Holiday happenings and unique gifts galore in the lower Ute Pass
There’s lots of family fun and shopping opportunities in store for locals and visitors away from the maddening crowds in the beautiful small towns at the base of Pikes Peak. Whether you’re looking for locally crafted specialty gifts or a good place to rest and enjoy some delectable delights, be sure to check out the unique opportunities that await you in the lower part of Ute Pass!
Happenings
Yule Days, Dec. 7-8
Saturday, Dec. 7
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Holiday Craft Sale, Church in the Wildwood (10585 Ute Pass Avenue, Green Mountain Falls)
11 a.m., Grilled Cheese Truck, across from Church in the Wildwood
6 p.m., Elite Equine Horse Wellness Meadow Ribbon Cutting, behind Joyland Church (10605 Green Mountain Falls Road, Green Mountain Falls)
6:30-9:30 p.m., Elite Equine Boots and Bling Gala, Joyland Church
Sunday, December 8
1 to 4 p.m., Ornament Painting with The Painted Bear, Green Box Studio (6990 Lake Street, Green Mountain Falls)
1 to 4 p.m., Cookie Decorating with Building Ute Pass Community, Green Box Studio
2 p.m. Santa, Green Box Studio and Learning Center
3 p.m. Yule Log Hunt, Green Box Campus and Gazebo Park
4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Cookies and Fellowship, Church in the Wildwood
5 p.m. Tree Lighting with Carillon Bells, Gazebo Park
After Tree Lighting, Nite Caps with Santa, Green Box Learning Center
S’mores at Outlook Lodge (6975 Howard Street, Green Mountain Falls)
Hot Chocolate and Wassail at Cantina Verde (10530 Ute Pass Avenue, Green Mountain Falls)
Stop by local eateries and gift galleries during Yule Days for specials and merriment! See below for details.
Holiday Potluck, Chipita Park Association Members, Neighbors, and Friends
Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Marcroft Hall (9105 Chipita Park Road, Cascade)
Drinks and appetizers followed by dinner with live piano music. Turkey, ham, dinner rolls and beverages prepared by the Association’s potluck volunteers. Bring a favorite appetizer, side or dessert to share with 4 to 6 others. 719-400-9203.
Advent and Christmas Concert
Sunday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
Church in the Wildwood (10585 Ute Pass Avenue, Green Mountain Falls)
With COS Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestra musicians as well as the church community’s Handbell and Chancel Choirs. A reception with cookies will follow.
Gift giving and shopping
Cascade Center (8025 US Hwy. 24, Cascade)
Check out the unique small businesses and opportunities in this local center!
Soulshines Yoga Studio, gifts and classes, 719-433-1104, soulshinesyogacascade.com
Mother Bear Massage, 719-377-0223
Serenity Salon, 719-684-7828, serenitysalonco.com.
Stones, Bones & Wood (6970 Lake Street, Green Mountain Falls)
A gallery of uniquely beautiful gifts representing 30+ Colorado artists!
719-684-2291
The Painted Bear (10550 Ute Pass Avenue, Green Mountain Falls)
Open Fridays and Saturdays through the end of the year until 5ish.
Locally crafted, unique, one-of-a-kind gifts in a quaint setting.
Painting classes in partnership with the Cantina Verde begins Dec. 13, 6 to 7 p.m. with Ornament Painting, $25 includes a drink from the Cantina and all paint supplies. More art classes in January. Contact Margaret at 719-684-7864 to register during open hours.
EATERIES
Black Bear Distillery (10375 Ute Pass Avenue, Green Mountain Falls)
Open Saturdays, 2-7 p.m., with Yule Day drink and bottle specials on Dec. 7.
blackbeardistillery.com; 719-684-9648/719-964-2990
Blue Moose Tavern (10530 Ute Pass Avenue, Green Mountain Falls)
Specials galore and a new menu in this local favorite.
719-418-3384
Brush Hollow Winery & Gifts (4455 Fountain Avenue, Cascade)
A unique experience of wines, charcuterie boards, pizzas, dinner specials, cafe lattes and specialty gifts.
Open Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
brushhollowwinery.com; 719-698-7488
Cantina Verde (10530 Ute Pass Avenue, Green Mountain Falls)
Ute Pass’s newest restaurant serving up southwest-inspired cuisine and specialty drinks.
Open for lunch Saturdays and Sundays, and for dinner Wednesdays through Sundays.
cantinaverdegmf.com; 719-698-7318
The Pantry (6980 Lake Street, Green Mountain Falls)
A local breakfast and lunch favorite, open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day.
thepantryingreenmtnfallsco.com; 719-684-9018
Wines of Colorado (8045 US Hwy. 24, Cascade)
Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Special Christmas Carol Winemaker Dinner, Dec. 17. Call for reservations, 719-684-0900; winesofcolorado.com
Church services
Holy Rosary Chapel (4435 Holliday Terrace, Cascade); services 4 p.m. on Saturdays
Church in the Wildwood (10585 Ute Pass Avenue, Green Mountain Falls); services 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, last Sunday of month potlucks
Joyland Church (10605 Green Mountain Falls Road, Green Mountain Falls); services 6:30 p.m. on Fridays
