Olde Golden Christmas events are a longstanding tradition, beloved by all. While Golden is unable to host public gatherings, the city still warmly welcomes holiday revelers and offers several socially distanced ways to celebrate the spirit of the holidays. You’ll find winter walks among the city lights, story strolls, ice sculptures and every Saturday is a special celebration with magical characters roaming around.
Be sure to check visitgolden.com for up-to-the-minute updates on events, which may be subject to change. Here’s what’s planned.
Golden’s Clear Creek Bridge / Visit Golden photo
Winter Wonderland Walks + Golden’s Holiday Light Display
December 14 to February 15
Golden’s impressive holiday lights transform the charming town into a winter wonderland with downtown, the Clear Creek Walking Path, Golden History Park, Parfet Park and the Visitors Center spectacularly illuminated with an estimated 45,000 bulbs.
A single giant evergreen tree in front of the Golden Visitors Center is wrapped in approximately 5,000 lights all on its own.
Start a new family tradition and bundle up, pick up hot cocoa at a Golden coffee shop, and enjoy an evening walk with holiday lights reflecting in the icy waters of Clear Creek and in the downtown shop windows.
Saturdays in Golden
Saturday, December 5, 12 & 19
Spend a magical day in Golden, and look for holiday characters like the Grinch, elves and more strolling through town, spreading merriment and cheer with a little help from The Golden Hayride. Check here for specifics.
Holiday Story Strolls
December 1 to 31
Stroll through festive Golden to find eleven different holiday story boards, each highlighting holiday traditions from cultures worldwide. These engaging displays were created in partnership with the Jeffco Public Library and offer an inspirational look to celebrate our global connections and promote peace on Earth.
Simply pick up a map outside the Visitors Center at 1010 Washington or from your smartphone, download the Scavify app and search for “Olde Golden Christmas Holiday Story Stroll.”
Golden Pop Ups: Ice Sculptures
Each Friday before Christmas, check out new ice sculptures at various locations around Golden. Check here for the specific location of each week’s sculpture.
Holiday Art Market at Foothills Art Center
November 20 to December 29
Golden’s popular annual Holiday Art Market (HART) makes its 46th annual debut at Foothills Art Center. HART is the premier venue for fabulous fine arts and crafts, handmade in Colorado. The Holiday Art Market will be open through the holiday season with free admission to the public.
Reserve your free timed-ticket in advance to follow social distancing and size requirements. Buy local and support Colorado artists! FREE admission. 809 Fifteenth St., 303-279-3922
Candlelight Nights: Be Merry, Be Bright, Share Your Golden Light
December 4 to 31
Although the annual Candlelight Walk is cancelled, the holiday spirit will still be illuminated throughout Golden. From their homes, Golden residents are invited to share their Golden light by placing candles in their windows and displaying all season long in festive citywide solidarity.