The encroachment of winter means it’s time again for the annual semi-hibernation of our local music calendar (because emerging bands from elsewhere would rather not blizzard-surf their rusted-out vans and rickety tour buses along slippery I-70). Fortunately, a number of Denver-based acts will be performing throughout December. Among the highlights:

C.P. Carrington, Thursday, December 20, Hi-Dive, 9 p.m., $8

Now on his third solo album, The Loving Kind, which was released in September, Denver’s C.P. Carrington continues to deliver a stripped-down, alt-country sound that’s alternately broody and bouncy. Think Bright Eyes, only happier. Carrington shares the bill with fellow folk-rocksters Elin Palmer, Luke Redfield, and Matthew E. White. 

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Born in the Flood, Friday, December 21, Gothic Theatre, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Barring the Mayan apocalypse, Denver mainstay Nathaniel Rateliff reunites with his former band—a new album also is rumored to be in the works—for the Gothic'’s 7^th annual holiday show. Opening acts are Nathan and Stephen (Hearts of Palm) and In the Whale.

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One Republic, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Flobots, and Zach Heckendorf, Friday, December 21, Ogden Theatre, 7 p.m., $39.50-$150 

Also contingent upon the world continuing to exist is this all-acoustic show featuring some of Colorado’s best-known bands. The performance will benefit Children’s Hospital, Food Bank of the Rockies, and the Denver Santa Claus Shop, which accounts for the slightly higher ticket prices.

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The Lumineers with Nathaniel Rateliff (12/30), Paper Bird (12/31), and Shovels & Rope (both nights), Sunday, December 30, and Monday, December 31, Ogden Theatre, 9 p.m., $30

Unsurprisingly, this two-night event featuring one of Denver’s most recently buzz-worthy bands (the Lumineers) and local mainstays Rateliff and Paper Bird is already sold out. But we at 5280 believe there are ways around such things, so if you’re looking for a joyous and rootsy way to ring in the new year, head on over to Colfax and see what the scalpers have to offer. It'll be worth it.

—Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Follow articles editor Luc Hatlestad on Twitter at @luchatlestad.