Gaming towns boast abundance of holiday cheer

By Penny Parker

Hankering for some holiday cheer in Colorado’s historic hills? While this columnist can’t promise you a stocking full of cash this holiday season, I can suggest some ways to get in the holiday spirit in Black Hawk and Central City.

Colorado’s former mining towns are digging up holiday feelings and loading them into a big ole’ sleigh for you to enjoy no matter if you’ve been naughty or nice.

Both cities have decked their halls – inside and out – in glittering lights, moving scenes and historic décor to celebrate the season.

Central City’s Main Street, and the recently completed Main Street reconstruction, provides ample room for holiday strollers to take in the festive atmosphere of an 1890s town complete with twinkling lights and window displays.

You can sample local craft-brewed beers, shop for gifts and dodge snowflakes by ducking into the Gold Coin Saloon, one of Colorado’s oldest bars.

Of course, there’s plenty of festive décor inside the casinos and shops along with holiday menus at the restaurants and fine-dining establishments.

In Black Hawk, the entire city is festooned with lights and eye-catching outdoor displays. The city itself decorates with historic figures and scenes from days gone past, inviting visitors to take a trip through time.

Not to be outdone, the casinos offer lots of options for holiday treats and dining. Check out all the options with a pleasant ride using the Central City Free Ride or Black Hawk shuttles, both providing quick trips through the towns. The Central City Free Ride will take gamers back and forth through both burgs.

Ring-a-ding. Parties and promotions will help hearty partiers ring in the new year in Black Hawk and Central City.

Here are some places to welcome 2012:

Visit the Isle Casino Hotel in Black Hawk for a chance to win your share of the New Year’s Eve Cash Spree. Drawings every half hour from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. for a $500 freebie.

New Year’s Rockin’ Riches will rock your world at the Riviera Casino. From noon to midnight on Dec. 31 and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 1, players could win $500 each hour.

Johnny Z’s is throwing a New Year’s Eve party with appetizers, party favors and a champagne toast.

Lucky cupcakes will satisfy your sweet tooth at The Lodge and Gilpin casinos starting at noon on New Year’s Eve. Some come with a sweet cash prize of $10.

Fitzgeralds will bid adieu to 2011 by giving away $5,000 to one winner at 11:30 p.m. Jan. 31. An hour later, one lucky dog will win $5,000 with another giveaway at 12:30 a.m.

2012 is bound to be a golden year at Golden Mardi Gras, Golden Gates and Golden Gulch casinos. On Dec. 29, 30 and 31 visitors will have a shot at snagging $250 during designated hours. A bonus winner will take home $1,000 at 1:30 a.m. New Year’s Day, and another $1,000 winner will be awarded at midnight.

Bullwhackers will name four $50 winners each hour from 6 to 11 p.m. Dec. 30, and that’s no bull.

Penny Parker is a columnist for The Denver Post. She’s always on the prowl for tidbits and tips from Colorado’s gaming communities. Call her at 303-619-5209 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com.