Perhaps Perry Como said it best in his 1954 rendition of the famed Christmas song, ”Home for the Holidays” when he sang, “Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays.”

That is unless you’re in somebody else’s home.

More specifically, inside a converted carriage house in Boulder’s historic Mapleton neighborhood.

Or in a tiny home in Longmont’s Mountain Brook neighborhood, in which case you might sing, “Oh, there’s no place like affordable, accessible housing for the holidays.”

Corny Christmas songs aside, the holidays ring in the time of year when we all strive to be thankful. To kick off the season of giving, we’ve gathered a guide of festive bazaars, gift fairs and markets — and this year, we’ve added in a couple of not-for-profit holiday home tours.

According to Leonard Segel, executive director at Historic Boulder, the Homes for the Holidays Tour in Boulder has been a holiday favorite of locals and visitors alike for the past 37 years.

“This event is one of those small-town events that we’ve been doing for decades, and it’s become a signpost of the holiday season,” Segel said. “We try to go to different neighborhoods each year to showcase historic properties and tell people what the spirit of Boulder is, and how important it is to preserve remnants of the past so that we can have lessons to help inform our present day and the future.”

In years past, Historic Boulder has featured sprawling farmhouses, Chautauqua cottages and even turn-of-the-century schoolhouses. According to Segel, this year’s Homes for the Holidays tour pays homage to the smaller, but no less magnificent ADU — or accessory dwelling unit.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 2-3, visitors can take a sneak peek into 10 different homes within the historic Mapleton and Whittier neighborhoods in central Boulder. Guests will be treated to a self-guided tour chock-full of design inspo, history lessons, educational tips and all of the holiday cheer that can be possibly packed into 1,000 square feet.

ADUs are a construction on a lot of single-family homes, often in the back or side yard — in Boulder, appearing most often in the form of a carriage house. According to Segel, ADUs have become increasingly popular in the past couple of years, and with housing prices skyrocketing in the post-pandemic landscape, many millennials, first-time homeowners and renters are looking to live in affordable spaces.

“This year is going to be interesting, in particular, especially for younger people because we’re focusing on two of the most historic neighborhoods in Boulder, but we’re focusing on affordable homes in those neighborhoods,” Segel said. “We’re focusing on alley homes, carriage houses and small cottages. The idea is that the preserved history of Boulder has informed this new wave of design and construction to create a little bit more density in Boulder to provide homes behind homes, and small, more affordable places for people to live.”

While Historic Boulder has typically highlighted historic homes on holiday tours in the past, this year will be a little bit different.

“Most of these are newer properties,” Segel said. “Yes, they will be decorated with holiday trim, but primarily we’re trying to show off how people can live more efficiently and economically in smaller footprints.”

Tickets for Historic Boulder’s Homes for the Holidays Tour start at $40 for non-members ($50 Day of), $30 for members and $20 for students. All of the proceeds from the tour will go back to Historic Boulder, with ticket sales supporting the nonprofit’s ongoing work to preserve Boulder’s historic buildings.

The homes for the holidays don’t end there. In Longmont, guests can attend Longmont‘s Gift of Home Tour, hosted by Habitat for Humanity of the Saint Vrain Valley. This holiday home tour will feature a variety of houses of all different shapes and sizes. The common denominator between all four? They each will be brimming with holiday decorations.

Hannah Williams, tour manager for the Longmont event, said that the highly anticipated event is a holiday favorite amongst Longmont residents, and has been since 1965. Habitat for Humanity has only been involved since 2019 after former organizer Longmont Meals on Wheels passed the torch to the nonprofit.

“When we were approached with the opportunity to take over the tour, we thought it was amazingly aligned with what we do at Habitat,” Williams said. “Our mission and work surrounds affordable home ownership, so it was a fantastic way to marry this longstanding Longmont tradition with the opportunity to raise awareness for accessible housing.”

This year’s Longmont gift of home tour showcases four different homes across the city, including a house decorated top to bottom in flowers by Longmont Florals, a historical home in Longmont’s Westside Neighborhood and a brand-new two-story build in Mountain Brook.

However, the gem in the tour’s crown may very well be Habitat for Humanity’s own house build. Tour guests will get to see first-hand the type of homes that Habitat and its volunteers build from the ground up. This year, folks will get to experience the tour’s first-ever Holiday Marketplace, allowing guests to channel their altruistic side while also perusing lavishly decorated homes and shopping for holiday goods from local businesses including K5 Creative, Voulez-Vous Bon Bons and Scooter’s Coffee.

The proceeds of ticket sales for this event will go back to Habitat, helping families achieve the dream of affordable homeownership.

“One in seven families in the state of Colorado spend more than 50 percent of their income on housing,” Williams said. “That is an insanely high number, and that prevents them from being able to afford other really important things in life, such as education, healthcare, retirement savings and reliable transportation.”

The Gift of Home Tour kicks off from 4-8  p.m. Nov. 30 with a VIP opening reception and carries on from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 1 and 9 a.m. p.m. Dec. 2.

“This is such a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the holidays, and give back to the community in a constructive way,” Williams said.

Here’s a big list of holiday events and festive gift markets around the Front Range this holiday season.

Boulder

Junkyard Holiday Bazaar: Support local artists, enjoy specialty holiday drinks, listen to local musicians and let the kids make holiday crafts at this seasonal market; 1-5 p.m. Nov. 25, Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave., Unit A, Boulder; Free for adults, kids $12 open play; junkyardsocialclub.org/events.

ARTastic Holiday Market: This holiday market features unique hand-crafted treasures from local artists and crafters. Check some people off your gift list, indulge in yourself, enjoy the festive atmosphere while supporting the local community; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 1, Horizons K-8 School, 4545 Sioux Drive, Boulder; ho8.bvsd.org.

NoBo First Friday ArtWalk: This monthly staple offers attendees a selection of art from various creatives. Enjoy live music, eats from food trucks and pop into a number of different galleries and spaces sure to provide patrons with something on their wishlist. There will be a pottery pop-up at NoBo Art Center; 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; noboartdistrict.org.

RPY’s Third Annual Holiday Market: Browse art of all kinds, jewelry, skincare, herbals, plants, kids’ clothes, kombucha and more. Be sure to stop by the massage chair and tarot reader, and get some fairy hair for a winter treat; 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Radiance Power Yoga, 2704 28 St., Boulder; radiancepoweryoga.com.

Chautauqua WinterFest Market: Celebrate the holiday season at Chautauqua with this beloved annual tradition. Bring friends and family and kick off the holidays with a tree-lighting ceremony, horse-drawn carriage ride, Santa’s Cottage, a historic cottage tour, festive market, guided hikes and more; 4:30-7 p.m. Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 9-10, Chautauqua Community House, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder; chautauqua.com/winterfest-2023.

Artisan Holiday Craft Fair: Come support local artists and their crafts while sipping on OZO provided coffee and hot chocolate. The admission fee includes one warm beverage, access to all museum exhibits, access to holiday local vendors, holiday music and much more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  Dec. 9, Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway, Boulder; standard museum admission; museumofboulder.org.

Studio Arts Boulder Holiday Sale: Find the perfect gift at the Studio Arts Boulder Holiday Sale. Every item is handmade by local artists on the talented teaching staff. A wide selection of tableware, décor and service pieces are for sale; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 9-10, Studio Arts Boulder, 3036 Sterling Circle, Boulder; studioartsboulder.org.

Boulder Holiday Gift Festival: The 18th annual Boulder Holiday Gift Festival is Boulder’s biggest and best holiday shopping extravaganza. The festival is a great place to find the perfect gift from amazing local exhibitors. Admission is free, and there is a free concert starting at noon; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 10, Boulder YMCA, 2850 Mapleton Ave., Boulder; coloradoevents.org.

Creative Holiday Market: Come shop art and goods made by local artists and artisans at this annual pop-up shop. This free event will have complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and cocktails by Cocktail Caravan; 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 14, The Studio, 3550 Frontier Ave., Boulder; allevents.in/boulder.

VegFest’s Vegan Holiday Market: Shop small this holiday season by supporting local vegan vendors with gifts for friends, family and more. Enjoy lunch, drinks, live music and more while shopping; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 16, Avalon Ballroom, 6185 Arapahoe Road, Boulder; free entry; allevents.in/boulder.

Longmont

Mollie McGee’s Holiday Craft Market: Shop over 150 booths with unique, handmade artisan crafts; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont; $5 covers both days, kids under 12 are admitted for free; molliemcgees.com.

Miracle on Fourth: Choose local once again this holiday season and shop from a variety of product-based Colorado businesses. This one-day event brings together Colorado artisans, makers of hand-crafted items, food, gifts and all locally produced goods in one spot to simplify the holiday shopping experience; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Fourth Avenue and Kimbark, Longmont; downtownlongmont.com.

Winter Magic Arts Extravaganza: Shop one-of-a-kind gifts in ceramics, paintings, jewelry, fiber arts, wood and more for everyone on your list. There will be food trucks and award-winning brews to sip on; 5-8 p.m. Nov. 24 and Dec. 8, noon-8 p.m. Nov. 25, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, noon-4 p.m. Nov. 26, Dec. 10, Wibby Brewing. 209 Emery St., Longmont; ebcacolorado.org.

Holiday Market: Shop with local artists, creators and makers on Small Business Saturday and Artists Sunday. There’s nothing more personal than a gift of the arts, so forgo the lines at big stores and come shop local. There will be live music by Jeff Ulrich; noon-5 p.m. Nov. 25-26, Firehouse Art Center, 667 Fourth Ave., Longmont; firehouseart.org.

Boulder County Farmers Market Winter Market: Held annually, the annual Winter Market brings together 150 local farmers, ranchers, food producers and artisans to create a local-only holiday shopping experience that champions small businesses; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 2-3, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont; bcfm.org.

Longmont Artisan Market: Shop a variety of locally crafted goods from vendors like Tumbleweed Studio, Flatirons Quilting, Robin Bryant Pottery, MaraLuna Jewelry and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 9-10, Boulder County Fairgrounds, Barn A, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont; longmontartisanmarket.com.

Last Chance Gift Fest: Find the perfect gift at this colossal sale, featuring a vast assortment of art, crafts, toys, home decor, delicious food, unique items and more. This free event features over 150 of Colorado’s finest vendors offering a tremendous selection of unique holiday gifts. There is also free live music on both days; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 17, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont; free; coloradoevents.org.

Lyons

Holiday Artisan Market: The Holiday Artisan Market is a Lyons tradition, marking the beginning of the holiday season. Local artisans come together at this craft fair to share their creations with locals and visitors alike. The event features nearly 60 unique and creative vendors and a visit from Santa Claus each day; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2-3, Lyons Elementary School, 338 High St., Lyons; townoflyons.com.

Niwot

Historic Niwot Holiday Gallery: The studio will be open for patrons to buy locally made arts and gifts for the holidays; noon-6 p.m. Nov. 18-Dec. 30, former feed and grain building, 291 Second Ave., Niwot; openstudios.org/pop-gallery.

Holiday Market: Shop from a variety of holiday pop-up vendors located at the Left Hand Grange and businesses all over town. There will be festive food and drinks, music, kids crafts, a magic show, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and more; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9, Left Hand Grange, 195 Second Ave., Niwot; free; niwot.com.

Loveland

Festival of Lights: A hometown tradition, the Festival of Lights draws local crowds for the debut of holiday lighting along Fourth Street. Celebrate the holiday season with live music and entertainment, a tree-lighting ceremony, holiday market, carriage rides, Santa and more; 5-8 p.m.  Friday, Downtown Loveland, Fourth Street, Loveland; downtownloveland.org.

Applewood Arts Holiday Festival: Shop over 130 selected artisans creating handmade, vintage-inspired goods, repurposed finds, fabulous fashions, craft food creations and more; VIP entry 4:30-8 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland; $7 for both days; applewoodfestivals.com.

Broomfield

Jingle Bell Market Craft Fair: This annual craft fair features seven rooms filled with local crafters. Shoppers are sure to find something for everyone on their lists. The Ninth Reindeer Cafe will be open during the craft fair from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. to purchase snacks; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Broomfield Community Center, 280 Spader Way, Broomfield; free; broomfield.org.

A sleigh trip away

Firefly Handmade Holiday Market: Shop and visit with Firefly’s artisans, and enjoy food and beverages while live musical acts soundtrack the shopping experience; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 10, 1000 block of South Gaylord Street, 1004 S. Gaylord St., Washington Park, Denver; free; fireflyhandmade.com.

Georgetown Christmas Market: The Georgetown Christmas Market features an outdoor European marketplace with handcrafted gifts in addition to Georgetown’s charming year-round shopping experience, an Alpine Biergarten at Rue de Noël and additional marketplace shopping at Christmas Alley. Beautiful and unique shops showcase Christmas ornaments and decorations, Victorian items for the home, art, Colorado wine, rare books, jewelry, exquisite clothing, antiques and gifts. The Market will also feature food vendors in addition to local restaurants; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 9-10, Historic Sixth Street, Georgetown; historicgeorgetown.org.

Christkindlmarket: A winter wonderland awaits at the Denver Christkindlmarket. This authentic German-style holiday market hosts both local and European craft and food vendors and entertainers for everyone to enjoy; open daily through Dec. 23; Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver; free; christkindlmarketdenver.com.

— Lauren Farrauto contributed to this story.