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So Many ways to Celebrate!
So Many ways to Celebrate!
Happy New Year!
Michele Hambach
Dec 29, 2025
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Welcome back, my dear subscribers, To that strange, fuzzy week between Christmas and New Year’s—that liminal space where no one is quite sure what day of the week it is, acceptable breakfast foods include pie, and we are all collectively recovering from the holiday rush. If you are like me, you are probably still finding pine needles in unexpected places and double-checking your fences after those "breezy" days we had last week. As we stand on the doorstep of 2026, it feels right to take a breath. 2025 was a big year for the Boulder Valley. We celebrated anniversaries (Happy 50th, Pearl Street!), received massive news about the future of film in our town, and continued to rebuild and strengthen our neighborhoods. In this final issue of the year, we’re looking back at those community highlights, checking the weather for your midnight toast (spoiler: bundle up), and laying out the best local spots to ring in the New Year—whether you want a black-tie gala or a family-friendly bounce house.
Let’s close this chapter with gratitude and open the next one with excitement. |
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So Many Ways to Celebrate! |
Boulder:
New Year's Eve Parties (December 31, various times): Ring in 2026 with bashes across Boulder, including a 1920s-themed gala at the St. Julien Hotel (tickets $150+ with open bar and live music) and casual countdowns downtown. Location: Multiple spots like Pearl Street.
Light Up the Holidays (November 23 - December 31) A month-long celebration with pop-up activities, promotions, Santa meet-and-greets, and the electric Snowflake Express train rides. Shop for prizes at participating businesses via the Downtown Dash stamp program (Pearl Street Mall)
Event: New Year's Eve Party Known for its chic food hall atmosphere, Rosetta Hall transforms into a high-energy party venue.
Event: Ring in 2026 A popular spot on Pearl Street for a lively crowd.
Hosting Boombassador (The Polish Ambassador & BoomBox) for a funky, electronic dance party to kick off the new year.
The Fox Theatre Presents The Fretliners, a powerful bluegrass quartet, perfect for those wanting a stomping good time on The Hill.
Roots Music Project: Hosting a "New Year's Eve Party" featuring the Riley J Band, cabaret performances, and vinyl DJs for a soulful and eclectic night.
A "New Year's Eve Spectacular" with the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company. This is a great option for theater lovers, featuring a 1940s radio show comedy and early festivities (often concluding with a "Nova Scotia midnight" at 9 PM for those who want to be in bed early).
Nissi's Entertainment Venue & Event Center Event: Groove 'N Motion A fantastic local option if you want dinner and dancing without the trek to Boulder.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the Kids! Bounce Empire Event: NYE 2025 Family Party The world's largest inflatable amusement park is hosting a family-focused bash.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dickens Opera House Event: Dance Through the Decades A fun, unpretentious dance party in a historic setting.
Please Be Safe Out There.
Getting Home: Ride Safe & Save Cash
Don't start 2026 with a surge-price shock (or worse). New Year’s Eve is the busiest night of the year on the roads. Whether you are headed to Pearl Street or Longmont, make a plan before the champagne pops.
Cheers to a safe night and a happy morning!
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Boulder Valley is gearing up for a flavorful New Year's celebration, with local chefs crafting unforgettable dining experiences.
For an elegant send-off to 2025, several top restaurants are offering exclusive, one-night-only menus.
Establishments like The Greenbriar Inn, Corrida, and Frasca Food and Wine are featuring special multi-course tasting and prix-fixe dinners for an intimate evening.
If you're seeking a more high-energy event, the St Julien Hotel & Spa is hosting its popular party with live music and a champagne toast.
Food halls such as Rosetta Hall and Avanti also provide a festive atmosphere, combining diverse food options with lively DJs.
The celebration continues on New Year's Day, with many local spots around Pearl Street expected to serve a much-needed recovery brunch.
Reservations are strongly recommended for most New Year's Eve events. Read More... |
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As 2026 approaches, many in Colorado are looking ahead with financial optimism.
A new survey shows nearly 60 percent of people believe their financial situation will improve in the new year.
However, there's a surprising disconnect between hope and action.
Only about one in four are planning to set formal financial resolutions.
For those who are making goals, the priorities are clear: save more money, increase income, and spend less.
Inflation remains the single biggest worry for more than half of residents, impacting everything from groceries in Boulder Valley to gas prices across the state.
Interestingly, many are choosing to keep these financial ambitions private this year, suggesting a more personal approach to achieving stability in 2026. Read More... |
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We are Boulder Valley! |
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Lifewave - the miracle Stem Cell Patches Click here
I want to focus on Knee Replacement surgery. I've been hearing a lot of conversation lately about knee replacement surgery, especially from people who feel they're running out of options. Because it's such a major, permanent decision, I wanted to share some information for those who may want to learn about non-invasive wellness approaches that others have explored before going down the surgical path. This isn't about replacing medical advice-it's simply about making sure people feel informed and supported as they consider what's right for them.
A non-invasive patch is gaining local attention as some users claim it helped them cancel major joint operations, sparking a new conversation on joint pain relief.
Important Testimonials I found on a site I use:
Angela Casey
This was part of a post. A friend wants to know if they used only x39 or ice wave or aeon too.
Pamela Mason I had a torn meniscus on my left knee and was in pain and had trouble walking.
Rebecca Pleshevitz I was looking at 2 surgeries for 2 different joints- no surgery needed now.
Linda Lynch
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Stop the unnecessary surgery/cutting on your body. Do your research and ask questions. 720-224-7779 Lots more info for you! |
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🌤 Monday: Cool but mostly sunny and dry with highs in the low 40s and lows in the mid-20s.
📌 Overall: Mostly mild and dry with a few clouds later in the week and a slight chance of afternoon rain on Sunday. |
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A palpable anxiety is simmering in the local dining scene.
Diners are battling a severe case of "inflation fatigue," forcing them to scrutinize every dollar they spend on eating out.
This new reality has placed the restaurant industry at a crossroads, where survival depends on a delicate balance of value, consistency, and innovation.
The pressure is evident as major national players begin to contract their footprint.
Wendy’s recently revealed plans to close hundreds of underperforming locations, a move that could eliminate thousands of local jobs.
Similarly, Jack in the Box is shuttering up to 200 restaurants by 2026 to grapple with debt and the high cost of beef.
Even coffee giant Starbucks has initiated a restructuring plan that includes closing cafes and reducing its workforce.
The casual dining sector has been hit particularly hard.
Recent bankruptcy filings from the parent companies of On The Border and Abuelo’s signal deep trouble in a segment once considered a family staple.
This isn't just a corporate issue; it's a fundamental shift in the market.
Operators are being squeezed from all sides by rising food costs, higher labor expenses, and lease rates that no longer make financial sense.
Amid these economic headwinds, consumer preferences are evolving rapidly.
Diners are now seeking “flavor-escapism” and nostalgic comfort foods that provide a mental break without breaking the bank.
This has created a massive opening for certain categories to thrive.
The chicken segment, in particular, is booming, with brands like Raising Cane’s nearly doubling their market share by focusing on a simple, efficient model.
At the same time, a growing emphasis on health and wellness is disrupting drink menus.
Younger generations are increasingly choosing low- and no-alcohol beverages, a trend that is forcing bars and restaurants to rethink their offerings.
Ultimately, the industry is polarizing before our eyes.
Brands that successfully merge value with a unique experience, such as Texas Roadhouse and Panda Express, are gaining significant ground.
Those caught in the middle, unable to justify higher prices, face a future of continued contraction and uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are so many restaurants closing right now? A combination of rising food and labor costs, high lease rates, and a shift in consumer spending due to "inflation fatigue" is creating immense financial pressure on restaurant operators, leading to widespread closures.
What are the biggest dining trends shaping the industry? Diners are prioritizing value and seeking comfort foods that offer a sense of nostalgia or escape. There is also a major trend toward health and wellness, with a significant increase in demand for low- and no-alcohol beverages.
How are economic headwinds affecting local restaurants? Economic headwinds are squeezing profit margins, forcing many local restaurants to cut staff, reduce hours, or close permanently. They are now competing in a polarized market where only the strongest value or niche experience brands are thriving. |
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Cleaning Services:
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Best Day Ever! Coffee + Crepes in Longmont, Colorado, is a coffee shop known for its coffee, crepes and its mission to provide meaningful employment for adults with disabilities, creating an inclusive and joyful environment. The "Besties" take such good care of each and every customer!
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2025: A Year of Resilience & New Beginnings
A look back at the moments that defined Boulder Valley this year.
🎬 We Got the Festival! The biggest cultural news of the year came in March when the Sundance Institute officially announced Boulder as the future home of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. While we still have a year of prep, 2025 will be remembered as the year Boulder secured its spot on the global cinema stage. Yay us!
🧱 Marshall Fire Recovery: The 75% Milestone Three years after the devastating fires, 2025 marked a crucial turning point. As of this month, over 75% of destroyed homes have received their certificates of occupancy. While the work isn’t finished, driving through Superior and Louisville today looks drastically different—and more hopeful—than it did in January. I knew people who lost homes and all their memories.
🎂 Pearl Street Turns 50 We celebrated the Golden Anniversary of our beloved brick mall this fall. From the "Tulip Fairy" festival in April to the new commemorative art installations unveiled in October, 2025 reminded us why downtown remains the heart of the community. I love Pearl Street!
🌬️ Weathering the Storms We ended the year on a wild note with the "December 19th Wind Event." While the 80+ mph gusts took down fences and kept us up all night, the community response—neighbors clearing debris and checking on elders—showed the true character of the Valley. Wicked Winds!
🏗️ Infrastructure Wins
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The holiday season across Boulder Valley often brings rich meals that can leave us feeling bloated and sluggish.
As our digestive systems work overtime, an ancient and comforting remedy is making a comeback in local kitchens: spiced milk.
This isn't just a fleeting wellness trend; it’s a return to traditional wisdom.
A warm mug of milk infused with powerful winter spices offers a gentle and effective way to ease discomfort from overindulgence.
The magic is in the blend of ingredients.
Ginger is a powerhouse, known for speeding up stomach emptying, while holiday staple cinnamon helps stimulate digestive enzymes.
Cardamom has been used for centuries to relieve nausea by relaxing intestinal muscles, and a pinch of nutmeg soothes the gut.
This simple, natural solution provides a moment of calm and relief during the festive season. Read More... |
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The 48 Laws of Power isn’t about becoming ruthless — it’s about understanding how power actually works, so you’re not naïve in a world where others aren’t. |
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Please don't forget about the animals at Longmont Humane |
Donate to help the animals this Holiday season at the Longmont Humane, please! |
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When Buddy, a scruffy senior dog, arrived at the local shelter last winter, staff feared he’d wait a long time for a home.
Older and a bit stiff, he seemed bewildered by his new surroundings.
Yet, Buddy surprised everyone with a gentle habit.
Each afternoon, he quietly sat beside the shelter’s most anxious dogs, offering calm companionship without a sound.
Volunteers saw nervous pets settle down in Buddy’s peaceful company.
News of his kindness spread.
A retired teacher, grieving her husband’s passing, visited the shelter unsure about adopting.
When Buddy rested his head softly on her shoe, she finally felt a sense of peace.
Buddy went home with her that very day.
Now, his quiet kindness continues—healing not just one heart, but many. Read More... |
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Be sure to say you found them in the Life in Boulder Valley Newsletter! |
I'm happy to answer any and all questions-feel free to reach out anytime! Contact Michele |
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Jalisco Painting |
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