If November had a publicist, they’d be filing complaints right about now.

Despite Thanksgiving’s best efforts, the month barely gets a moment to shine before Halloween decor vanishes and holiday wreaths and tinsel-drenched displays take over. It’s as if the entire season is contractually obligated to fast-forward to eggnog and peppermint lattes.

Case in point: On Nov. 1, this writer went to the grocery store to buy a pumpkin, only to find them replaced by holiday wreaths and bushels of chestnuts. Autumn, it seems, had barely taken a bow before being ushered offstage.

Then, as if on cue, Sunday’s daylight saving time and snowfall dealt the final blow. All of the fiery leaves that I had been admiring on the maple tree outside of my home were, in one fell swoop, knocked down from the frozen precipitate.

And so here we are — pumpkins packed away, leaves gone, early darkness settling in. Add to that the unmistakable post-election day air and it seems that, perhaps, it isn’t too early to welcome the holiday season with open arms.

If supermarkets can get festive now, maybe we all can.

To help kickstart the holiday spirit, we’ve compiled a list of festive markets, fairs, bazaars and artisan events from Loveland to Denver and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for handmade gifts, seasonal treats, or just a cheerful way to pass the time, these events offer a little something to make the early nights and frosty mornings feel a bit more welcoming.

Historic homes wrapped in cheer

One good way to kick the holiday cheer into high gear is to tour festive homes around Boulder County.

Historic Boulder’s Homes for the Holidays Tour rolls through town from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec.7-8. Spreading holiday cheer for its 38th annual event, local homeowners open their doors to share their beautifully historic homes that are dressed in a welcoming, festive spirit.

According to Leonard Segel, executive director of Historic Boulder, it takes little to no convincing for homeowners to deck the halls early.

“Many of them live in these beautiful, historic homes precisely because they love the cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that naturally lends itself to holiday decor,” Segel said. “They’re usually more than happy to bring out their decorations early to be ready for the first weekend in December, rather than waiting until closer to Christmas or New Year’s.”

Attendees can tour five festive homes nestled in University Hill’s 14th Street Historic District, a compact area packed with architectural charm and personality. In contrast to larger and more well-known historic neighborhoods in Boulder, this district has a quieter, more intimate character.

“When people think of Boulder’s historic districts, they usually think of Mapleton Hill and its hundreds of homes,” Segel said. “The 14th Street Historic District is different. It’s small — just about 20 houses — and was created by neighbors to protect the street’s unique character.”

The lineup features four homes within this smaller district, each representing a different architectural style.

“We’ve got an Italian, Tuscan-style home that resembles buildings on CU’s campus, two Craftsman Bungalows with those classic front porches — one newly renovated, one with original details intact — and an English Elizabethan-style house designed by Glen Huntington, who also designed the Boulder County Courthouse,” Segel said. “The fifth house on the tour is a Dutch Colonial Revival that’s more like a little compound, with a guest house and a studio on the property. It’s something you don’t often see in Boulder.”

This year’s tour invites attendees to walk through the homes at their own pace, where historians stationed at each location will share stories about the architecture and original owners. Inside, expert docents will point out design features and holiday decor, creating a warm, festive experience.

“Storytelling brings to life the rich histories of the people who lived in these century-old homes,” Segel said. “Some of the earliest stories are those of immigrants who helped shape Boulder.”

Tour-goers will learn about stories not found on Google. For example, the story of Gunther Carlberg and his wife, Caroline, who journeyed to the U.S. from Norway in search of fortune. Their path first led them to the gold fields of Cripple Creek, but eventually, they found their way to Boulder County, where Gunther took work in the tungsten mines. Together, they built a life in Boulder, where Caroline gave birth to nine children, and Gunther, an architect, is believed to have designed their family home — which guests will visit on the tour — on 11th Street in 1907.

Reflecting on Boulder’s history, Segel also sees this year’s tour as a timely reminder of the city’s immigrant roots.

“Like many people right now, I think we’re all processing and reflecting on the recent election,” Segel said. “One important point I’d like to make is that Boulder, like much of America, was built by immigrants — like the Carlberg family. This current wave of fear surrounding immigration is something we need to reckon with, considering how much we cherish the diversity that immigrants have brought to our communities.”

He added: “It’s a reminder that America — and Boulder — are made richer by the varied backgrounds and stories of those who have come here. This immigrant legacy is reflected in the character of many homes on the tour and is a story we should continue to celebrate and honor.”

Proceeds from the tour’s ticket sales go directly to Historic Boulder, helping fund the organization’s preservation efforts. Tickets for Historic Boulder’s Homes for the Holidays Tour start at $40 for non-members ($50 on the day of), $30 for members and $20 for students. Purchase tickets at givebutter.com/HomesTour2024.

For those living further north, the Longmont Gift of Home Tour returns on Dec. 5-7, offering guests a chance to visit an array of homes — from charming cottages to sprawling estates — all decked out in holiday flair by talented decorators and local décor shops on this self-guided tour.

Hosted by Habitat for Humanity of the Saint Vrain Valley, this holiday home tour doubles as a chance to do some holiday shopping, as local vendors will offer up goods and gifts available for purchase.

Beyond the holiday décor, the Gift of Home Tour triples as a vital fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley, helping to support affordable housing initiatives for local families. Since its inception in 1966, the tour has evolved from a small gathering to a wider community event, passing from the United Church of Christ to Longmont Meals on Wheels, and now to Habitat for Humanity as its signature fundraiser. Each ticket purchased supports Habitat’s mission to provide affordable homeownership opportunities in the St. Vrain Valley and Estes Park areas. There will even be a Habitat-built home on this year’s tour.

The Gift of Home Tour kicks off from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 5 with a VIP opening night at Parkway Food Hall, 700 Ken Pratt Blvd., #200, Longmont, and continues 4-8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 7. For tickets, which run $30-$35, visit thegiftofhome.org/tickets.

Boulder

Boulder Mountain Handmade market >> Boulder Mountain Handmade is a key fundraiser for the fire district. This year’s fundraiser will feature 55 artisans selling wares, including visual artists, woodworkers, potters, jewelers and fiber artists. The event’s attractions for kids include fire engine tours, a make-and-take art project and live performances each day by young musicians (Boulder Suzuki Strings) and dancers (Kinesis Dance); 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 9-10, Boulder Elks Lodge, 3975 28th St., Boulder; bouldermountainhandmade.com.

Firefly Handmade Holiday >> Firefly artisans will fill the blocks of Pearl Street Mall, featuring the best of local craft, art and design; 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall, 1325 Pearl St., Boulder; fireflyhandmade.com/boulder-holiday-market.

Natural Highs Winter Craft Market >> Vendors of all ages will sell handmade arts, crafts and other goods. Support teens, mental health and healthy alternatives to substance abuse in Boulder; 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, The Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway, Boulder; $8-$10; museumofboulder.org/events/natural-highs-winter-craft-market.

The Studio Holiday Market >> Shop art and goods made by local artists and artisans at the Studio’s annual Holiday Market. This event will have complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and cocktails by Cocktail Caravan; 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, The Studio, 3550 Frontier Ave., Boulder, tinyurl.com/bdz26m95.

Winterfest at Chautauqua >> Create unforgettable memories at Winterfest, Chautauqua’s annual holiday celebration. Enjoy festive food and drinks, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides and a variety of family-friendly activities; Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 5-7, Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder; $14.35-$31.50; chautauqua.com/event/winterfest-2024.

ARTastic Holiday Market >> This holiday market features unique hand-crafted treasures from local artists and crafters. Enjoy the festive atmosphere while purchasing locally made gifts and supporting the community; 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Horizons K-8, 4545 Sioux Drive, Boulder; tinyurl.com/7j9dx6s2.

NoBo Holiday Market >> In a collaborative celebration of art and the holiday season, NoBo Art District and local Emerald City galleries and studios will host a holiday market spanning the NoBo Art Center, NoBo Bus Stop Gallery and other participating spaces in the Emerald City, including The Crowd Collective, Happy Messes and Rabid Rabbits. (Emerald City Artists Collective is a group of artists in the warehouse district.) The market, open to the public and featuring works from local artists, provides a unique opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts and support Boulder’s creative community; 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22, NoBo Art Center, 4929 Broadway, Unit E, Boulder; noboartdistrict.org/event/nobo-holiday-market-first-friday-launch.

Junkyard Holiday Art Market >> Peruse tons of artists and enjoy music, festive warm holiday drinks and tasty snacks. Explore a vibrant collection of handmade treasures, local art and one-of-a-kind creations by talented artists and makers from the community. From handcrafted jewelry, toys, ceramics and textiles to prints, junk-art sculptures and more, there’s something for everyone; noon Saturday, Dec. 14, Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave., Unit A, Boulder; junkyardsocialclub.org/drop-in-event/junkyard-holiday-art-market.

Holiday Sale >> Find the perfect gift at the Groundworks Art Lab Holiday Sale. Every item is handmade by local artists from our talented teaching staff. A wide selection of tableware, décor and service

pieces are for sale; 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15, Groundworks Art Lab, 3750 Canfield St., Boulder; groundworksartlab.org/holiday-sale.

Boulder Holiday Gift Festival >> The annual Boulder Holiday Gift Festival is Boulder’s biggest and best holiday shopping extravaganza. The festival is a great place to find the perfect gift from over 100 amazing local exhibitors. Enjoy a free concert starting at noon; 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, Boulder YMCA, 2850 Mapleton Ave., Boulder; coloradoevents.org/boulder-holiday-gift-festival.

Longmont

Mollie McGee’s Holiday Craft Market >> Shop over 150 booths with unique, handmade artisan crafts; 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 16-17, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont; $5-$12; molliemcgees.com/event-details/holiday-craft-market-2024.

Farmers Market Winter Market >> Join for the farmers market’s most festive market of the season. The annual Winter Market brings together 150 local farmers, ranchers, food producers and artisans to create a local-only holiday shopping experience that champions small businesses; 9 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont; bcfm.org/winter-market-2.

Handcrafted Holiday Market >> Held annually, the eighth-annual market brings together local vendors to create a unique holiday shopping experience that champions small businesses; 10 a.m. Dec. 14-15, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Barn A, Longmont; longmontartisanmarket.com.

Last Chance Gift Fest >> The Last Chance Gift Fest is an annual holiday shopping extravaganza. Find the perfect gift at this colossal sale, featuring a vast assortment of art, crafts, toys, home decor, delicious food, unique items and much more; 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 21-22, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Exhibit Hall, Longmont; coloradoevents.org/last-chance-gift-fest.

Niwot

Holiday Market >> Shop from a variety of holiday pop-up vendors located at the Grange and businesses all over town. There will be festive food and drink, kids crafts, meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more; 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, The Grange, 195 Second Ave., Niwot; niwot.com/niwot-holiday-market.

Lafayette

Holiday Market >> Enjoy a festive day of shopping, eating and celebrating the holiday season. Browse through a variety of unique vendors selling handmade crafts, herbal products and one-of-a-kind gifts. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to support local businesses and find the perfect gifts for loved ones; 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, Old Town, 424 E Simpson St., Lafayette; tinyurl.com/yx2erzsm.

Loveland

Festival of Lights >> A hometown tradition, Festival of Lights signature event draws local crowds into downtown Loveland for the debut of holiday lighting along Fourth Street. Celebrate the holiday season with live music and entertainment, a tree lighting ceremony, holiday market, carriage rides, Santa and more; 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, Downtown Loveland, Fourth Street, Loveland; downtownloveland.org/festivaloflights.

Holiday Festival >> Enjoy new artisans, handmade works of art, holiday decor and gifts, fabulous fashions, craft food creations and more; 4:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 22-24, The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland; $7; tinyurl.com/y2p3awky.

Rocky Mountain Train Show >> Rocky Mountain train show is heading back to Loveland over Thanksgiving weekend. The show has expanded this year with more model train layouts, vendors and exhibits. Kids 12 and under get in free, and Santa will be there for free photo opportunities; 9 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland; $10; rockymountaintrainshow.com.

Broomfield

Jingle Bell Market Craft Fair >> The annual Jingle Bell Market Craft Fair features eight rooms filled with local crafters from Colorado; 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, Broomfield Community Center, 280 Spader Way, Broomfield; broomfield.org/617/Jingle-Bell-Market-Craft-Fair.

Denver

Christkindlmarket >> A winter wonderland awaits at the Denver Christkindlmarket. This authentic German-style holiday market hosts both local and European craft and food vendors and entertainers for everyone to enjoy; Nov. 22-Dec. 23; Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver; christkindlmarketdenver.com.

Lauren Farrauto contributed to this story.