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The holidays look a lot different in 2020 as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restricts travel and gatherings. But some traditions can thrive and become even brighter in the light of social distancing.
Houses decked in luminant splendor help make the holiday season feel special as the end of a tough year draws near, and there are still ways to see the impressive decorative displays while staying safe.
For those seeking a more self-guided approach alongside an opportunity to give back, local nonprofit A Woman’s Work is offering a “twinkle tote” as part of its Be a Light holiday light celebration. The totes come packed with cookies from Longmont’s La Momo Maes Bakery, hot cocoa, a map to the best decorated houses in the area and a link to a festive holiday playlist for the car.
The nonprofit was looking for a way to raise some money “and give people an opportunity to do something fun and get out of the house while still being safe during the pandemic,” A Woman’s Work Executive Director Kate Gaddis said in an email.
“Our hope for this event is to provide a fun, safe activity for families this holiday season. This year has been hard on everyone, and spreading a little holiday cheer hopefully will go a long way,” she said. “Additionally, we are hoping to raise money and awareness for our cause and mission.
“A Woman’s Work has been serving women in need in the St. Vrain Valley for 17 years by providing financial support for women whose immediate needs cannot be met by other sources,” she said. “Our assistance pays for a wide variety of needs including child care, housing, transportation, and more. Serving the community is a team effort and we appreciate the opportunity to tell more people about who we are and how we work.”
A holiday light display in the Prairie Village neighborhood.(Photo by Shona Crampton)“We approached houses that historically had a good Christmas light showing, and we reached out to new houses as well,” Gaddis said. “I’ve driven around and looked at all of them, and there is a great assortment.”
The celebration begins today and continues through Dec. 21. Totes for a group of four are available for a $50 donation and a tote for six for $75. The organization has tickets available online or for pick up at La Momo Maes. The ticket link also features four local restaurants with which the nonprofit has partnered to offer “Be a Light” specials.
The Brewhop lit up for the holidays.(Photo by Matt Maenpaa)Hop aboard the Brewhop
For those who want to view the lights with loved ones, the Brewhop Trolley is continuing its annual Christmas Light Tours Monday through Dec. 18 and Dec. 21-23. As a safety measure, the Brewhop is offering private tours rather than selling individual tickets. With two trolleys, it can offer four tours a night. Customers are encouraged to bring their own food and drink.
The trolley will be thoroughly sanitized between tours and drivers will be masked.
Brewhop owner Dave Lewis said he is happy to be able to offer something this year, even if it isn’t ideal.
“We love doing the light tours. If people feel comfortable, we’ll go.” Lewis said. “But I understand that it’s hard.”
Visit downtown
There also is plenty of holiday cheer to be found on Main Street. Storefronts have been decorated with winter-themed window murals by local artists along with lots of lights. The Longmont Downtown Development Association is sponsoring a contest for residents to vote on their three favorite downtown displays for a chance to win a $50 downtown gift card. Voting began Nov. 27 and will end Jan. 3. To vote, click here.
Christmas in Color at Bandimere Speedway.(Photo by Matt Maenpaa)Head to Bandimere or Water World
Beyond city limits, those looking for lights can head to Bandimere Speedway in Morrison for Christmas in Color. A yearly tradition, the light show can be viewed via a car ride that takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the flow of traffic. The lights are synced with a radio station playing holiday standards.
Colorado is home to two of six Christmas in Color locations across the country, with the second at Water World in Federal Heights.
The yearly event made a smooth transition to social distancing with online ticketing and masked staff. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, according to the event website.
