PRESS CONTACT
Jeannie McFarland Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications
303-866-5786 | hc_media@state.co.us

History Colorado also recently opened a new exhibition that The New Yorker’s Jill Lepore has called "remarkably thoughtful." Moments That Made US is a once-in-a-lifetime array of treasures that tells the story of some of America’s most impactful turning points and the people who changed everything. From the spurs worn by President George Washington to a baseball bat wielded by Jackie Robinson, many of the objects have never before made it to Colorado. This ambitious exhibition invites Coloradans to realize: “Our story was never inevitable. We shaped it at every turn.”

History Colorado’s Holiday Offerings:

Holiday Teas at the Center for Colorado Women’s History | Denver, CO

Center for Colorado Women’s History | November 29 & December 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, and 21 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Tickets ($17-40) are limited, so purchase yours now!

Celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones and a cozy cup of tea at the Center for Colorado Women's History during its beloved Holiday Teas. Featuring a docent-led tour, the signature Lady Evans black tea, and a variety of savory and sweet snacks provided by local and woman-led business Miss Peabody’s Southern Tea Cakes, these Holiday Teas are the perfect opportunity to see the historic home adorned in all of its holiday splendor. 

Holiday Teas at the Center for Colorado Women’s History are available on select Thursdays and Saturdays throughout December. Guests can choose either the 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. seating or the 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. seating when purchasing tickets. Some dietary restrictions can be accommodated at Holiday Teas with advance notice. Please email CCWH@state.co.us at least seven days in advance of your seating to request dietary alternatives.

Georgetown Loop Holiday Trains | Georgetown, CO

Georgetown Loop Railroad | Multiple dates and times throughout December and early January
The Georgetown Loop Railroad is happy to announce its Winter Holiday Trains are running until January 4, 2026. Located forty-five miles west of Denver, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is one of Colorado’s most authentic living history experiences. The railroad offers daily train rides through scenic and snowy vistas on Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure, as well as evening journeys in Santa’s Lighted Forest featuring more than 300,000 holiday lights. Tickets sell out quickly so be sure to reserve yours now!

Meet the Collection: Raise a Glass of Holiday Cheer | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | December 1, 5 - 6 p.m.

Come experience a glimpse of how Coloradans celebrated their winter holidays a century ago with Head of Curatorial Services Dr. Rachael Storm. See serving platters, participate in Colorado’s favorite holiday traditions, try a freshly-baked 100-year-old treat, and go home with recipes and party ideas for your own history-inspired winter celebration! Get your tickets ($2-$4) before they sell out!

Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival | Montrose, CO

Ute Indian Museum | December 6, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Enjoy a day of shopping, food and fun at the Ute Indian Museum’s Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival! This seasonal event is the perfect opportunity to explore local arts and crafts, while warming up with fresh fry bread, bidding at the silent auction, and supporting Native American artists! No tickets or reservations are needed for this holiday event, which also includes free admission to the Ute Indian Museum.

History Colorado 2026 Tours & Treks Summit | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | December 10, 6 - 8 p.m.

Give the gift of adventure this holiday season! During History Colorado’s 2026 Tours & Treks Summit, our team will unveil new thrilling overnight escapades, informative walking tours, and one-of-a-kind events enriching our understanding of the history of the Centennial State. These experiences are perfect presents for friends and loved ones or as an opportunity to indulge in an excursion of your own – because you’re just as important! Regardless of your intentions for travel and exploration, History Colorado has you covered. For more information and to reserve your free ticket for the Summit, please visit the event listing available here.

Holidays with the Diaspora: A Film and Celebration | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | December 13, 3 - 5 p.m.
History Colorado’s Blaxplanation program is wrapping up the year with a film, discussion and holiday treats – in partnership with Askkanwii Filmmaking Hub. Dr. Ryan Ross from the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado will show his film, Return to Home. Following the screening, Dr. Ross and Samuel Effange of Askkanwii Filmmaking Hub will discuss what it means for the Black American and African immigrant communities to create a sense of place and build bridges within our communities. You can register for this free event here.

Artisan's Winter Market at Fort Garland | Fort Garland, CO

Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center | December 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center staff for the Artisan's Winter Market on Saturday, December 13. Shop for unique holiday gifts created by local artisans and crafters, and enjoy a day filled with musical entertainment, prizes, and delicious food. Doors open at 10 a.m., with parking and entrance at the front of the museum.

Interested vendors may pick up an application at the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center or register online. Cost for vendor registration is $20. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. The deadline to register as a vendor is December 5, 2024. Contact the museum for more information at (719) 379-3512.

The Museum will also be holding its 4th Annual Biscochito Bake-off Contest during this event. Rules to Enter: $10 Entry Fee. Submissions of 2 dozen biscochito cookies on a disposable tray will be accepted between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Judging will begin at 12 p.m., and winners will be announced at 1:30 p.m. Pre-register for the contest online or by contacting Antonia Velasquez at 719-379-3512 or antonia.velasquez@state.co.us. 

Free Family Day | Trinidad, CO

Trinidad History Museum | December 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During December’s Free Family Day at the Trinidad History Museum, shop special gift store discounts on items perfect for holiday gifts! You’ll also find seasonal crafts and treats for the whole family, plus free museum admission and holiday decorations and lights. This event is free, but please RSVP online.

Members-Only Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Winter Holidays | Virtual

Zoom Video Conferencing | December 16, 1 - 2 p.m.
The cold (and snowy) days of winter always provide a good reason to spend time with our loved ones and look back on days past. Virtually join Collections Manager Amanda Vestal to check out holiday-related items in the History Colorado Collection. From a 1905 Thanksgiving proclamation to hundreds of Christmas cards and ornaments, menorahs and modern day New Year’s accessories – let’s explore what our collection holds!

This event is free and for members only. You must register here to receive a confirmation email including the Zoom link. Please reach out to membership@state.co.us with questions. Not a member? Join today! 

New Attractions:

New Exhibition – The Moments that Made US | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | Now on View!
Moments that Made US brings together fifty extraordinary artifacts spanning eight centuries of American history, revealing the struggles, triumphs, and resilience that have shaped the nation. Each artifact offers a window into the moments that defined who we are, and who we continue to become. Moments That Made US is History Colorado's latest exhibition recognizing the America 250 - Colorado 150 anniversary, a public history initiative that invites Coloradans to reflect on the defining events that shaped our nation and our state. Further, this is a signature initiative of the America 250 - Colorado 150 commemoration.

New Exhibition – Americans | Trinidad, CO

Trinidad History Museum | Now on View!
This renowned traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street and the National Museum of the American Indian offers a new way of understanding familiar events, including Thanksgiving as a modern invention and Pocahontas as a key figure in the founding of our country. American Indians are less than one percent of the population, yet images of Indians are everywhere. Now showing at theTrinidad History Museum, Americans gives visitors a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the significant ways American Indian culture and imagery are woven into our nation’s identity.  This exhibition is included with admission to the Trinidad History Museum and will be on display through January 10, 2026.

December Events at History Colorado Sites Around the State:

First Friday Paint Night | Trinidad, CO

Trinidad History Museum | December 6, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Join the Trinidad History Museum during Trinidad’s First Friday Art Walk for a guided paint class taught by local artist Risa Phelps. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for two people when you enter code DUO50 at checkout. History Colorado Members receive a 20% discount. Tickets include all supplies needed! Light refreshments will be provided, but outside beverages and food are welcome. To reserve your spot, purchase a ticket online or contact Millie Duren at emily.duren@state.co.us or 719-846-7217.

House Museum Book Club | Denver, CO

Center for Colorado Women's History | December 7, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Join the Center for Colorado Women's History and Molly Brown House Museum staffs to read and discuss books related to women’s history, Colorado history, and books by women authors from Colorado. The free book club takes place on a Sunday of the even-numbered months of 2025 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and can be attended either in-person at the host museum or online via a Zoom link. A complete list of books and club meeting dates can be found here. You can email any questions to Cat Jensen at cat.jensen@state.co.us.

Tommy Orange Author Talk | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | December 10, 7 p.m.
In partnership with the Sand Creek Massacre Foundation and the University of Colorado Center of the American West, History Colorado Center is hosting Pulitzer Prize finalist and MacArthur Fellow Tommy Orange for a free-to-attend author talk. Tommy Orange, Oakland-based author and citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, has published two award-winning and New York Times Bestselling contemporary novels that center Native American histories and themes, including subjects of History Colorado research efforts such as the Sand Creek Massacre and Native American Boarding Schools. This event is free but you must register for a ticket.

Heritage Arts Series: Yarn Dye Workshop | Trinidad, CO

Trinidad History Museum | December 20, 1 - 3 p.m.
Join the Trinidad History Museum for a workshop led by local textile artist Sandy Fox. You’ll learn how to dye wool yarn and go home with your own skeins of yarn. The $25 ticket cost includes all materials for the workshop. Seats are limited and reservations are required, so get your tickets online or by contacting Millie Duren at emily.duren@state.co.us or 719-846-7217.

Your Holiday Event! | Denver, CO

History Colorado Center | Available All Year
If you’re looking for a venue for your next event or holiday party, we have spaces available! The History Colorado Center offers stunning views of downtown and majestic mountains. We are conveniently located in the heart of Denver and our friendly and professional team offers full-service event planning including culinary experts. Treat your guests to an event experience that includes access to our interactive exhibits set in a clean, modern museum setting. Whether it’s a meeting for 10, your dream wedding for 200, or a cocktail reception for 1,500 guests, we look forward to creating a custom and unforgettable experience. To start booking your event, fill out our online form, call 303-866-2473 or email questions to historycoloradoevents@occasionsdenver.com.

About History Colorado

History Colorado is a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served more than 75,000 students and 500,000 people in Colorado each year. It is a 146-year-old institution that operates eleven museums and historic sites, a free public research center, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation which provides technical assistance, educational opportunities, and other access to archaeology and historic preservation, and the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), which is one of the nation’s largest state funded preservation programs of its kind. More than 70% of SHF grants are allocated in rural areas of the state. Additionally, the offices of the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Officer are part of History Colorado. 

History Colorado’s mission is to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving and sharing the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through educational programs, historic preservation grants, collecting, outreach to Colorado communities, the History Colorado Center and Stephen H. Hart Research Center in Denver, and 10 other museums and historic attractions statewide. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado