is a long-standing tradition when our community comes together to celebrate Buena Vista’s unique mountain lifestyle with a day bursting with fun, festivities, caroling and much more!
Saturday December 3, 2022
CHRISTMAS OPENING
Take a “Sweet Stroll” through town as you shop & visit our local restaurants and stores,
gathering Chocolate Walk stamps, enjoying our artisan coffee shops & finding fun and unique gifts along the way.
Don’t miss the Ugly Sweater 5k & Family Fun Run, “cool off” at the Polar Plunge,
then head over to the BV Heritage Museum.
Join hundreds of hungry chili fans arriving at the museum to shop the array of artisan vendors,
snap a photo with Santa, visit Santa’s Favorite Workshop, sample all the chili you can eat, then cast your vote for the winning recipe.
As you are visiting around town enjoying the carolers passing by, be sure to stop in to the local bars for a mid-day libation,
and stroll over to the BV Library for the Local Author Fair.
As the day draws to a close, the Parade of Lights will begin on E Main near the BV Community Center,
ending at Railroad & E Main with Santa reciting ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas and lighting our Community Tree.
Schedule of Events
The BV Chocolate Walk
Sat, Dec 3
10a – 4p
Businesses will also be open on Sun, Dec 4
This “sweet” event takes you on a stroll through beautiful Buena Vista!
* Collect a special chocolate treat as you step inside each participating store, gallery, and restaurant. Once you’ve visited all the stores you can return your playing card to the BV Chamber
for a chance to win CASH prizes donated by local businesses:
Cash Prizes
$500 From Mary Kale, Full Circle Real Estate
$250 From Mona Bellantonio, Full Circle Real Estate
$100 From Amber Gaston, Full Circle Real Estate
* Participants must purchase a card through BV Chamber of Commerce for $1 per card.
Pick up your playing cards 11/29-12/2 at the BV Chamber. Also available at The Heritage Museum on 12/3. Participants of the Ugly Sweater 5k will receive a card with registration.
Photos With Santa
Sat, Dec 3
10a – 4p
BV Heritage Museum
Santa has partnered with BVHS Yearbook Club!
Snag your sitting and digital image for a recommended donation of $5.
The sessions are appx 3 minutes per family (not child).
After your session, please allow time as BVHS Yearbook Club
will also be offering prints for an additional charge.
Sponsored by First Colorado Land Office.
Chili Cook-Off
Sat, Dec 3
BV Heritage Museum
10a-4p
As the room fills with the aroma of perfectly seasoned meat and beans,
you’ll be sure to find unique Christmas gifts at the BV Heritage Gift Shop.
Most importantly, everyone can sample all the chili they can eat and
cast their vote for the winning recipe.
As the day draws to a close and the votes are counted,
one lucky person is crowned the winner for ALL bragging rights!
Santa’s Favorite Workshop
Sat, Dec 3
BV Heritage Museum
10a-4p
Be sure to visit this wonderland of unique gifts for all the special “kiddos” in your life!
Presented by Cloud City Toy Store.
Holiday Artisan Craft Fair
Sat, Dec 3
BV Heritage Museum
10a-4p
Browse our local artisans to find unique holiday gifts
for your friends or family…
& even for yourself!
Ugly Sweater 5k & Fun Run
Sat, Dec 3
South Main St
10a-11:30a
Come out in your ugliest holiday sweater as you tour the town on foot.
When you finish, why not jump in the Arkansas River for the Polar Plunge?
All 5K runners will receive a Chocolate Walk card!
Fun Run:
Our young kids (ages 0-5) are welcome to galavant around South Main for the Fun Run which will take place before the 5K. All the young participants will be rewarded with a special holiday prize.
Online registration will STAY OPEN to race day!
Polar Plunge in The Arkansas River
Sat, Dec 3
S Main River Park
12p
Why settle for silver when you can go for the cold?
Test your mettle big-time with an ice-cold plunge
while supporting BVHS Student Council’s Toys For Tikes.
No training necessary.
Parade of Lights
Sat, Dec 3
Start @ E Main near BV Community Center
5:15p
Be sure to grab your coat & hot cocoa (or other libation)
as we LIGHT UP our town and close this fun day out with Santa reciting
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
just before he is raised up to light our community tree.
Local Author Fair
Sat, Dec 3
BV Library
12-3p
Discover and celebrate local authors!
Bring your holiday shopping list and meet published writers,
purchase signed copies, and enter a book raffle.
Thank You Sponsors
