There's a place in Colorado where Christmas is ushered in with an old fashioned candlelight walk down main street, and where hometown parades highlight Saturday mornings in December. Its residents plan these free, festive activities to proudly show their community holiday spirit to any and all visitors. They want everyone to fondly recall the holidays in our own hometowns.

A trip to historic downtown Golden, located 20 minutes from central Denver, allows families of all ages to return to those memories. With two hours in Golden, time-starved families can escape the hectic rush, enjoy the traditions of the season, and even do some holiday shopping. Introducing the 2 Hour Holiday Vacation for Families.

To begin, park the car once (for free) and gather at 15 th and Arapahoe for hot cider before the Nov. 30 Olde Golden Candlelight Walk - a procession with candles down Washington Avenue. As the crowd passes each block, glittering holiday lights appear, lighting the town. You'll cross the festively decorated bridges over the scenic Clear Creek, and likely encounter talented Victorian carolers along the way. Take the kids to pet the live reindeer.

Visit the Clear Creek History Park to watch dancers and glimpse the 19 th century Colorado schoolhouse. See the Grinches and Whozits perform in the amphitheater on the Creek. There will be chestnuts roasting, storytelling and holiday music.

Or bring your lawn chairs and line Washington Avenue to see the Olde Golden Christmas on Parade each Saturday morning at 11 a.m., December 1, 8, 15 and 22. Children will delight in seeing the floats, marching bands, clowns, and Holiday characters during these thirty-minute parades. On Saturdays and Sundays in December (December 2, 9, 16 and 23) from 12 Noon until 4 p.m., kids and kids-at-heart can tour downtown inside a horse-drawn carriage for free.

For shopping, choose independently owned boutiques and stores stocked with women's clothing, lingerie, jewelry, fishing gear, mountaineering and backpacking goods, skiing and snowshoeing deals, bikes, candles, frames, household gifts, quilts, original art, gift baskets, and books. Linger awhile over lunch or dinner at one of fifteen downtown Golden restaurants featuring numerous cuisines.

After treating the kids, you'll want to return to Golden for a 2 Hour Holiday Vacation of your own.

• Olde Golden Candlelight Walk - Gather at 6 p.m. Walk begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday November 30.

• Olde Golden Christmas on Parade - 11 a.m. each Saturday in December.

• Olde Golden Carriage Rides -- 12 Noon until 4 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday in December.

There's much more to enjoy in Golden during the season of lights. Visit www.2HourVacation.com for details on all the fun, free activities. 2HourVacation.com is a partnership between the Golden Economic Development Commission and Golden-area merchants and attractions.