GEORGETOWN — About 45 miles west of Denver is a small mountain town that looks like it belongs in a picture book. And while it’s charming year-round, Christmastime is when the town shines.
Georgetown is a 1.15-square-mile town that sits 8,530 feet above sea level and has a population of just over 1,000 people.
Also known as the Silver Queen of the Rockies, it began the same way as many Colorado towns did: as a mining camp.
Today, it’s home to about 80 businesses including gift shops, restaurants, construction companies, museums and more.
Take a photo tour of Georgetown during the holidays
It also has become famous as one of the best places to visit during the holiday season.
This story is part of our 9Neighborhoods series. Each week, we feature a different town or neighborhoods around Colorado to find out what makes it unique. Join a photo tour of Georgetown Friday afternoon on Instagram.
Georgetown’s Mining History
Georgetown began as a mining camp in 1859.
Brothers George and David Griffith had split from their mining party and ended up finding gold in Clear Creek. They stayed in the area for the rest of that summer and the following fall. But when winter came, they left to escape the harsh conditions.
The following spring, word had spread, and a rush of gold seekers flooded the valley. By June, the Griffith Mining District was incorporated to help regulate competition for water rights, recording property transactions, boundary and mineral disputes, founding claims, etc.
PHOTOS: Historic Georgetown
Soon, residents formed the Georgetown Company and claimed 640 acres for a townsite. But by 1861 gold was becoming harder to find and many residents were leaving for better prospects. Luckily, only three years later a large silver deposit was found nearby, and a new mining boom began.
Prospectors returned to the valley, and on January 28, 1868 the Town of Georgetown was officially incorporated.
The Georgetown Christmas Market
Each December for the past 59 years, downtown Georgetown transforms into a traditional Christmas village for two weekends. Visitors can snack on roasted chestnuts while strolling through the streets lined with gorgeous lights and local vendors.
The Georgetown Christmas Market has slowly gained national recognition over the last few years. In fact, it is currently ranked number one on the USA Today Reader’s Choice list of Best Holiday Markets in the country (There are still 10 days left to vote!).
This year, the Georgetown Christmas Market is Dec. 1, 2, 8 and 9.
The centerpiece is an outdoor European-style artisan and food market in the center of town. Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, treats and decorations from a variety of local vendors.
At noon each day, children are invited to take part in a Scandinavian tradition: The Procession of the St. Lucia. Saint Lucia, a Christian martyr, was believed to have brought food and other items to Christians who were in hiding during a time of persecution. She supposedly wore a candle-lit wreath to help her see in the catacombs while leaving her arms free to carry the food. The procession marks the start of the holiday season by providing light during the cold winter season. Participants traditionally wear white robes and lighted crowns or carry candles.
Other entertainment includes Victorian carolers, live music, dance performances and guided horse and carriage tours through town.
And don’t be surprised if you see St. Nicholas, dressed in his traditional Victorian ensemble, wandering through the streets.
Those interested in Georgetown’s history can take tours of some of its most important buildings during the Christmas Market. The Hamill House Museum, built in 1867, will be offering self-guided tours with complimentary hot cider and cookies most days of the market. Tours are also available at the Alpine Hose Museum and Hotel de Paris.
While you’re in town
However, it isn’t just the Christmas Market that makes Georgetown magical around the holidays.
Completed in 1884, the Georgetown Loop Railroad was one of Colorado’s first visitor attractions. The three-foot narrow-gauge railroad offers scenic rides around town most of the year.
But for a special holiday experience, the Georgetown Loop Railroad offers two unique winter train rides. Santa’s North Pole Adventure is a one-hour trip onboard a decorated train where Santa and his helpers pass out goodies to children on the ride. In the evenings, Santa’s Lighted Forest winds through a beautiful light show synchronized to music in the forest above the town.
The seasonal trains run almost every day until Jan. 5. Tickets range from $29–$50 for adults and $20–$36 for children. Weekend days sell out quickly, so make sure to buy yours early if you’d like to go this year!
Georgetown Lake is also nearly as popular in the winter as it is in the summer. When the 55-acre reservoir freezes over, ice fisherman can be seen braving the cold while waiting for a bite. For the last 40 years, a local club has also been hosting public ice racing. Anyone can bring their car and try racing it out on the ice for a small fee. They also offer classes for those who want to learn to race or just drive better on icy roads.
Guanella Pass, famous for its vibrant color in the fall, is a gorgeous place to explore with a pair of snowshoes in the winter. There are numerous trails that lead to beautiful mountain views, abandoned mining areas and even a secret teepee.
After a day exploring outside, riding the train or strolling through the market, Georgetown’s idyllic downtown offers a variety of places to warm up.
There are cozy coffee shops, local cafes, candy shops, bakeries, antique shops and more.
Georgetown even has a year-round Christmas shop, so no matter when you visit you can keep just a little of the holiday spirit alive.
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