The Basalt Chamber presents the 13th annual Peace Tree Lighting from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Join Santa at the Basalt Regional Library in Lions Park and take a spin through town on Matt Nieslanik’s horse-drawn wagon. Enjoy a steaming bowl of chili from the Basalt Regional Heritage Society, and free hot chocolate and cookies from the Basalt Lion’s Club, as the Basalt Middle School Band plays holiday favorites. Santa will be available to hear holiday wishes from 4-6 p.m. Basalt Mayor Leroy Duroux lights the grand fir tree at 6 p.m. sharp. Mason Morse will provide a warming station with appetizers from local restaurants and hot cider until 7 p.m. at 144 Midland Ave.

Basalt Chamber gift certificates make perfect gifts. Purchase your gift certificate in any denomination at the Red Caboose in Basalt’s Lion’s Park. Basalt Chamber gift certificates are valid at participating businesses including Aspen Health & Harmony, Express Yourself, Higher Spa & Studio, Montecito Loft & Home, Mountain Greenery, Susan’s Flowers & Gifts, Toklat Gallery, and Wienerdog Kids Toys. More businesses are signing up every day.

For more information, call 927-4031.

The Mountain Madrigal Singers will present “A Perfect Christmas,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7; Sunday, Dec. 9; and Saturday, Dec. 15, at First United Church, 824 Cooper Ave. in Glenwood Springs. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Free child care will be provided.

For the 27th holiday season, the Mountain Madrigal Singers will present its concert of vocal music celebrating the sounds and spirit of the holidays.
The program will be a blend of traditional and contemporary songs, some classical and some light. Many in the community consider the Madrigal concerts to be the start of their Christmas season.

Waggin Tails 4-H Dog Club will sponsor Pet Photos with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at High Tails Grooming in West Glenwood. Call 947-0014.

The Eagles Auxiliary 11th annual christmas bazaar and bake sale will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Eagles Lodge, 312 Seventh St. in Glenwood Springs.

Items on sale will include homemade dog biscuits, wood carvings, ornamental Christmas trees, Christmas ornaments, Unity Star boutique items, and more. All proceeds go to charity.
For more information, call Lori Kass at 618-6974 or Annette Franta at 274-0136.

Alpine Christian Academy is hosting a holiday Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop in three sessions, 9-11 a.m.; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; or 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at 20449 Highway 82, midway between Basalt and El Jebel.

Children may express their creativity as they decorate their own gingerbread house. Refreshments and all decorating supplies are included in the per-house donation.
Call 927-9106 to reserve a space. Walk-in participants are welcome as space permits.
The academy is located across from the Willits subdivision.