Friday, December 12

Children’s Storytime: Stories! Song! Movement! Music! Play! Every Friday morning from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. we hold storytimes for ages 0 to 4 years old. From 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. we read books, sing songs, learn some ASL, and get the wiggles out! From 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. we have free play, bring out the toys (and sometimes bubbles!) and get to know other kids, parents and caregivers. Meet at the Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72.

Saturday, December 14

Santa Visit: Watch Santa arrive in a firetruck! Free activities! Visit the Coal Creek Canyon Community Center for a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, cocoa and cookies, letters to Santa, and a small gift. Noon to 2 p.m. at 31528 Highway 72. 

Holiday Market: Shop local artisans, drink beer and be merry! Enjoy a local holiday market from noon to 5 p.m. at Knotted Root Brewing Company located at 250 North Caribou Street in Nederland. 

Nochebuena: Traditionally celebrated in Spain, Latin Countries, and the Philippines on the eve of Christmas night. Join us for a taste of tamales and salsa. Create a special craft and enjoy a Spanish storytime. 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72. Please register at https://nederland.libcal.com/event/13569528. 

Winter Arts Festival: Enjoy live music performances, a visit from Santa Claus, and cookie decorating while shopping for holiday gifts! Happening Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 15 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Gilpin Community Center located at 250 Norton Drive in Black Hawk. 

Sunday, December 15

Cookie Decorating Contest: If you’d like to contribute cookies to the contest, drop off is 10 to 11 a.m. For any questions, call Roxanne Goodwin at 612-805-9606. Community tasting and judging is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church located at 210 North Jefferson Street in Nederland.  

Monday, December 16

Nederland Writers: Bring something you are working on to share and get feedback on or join the group to listen in and hone your skills. Area writers gather at Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72 every Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, visit https://nederland.libcal.com.

The Mountain Meditation Circle: A free and open group that has been meeting every Monday evening at 6 p.m. for the last four years at Gilpin County Public Library. New participants are always welcome. New members will need to provide their contact information prior to attending their first meeting. Please email Alisa at wittalisa@gmail.com or call her at 847-890-5262.

Meditation and Mindfulness: Practice meditation, explore readings, and join discussions in this free program at Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72 every Monday at 5:30 p.m. No meditation experience necessary! Please email Eric at davis.eric.alan@gmail.com with any questions.

Tuesday, December 17

Wild Bear Storytime: We will read books, sing songs, play and move together, all while fostering early ecological literacy. Join us for fun, friends & community from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at 20 Lakewood Drive in Nederland. 

Friends of the Library Bake Sale: Throughout the holiday season, the Friends of the Library will be conducting several bake sales to help raise funds to support programs such as the Holiday Harp Concert. Visit the Gilpin County Library, located at 15131 Highway 119, between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. for a variety of homemade baked goods for sale. 

Holiday Concert: Harpist Kathryn Harms will demonstrate the versatility and depth of the pedal harp with seasonal and holiday favorites. Celebrating joy and peace, this festive program includes reflective pieces and modern pop favorites. Starts at 6:30 p.m. and is expected to be a one hour program. At the Gilpin County Public Library, located at 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk. 

Wednesday, December 18

Children’s Storytime: Join us every Wednesday morning for our Children's Storytime. Most of our children range from 0-5 years of age but all children are welcome. Enjoy stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and more. A themed craft will follow every storytime. The previous week's crafts are available while supplies last. 10 to 11 a.m. at the Gilpin County Public Library located at 15135 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Saturday, December 21

Holiday Boxes: If you need some extra support this holiday season, the Nederland Food Pantry is here for you! Come get your box filled with food and clothes from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Nederland Community Center located at 750 Peak to Peak Highway. 

Santa Visit for Pets: Santa Paws is waiting to get his picture with your friendly pet. Please bring your own camera or phone to take the pictures. See www.coalcreekcanyon.org for sign ups and time slots. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coal Creek Canyon Community Center located at 31528 Highway 72. 

Did we miss you? Would you like your event listed in the Cracker Barrel? Please submit your event online at https://www.themtnear.com/ events-submission/ to be included in the next edition. Check us out online at www.themtnear.com/events for more upcoming events.