Note: for a complete list of calendar events from around Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley, go to http://www.postindependent.com/entertainment/community-calendar/.

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Spirit & Legend Night featuring Aspen Valley Land Trust

What: Spirits and Legends Night at El Dorado features the Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT). This nonprofit has been conserving over 46,000 acres in Western Colorado since 1967, safeguarding wildlife habitats, clean water, working ranches, and cherished open spaces across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys.

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To make this evening even more special, it’s Colorado Gives Day, an annual statewide celebration of philanthropy. During the event, AVLT will share a short presentation about their vital work and host a Q&A session, giving you the opportunity to learn how they protect our land and how you can help make an impact. Don’t miss this chance to connect, give back, and celebrate conservation in our community.

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12.
Where: El Dorado at 358 Main St. in Carbondale. 

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Cost: Free

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ACS presents ‘Messiah’

What: One of the longest-running and most beloved musical holiday traditions in the Roaring Fork Valley, Aspen Choral Society’s 48th annual season of “Messiah” will consist of three live performances. In 2021, the Aspen Choral Society commissioned New York based composer Gerald Cohen to write several new choral movements for their performances of Messiah. Aspen Choral Society is pleased to present its 48th annual Messiah once again featuring Cohen’s pieces with music director Paul Dankers and concertmaster MinTze Wu. 

When: 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. start, Friday, Dec. 13. in Aspen.

6:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. start, Friday, Dec. 14. in Basalt.

6:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. start, Friday, Dec. 15. in Glenwood Springs.
Where: Harris Concert Hall at 930 N. 3rd St. in Aspen

The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) at 400 Robinson St. in Basalt.

St. Stephens at 1885 Blake Ave. in Glenwood Springs. 

Cost: $20 for adults, $8 for teens 13-17, $1 for children 12 and under. Prices increase from $20 to $25 and from $8 to $10 at the door. 

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Ugly Sweater Bingo

What: Colorado Drifters will be the caller for December’s Ugly Sweater Bingo. Wear your ugliest sweater or gaudiest holiday attire to enter the costume contest. You can get two game packs for $10, daubers for $2, and blackout cards for the last game of the night are 3 for $5. Only cash is accepted for Bingo games. There will be cash prizes and Bingo proceeds benefit our members and our community.

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12.
Where: New Castle Community Center at 423 W. Main St. in New Castle. 

Cost: Free to attend, $10 for two game packs.

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Free-for-All Book Fair

What: The second annual Free-For-All Book Fair will be at the Glenwood Springs Community Center. This no-cost book fair features thousands of gently used and brand new books for all ages in English and Spanish. Books of all kinds for babies, children, teens, and adults are completely free to the community. The Free-For-All Book Fair is organized by a group of passionate local bookworms who want to promote literacy and the lifelong love of reading in our community. Come for the books, stay for the prizes and holiday cheer.

When: Noon to 6 p.m., Friday, Dec 13.
Where: Glenwood Springs Community Center at 100 Wulfsohn Road in Glenwood Springs. 

Cost: Free

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Kids Holiday Pottery Sale

What: Find great handmade gifts for teachers, friends, and family.

Snacks and kid-friendly beverages will be served. Plus ceramic ornament painting. This is holiday shopping for kids on a piggy-bank budget.

When: 4-6 p.m. Friday, Dec 13.

Where: Carbondale Clay Center at 135 Main St. in Carbondale.

Cost: Free to attend, pottery at various costs.

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SAWliday Open House

What: Join more than 25 artists at SAW for art sales, open studios and refreshments.

This is a chance to see what SAW is all about. Come meet some of our new residents and snag some awesome deals on original artworks from jewelry and ceramics to paintings and handmade prints, perfect for holiday gifts. Give the gift of art this holiday season from some of your favorite local artists.

When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.
Where: SAW (Studio for Arts + Works) at 525 Buggy Circle in Carbondale.

Cost: Free

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Jingle Bell Run

What: The Independence Run & Hike Jingle Bell Run is more a celebration and race rolled into one fun event. It’s held every year on the Sunday before Christmas and this “running party” often brings snow and laughter. Dogs and strollers are welcome. The race is a loop on the road and starts and ends at the Independence Run & Hike. 

Wear an ugly sweater or your favorite holiday costume and bring traction devices for your shoes, because the roads are often slippery this time of year. An award is given to the person who races in the ugliest sweater. The race benefits Roaring Fork School District Athletics and is $25 to enter. Register at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=122032. 

When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.
Where: Independence Run & Hike at 901 Colorado Highway 133, Units A & B in Carbondale. 

Cost: $25 to enter.