Niwot Holiday Markets coming Dec. 2 and Dec. 9

It's that holiday shopping time of year again, and the Niwot Holiday Market will be open beginning Saturday, Dec. 2. The Market will be set up in the Left Hand Grange and throughout downtown Niwot and Cottonwood Square from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lots of opportunity for holiday fun and magic. The Market will return on Saturday, Dec. 9, again from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vendor stands offering various seasonal goodies, local art, crafts and trinkets will line the sidewalks, and several local businesses will be hosting specific events throughout both days, The Old Oak Coffeehouse has some new seasonal drinks in time for the colder season, and the Festive Food Hall and other activities will be filling the Left Hand Grange, sponsored by the Women's International Niwot Club. All members of the NBA will receive a discount at the Holiday Market.

The Niwot Historical Society will be selling packets of 10 holiday greeting cards for $20, the cost of production, at the Little Fire House Museum on Second Avenue during the Holiday Markets. The greeting card features the property at 7980 Niwot Road, the home of the Niwot Market for over 20 years, and a property which has been significant in the growth of Niwot. The photo was taken by Niwot's award-winning photographer, Jeff Server.

The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band will perform a holiday concert at the Niwot Wheel House on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m., including "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Santa Baby," "A Can-Can Christmas," "A Jazzy Christmas," "Conga-Line Christmas," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," Hanukkah songs, "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Joy to the World," "Let It Snow," and the band's traditional holiday closing tune, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida."

Horse-drawn carriage rides provide fun transportation from Cottonwood Square to downtown. The Nutcracker Tails on Trails event, will also happen throughout town. Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop by the Left Hand Grange again to say hello and ask the kids what they want for Christmas before making their way back up to the North Pole to add some finishing touches to the gifts in the workshop. Rumor has it that Santa will also be checking to see who's been naughty or nice.

Live music at various locations will ring through the streets throughout the day each Saturday, including pianists, harpists, singers, guitarists, and a brass band. Live music can also be found at local businesses, including The Wheel House, the Niwot Emporium, and more, so be sure to explore.

Food will be plentiful at the Markets, including mince pies, roasted chestnuts, baked potatoes, stollen bread, and some sweeter treats such as Christmas cookies, gingerbread, and candy canes, most of which can be found at the Festive Food Hall at the Left Hand Grange. Delightfully toasty drinks will also be available throughout the Market, such as hot chocolate, eggnog, hot apple cider, and, for the adults, mulled wine and wassail.

The Holiday Markets are sponsored by the Niwot Business Association with funding also provided by the Niwot Local Improvement District. Get into the holiday spirit and start your shopping here in Niwot.