Kick Off the Holidays Early with a Visit to North Park

Long nights and snowstorms set the tone for most of Colorado as being a hectic time of year when you are fighting traffic and long lines at the stores to get ready for the holiday season. Up here in North Park, the people of Walden, Gould, Rand, and other little communities in the area are doing something a little different. In North Park, we are on Mountain Time. Things move a little bit slower. Instead of fighting the weather, we work with it. And those shorter days just mean more nightlife.

Why worry about the lines at the store or the best Black Friday Deals and what’s on your Amazon Prime list when you can just come to the North Pole yourself? This time of year, Walden leans hard into the Christmas season and turns itself into Santa’s village. From festive lighting, plenty of events, and ways to find that perfect, unique gift you won’t find anywhere else, Christmas is just another reason to visit North Park for the holidays. Check out what is going on this year for Christmas in Walden, CO

A North Park Christmas

Put some stamps in your holiday passport with a walk through Walden as North Park looks a lot more like the North Pole. North Park Christmas has become one of the events to check out in Walden during the holidays. With all sorts of stops to make around town, from music and tasty treats and gifts to photos with the big man himself, Santa, you won’t want to miss what is going on December 6th and 7th. Main Street in Walden, CO is all lit up and bursting at the seams with holiday cheer!

Whoville and the Grinch House 

The big green shop on the west side of Main Street in Walden, CO is the lair of the Grinch, where you’ll find all kinds of Grinch related ornaments, plushies, and gift items. Even if the holidays aren’t usually your thing, the Grinch House and Whoville is sure to make your heart grow at least three sizes. That old Grinch might just be lurking around, and for such an anti-social Who, he’s always up for a selfie.

Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen 

This little shop has everything you need to make your Christmas decorating complete, not to mention plenty of cookies, candy, soda, ornaments and souvenirs. When if comes to confectionary delights, you won’t want to skip Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen.

Santa Photos and Main Street Park

No North Park Christmas weekend is complete without a photo with the man himself, Santa Claus! Bring the kids to 508 Main Street (formerly the Mad Moose) from 5:30-7:30 for your photos. Check to make sure if you are on the naughty list or the nice list.

Once you’ve got all the stamps in your holiday passport, hang out with your friends around the firepits at Main Street Park. There’s nothing quite like the inviting flicker of a campfire on a chilly winter night.

Historic Elkhorn 

For generations, the Elkhorn was one of Walden’s most beloved spots to have a cold drink with friends. It was shuttered for years, but after lots of renovations, the Elkhorn has opened its doors again, this time with apple cider, hot chili, and snacks for all ages. Play Christmas games or get your karaoke on from 4-8pm on the 6th musical DJ and Gypsy Karaoke. Come back on Dec. 7th for live music from 5-8pm with local favorites, Jason and Mary Swedland. Check out a piece of local history and make some new memories of your own at the Elkhorn.

The North Park Chamber of Commerce Christmas Cupboard 

North Park has a long roster of local artisans, craftsmen, and creatives who are all about showing off their skills. The Christmas Cupboard is an ongoing vendor market at 489 Main street in the  Chamber of Commerce Office. Starting Nov 29-30, then Dec 7-8 and for the big stretch from Dec 16th to 23rd, you’ll find something new every time you drop in. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sundays from 10-3pm. Shop local and shop often to support mom and pop businesses! 

Cut Your Own Christmas Trees 

Are you tired of fighting the crowds at a Christmas tree lot, only to find overpriced trees that have been drying out for months? Build a new core memory for your family and come to the State Forest State Park to cut your own Christmas trees! The State Forest State Park has a wide area set aside for new growth trees that are the perfect size for your home, with a price that is low enough for you to put trees in nearly every room of your house! 

Cost of tree cutting permits are $10 per tree with a limit of 5 trees. Bring your own tools and vehicle to the Moose Visitor Center in Gould, CO December 7th and 8th to get started! As always, be sure to drive safely while you are taking in the sights and vistas of North Park.

Christmas Market Dec 13-15 10-6pm

There’s no excuse this year that you can’t find what you are looking for—even for the most picky loved ones. If you missed the North Park Harvest Festival in November, there’s still a chance to find that perfect gift at the Christmas Market. On Dec 13th-15th, stop by the Wattenberg Center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds to see what our local businesses and artisans have in stock for you this holiday season. From handcrafted lotions and candles to nail kits and blown glassware, you never know what you are going to find. 

Brunch with Santa 

By Dec 21st, we are already in the short rows, with Christmas just around the corner. Santa will be at the Wattenberg center 10-1pm, enjoying some North Park hospitality and charm with a pancake brunch, music, and a chance to see real reindeer! The event is $5 per person. Stop by before Santa has to start his big trip for the year! Kids 3 years and younger eat free!

Stop, Shop, and See the Sights in North Park This Holiday Season!

One of the best ways to experience the Christmas season is a visit to North Park. Come in from the cold and dark to see the lights and visit our downtown shops. Here, you’ll get to meet up with old friends and make new ones. There’s really no other place quite like Walden, Colorado for the holidays. Book a place to stay for an unforgettable weekend. Jackson County is one of the last corners of real Colorado you can still experience.

There’s plenty of cute little shops in Walden to check out, ranging from gifts and ornaments to higher end gifts from all around the world. Visit one of our many places to eat during your stay, from bistro style breakfast and lunch, to Mexican cuisine, and traditional American fare in a sit down environment in a beautifully restored historic venue.

Whether you want a sample of holiday cheer in an off-the-beaten-path mountain town, or are creating new memories for future generations by cutting your own trees, North Park has so much to offer visitors. So get away from the messy streets and pushy crowds. Set your sights on clear blue skies, dazzling nights, and get back on Mountain Time.