Salida Home to Largest Christmas Tree

Salida, a small mountain town of about 6,000, lays claim to the largest Christmas tree in the U.S.—a 750-foot-tall, tree-shaped outline made of 4,500 LED bulbs on the side of Tenderfoot Mountain.

Each year, the mountain transforms into Christmas Mountain with the massive tree’s lighting—a post-Thanksgiving tradition accompanied by an illuminated parade and fireworks finale. See video here.

Dating to 1989, the tradition has been kept alive largely by volunteers and small businesses. This season, two friends stepped up to crowdfund the fireworks show, raising $10,000 in just a few weeks.

Colorado’s other contenders for the largest Christmas tree include Denver’s Mile High Tree, a 110-foot, 60,000-LED structure, and a real 55-foot fir at a Castle Rock mall.

Readers Share Christmas Memories

Thanks to all of our readers who shared their Christmas memories this year. Here are a few of our favorites.

Kenny from Grand Junction remembers how his mom surprised him with a new Stingray bike after telling him they couldn’t afford one. “I was so excited. I love that bike so much.”

Andrea in Fort Collins wrote: “I have a dog who loves the sensation of tearing up paper. On Christmas morning I let her open all gifts addressed to me, and I’ll also make sure to double-wrap the gifts I’ve gotten her. By the end, she’s happy and exhausted… It’s my favorite part of Christmas.”

Cay Lane of Aurora recalls how her mother hand-knit personalized stockings for the whole family—and began a cherished tradition of placing each one on a child’s bed or doorknob on Christmas Eve, letting them rummage through it in the early hours so “Mom and Dad could get extra sleep.”

“Taking our stockings out and hanging them up every year brings memories of my mom,” she wrote.

Dave shared a tradition started by his mother, who would hide a gift for each of her three sons and daughter, along with a series of clues scattered around the house and even outside in the cold. The scavenger-style search became a family favorite, passed down to his own kids.

Becky says her “whole extended family” gathers for cookie decorating, “fun for all—old or young,” and to eat German cabbage burgers, or kraut bierock, “a family recipe and beloved treat.”

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➤ Santa Baby is the most popular Christmas song in Colorado, according to a new state-by-state list. (See Map)

➤ Hop aboard a vintage steam train for a journey into a world of holiday magic on the Polar Express Train Ride, a seasonal attraction run by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through Jan. 3. (See Details)

➤ The Broncos visit the Chiefs tonight at 6:15 p.m. on Prime Video. Favored by 10.5, Denver looks to rebound and stay on track for the AFC West title and top playoff seed. (More)

➤ Momma Bumble, Oogie Boogie, and Yukon Cornelius are just a few of the real-life reindeer at Colorado’s very own reindeer ranch, located in the small northwestern community of Coalmont. (See Reindeer)

➤ A life-sized gingerbread display at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs pays tribute to the sport of bobsledding. (See Photos)

➤ From Highlands Ranch homes to the Denver Zoo, here’s where to see the best Christmas light displays around the metro area this year. (See Lights)

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When do you open Christmas presents?

1. Christmas Eve
2. Christmas Day
3. A little bit of both
4. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

What’s your favorite holiday drink?

1. Eggnog: 20%
2. Hot Chocolate: 19%
3. Other: 16%
4. Hot cider: 15%
5. Hot toddy: 15%
6. Mulled wine: 15%

What is Colorado’s state tree?

Show me the answer