Things to do in Pueblo this weekend: art walk, gift shows, a parade and creche festival
Friday, Dec. 1
Art Adventure Class at Rawlings Library
100 E. Abriendo Ave. | 1-3 p.m. Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 | The Pueblo Arts Alliance will offer the free art class to children ages 7 to 12. All supplies are provided.
The Gates of Pueblo opening at Rawlings Library
100 E. Abriendo Ave. | 4 p.m. | The reception for “The Gates of Pueblo” kicks off a show featuring the watercolor paintings of Joseph Cawlfield, highlighting 15 distinctive gates in Pueblo.
Red Mirror art exhibit opens at CSU Pueblo
2200 Bonforte Blvd., Fine Arts Gallery in the Capozzolo Center for the Arts | 5-7 p.m. | The Red Mirror exhibit features the work of Gregg Deal, of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, whose contemporary work explores the dismantling of Indigenous stereotypes, myths and notions. The exhibit is part of Colorado State University Pueblo's Chicano/a, Hispanic and Indigenous exhibit series. The show will run through Feb. 15.
'Rejoice in Art' at Steel City Art Works
216 S. Union Ave. | 5-8 p.m. | The First Friday Art Walk event will feature a free opening reception with local artists, holiday-themed boutique tables, a book signing with "A Breath of Fresh God" author Charissa Fryberger and complimentary refreshments. The exhibit will run throughout the month.
ElectriCritters kicks off at the Pueblo Zoo
3455 Nuckolls Ave. | 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and daily starting Dec. 10-23 and Dec. 26-27 | Experience more than 150 imaginative light displays on the walk-through animal-themed winter wonderland sponsored by Black Hills Energy. Visitors can warm up with cocoa and a cookie at the Candy Cane Café. Cost is $9 for adults or $7 for children. Tickets are discounted $2 for members and all proceeds go to the care of the zoo's animals at a time when it is most needed. Purchase tickets online at pueblozoo.org/electricritters or at the gate.
Christmas at the Rosemount Museum
419 W. 14th St. | 6-8 p.m. | Camarada 320 will be performing holiday favorites in cello, violin and percussion. Come see the Christmas decorations and get into the holiday spirit. Cost is $10 for adults or $5 for children ages 6-18.
Holiday Art Show at Blo Back Gallery
131 Spring St. | 6-9 p.m. | Celebrate the holiday season and First Friday Art Walk at the gallery. Saxophonist JC Sax will be serenading participants with jazz standard Christmas music. Locally made art will be available for holiday shoppers.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Enneagram & Relationships Seminar at A Center for Inner Peace
740 N. Main St. Suite 202 | 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | The seminar focuses on identifying temperaments to uncover the core motivation that determines how people approach life and will promote deeper understanding and empathy for people. Cost is $30 and includes a workbook. Call Ann Ladd to register at 719-251-4006.
Candy and Bake Sale at SonRise Church
421 E. Spaulding, Pueblo West | 8 a.m.-noon | The event will feature homemade candies and baked goods, as well as gently used Christmas decorations and silent auction items.
Holiday Gift Boutique at Pueblo Convention Center
320 Central Main St. | 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Hand-picked artists and crafters will be showcasing their unique creations for holiday shoppers. The event is free and open to the public.
Zumbathon at El Centro del Quinto Sol
609 E. Sixth St. | 10 a.m.-noon | Donate a new toy and get two hours of free Zumba. El Centro also is accepting new toy donations for its Toy Drive until Friday, Dec. 8, for the children's holiday celebration. Toys can be dropped off at El Centro between 3-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday or noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Toys also will be accepted at the Pueblo Parks and Rec administration office, 800 Goodnight Ave., between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
Creche Festival at Wesley United Methodist Church
85 Stanford Ave. | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and again noon-3 p.m. Sunday | View more than 150 Nativity scenes from around the world. Christmas cookies and hot cider will be served. The event is free and open to the public.
Holiday with Heroes at Rawlings Library
100 E. Abriendo Ave., Fourth Floor | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The free event will feature pictures with Santa, crafts, face painting and cookie decorating with local heroes. The event is open to the public.
Holiday Fashion Preview and Lunch at Pueblo Convention Center
320 Central Main St. | noon | The Assistance League of Pueblo's 35th annual holiday event will feature a gourmet lunch and a fashion preview from Dillard's staff. Cost is $75 per person and funds benefit Operation School Bell. Call 719-251-6217 for tickets.
Holiday in Lights Parade in Pueblo West
Along Joe Martinez Boulevard and ending in Civic Center Park | 5:30 p.m. | The "Welcome to Whoville" themed parade will help raise funds for the metro district Christmas basket giveaway. The event will include a visit from Santa, cookies and cocoa, and the lighting of the community Christmas tree.
Monday, Dec. 4
U.S. Air Force Academy Band Holly & Ivy concert at Pueblo Memorial Hall
1 City Hall Place | Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 | The free holiday concert will bring seasonal songs to Pueblo. Tickets can be picked up at the Pueblo Memorial Hall box office.
Thursday, Dec. 7
World Ballet Masterclass
This will feature an exclusive chance to meet the ballerinas of the World Ballet Nutcracker troupe and learn from them. The class is free and open to all ages and experience levels. Participants must register to find out the time and location. Register online at worldballetseries.com/masterclass.
World Ballet Nutcracker performance at Pueblo Memorial Hall
1 City Hall Place | Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. | The Nutcracker showcases a diverse cast of 50 professional ballet dancers who come together to breathe new life into this classic holiday tradition. Tickets range from $28-$85 and are available online at pueblomemorialhall.com or at the Pueblo Memorial Hall box office.
Student art show reception at Pueblo Community College
900 W. Orman Ave., San Juan Gallery | 5-7 p.m. | The opening reception will feature the unveiling of the fall 2023 student art show and an awards presentation at 5:30 p.m. Parking is available in the adjacent lot on Marilyn Place. The exhibit will continue through Dec. 12 and regular gallery hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free and the public is welcome.
Friday, Dec. 8
Pueblo Choral Society Concert at Pueblo Memorial Hall
1 City Hall Place | Doors open at 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m. | The choir will present "An Old-Fashioned Christmas" featuring favorite holiday tunes. Performers will include the Colorado State University Pueblo Faculty Brass Ensemble, the Pueblo Children's Chorale, Mariachi Lobos, Soli Deo Gloria Choir and more. Tickets can be obtained free of charge at the Memorial Hall Box Office. Find out more at PuebloChoralSociety.org.
"A Blunderhaven Christmas" at Impossible Playhouse
1201 N. Main St. | 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9, Dec.15-16 and Dec. 21-22, as well as 2 p.m. Dec. 17 | This holiday play features the Impossible Players theater troupe and is directed by Geoffrey Simmons. Tickets range from $10-$15 per person.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Pueblo Posada at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk
125 E. Riverwalk | 1 p.m. | El Mariachi de Pueblo and 2023 Colorado State Fair Fiesta Queen Erika Cordova have revived the event for its 45th year to commemorate the Bethlehem pilgrimage. The procession will begin with a banner picture of Joseph and Mary traveling on a donkey. Community members can follow and sing as the procession stops at six to nine posadas located throughout the riverwalk. The Fiesta Court also plans to collect canned food to benefit Pueblo Rescue Mission. Church choirs or musical groups are needed to participate. Call 719-320-7940.
Pueblo Express Christmas Train rides at Pueblo Railway Museum
200 W. B St. | 4-8 p.m. | Rides also are set for Dec. 15-16 and Dec. 24 | Celebrate the holidays with a 20-minute ride on the decorated Pueblo Express Christmas Train. Cost is $10 in the caboose or $15 in the engine. Children 2 and younger are free. Purchase tickets with cash or check at the gift shop, a converted caboose behind the depot.
Pueblo West Community Band Christmas Concert at Pueblo West High School
661 W. Capistrano Ave. | 7 p.m. | The concert will feature a variety of holiday selections, including “Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The concert is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.
Sunday, Dec. 10
Beulah Yule Log Festival at Pueblo Mountain Park
9112 Pueblo Mountain Park Road | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. chili bar fundraiser at Horseshoe Lodge | 1 p.m. the free hunt begins | The 71st annual festival is one of the oldest in the country. It centers around an 8-foot-long pine log that is hidden in the park. Per time-honored tradition, the fanfare begins when a trumpeter calls the hunt so participants can journey through the woods in search of the log. When the log is found, the winner yells "HALUEB" which is Beulah spelled backward to alert the other searchers. The finder then enjoys a ride back to the pavilion atop the log, pulled by goats and fellow log hunters. The finder is toasted with the first cup of wassail and Christmas cookies. All proceeds from the chili fundraiser, which costs $15 per person for meat or vegetarian chili, will go to support outdoor youth educational programming, including summer camp scholarships. Visit hikeandlearn.org to purchase chili bar tickets in advance.
Belo Canto II Children's Choir concert at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
414 W. 11th St. | 3 p.m. | The Christmas Concert is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted.
Wednesday, Dec. 13
Holiday Connection at Pueblo West Fire Station #3
729 E. Gold Drive | 5-7 p.m. | The Pueblo West Chamber will host a new toy and gift card drive for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Pueblo. Participants are encouraged to wear a holiday sweater. A drawing will be included.
Thursday, Dec. 14
Festival of Trees at Pueblo Union Depot
132 W. B St. | 5-8 p.m. | The Latino Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Pueblo County have partnered for the event which includes tree decorating, snacks, a hot chocolate bar, pictures with Santa and a silent auction. Cost ranges from $25-$15 plus $10 per person. Register at pueblolatinochamber.com.
Want us to include your event in this calendar? Send details by email, with "Things to Do" in the subject line, to tharmon@chieftain.com. The calendar is available online and in print every Friday.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo weekend fun: art walk, gift shows, parade and creche festival
