UPDATED WITH PHOTOS & VIDEO: It's time to celebrate the season in Black Hawk with a holiday lighting ceremony

The holiday season is officially underway in Black Hawk! Mayor David D. Spellman and city officials threw the switch to light the lights and kick off the holiday celebrations this evening in Black Hawk. Students from Gilpin Elementary School sang songs of the season, and everyone enjoyed steaming cups of cocoa and wassail to usher in the holidays. When the switch was thrown, the holiday lighting lit up the night!

Here are some fun details about the City of Black Hawk's holiday displays:

• The contractor that creates, maintains and installs the holiday decor is Alpine Artisan Studios
• There are about 75,000 Lights in 69 trees
• There are over 150 lamp posts decorated with garlands and 92 with red LED lit bows
• There are over 110 props including signs, figures, snowflakes, wreaths and characters
• There are 21 RGB wall washers
• There is over a mile of LED rope light, a half mile of garland, and close to 500 pounds of glitter
• Crews worked for three weeks to clean and refurbish the décor
• It takes a 6 person crew one full week to install all of the tree lighting and another 6 person crew almost two weeks to install all of the props
• Several more days are involved with the actual powering up
• Removal and storage typically takes another week towards the end of January

Everyone gathered at the Gazebo at Stroehle Square at the corner of Gregory Street and Main Street, the centerpiece of the City of Black Hawk holiday lighting display. Holiday lights will illuminate all of Gregory Street and Main Street as Black Hawk celebrates the season.

"Black Hawk may be best known for gambling, but it is a beautiful resort destination for the holidays. Just a short drive west of Denver, you feel like you are a world away in the beautiful canyon which couldn't be more festive during the holidays," says Black Hawk Mayor David Spellman. "We invite everyone to come up, experience Colorado history, see what's new and celebrate this special time of the year with us."

When: Tuesday, November 28, 2017, 5-5:30pm
Where: Gazebo at Stroehle Square, corner of Gregory Street and Main Streets, Black Hawk

About the City of Black Hawk

Since its first lode gold strike of 1859, Black Hawk continues to preserve the past while preparing for the future. The mission of the City of Black Hawk is to progressively provide cost-effective programs and services of the highest quality to the community. During the past 20+ years, more than $1 billion has been invested in land, casinos and related development. Today, Black Hawk is ranked 18th in gaming destinations by American Gaming Association, generating over 85% of Colorado's gaming revenue and hosting more than 20,000 gaming visitors daily.