MINDY LEARY
BLACK HAWK — Did someone say, “selfies with reindeer and free hot cocoa?”
What? No, that would be absurd! But that is precisely what will be happening on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Black Hawk.
The City of Black Hawk has transformed Gregory Street into a festive scene called “Christmas Street,” with dazzling lights and life-size decorations all the way up to Gregory Plaza.
And it’s about to become even more magical, with live reindeer scheduled to visit the townsfolk and visitors, courtesy of Joe and Kara Tinucci, owners of JKQ BBQ.
The restaurant (known for the best smoked meats) is part of the HARD District, AKA the History Appreciation and Recreation Destination. Try saying that four times fast.
The antlered team will land at JKQ BBQ’s parking lot (the old Crooks Palace) at about 1 p.m. and stay until 4 p.m. The crew from Jessen Reindeer Ranch will be there to share fun reindeer facts.
Chris Jessen told The Mountain-Ear that, back in 1891, the United States government brought reindeer over from Siberia to Alaska for dual purposes: as a food source and as pack animals for the Inuit and the gold miners. Reindeer, easily confused with caribou, have been domesticated for over 3,000 years!
Two reindeer, Savannah and Holly, both six years old, will leave their woodland home north of Estes Park to make the journey to the casino town.
Come for a photo and learn more about these not-so-mythical creatures. The cocoa will be steaming hot and free to the public. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be on the grill, ready for purchase.
JKQ BBQ is located at 200 Gregory Street in Black Hawk. More information can be found on their Facebook page and by visiting https://blackhawkharddistrict.com/.