Every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas the Golden Chamber of Commerce hosts special Christmas events all day long in the downtown area.  Each Saturday starts with a traditional holiday parade, which includes Santa Claus, local bands, businesses, scout troups and the like.  The Saturday festivities continue with strolling musicians along Washington Avenue, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and tasty treats provided by the stores.  It's fun, and it really does make Christmas shopping in downtown Golden even more appealing.  One of the most popular events is the annual Candlelight Walk, which was started many years ago when a few locals gathered near the Foothills Art Center to walk down Washington Avenue carrying candles and singing Christmas songs.  Word quickly spread throughout town, and now thousands show up every year, still carrying candles, still singing, and still starting at Foothills.  When the group reaches the Creek, the Mayor flips a switch and all of the holiday lights along Clear Creek go on, eliciting gasps of admiration and applause. If you’re tired of the cookie cutter quaintness of your local mall, come and experience the authentic small-town simplicity and hospitality of the Olde Golden Christmas and Candlelight Walk. The Candlelight Walk will be held on December 4th this year.