A double dose of family fun
The Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road in Longmont, is a busy place Dec. 12-14. The Boulder Model Railroad Club presents its 38th annual Model Railroad Show with operating layouts, displays, vendors and a raffle. 303-823-5531, . The Flatirons Mineral Club offers fossils, gems, rocks, jewelry, gems and tools as part of its Rock & Mineral Show. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $5, children age 12 and under are free with a paying adult. 303-774-8468,
Audience participation is a must
Local singer and actor Sharon Sheets returns to lead Loveland’s annual ‘Tis the Season Community Singalong beginning at 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Rialto Theater, 228 E. Fourth St., Loveland. All ages are welcome to join in the lineup of contemporary and traditional holiday songs. Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Free. Refreshments included. 970-962-2120,
A recipe for Gingerbread entertainment
A Holiday Art Fair, pottery painting, cookie cottage decorating, a movie and a visit from Santa continues at the 2014 Gingerbread Festival at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts, 226-228 Grand Ave. in Paonia. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6. Call 970-527-7243 or visit for the lineup.
Have a merry good time
Load up the family and head to Burlington for the 28th annual Christmas at The Carousel Dec. 7 in Carousel Park at Kit Carson County Fairgrounds, 815 15th St. Festivities of the “Merry-Go-Christmas at the Merry-Go-Round” include free tours of the Carousel Museum and free rides on the historic merry-go-round — manufactured in 1905 for Elitch Gardens and restored in the ’80s and ’90s. It’ll be accompanied by music from the fully restored Wurlitzer Monster Military Band Organ. Victorian carolers will be strolling around performing seasonal music. Times are 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 800-825-0208,
More holiday-light displays
Butterfly Pavilion. “Living Lights” is the annual holiday lighting extravaganza at the pavilion with an indoor “twinkling tropical rainforest” with interactive exhibits and outdoor “glowing gardens” with sculptures. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Dec. 5-Jan. 11. $10, $8 seniors, $7 ages 2-12, free children age 1 and under. Discounts for members. Combo Admission for daytime admission and “Living Lights” also offered. 6252 West 104th Ave., Westminster, 303-469-5441,
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The 24th annual “Electric Safari” offers more than 40 animated light sculptures along with displays of more than 1 million lights, warming fires and holiday music Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24). Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (last admission is at 7:30). Select animal exhibits will be open and nightly animal keeper talks are also scheduled. Admission is $9.25 for adults, $8.25 for seniors 65+, $6.25 ages 3-11 and $5.25 for military and their family (with I.D.). Members are free. 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs, 719-633-9925,
Gardens on Spring Creek. “Garden of Lights 2014” offers gardens, flowers, vegetables and a pond — all created with holiday lights. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 through Jan. 4. Music, visits with Santa, the Sugar Plum Hairies (a canine troupe) and refreshments are offered on select days. Admission is a suggested $2 donation per person. 2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins, 970-416-2486,
