The historic façades of downtown Cheyenne are the backdrop for a holiday celebration that has something for tots, teens and travelers of all ages. Activities for Christmas include everything from horses to Harleys and a Russian ballet.
The Plaza in downtown Cheyenne sets the stage for more than a month of Christmas and holiday celebration when the oversized cowboy boots that have graced the area are ornamented by holiday decorations and a Christmas tree that will be lit during a ceremony Nov. 18. That same day, the Depot Museum, housed in the historical Union Pacific Railroad depot, holds a gingerbread house contest with categories for amateur and professional bakers of all ages.
The Depot will be decked in holiday decor in late November, when the Festival of Trees opens just in time for Christkindlemart, a vendor fair of homemade arts and crafts, plus fine gifts. The Christkindlemart runs Nov. 24 - 26 with a special Children's Tea on Nov. 25 that is geared toward youngsters ages 3 to 10. An adult tea is also available on Nov. 25 amidst the fun and glamor of the Festival of Trees. The children bring small gifts and decorate a tree before partaking in their special tea time. The fully laden tree then becomes part of the Festival of Trees, which concludes on Nov. 30 with an auction of the decorated trees.
Homemade wreaths available at the weekend crafts show WTT
But the merriment doesn't end there. A free holiday concert at the Cheyenne Civic Center will include music by school and church groups on Nov. 24. A weekend crafts show is underway Nov. 24 - 26 at the Plains Hotel, and folks will line the streets of downtown Cheyenne the evening of Nov. 25 when horse-drawn carriages, mounted riding groups and Harley motorcycle riders take part in the annual Christmas Parade. Each float and parade entrant is required to display holiday lights and music. It's a combination that is sure to elevate your spirits.
For a chance to view and purchase holiday decorations, crafts and baked goods, visit Christmas House, sponsored by the Cheyenne Women's Civic League. This takes place at 2416 Wild Horse Trail, a private residence turned over to the Civic League for a fun holiday event December 1 - 2, including a drawing for a handmade country quilt. Christmas House doubles the giving: when you purchase items for friends or family, all proceeds are used for civic programs, scholarships and support activities particularly geared toward women.
St. Mary's Cathedral is the setting for the Christmas Choral Festival, featuring music by the Cheyenne Chamber Singers, Laramie County Community College choral department and ensembles from local high schools. Performances are Dec. 10 - 11.
What would Christmas be without the Nutcracker? This year the Cheyenne Civic Center hosts the Moscow Ballet performance of the classic Christmas show, The Great Russian Nutcracker, on Dec. 15.
Tea time at the Festival of Trees
Pull on your hat and coat and ride the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley to see the sights and lights of the season, including spectacular home decorations. Trolley operators carefully search out the best holiday displays and then take care of all the driving so you can sit back and relax. As the trolley winds its way through the city, there may be spontaneous caroling on board, and sometimes there is a stop for refreshments, such as hot wassail. These tours are offered nightly, Dec. 16 - 24. The trolleys are heated, but a blanket can be a welcome touch for these family-friendly ventures.
If all of this activity leaves you breathless, relax and hark back to the 19th century with high tea at the Nagel-Warren Mansion any Friday or Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Innkeeper Jim Osterfoss will welcome you to the Victorian splendor of the mansion fully decorated for the holidays and serve you a varied selection of teas and treats. It is just the place to reflect on the spirit of the season as you visit with friends or new acquaintances.
Candy Moulton lives and writes at her country home near Encampment, Wyoming.
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