Lighting of Redstone approaches

Come join more than 500 local residents in the “Lighting of Redstone,” held Friday, Nov. 28. Each year to kick off the Christmas season, the people of Redstone string all their lights, decorate their one street and torch a giant bonfire. The event begins at Fiala Handweaving with Santa and his sleigh from 3:30 to 5 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., Santa and his elves will illuminate the tree in Redstone Park and then parade to the Redstone Inn’s lower parking lot. Luminarias will guide you along your way through Redstone’s unique shopping and art venues until 8 p.m. Look for parking along Highway 133 at Elk Park just before the coke ovens.

Shake that turkey off

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If you gain a few pounds with holiday feasting, you can dance away the weight with a special all-ages hip-hop dance party, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Glenwood Springs Community Center. Music by KDNK’s DJ Phathead and Herb Green; freestyle dance and movement all night, with dance instruction by Just Move It, Inc. No alcohol, drugs or smoking. $5 at the door. Information: 384-6312.

Chamber Hosts Holiday Open House

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The Board of Directors of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, the Chamber Ambassadors and the chamber staff will host December’s Business After Hours Friday, Dec. 5, at the Chamber, 1102 Grand Ave. All chamber members and their guests are invited to stop in from 5 to 7 p.m. for food and holiday cheer.

Brunch with Santa

Looking for something to do with your preschooler? This special lunch hour will include caroling, presents for the kiddies and a Christmas story read by Santa himself, 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Carbondale Town Hall. The cost is $10, with lunch, presents and activities included. Preregistration required; call Carbondale Recreation at 704-4115.

YouthZone parent consultations

YouthZone counselors are offering opportunities for parents to meet and talk to identify issues, concerns and needs and provide suggestions, options and resources to help the family. YouthZone specializes in working with adolescents and their behavior and issues. A one-time, 50-minute visit is $28. Information: 945-9300, 625-3141, 920-5702.

Crafters needed for Rifle bazaar

Crafters, artisans and vendors are invited to participate in this year’s 10th Annual Christmas Bazaar, held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Colorado Mountain College in Rifle. Table fees are $30 and will benefit The Children’s House, a parent-cooperative nonprofit charter school. Booth space is limited. Registration: 625-2776 or 319-1124. You may also reserve your space by mailing payment and contact information payable to: Children’s House Preschool Bazaar, 180 E. 26th St. Rifle, CO 81650.

Hoedown in the barn

The first annual Country Hoedown in the Barn fund-raiser for Sopris Therapy Services will be held 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Aspen Equestrian Center, Highway 82 and County Road 100 (behind Catherine’s Store). The afternoon includes dinner, dancing, silent auction, hayrides, square dancing and other surprises. Preview Silent Auction items from 3 to 4 p.m. and enjoy wine and hors d’ouevres. $25 per adult. Information: horwitz@rof.net or 920-7893.

Snowshoers unite

Sunlight Mountain Resort will host the 12th annual Day of Infamy Snowshoe race at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, with proceeds going to the animal shelters of Garfield County. The race is an 8-kilometer trip that heads through Babbish Gulch on Sunlight’s cross-country trails. Preregister at Summit Canyon Mountaineering (until Dec. 6) for $17; day-of-race registration begins at 9 a.m. at Sunlight’s day lodge. Information: 945-7491 or 945-6994 or http://www.dayofinfamysnowshoerace.org.

Babysitting classes added

Boys and girls ages 11 and up who want to become American Red Cross certified babysitters can attend a session 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Carbondale Town Hall. This class will cover emergency situations, accident prevention, selecting safe toys and games, tips on feeding and diapering babies, interaction with parents and children of different ages and preparation of simple foods. The course is $40; pre-registration/information: 704-4115.

annual blm closures

The Glenwood Springs Bureau of Land Management will close several gates for the winter season Dec. 1 through April 30. The closures will take effect at several points in the Castle Peak area in Eagle County, on East Elk Creek in Garfield County and on Light Hill and the Crown in Pitkin County. Areas continue to be open to nonmotorized recreation opportunities such as hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding and skiing. Information: 947-2800.