Halloween on Larimer Square

Its already 2021, but I realized I hadn’t shared our eery Halloween last year! We all knew it was an OFF year of celebrations, to put it politely, but I was determined to show my four kiddos a good time on Halloween with some safe trick-or-treating in one of my favorite places in Denver, Larimer Square.

A lot on the square has changed, one being new ownership to start- with big development plans in the works that they say will keep the historic elements and architecture in tact, what Larimer Square is known for, while adding new retail, etc. We’ll see what happens. I have grown up on this block! Being a Colorado gal, I used to shop all the boutiques- one of my all time favorites was a place called Square One, then it turned to Hub- they sold some epic European brands and designs- way back then! Then there was Perfect Petal, their original location remains in the Highlands on 32nd, but they had a second location on Larimer Square for a bit. Then there was my friend’s store Loft 22, I think was the name of it… forgetting now! And Nest boutique had incredible baby/children’s clothes!

The pet store is still there, and Victoriana Jewelry, vintage and antique pieces- my favorite stop now on the Square. BUT, one place that has gone is one that most Denverites know well and now have a tiny tear in their hearts over losing, The Market. A Denver staple of a European style deli! This place had been an establishment and Denver fixture since the 80’s, but the owner was ready to retire and was already planning to do so pre pandemic… I am very sad to not be able to pop in there for coffees and ice creams and egg sammies again…

But back to Halloween. Since it was the first Halloween for the babies, I wanted a place to take all four of my kiddos out in their costumes and spend some time together as a family and getting treats. When I saw that Larimer Square’s retailers would be hosting a safe trick-or-treat I planned to head downtown in the afternoon . The weather could not have been more pleasant! For a Coloradan, this was something NEW! You can usually bet on snow on Halloween here in Denver, nearly every year, and almost always COLD, but not 2020! That was a win! No coats over costumes!

The girls had fun running up and down the square and getting treats safely from the shops. We also headed over to Union Station for ice cream at Milkbox Creamery, another favorite. The boys were angels, well actually there was a snail and a lizard, strolling along for the ride. You can’t NOT dress up babies at Halloween! Those squishy plush bubble costumes are too irresistible! I actually found their costumes at a children’s consignment sale this summer after I had the babies. They were brand new with tags from Target and only $8 each so that was worth it. The girls were the cutest little witches, and wore their same costumes from last year. We bought them last year at Target. I say, as long as they fit, why not do a repeat?! One of these years I will be organized and think of a family costume in August, and prep in September and be ready for something clever by October…maybe. Maybe not, I grew up with my siblings and I all being something different, and my parents never ever dressed up….We’ll see…the important thing was… we got candy in a year when nobody was really quite sure how to DO trick-or-treating.

(Don’t worry- masks were worn by all of us, but we did drop them for a family photo.)

Here’s some pics!

Oh, and Happy New Year!

…Glo