400 E 8th Ave

As Colorado marks its 150th anniversary, the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion has opened its doors for a holiday tradition rooted in state history. This year’s Holiday Decoration Tours transform the mansion into a walkthrough of Colorado’s past, pairing seasonal décor with stories that shaped the state. Public tours take place Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Each room highlights a different chapter of Colorado history. One space honors the state’s leadership in women’s suffrage, noting Colorado’s 1893 vote to grant women the right to vote and the 1894 election of the first women to serve in a U.S. state legislature. Soft colors and period inspired décor recognize the reformers who helped expand civic life.

Another room focuses on Colorado’s military history and Gold Star families. Displays trace the 1858 gold discovery, the formation of the Colorado Militia in 1860, and the evolution of the Colorado National Guard, tying service and sacrifice to the state’s frontier origins. The mountain and railroad themed room reflects the engineering feats that connected Colorado’s rugged terrain. Exhibits highlight the Denver and Rio Grande Railway, rail access to mining towns like Silverton and Leadville, and landmarks such as the Georgetown Loop. A Colorado State Fair themed room celebrates generations of agriculture, entertainment, and community gatherings in Pueblo, with vintage artwork and festive greenery adding a nostalgic tone.

The tour’s centerpiece is the atrium, featuring tall white columns, large windows, a central chandelier, and multiple Christmas trees arranged in a semicircle. The trees are provided by the Colorado State Forest Service, representing forest stewardship across the state. An on site menorah display adds an interfaith element, recognizing Colorado’s diverse communities during the holiday season. Together, the rooms offer a seasonal journey through 150 years of Colorado history, blending celebration, education, and tradition inside one of the state’s most iconic homes.