Each December the town of Georgetown transforms for two weekends into a bustling Christmas scene reminiscent of Christmas of long ago. Thousands come to this tiny mountain town to experience a traditional holiday outing, where Christmas has changed little in 100 years. Visitors enjoy the wonderful sights and smells of roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides, and appearances by St. Nicholas in his traditional dress. The daily procession of the Santa Lucia singers from Georgetown Elementary School, as well as carolers in Victorian costume, dancers, and other family entertainment, make Georgetown a perfect December destination. Visiting this historic little town, adorned with lights and Christmas greenery and blanketed with snow, has been a Christmas tradition for generations of Colorado families.

The 45th annual Georgetown Christmas Market will be held the weekends of December 4 & 5, and December 11 & 12, 2004. Christmas Market features an outdoor European marketplace with handcrafted gifts, in addition to Georgetown's charming year-round shopping experience. Beautiful shops showcase Christmas ornaments and decorations, Victorian items for the home, exquisite clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Christmas Market visitors will also enjoy a Museum and Historic Site Tour. Tickets are available for purchase at the Gateway Visitor Center, Georgetown Community Center, Hamill House, and Hotel de Paris. After shopping and touring, guests are invited to Grace Hall, where a lovely high tea will be served.

Christmas at Hamill House captures the holiday spirit

By Dana Abrahamson

This December, the Hamill House will once again be decked with greenery and antique ornaments, keeping a tradition that dates from 1971, the year HGI purchased the property. Carefully decorated by a host of volunteers, the house will once again capture the spirit of a 19th -century holiday home. Four public receptions will be held, each starting at 6:00 p.m.

John Adams returns to the Hamill House on December 10 to perform some of the beloved songs of John Denver. Join us for the lighting of candles on the Hamill House tree with Georgetown Police Judge Tom Bennhoff as our host. Tickets are $35 per person for members of Historic Georgetown and $45 for non-members. serve the driving public and to introduce the travelers to our wonderful town. Indeed, one of our goals is to make visitors out of travelers.

On December 11, Christmas at Hamill House features a more traditional evening with the Silver Plume Singers, wassail, the lighting of the Hamill House Christmas tree and cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres . St. Nicholas will be in attendance, and Ms. Deirdre Baldwin will light the tree. Tickets are $35 for members of Historic Georgetown and $45 for non-members.

December 17 is a wonderful evening hosted by Mr. Ron Neely. Our gracious and affable butler, Mr. Ken Nelson of Georgetown, greets our guests and directs them to the dining room for cold and hot hors d'oeuvres. A performance in the parlor by members of the Central City Opera will be just one of the highlights of the evening. The Silver Plume Singers will lead in carol singing, and several wassail and holiday toasts will ensue. Shortly thereafter, guests will gather in the library for the lighting of the tree. Tickets for this evening are $50 per person for members of Historic Georgetown and $60 for non-members.

December 18 offers a similar program, also hosted by Mr. Ron Neely. In addition to the Hamill House activities, the evening includes dinner served at a local restaurant, followed by dessert at the Hotel de Paris. Tickets are $100 per person for members of Historic Georgetown and $110 for non-members.

In addition to the public receptions, three gatherings honoring special friends are scheduled. On Saturday evening, November 27, immediately following the annual lighting of the town tree in Georgetown, Hamill House will welcome Mrs. Nancy Johnson and her Santa Lucia singers of Georgetown Elementary School.

On December 3, Historic Georgetown will host members of the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department and their families and friends, as we again thank them for saving the Hamill House from the near-disastrous fire of 1974.

We will host the return of the Denver area descendants of William A and Priscilla L. Hamill on December 4. About 50 Hamill descendants will be in attendance at this reception, as HGI thanks the family for its continuing interest in the museum.

For information and reservations for Christmas at Hamill House, please call Historic Georgetown, Inc., at (303) 569-2840, or see details in Special Events.

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