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 [2], Thursday, December 20, Hi-Dive [3], 9 p.m., $8

Now on his third solo album, The Loving Kind [4], 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 [5], Luke Redfield [6], and Matthew E. White [7]. 

***

Born in the Flood [8], Friday, December 21, Gothic Theatre [9], 8 p.m., $15-$18

Barring the Mayan apocalypse [10], Denver mainstay Nathaniel Rateliff  [11]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) [12] and In the Whale [13].

***

One Republic [14], Big Head Todd & the Monsters [15], Flobots [16], and Zach Heckendorf [17], Friday, December 21, Ogden Theatre [18], 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 [19], Food Bank of the Rockies [20], and the Denver Santa Claus Shop [21], which accounts for the slightly higher ticket prices.

***

The Lumineers [22] with Nathaniel Rateliff (12/30), Paper Bird [23] (12/31), and Shovels & Rope [24](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 [25](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 [26]courtesy of Shutterstock

Follow articles editor Luc Hatlestad on Twitter at @luchatlestad [27].