Aerah Fulton, 11, plays the part of the queen of lights during the Santa Lucia Children's Procession at the Georgetown Christmas Market on Dec. 8, 2019. This was the 60th year of the market and procession, which featured local elementary school students walking from Georgetown Community School to Library Park to sing Christmas carols for onlookers. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDraft horses pull sleigh rides during the Georgetown Christmas Market on Dec. 8, 2019.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostJohn Ewers, dressed as Saint Nicholas, takes part in the annual Santa Lucia Children’s Procession during the Georgetown Christmas Market on Dec. 8, 2019.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostAvery Ganzer, 7, middle, and twins Bella Gaskins, 7, left, and Alex, right, sing Christmas carols to the public after taking part in the Santa Lucia Children's Procession during the Georgetown Christmas Market on Dec. 8, 2019. The event, which takes place on the first two weekends in December, includes the Georgetown European Christmas Market at Strousse Park, The Christmas Corner with vendors and activities at Heritage Center, and a variety of dancers along with many other holiday activities.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostEllie Carosi, 7, goes over her Christmas list with Santa Claus at his sleigh in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver on Dec. 17, 2019.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostAdelaide Chase, 7, hugs Santa Claus at his sleigh in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver on Dec. 17, 2019.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostBrockton Ward, a teamster at 4 Eagle Ranch, leads Beff, one of his Percheron horses, into her pen as he prepares her for the evening's Christmas sleigh rides in Wolcott on Dec. 19, 2019. 4 Eagle Ranch offers a western experience with old cabins dating back to the 1800's, sleigh rides, holiday dinners and marshmallows by an outdoor fireplace.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostSkates hang on a nail inside one of the old cabins at 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott on Dec. 19, 2019. The setting of the ranch, which is 24 miles west of Vail, is old west with homesteader cabins, wide ranging views uncluttered with development and hay fields dotted with cattle and horses.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostNewlyweds Emily and Nathan Sherrill, from Charlotte, North Carolina, enjoy the warmth of a fire before dinner at 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott on Dec. 19, 2019. The ranch is surrounded by open pastures with grazing livestock, hillsides of sage, and framed by majestic views of the Sawatch Range. The Sherrill's were honeymooning in Colorado over the holiday.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostBrockton Ward, a teamster at 4 Eagle Ranch, brings in his Percheron horses Beff, left and Ruth, after warming them up for the evening's Christmas sleigh rides in Wolcott on Dec. 19, 2019.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostCandles light up a window during Christmas Candlelight services at Ryssby Church in Longmont on Dec. 15, 2019. The Ryssby Congregation was first organized Jan. 3, 1878. In 1914, the church merged with the Elim Lutheran Church in Longmont to form the First Lutheran Church of Longmont.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostChildren with Joyful Noise Children's Choir perform during the Christmas Candlelight services at Ryssby Church on in Longmont on Dec. 15, 2019. Advent Christmas candlelight services are held the second weekend of December each year.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostCandles light up a window during Christmas Candlelight services at Ryssby Church in Longmont on Dec. 15, 2019.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostDirector Sally Campbell, center, leads the chancel choir in song during Christmas Candlelight services at Ryssby Church in Longmont on Dec. 15, 2019. Campbell has been attending the church for 67 years.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostMembers of the Chancel Choir sing during Christmas Candlelight services at Ryssby Church in Longmont on Dec. 15, 2019.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostTyler Madsen, right, sits with his 8-month-old daughter Rayelee during Christmas Candlelight services at Ryssby Church in Longmont on Dec. 15, 2019.
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Aerah Fulton, 11, plays the part of the queen of lights during the Santa Lucia Children's Procession at the Georgetown Christmas Market on Dec. 8, 2019. This was the 60th year of the market and procession, which featured local elementary school students walking from Georgetown Community School to Library Park to sing Christmas carols for onlookers. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
ExpandBy Helen H. Richardson | hrichardson@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED:
Getting your player ready...
Christmas festivities were well underway in advance of December 25 as Coloradans across the state embraced the holiday spirit.














