A Christmas Walk Through Town

We finally had a decent snowfall in my little town of Parker, Colorado. I had been waiting for a night like this one. Parker does an amazing job with their Christmas decorations and I love taking a Christmas walk through town on a snowy night!

My favorite spot to start is always at O’Brien Park. This beautiful park would be full of people in any other year. There are horse-drawn carriage rides through town, concerts in the park, and the greatest small town Christmas parade I’d ever seen. Of course that has all been cancelled this year but a Christmas walk through town its something I can still do!

The park is pretty all year long but when the lights go up at Christmas it feels like I walked into a Hallmark movie.

This pretty Christmas tree stands in the middle of the park. Last year we had such a great time at the tree lighting ceremony. But with the Safer at Home orders still in place, we opted out this time.

This gazebo in the park is a popular spot for prom pictures in the summer, family pictures in the fall, and a few weddings throughout the year. It is always so pretty but especially so when dressed up for the season!

Santa’s workshop is new this year. Right outside is a bench where children can visit with Santa outdoors which is safer these days.

Main Street

Turning onto Main Street this time of year the first thing you see is the lighted manger and menorah.

Although the community of Parker has grown quite a bit since I first moved here years ago, Main Street remains as charming as ever.

I love the little shops here! Parker Panache has so many one of a kind clothing items, and Fika is my go to for coffee!

Kilwins is a chocolate shop and ice cream parlor that opened right before the pandemic hit. Everything is made right there at the store. We are all hoping they can make it through the shutdowns. On any given night in the summer, I know there will be lines out the door for this shop.

Further down the street, the newest building in town fits in well. The tents that you see in front of the restaurants are simply a sign of the year we are in. When indoor seating begins again, they will disappear.

Throughout the town there are several bronzed statues. They always look so pretty but at Christmas they are joined by displays put in place be local businesses.

During the lighting ceremony each year, the town is full of ice sculptures to enjoy while walking through. Most are long gone by now but the snowman is still going strong!

Perhaps the prettiest place on Main Street is the old white church. This is also used for many weddings throughout the year.

Down the Block

A trip down the first side street and you will see several little cottages that have been there for years. Now small businesses, they are by some new Victorians built just a few years ago.

And finally… what would a small town be without the local watering hole?

I love this little town. It is home to me. At some point I know we will leave it for warmer climates but a part of my heart will always be here!

There are so many memories that flood my thoughts as I walk. I see the many days spent playing in the park when the kids were little. The annual Parker Days carnival that was always such fun through the years. Endless Christmas parades, summer picnics, and concerts in the park roll through my mind like a movie. My kids all dressed up standing in the gazebo for the obligatory prom pictures. Yes, I love this town! If I have learned anything from 2020 it is that home, no matter where it is, really is the most important place on earth.

I took my Christmas walk through town tonight so I could share a little part of my world with all of you. (I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you sharing your special Christmas pictures with me for my Your Favorites Things post)!

As My Home of All Seasons approaches that important first anniversary, I wanted you to know that my world is a better place because of all of you! Thank you for subscribing! I’m so excited to have you with me as we start a brand new year!