Downtown Georgetown, Colorado at Christmas is the prettiest things you will ever see.
The tiny mountain town in Clear Creek County transforms into a old fashioned European Christmas Village for the season.
You can smell delicious treats, buy pretty gifts and goodies, hear traditional holiday music, and see wonderful sights.
The smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts lingers in the air while twinkling lights create a postcard-perfect picture.
It is a truly unique experience, one worthy of visiting this Colorado town.
Here is an ultimate guide to spending Christmas in Georgetown, Colorado.
Also Read: 17 Best Things to do in Georgetown, Colorado
Best Thing to do for Christmas in Georgetown, Colorado
Georgetown, Colorado Christmas is quaint and almost like a Hallmark movie Christmas.
Most of the holiday attractions are free while others like the train ride are worth the splurge.
While the holiday market is happening for just two weekends, the twinkling lights and other festivities are ongoing throughout the holiday season.
Georgetown, CO is located just 1 hour away (or at a driving distance of 45 miles) from Denver, the Mile High City.
You can easily visit it on the weekends when the festivities are happening.
Here are the best things to do in Georgetown, Colorado for Christmas.
Also Read: 20 Best Things to do in Colorado in the Winter
Step back in time into a movie set
Fun fact: Did you know that John Denver’s 1980 movie ‘The Christmas Gift’ was shot right here in the sleepy town of Georgetown, Colorado?
Each year, Georgetown still decorates its Victorian buildings in large red bows and ribbons so that it looks just as it did in the movies.
To get into the Christmas spirit, explore this super pretty town of foot and take pictures form the gram.
You can even see the the Busy Bee Cab from the movie – which is actually a 1937 Hudson Sedan – in downtown during the annual Christmas market weekends.
This is a popular Instagram spot for most visitors.
Write a letter to Santa just like in the movie and mail it at the Georgetown post office for that extra touch!
Be there for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
Christmastime in Georgetown begins right after Thanksgiving!
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Town hosts a tree lighting where everyone in the town gathers for this special event.
Hot chocolate and cookies are served as carolers sing and Santa arrives to light up the giant Christmas Tree in Strousse Park.
In the blink of an eye Georgetown transforms into a holiday wonderland from long ago – it’s an event that you surely don’t want to miss!
Take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad
The Georgetown Loop Holiday Train Ride is a must-do during Christmas in Georgetown, Colorado.
This historic railway line takes you on a journey through the snow-capped Rocky Mountains while breathing in the crisp mountain air.
Riders and visitors enjoy appearances by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves while on the train.
You can even take pictures with Santa – a highlight for kids!
The ride also includes hot chocolate cups and cookies.
The day time ride is good to see the scenery while the night train is better to enjoy the romance of the decorated train.
It’s definitely an experience to remember and will fill your heart with joy!
Attend the Annual Georgetown Christmas Market
The Georgetown Christmas Market is not just a market but an entire holiday event that takes place over several days.
This festival is a long held tradition and is currently in its 62nd year.
It is held on the first two weekends of December and is free to visit.
The event features an European style open air market, food vendors, horse sleigh rides, parades, and other activities.
The crowded and bustling Christmas scene, reminiscent of European Christmas markets, is one of the best times to visit Georgetown, Colorado.
Enjoy shopping at the Georgetown European Christmas Market
Looking for a place to do your holiday shopping?
Visit Georgetown European Open Air Market – one of the best holiday markets in Colorado!
It takes place at Strousse Park and is the perfect place to shop for gifts for your loved ones.
The vendors sell everything from homemade jams and baked goods to handmade jewelry and other gifts.
The shops and boutique stores on 6th St are also great to shop for gifts.
Watch the Santa Lucia Children’s Procession
One of the most looked forward events of the Georgetown Christmas Market is the Santa Lucia Children’s Procession.
This is a Scandinavian tradition has been adopted by the town since historic times.
The procession / parade involves local elementary school children dressed in the traditional white robes and red sashes.
Girls have wreaths while boys wear cone shaped hats.
They sing Christmas carols while one girl plays the role of Queen of lights and leads the daily procession.
The procession takes place everyday of the market at noon and ends in Library Park.
Spot Saint Nicholas in town
Georgetown Christmas is made special due to appearances by St. Nicholas himself.
Wearing the traditional dress of red velvet robes with a tall mitre hat and carrying the symbolic hooked staff, he delights all visitors.
He even takes part in the Santa Lucia Children’s Procession and can be spotted throughout the day.
Listen to the carolers and enjoy other family entertainment
During the Christmas Market, different types of family entertainment provide hours of fun for all ages.
You can listen to Christmas carolers dressed in Victorian costume, sip on hot chocolate and cider, and watch memorable performances by dancers.
The live entertainment featuring talented performers is a wonderful experience.
Take in the sights on a horse drawn wagon ride
Did you know that you can explore Historic Georgetown on horse drawn wagon rides during the holiday season?
These carriage rides are one of the most popular activities in town during wintertime.
You can take a leisurely ride through the streets, admire the Victorian architecture, and enjoy the wonderful sights and smells of downtown Georgetown.
Draw a blanket over your knees while singing Christmas carols – its as romantic as it sounds!
Also Read: Horseback Riding in Colorado: 8 Best Destinations!
Have a bookish holiday at the Big Horn Book Nook
The Big Horn Book Nook in Georgetown is the perfect place to grab your next book or buy gifts for your bookish friends.
At the event, you can meet participating authors and buy signed copies of books.
It take place on the first two weekends in December as a part of the Annual Christmas Market festivities.
The Book Nook takes place at The Community Center in Georgetown, Colorado.
Enjoy the Rue de Noël biergarten
For adults, the Rue de Noël Biergarten is one of the best places to be during Christmas in Georgetown, Colorado.
At this festive biergarten, you can enjoy craft beers and traditional holiday foods while watching carolers perform around a bonfire or listening to live music.
Beers served include those from the two local Georgetown breweries, Guanella Pass Brewery and Cabin Creek Brewing.
The biergarten is located at 6th St and Taos St.
This event takes place on the days of the market as well as other holiday weekends.
Grab holiday themed drinks at Georgetown Coffee and Tea
Not into beers? Georgetown, Colorado also has plenty of cute local coffee shops that serve a variety of holiday themed drinks around Christmas.
One of our favorites is Georgetown Coffee and Tea.
It is located conveniently in downtown and decorated beautifully for the season.
Another great spot to grab coffee in Georgetown is Plume Coffee Bar in nearby Silver Plume, Colorado.
Also Read: 6 Best coffee shops in Georgetown, Colorado
Participate in the Museum tours in Georgetown
During the season, you can see 4 iconic locations in Georgetown on a guided/self-guided tour.
The locales include Hotel de Paris Museum, Hamill House Museum, Alpine Hose #2 Fire House Museum, and Georgetown Energy Museum.
At the Hotel de Paris Museum, you can actually see the room where John Denver stayed during the filming of ‘The Christmas Gift.
At the Hamill House Museum, you can see traditional Victorian decorations as well as enjoy a cup of Wassail.
The Energy Museum is also a great place to visit to understand the history of hydroelectric power in this area.
Christmas Events near Georgetown, Colorado
The historic towns and natural attractions near Georgetown, Colorado all have their own unique Christmas festivities.
You need not just enjoy wagon rides through Historic Georgetown – you can also skate or ski with Santa Claus, if that’s more to your liking!
Here are the best things to do for Christmas near Georgetown, Colorado.
Visit Idaho Springs for Christmas
Just 15 miles away from Georgetown lies the small mountain town of Idaho Springs.
Every December, this quaint town comes alive with Christmas events and activities.
Miner Street in downtown decks up in bows, wreaths, and other holiday decor.
You can also meet Santa and his reindeer in the town market.
Tommyknocker Brewery in downtown Idaho Springs also hosts many festive events for Christmas.
Ski with Santa Claus at Loveland
Loveland Ski Area is Colorado’s oldest ski area and the perfect place for a winter vacation.
Every year, Santa Claus himself makes an appearance on the ski slopes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
It is amazing to watch him ski down the terrain and give candy canes to children.
Enjoy the ice races on Georgetown Lake
Just after the holidays, you can enjoy ice races on Georgetown Lake in the new year.
You can watch the races from the shore or even participate in them yourself!
The lake also features ice skating, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.
Georgetown, Colorado is a busy place during the holidays.
Plenty of attractions like movie set cars, roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, horse drawn wagon rides, Santa trains, and historic tours are all available for visitors to enjoy a festive day!
The town relies on tourism and attending the Christmas market is a great way to support local businesses while enjoying the charming traditions.
Are you planning to visit Georgetown, Colorado for Christmas this year?
What are your favorite Christmas things to do in Georgetown, Colorado? Let us know below.