Omayra Acevedo,  Peak to Peak. The first weekend of December I got to spend two days helping Santa greet and take photos with children of all ages. I couldn’t help but find myself randomly thinking of things like, “wouldn’t it be cool if we could actually transport ourselves to the North Pole and hang out with the big guy whenever we wanted?”

The thoughts and visions in my head were magical. Suddenly, it hit me. I live in Colorado! Nothing is more magical than that! Then, I asked myself, if I could go anywhere in this colorful state to celebrate the holidays, where would I go?

Naturally, I started my research. I searched and searched through thousands of photos I’ve taken throughout many holidays, and even found myself reading through an overabundance of journal entries trying to find the one place that was obvious I had enjoyed the most during the holidays. I quickly realized that I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens. So, I forced myself to create a top three list. Though, I have combined a few in second place.

Third place on my list is Golden, Colorado, and the closest to the city of Denver. Just about every tree on the main strip (Washington Street) is adorned with sparkling lights. The smell of cinnamon and pumpkin flow through town, heightening senses and memories of yule tide. Shops offer an array of discounts and unique gifts for every person on your list. Even if shopping isn’t on your to-do list, there is always something else to enjoy.

If you’re willing to travel further than Golden, allow me to suggest the town of Durango, where you can hop aboard the Polar Express. In Cascade, Colorado, you can visit Santa’s Workshop and the town of Colorado Springs is nearby. In Aspen, Colorado you can partake in the 12 Days (December 20-31) of Aspen celebration. Every day within the 12 days is celebrated differently. Estes Park, Colorado, is known as one of two gateways into Rocky Mountain National Park, a town that also houses the Historical Stanley Hotel and offers an array of things to do during this holiday season.

At the top of the list, and for many reasons, is the quaint old Victorian mining town of Georgetown. If you’re a John Denver fan like I am, you might know that a Christmas movie, “The Christmas Gift,”starring John Denver himself, was filmed in the town of Georgetown, Colorado. The town gets as delightfully decorated as it was in the movie. Without question, you can feel the spirit of the season throughout its charming small-town shops, restaurants and cafes. Chestnuts roasting over an open fire, horse carriage rides and ambiance all combine to create a perfect Colorado Christmas.
It was extremely difficult to only choose a handful of destinations for a Holiday get-a-way, but I try to keep things simple. Having said this, please remember that we truly do live in a magical state and you can’t go wrong celebrating any holiday in any town in Colorado. Colorado, to me, among other things, is like a Christmas postcard that comes to life.

(Originally published in the December 6, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)