8 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season

8 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Clear Creek County

Start your Holiday Season with the whole family in Clear Creek County! Just 20 miles west of Denver, Clear Creek County offers shopping, dining, nostalgic train rides, skiing, snowboarding, the Annual Georgetown Christmas Market, and so much more… Come enjoy the holidays in our authentic mountain communities and see why Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown and Silver Plume have been making holiday traditions since 1859.

1. Holiday Train Ride ~ Memorable Experience for the Entire Family

Bring the whole family and enjoy an afternoon or evening at the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Hop aboard an afternoon train to enjoy a North Pole Adventure complete with incredible views of the snowy Rocky Mountains and the company of Santa, Mrs. Claus and other festive characters! Evening train rides offer a Lighted Forest experience with Santa as your engineer while the train winds through Christmas lights and festive décor making for a unique holiday experience. Choose from Coach seating, Parlor Car seating, or Presidential Car seating. All trips are complete with complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes and more! Book your reservation!

2. Christmas Market ~ Feel the Holiday Spirit Come Alive

Step back in time and feel the holiday spirit come alive as you stroll through Historic Downtown Georgetown, Colorado. The Annual Georgetown Christmas Market takes place the first two full weekends of December and is free for all to attend. The Market will take place in Strousse Park (6th Street and Rose Street) and features an outdoor European marketplace with handcrafted gifts, unique shops, art galleries, Colorado wine and craft brews, rare books, jewelry, exquisite clothing, antiques, and so much more! Don’t miss the daily procession of the Santa Lucia Carolers and St. Nicholas in his traditional dress, or the horse-drawn wagon rides! The afternoon will also be complete with an open fire and roasted chestnuts. While here, be sure to tour local museums such as the grand Hamill House, acclaimed Hotel de Paris, and the Hydroelectric Energy Museum. We hope you will join us in continuing to make Georgetown a family Christmas tradition for generations to come.

3. Spa Escape ~ Treat Yourself to the Perfect Day

Enjoy a blissful day at Tall Grass Day Spa with a luxurious spa package. Providing a wide range of services, and time frames to assist you and your loved ones in building the perfect holiday spa escape! Allow yourself to unwind and feel more polished with the incredible Body and Sole package complete with a relaxing Integrative Massage and express pedicure complete with a lotion application. Or choose the ultimate Full Day Escape package and transform your body and soul, feel and look your best with an entire day devoted to head-to-toe pampering. A la carte and a full menu of services are also available. No matter the decision, this beautiful mountain meadow getaway guarantees the promise of a perfect day!

4. Tubular – Get Ready for the Best Winter yet

Echo Mountain Resort is located 35 miles west of Denver offering authentic ski and snowboard experiences as well as a TUBING HILL just outside of the Mile High City. Skip the crowds and enjoy the closest ski resort to Denver complete with courteous staff, fair prices, and of course incredible views! Stay later and play longer as Echo Mountain is equipped with lights along the way allowing you to enjoy the fun until 9:00 pm most Tuesdays through Saturdays.

5. Slope Style ~ Re-define Family Time

Family time redefined this holiday season! Pack up the family and head to Loveland Ski Area to enjoy Colorado’s true winter wonderland. Loveland boasts 1,800 acres of remarkable terrain, FREE Snowcat skiing along the Continental Divide, an innovative lesson program and more snow than any Front Range or Summit County resort. Loveland is home for those that simply want to ski or ride. Welcome home. And don’t forget to stop in Loveland’s award winning Sport Shop to find the perfect gift for the skier or snowboarder on your list.

6. Hot Springs ~ Go Ahead… Soak it all in

Whether you are looking to unwind from all of the planning, preparation, and holiday bustle or looking for a quick getaway for the whole family look no further than the Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Located just 30 miles west of Denver the Indian Hot Springs offers pure mineral water flowing from natural springs directly into the main pool, caves, and private baths. Temperatures range between 90° and 125° Fahrenheit offering a wide range of comfort for all ages. Whether you choose from the main pool, outdoor private jacuzzis, or caves, this is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

7. Cheers ~ Celebrate the Season

While enjoying the magic of Christmas in Clear Creek County we hope you will find a special place to enjoy a warm meal, cold brew, or simply try something new. Choose from craft beers, small bites, and amazing cuisine throughout the County. Whether you are looking to unwind from a day on the slopes or enjoy an afternoon adventure with your family, Clear Creek County has something for everyone.

Enjoy sipping on local suds in Georgetown at Guanella Pass Brewery or satisfy a sweet tooth at the Georgetown Valley Candy Company. Lucha Cantina serves up mouth watering green chili and queso, while Coopers on the Creek offers menu items ranging from a burger and fries to elk tartare. Visit the original Georgetown Train Depot for a hand tossed pizza at the Alpine Restaurant and Pub, or head over to Silver Plume for classic espresso drinks and great pour-overs Saturdays and Sundays at the Plume Coffee Bar.

If you are passing through Empire be sure to stop in the Lewis Sweet Shop for taffy, chocolates and last minute gifts, or sit down together and enjoy a craft beer at The Original Hard Rock Café by Stein Brewing Company. And last but not least, be sure to visit Idaho Springs for a cup of holiday cheer at The Frothy Cup Bakery and Coffee Roasters or decadent cuisine around every corner. Choose from a wide variety of restaurants, including the Original Beau Jo’s Pizza and legendary Tommyknockers Brewery and Pub, as well as Azteca Mexican Restaurant, Main Street Restaurant, Smokin Yards BBQ, Erics Asian Café, MTN Prime, Westbound and Down and so many more! Idaho Springs truly offers a wide range of offerings to fit nearly every appetite!

8. Mining Adventures

Last but not least, be sure to add a little history to your holiday cheer and tour a gold or silver mine while you are here! The Mighty ARGO Mill and Tunnel, as well as the Phoenix Gold Mine, and Capital Prize Mine are open year round! Be sure to call ahead to schedule your mining adventure!

Each tour offers something unique and provides tremendous information about our segment of Colorado History, the Gold Rush, and general information about hard rock mining, placer mining, milling, and so much more! Tour a five story mill, enjoy an underground walking tour complete with drilling demonstrations, try your hand at rubbing the lucky bucket, or even touch a vein of gold. Can’t do it all today? Then be sure to pick up a Gift Certificate as they make great stocking stuffers too!