Getting in the Christmas Spirit

Well, we have made it through Thanksgiving so I think we can officially start talking about Christmas. I just want to insert here that those who say retailers start on Christmas too early are probably not the ones doing the shopping, decorating and meal prep.  I, for one, need all the time I can get!.

For those not located in Denver, it has been really hard to get in the Christmas spirit this year when we have 70 degrees several days in November and a record high of 81 degrees on November 27^th. On top of that we have had the driest year on record. What little snow we have gotten has melted the same day.  It has felt more like early Summer than Winter.

Knowing Christmas will be here before I know it, I have been looking for ways to get in the right holiday frame of mind. Usually putting up Christmas decorations helps.  In looking through my Christmas stuff, I came across some pictures from last year at Hudson Gardens. If you’re having trouble getting in the right mood like I am, you might try a trip to see this wonderful place.

Hudson Gardens is conveniently located in Littleton on Santa Fe between Littleton Boulevard and Bowles.  It is a great place for gardening classes, beer fests and wedding events.  During the summer, they also have many great concerts with headliners like Chris Isaak, Gladys Knight, Michael McDonald and Kool and the Gang. 

Christmas Village and Train

Today, I want to talk about their winter event called A Hudson Christmas where they decorate the gardens with many different lights.  The cost is reasonable with $9.00 for Adults and $6.00 for children from 4 to 12 years old.  Parking is well orchestrated by the Hudson staff.

When you go, the first stop after you purchase your ticket should be to pick up some of their specialized cardboard glasses at the gift shop.  These look like 3D glasses and add special effects to the lights like snowmen or candy canes depending on which ones you get.  Let me warn you that it will be a hard choice.  Unfortunately, we didn’t see them until we have finished touring the grounds last year.  They would have made the lights even more special.

After you’ve purchased your glasses, you can begin your casual stroll around the grounds.  There are many different pathways to go.  Each section has different displays of dazzling lights as well as Christmas music.  It must take the Hudson staff many hours to get all of the lights up. 

Hudson Garden's Rainbow Tunnel

 Along the way, you will also find a building with a miniature Christmas village with a train running through it.  It is very detailed. You may have some trouble dragging the kids away from the train display but let them know that a little further on, they can get hot chocolate and cookies from Nixon’s Coffee House. It’s a good place for the Adults to sit while the kids visit with Santa or run through a rainbow tunnel. 

Eventually, all paths lead back to the gate and the gift shop where you will want to spend a little more time before you leave.  Check it out. I think you will find it a very relaxing, fun way to get in the holiday mood. You can check out their website here for more info and where to buy tickets.