Top Spots To Take Photos With Santa Near Denver
(credit: CBS)
Santa Claus sure is busy this time of year. While his elves are hard at work at the North Pole making all of the toys for the good boys and girls, Santa takes this time to visit as many children as he can so he can get their lists and know just what they want for Christmas. Sure, you can go to the local mall and visit with Santa but who wants to stand in that long line? Instead, check out one of these other special events where Santa will be making a very special appearance. You can enjoy the holiday traditions, lots of great holiday entertainment and still get amazing family photos with Santa.
The Santa Claus Special
Colorado Railroad Museum
17155 W. 44th Ave.
Golden, CO 80403
(303) 279-4591
www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org
Date: Dec. 7, 14, 15 and 21, 2013
Have your kids bring their letters to Santa, then head out to the Colorado Railroad Museum as the Jolly Old Elf himself stops by Golden, Colorado on a steam locomotive, all decorated for the holidays. You won't find his reindeer here, instead Santa spends this visit enjoying the trains at this great museum. You can get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, share your wish lists and ride the trains before stopping off in the gift shop for hot cocoa and all the train-themed toys you can possibly want. Your kids will even get a special Railway Post Office Railcard if you visit during one of these special Santa Claus events.
Olde Golden Christmas
Arapahoe St. between 12th St. and 13th St.
Golden, CO 80401
www.visitgolden.com
Date: Saturdays Nov. 30, 2013 - Jan. 1, 2014
Enjoy some authentic old-fashioned holiday cheer at the Olde Golden Christmas Festival in downtown Golden. It is a full month of Victorian caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, barbershop quartets, live reindeer and Santa. Plus, this time Santa arrives on a motorcycle, the Grinch may even make an appearance in a Corvette and you'll find authentic cowboys riding around town on horseback. There is a lot to do and enjoy when you take your family up to Golden for this event, and you'll have plenty of amazing photo opportunities with the man himself.
St. Nick on the Bricks
Pearl Street Mall
1301 Pearl St.
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 444-9571
www.downtownboulderholidays.com
Date: Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturdays Nov. 30 - Dec. 21, 2013
A stroll down Pearl Street Mall in Boulder is always a fun time for the whole family. There are lots of great stores to find that perfect gift, some wonderful restaurants and dining and even ice skating and street performers to keep you entertained. However, during the holidays, you can bring your letters to Santa and have a free visit with the man himself. Make sure to bring your camera so you can take some free photos as your children chat with Santa and tell him just what they want for Christmas. It's a time-honored tradition in Boulder and it is free for everyone to visit Santa.
A Mrs. Claus Christmas
Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
201 S. Fairview St.
Woodland Park, CO 80863
(719) 686-1820
www.rmdrc.com
Date: Dec. 10, 2013 at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Visit the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center for a unique holiday celebration. If your children are dinosaur fans, then this is the perfect blend of Santa, Mrs. Claus and dinosaurs. Mrs. Claus will be sharing stories and singing songs and all the little visiting "elves" will get their own treat bags to enjoy. Of course, Santa wouldn't let Mrs. Claus have all the fun without him, so he will be there too, just waiting for your children to visit, share their lists and get that great photo. Then, you can spend some time visiting this amazing center, enjoying all of the exhibits and fun with dinosaurs with your whole family.
Related: Top Spots For Winter Outdoor Fun In And Around Denver
Georgetown Christmas Market
6th St.
Georgetown, CO 80444
(303) 569-2840
www.historicgeorgetown.org
Date: Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2013
For a more traditional and old-fashioned visit with Santa, check out the Georgetown Christmas Market, taking place during the first two weekends in December. Your whole family will love visiting with St. Nicholas in his traditional dress, then you can all take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, eat some roasted chestnuts and go shopping while Victorian singers and dancers entertain you from store to store. The city of Georgetown usually enjoys a beautiful blanket of snow during this time, making for the most gorgeous family photo opportunities possible. Bring your camera, dress in your best warm Christmas scarf and hat and grab the whole family for this one.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
