Christmas Theme Throughout Weekend Events December 13-15

Treat yourself and family to a lovely holiday tradition…walking among the Christmas lighting display at the Western Colorado Gardens. Santa will be there every Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for everyone 8 and over. Complimentary Hot Cider and Hot Chocolate will also be available.

This event is a gift from local entertainers and downtown merchants to the Grand Valley community. A wide range of entertainers are expected to perform during the event, and Santa will also be on hand. Other activities include free horse drawn carriage rides. Businesses will be open until 9:00 p.m.

Admission is $10, and all paid participants will receive a special commemorative mug filled with Enstrom’s hot chocolate. Also, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

3RD Annual Christmas Crawl is at a new location this year – Five 60 Salon & Spa. The event will feature local vendors. Admission is free.

Knights of Columbus will host a Community Christmas Social at A Taste of Heaven. Cocktails and cash bar will begin at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will follow at 7:00 p.m.

The Levis and Lace Square Dance Group is hosting a Christmas Square Dance at the Masonic Lodge. Admission is a toy donation.

Palisade High School’s Choral Music Program will present three performances of “Sounds of the Season” at Jubilee Family Church. Admission is $10, and ticket price includes performance, holiday dessert and beverage. Dessert is served ½ hour before each performance.

La Puerta Dance Studio will present a “Teddy Bear Ball” at the La Puerta Dance Studio. Admission is a new unwrapped toy or cash donation. Proceeds will go towards the Salvation Army. Activities include performances, light snacks, silent auction, and open dancing.

Tickets are $1 for children, $4 for adults/seniors, and $7 for family.

Dinosaur Journey is hosting a Breakfast With Santa. Admission is $8, and the cost includes admission to Dinosaur Journey, entertainment, and a gift bag handed out by Santa himself. Reservations are required and space is limited. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 970-858-7282.

Catching Clause One Mile Run – Join Hope of the Grand Valley in this one-mile run through Downtown Fruita and race against Santa to claim his goodie bag! Watch out though, it’s cold and Santa has trained all year for this month. If you are a kid under 12, join in on the running and beat the Grinch! Wear bright colors, Christmas costumes or Christmas lights. For pricing and to register, call 970-639-9730 or visit http://www.feelgoodfruita.com/.

Fruita Parade of Lights – Fruita kicks off their Hometown Christmas Celebration with a Fruita Lioness Chili Supper at the Fruita Community Center (3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.) and a Christmas Cantata at the Fruita United Methodist Church (4:00 p.m.).

The Elks Lodge #575 will host a Christmas Party and Open House. Activities include food, dancing with a live band, a drawing and prizes, free building tours, and more. Admission is $5 and includes a drink.

The Atrium of Grand Valley is hosting its first ever Tree of Lights Fundraiser. The Tree of Lights is expected to be a spectacular winter wonderland that will delight the hearts of all ages. Eggnog, hot chocolate, and cookies will be available. Visitors will be asked to vote on their favorite tree. The trees will remain on display through December 28 and winners will be announced at that time.

Downtown Grand Junction will have free carriage rides and Santa visits every Saturday and Sunday through December 22. The event takes place from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m., and activities include holiday music, Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides. The carriage rides are provided by Absolute Prestige Limousine Service.

Activities include a holiday craft, cookies, and cocoa. Also, Mesa County Library will perform “Santa’s New Suit” puppet show. At exactly 11:00 a.m., the hunt for candy canes will begin. Photographer available for holiday family portraits with Frosty the Snowman beginning at 10:00 a.m. with packages starting at $15.

Grand Junction High School Jazz Bands will have its annual “Swingin’ into the Holiday” at Connection Church Gym. The event will include music and dancing. Swing lessons will begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5, and the ticket price includes dessert and beverage.

The Grand Junction Centennial Band will perform their holiday show “Winter’s Breath” at 3:15 p.m. and again at 5:00 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center. Tickets are $10 for ages 10 to 59, $5 for ages 6 to 12 and seniors 60 and over, and free for ages 5 and under.