LatkePalooza
7:30-11 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St., Boulder. Free
Nosh on delicious potato pancakes while you get down to the sounds of klezmer and Yiddish fusion by Hal Aqua and The Lost Tribe. We can’t put it better than the organizers: “Their songs draw equally from the Yiddish tradition of social action, the spiritual fervor of Chasidic music, and the get-off-your-butt-and-dance party vibe of a Jewish wedding.”
Pickleball Happy Hour at Sanitas Brewing
3-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, Sanitas Brewing, 3550 Frontier Ave., Boulder. Free
Blow off some holiday steam or take that new paddle from Santa for a spin at this weekly happy hour exclusively for pickleball players. With discounted brews and a healthy spirit of competition, the Sanitas Taproom is an ideal place to perfect your dink and practice your backspin.
BMoCA Pop-Up Shop
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 26-29, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th St. Free
Blank on buying gifts for that ever-forgettable cousin? It’s not too late! Head to BMoCA to catch the last few days of its holiday pop-up shop, featuring art and creations from Boulder and Colorado artists. Members receive discounts, but hurry up — there’s a limited selection and the shop closes on Dec. 29.
Junkyard Social: Open Play
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26 and Saturday, Dec. 28, 2525 Frontier Ave., Unit A, Boulder. Kids (2+): $10 | Adults: $5
Let your little ones “get their wiggles out” during this regular open-play session at Junkyard Social Club in Boulder. Set the kiddos loose in the play area while you hop on the wifi, grab snacks or enjoy a drink from the bar.
Colorado Ballet: The Nutcracker
Multiple times. Dec. 27-Dec. 29, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St., Denver. $50+
Nothing says Christmas like pirouetting mice and waltzing snowflakes. And what better time to see The Nutcracker than after the holiday craze has subsided? If you’re still in a festive mood, Colorado Ballet has the perfect show to put a bow on the Christmas season.
Genealogical Society Help Sessions
10 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Dec. 28, Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Ave. Free
Explore the branches of your family tree alongside volunteers from the Longmont Genealogical Society during this monthly event at Longmont Public Library. Gather any information you have and come see what you can discover about your ancestors.
Take Apart Electronics Meet Up
11 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Dec. 28, Neurodiversity Community Center, 100 W. Cleveland St., Lafayette. $20 donation suggested
“Deconstruct, transform and create” during this fun hands-on event for folks on the spectrum at the Neurodiversity Community Center in Lafayette. Admission is free, but there is a suggested donation of $20 per family.
BUILD: Design & Create with LEGO
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28; 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Road. $8
Get creative with the whole family this weekend at Longmont Museum’s interactive LEGO exhibit. No matter how old you are, let your imagination go ‘brick’ wild as you build race cars, create world-saving inventions and solve architectural puzzles. The exhibit goes away for good on Jan. 12, so make sure you stop in before the magic is gone.
Namaste for a Beer
11 a.m. to noon. Sunday, Dec. 29, Odd13 Brewing, 301 E. Simpson St., Lafayette. $20
Stretch off that holiday ham or limber up for your NYE dance party. Either way, this yoga sesh — led by longtime yogi and massage therapist Debbie Asmus — is beginner friendly. (That means you can probably do it beer-in-hand.) Twenty bucks gets you one hour of yoga and a drink token.
Boulder Magic Show: Happy New Year!
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, Dairy Arts Center, Gordon Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. $15-20
“You’ve seen a rabbit get pulled out of a hat, but have you seen a man swallow a balloon larger than a small child?” Head to the Dairy Arts Center for some literal holiday magic at this family-friendly show from magician Braden Carlisle. Developed with a “Pixar mindset,” the performance promises to be both awe-inspiring and funny for all ages.
Chanukah on Pearl
5:30-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall, Boulder. Free
Gelt (chocolate coins wrapped in gold) will rain from the sky at Boulder County’s largest menorah lighting. Enjoy fresh sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and hot latkes while you sing along to classic tunes. Register online at boulderjcc.org or boulderjudaism.com and receive the perfect Festival of Lights swag: a snazzy Chanukah beanie.
Fast Watercolor Landscapes
2-4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, pARTiculars Art Gallery and Teaching Studio, 401 S. Public Road, Lafayette. $45
Brush up on your watercolor skills in this stepping-stone class aimed at teaching a fast and loose style. You’ll complete a small landscape painting over the course of the class that could be anything from a simple beach scene to misty mountains. Previous watercolor experience is encouraged but not required. Paint, brushes and paper will be provided.