Tuesday, Dec. 23
Yoga. Community yoga classes are scheduled at the Church in the Wildwood on Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. and another class is slated for Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. These popular classes are led by Beth Knox and Lainie Thomas.
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Wellness Walk. Scheduled for Dec. 24 at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Meet at the upper level and choose a one, two or three-mile hike. Maps are available. Healthy living tips and mindfulness exercises are available to enhance your walk. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Free admission.
Christmas Eve Services. A number of local churches in the Teller County and Ute Pass area are holding special Christmas Eve services, in preparation for the Christmas holiday. Check with individual churches for details regarding specific service times.
Thursday, Dec 25
Merry Christmas from the staff of TMJ News. We hope you and your family and friends have a great Christmas. All local businesses and nearly all restaurants and big box outlets will be closed for the day. There are a few exceptions. In addition, the casinos in Cripple Creek will be open.
TOPS. Takes Off Pound Sensibly. Meets every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in the Church in the Wildwood (10585 Ute Pass Ave.) Green Mountain Falls, Co 80819. Affordable, effective weight-loss. However, the TOPS class will not be meeting on Christmas Day.
Bronco/Chief Showdown. As has been an annual tradition since 2020, but something that occurred sporadically in the past, the Christmas Day is a prime time for NFL Football. As a result, the Denver Broncos will travel to friendly Arrowhead Stadium to play the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, the AFC champs, have been eliminated from the playoffs, but they could play the role as the spoiler this year with the Broncs’ sprint to become the Number One Seed in the AFC for the forthcoming playoffs. Game time is 6:15 p.m. Earlier in the day, the Cowboys will square off against the Commanders, in one of the more infamous inner-division rivalries.
Friday, Dec. 26
Final Week for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Show. This will mark the final few days for the Butte Theater’s acclaimed Christmas performance, which kicked off on Nov. 28 and continues through the holiday season, with the final performance slated for Sunday, Dec. 28. Based on the beloved movie of the same name! Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters in route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical will delight audiences of all ages. The Christmas shows are typically the most popular performances the Butte hosts annually. For ticket information, visit the Butte Theater’s website, or call 719-689-6402.
Sunday, Dec. 28
NFL Week 17. Even though the Denver Broncos are not in action Sunday, plenty of options are available for football fans, as the season winds to a conclusion, and the playoff picture starts to unfold. This presents a prime opportunity to see the final NFL season games in your favorite sports bar or eatery. A few favorites Sunday include the Eagles versus the Bills, and an age-old rivalry as the Steelers clash with the Browns. See more details in related stories in this week’s TMJ.
Upcoming
Holiday Headframe Lighting. The giant headframes that are the remains of 1890’s gold mining days will continue to light up the night sky around Victor and Cripple Creek during this holiday season. These unique mining structures are one-of-a-kind remnants of the gold rush era and will sport holiday ornaments, some as large as 20 feet tall. The headframe lights will be lit against the starry night skies of the Victor and Cripple Creek. This process, which started on Saturday, Nov. 29, continues through Jan. 1, weather permitting. Everything from a Christmas wreath to a snowman and a toy soldier will be on display this year. A self-guided driving tour map is available online at STCFG.com. The lights will be best viewed after dark and will be in place Friday through Sunday nights through New Year’s Day, weather/safety and volunteers permitting. Between Christmas Eve and New Year’s, weather allowing, the lights will be on nightly. Please respect private property and stay on public roads to view the ornaments. This holiday lighting tradition is sponsored by SSR Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining, on whose property most of the headframes are located and the Southern Teller County Focus Group who coordinates generator crews. Volunteers from the communities staff the generators and line power connections each weekend. Other sponsors include the City of Victor, Cripple Creek Parks & Recreation, Cripple Creek Fire Department, and the Cripple Creek District Museum. Support also comes from Black Hills Energy crews who help refurbish the lamps on the ornaments. More information and maps are at STCFG.com.
Explore Ice Castles in Cripple Creek. Sculpted World of Ice and Light. Since 2011, Ice Castles has dedicated itself to creating an experience that lasts long after the ice melts. Step through icicle-adorned archways and into a wonderland of towering castles, twinkling tunnels, and magical ice sculptures. Visitors leave with lasting memories of joy and inspiration. Slated to open in early January and continue through early March. This will be the third season this attraction has been held in Cripple Creek. Tickets are now available. Visit the city’s tourism website for more details.
Radical Rewind 80s New Year’s Eve Party. Scheduled at the Ute Pass Cultural Center on Dec. 31, starting at 7 p.m. Indulge in an evening filled with excitement, laughter, and joy as we bid farewell to the current year and welcome the new one. Our celebration promises to be a night to remember, with a Live Band, delicious food, and an energetic ambiance that will keep you dancing all night long. The ticket includes delicious food served all night long as well as dessert, a prize or activity every hour, two drink tickets, a champagne toast and an amazing experience. This is an adults-only event so please no one under the age of 21. Bring your friends, family, or loved ones to share this special moment with you. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a fun-filled party, our New Year’s Eve Celebration at UPCC has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to kick off the new year in style. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night of celebration at UPCC! For more information, visit the city’s government website.
Ringing in the New Year. New Year’s Eve is one of the most festive times for local casinos in Cripple Creek, as the countdown continues for the end of 2025. Check with individual casinos for the New Year’s Eve happenings on Dec. 31. New Year’s Day, meanwhile, is a favorite for frequenting local casinos, with many gaming perks available.
Take a Hike. Jan. 1 is also a good opportunity to partake in a kick-off of New Year Day hikes at Mueller State Park. Visit the park’s website of call them at 719-687-2366 for more details.
