🎁 Longmont’s Post-Thanksgiving Cheer: Local Markets, Tree Lightings & Hot Cocoa Magic
Holiday Markets, Cheer, and My Favorite Post-Turkey Weekend Tradition
Happy Friday, Longmont! Ben here — and if you’re anything like me, you’re slowly transitioning from “leftover stuffing for every meal” to “okay… maybe I should go outside again.” Luckily, this is one of my favorite weekends of the year because Longmont comes alive with local makers, warm drinks, and festive lights. So let’s ease back into the world together — gently — with a little holiday magic around town.
Longmont’s original city holiday tree once stood in front of which historic local spot?
Click an option to vote
The Bulletin
Have something meaningful to share with the community? Showcase your business, event, opportunity, or announcement with a growing list of 2,000+ readers.
🍔 Who’s Flippin’ the Best Burger in Longmont?
From Main Street staples to hidden gems slingin’ grass-fed patties, Longmont’s burger scene brings the heat. Whether you’re Team Classic Cheeseburger or ride-or-die for gourmet toppings, it’s time to vote for the burger that deserves the crown. Let’s show some love to our local favorites—one bite at a time. 🍟❤️
🧠 Need a brain break?
Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.
🍳 Cravings: Janie’s Café
Craving a classic, hometown diner breakfast? Janie’s Café has been Longmont’s go-to morning staple for 25 years — now proudly run by longtime employees Luis & Karen Castaneda, who stepped in to keep this beloved spot alive. It’s the kind of place where the staff knows your name, the pancakes come hot, and nothing ever really changes (in the best way).
📍 431 Main St | 💰 $10–$20 | ⏰ Open 6 AM–2 PM Daily
Holiday Markets, Local Makers & A Tree Lighting Glow-Up
Longmont is serving up back-to-back holiday markets, fresh art finds, warm drinks, and the official lighting of the big tree.
Here’s your guide to easing into the season without touching a single big-box line:
🥃 Dry Land Distillery Holiday Market (Day 1 & 2)
📍 Dry Land Distillers, 519 Main St.
⏰ Nov 28 & 29, 12–5 PM | 🎟️ Free
→ The post-Thanksgiving vibes are immaculate here: local makers, live music, free hot cocoa, and the Dry Land Cruiser parked out front for photo-ops. Stock up on bottles, merch, and gift boxes — and Slow Food Boulder will wrap everything for you. Zero effort, maximum festive points.
📍 Village at the Peaks
⏰ Nov 29, 4:30–7:30 PM | 🎟️ Free
→ A full-on holiday kickoff: Santa’s grand entrance, choir performances, dueling ice carving, Rockettes, hot cocoa, photo ops, and of course — the big tree glow-up. Bring the fam, the neighbors, and anyone who loves a little winter magic.
🎨 Firehouse Art Center Holiday Market — Day 1
📍 Firehouse Art Center, 667 4th Ave.
⏰ Nov 29, 12–8 PM | 🎟️ Free
→ Think handmade ceramics, jewelry, mosaics, cards, and art created by real humans you can actually meet. It’s the most heartfelt way to shop small on Small Business Saturday.
🎨 Firehouse Art Center Holiday Market — Day 2
📍 Firehouse Art Center, 667 4th Ave.
⏰ Nov 30, 12–5 PM | 🎟️ Free
→ Couldn’t make it yesterday? Round two is just as magical. Meet makers like Grace Gutierrez Studio, WB Clay Co, Kathy Rush Art, Crone Canyon, Maraluna Jewelry and tons more. Sunday shopping without the guilt? Yes, please.
🎉 What’s Happenin’ Longmont
Friday, November 28
Saturday, November 29
Sunday, November 30
Want more? See the full calendar → Longmont Event Calendar
Local Happenings
Buffs Stay Unbeaten With Second-Half Surge vs. San Francisco
Colorado men’s basketball pulled away late, using a dominant second half to beat San Francisco 79–69 and move to 6–0 at the Acrisure Holiday Classic.
CU showed they can win away from home, grind through cold stretches, and crank up defensive pressure when it matters — promising signs as they prep for Big 12 play.
Buffs shot .514 in the second half; held USF to .441 after halftime.
Only 7 turnovers — a season low.
Freshman Isaiah Johnson led with 17 points, 12 after halftime.
Hargress added 15 points & 3 assists.
Bangot Dak tallied 13 points, 5 boards, 6 assists (career high).
CU used a 22–10 run to take control with 5:24 left.
Buffs face Washington today Friday at 2:30 p.m. MT (truTV) in the finale of the Acrisure Holiday Classic.
Catch You on Main!
If you’re shopping small, sipping cocoa, or tracking down Santa like a holiday groupie, I hope your weekend feels extra warm and extra local.
Trivia Answer: C) Dickens Opera House 🎄
Got another hidden gem in Longmont? Hit reply. I read every message.
Thanks for being here — and supporting the places that make Longmont Longmont.
— Ben
Keep Reading with a Free Subscription
Get unlimited access to all newsletters, local guides, and exclusive content. Join our community!
Already a subscriber?