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Just because the hustle and bustle of the summer has faded and is replaced with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, that doesn’t mean Deadwood takes a break. In reality, the holiday season in our little city is not to be missed.

Besides the views in and around Deadwood provided by Mother Nature, winter also brings world-class recreation opportunities in the form of hundreds of miles of snow-mobile trails and two ski resorts: Terry Peak and Mystic Miner, just outside of Deadwood.

Oh, and the gaming, eating and entertainment options remain, just as they did over the summer.

While the snow does fall in the higher elevations of the Black Hills — Deadwood included — there’s no reason to think snow will block your path. State crews do a great job keeping highways to Deadwood clear, and the Deadwood city snow removal crews are the best in the nation. So don’t let a little snow forecast keep you from Deadwood.

We are indeed thankful for these efforts, and there’s many other things to be thankful of this time of year.

To name just a few, there’s free parking in Deadwood from Thanksgiving Day through

Dec. 26. Every quarter counts, so Deadwood invites all guests to park at meters around town at no charge.

Deadwood’s newest property, The Lodge at Deadwood, is now open for business.

Also open during the holidays are scrumptious feasts at area restaurants and casinos — a fantastic family style meal without the dishes. And we owe even more gratitude to the city of Deadwood workers for adding a fine touch of holiday spirit in the colorful light bulbs atop the street lights.

For visitors to Deadwood, NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources, along with the Deadwood Trolley Department, will again sponsor the annual Tour of Lights in Lead,

Deadwood and Central City at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 10, 15 and 17.

Come enjoy hot chocolate and the Christmas lights around the area while riding the Deadwood Trolley. A nonperishable food donation is requested for the trip. To make a reservation, call Erin at 578-1401.

There’s also a Christmas Party with kids in mind at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16. The event is at the Charlie Utter Theater above the Saloon No. 10. The event is open to everyone and will be the only stop Santa makes in Deadwood until Christmas Eve. Santa and his elf will have gifts for all the children who attend as well as hot dogs and cookie decorating.

When it comes to visitors, we are very grateful for all who visit us and help shape the Deadwood of today. There’s a pretty small contingency of year-round residents here in Deadwood, and it’s always nice to see new faces around town (and not just because we get tired of seeing each other). We appreciate the millions of visitors who include Deadwood on their vacation itineraries, and we surely hope everyone enjoys their stay in historic Deadwood.

Happy holidays!

Visit www.deadwood.org for more information.