Georgetown’s European Christmas Market is like going home for the holidays to the warm comfort of family and friends, assured that the traditions of Christmases past will be there – with no surprises.
You can count on a statuesque St. Nicholas greeting children, resplendent in a floor-length, wine-colored velvet robe piped in white fur.
You know you’ll have to be there by noon, when the children of Georgetown form the procession of Santa Lucia, re-enacting a custom honoring the town’s Swedish heritage.
You know outdoor booths in Strousse Park will be filled with freshly baked breads and Christmas sweets, spicy German bratwurst and chestnuts roasting by an open fire.
Georgetown’s European Christmas Market marks its 44th year Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to dusk.
What sets the Georgetown fete apart from other Christmas festivals, is its dedication to the customs of Swedish julmarknad. No commercial glitz is allowed. You won’t find the ubiquitous Santa in his bright red suit, flanked by eight reindeer plus Rudolph. Instead, an elegantly robed St. Nicholas quietly greets children as he strolls down Georgetown’s historic streets.
And the Santa Lucia procession of the school children down the hill on Rose Street has been caught on film by everyone who visits. At noon, the Alpine Tower fire bell rings, signaling the start of the Santa Lucia Pageant. Leading the procession is “star-boy” and one of the older girls, wearing a crown of candles. The children follow, dressed in simple white gowns with bright sashes and tinsel halos circling their heads, and carol their way to the town square. More Christmas songs are sung once they all reach the foot of the hill; more flash bulbs capture the moment.
But, it’s the people of Georgetown and the neighboring communities who give the market its flair. Their enthusiasm is infectious; their handcrafted gift items are one-of-a-kind, and the aromas of their caloric wonders let you forget your diet.
Try a bratwurst. Tuck it inside a crusty roll and smother it with German kraut and spicy mustard. Get a hot mulled cider to warm you inside and out as you carry it through the decorated streets. Residents bake cookies of all shapes and flavors, and whip up fudge and gourmet jams and jellies – great for gift-giving.
Shopping at the quaint wooden booths in Strousse Park is a mere prelude to the treasures throughout the many shops in this authentic Victorian town. Shoppe Internationale is renowned for its European imports, including Christmas decorations from the world over. In other shops, there are hand-crafted jewelry, distinctive clothing, fashion and home accessories, art and antiques.
Adding to the ambiance are singers, street musicians and folk dancers in native costumes. Among those performing will be the Colorado Chorale, the Clarion Brass, the Isle of Mull Pipe Band, Jerry Barlow on the Celtic guitar and Boulder’s Step ‘n Style dancers.
When Georgetown is blanketed in snow, it’s the perfect time to snuggle on a horse-drawn wagon ride and learn a bit about the town’s history. Rides will be offered during Christmas Market for a nominal fee.
This year, as an added treat during market weekends, Georgetown will offer a Victorian Christmas Living Room Tour of eight historic landmarks, each adorned in that era’s decor. Featured will be the Hamill House, Hotel de Paris, the Bowman-White house, the Jackson/Abrahamson house, the Robeson house, the First Presbyterian and Catholic churches and Georgetown’s historic Energy Museum. Tickets may be purchased at Strousse Park; $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12.
A delightful diversion is planned at Grace Episcopal Church, 408 Taos St. Holiday Teas will be served, using heirloom tea service, antique linens, tea with Devonshire cream, homemade finger sandwiches, eclairs, jams and jellies. Morning Cream Tea from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. is $5. High Tea, from 2 to 4 p.m., costs $14 for adults; $10 for children under 10.
The Hamill House also will be open for evening receptions on Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20. This impeccably restored 1867 structure was the home of English mining magnate William Hamill. The receptions will include traditional lighting of the Christmas tree candles, carol singing and wassail. Ticket prices vary from $35 to $110 depending on the menu, from light hors d’oeuvres to a complete holiday dinner. Reservations are required.
A few words to wise Christmas Marketers – come early, wear warm snow boots and dress for a mountain winter day.
Lillian Ross is a freelance writer who lives in Howard.
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If you go
Georgetown is 45 miles west of Denver via Interstate 70.
For more information on the Grace Church Holiday Teas, call 303-569-2790.
To make reservations for Christmas at Hamill House, call Historic Georgetown, 303-569-2840.
To learn more about the Georgetown Christmas Market, call Historic Georgetown at 303-569-2840, or visit www.historicgeorgetown.org.
For lodging or general information, call the Georgetown Community Center, 303-569-2888, or Gateway Visitor Center, 303-569-2405, or go to www.clearcreekcounty.org.
