Few things capture the holiday spirit like the clip-clop of horse hooves, festive lights, and the charm of a horse-drawn carriage. For 12 years, JR Carriage Service has been creating such moments with free downtown carriage rides and Christmas Light Tours, offering families a chance to slow down and reconnect during the busiest season of the year.
Carriages and Community
Owner Joseph Burtard sees the rides as more than just a holiday activity. “We are all guilty of getting caught up in the stress of Christmas and the holidays,” he shared. “The carriage just kind of allows us to forget about all that.”
The pick-up location for these magical rides is near Gear Junction, a downtown favorite. The rides are coordinated with the Downtown Development Authority to encourage visitors to enjoy the area’s shopping, dining, and festive decorations.
“There’s just so much charm with a carriage in a downtown area,” said Jacob Thaden, owner of Gear Junction. “It’s an exciting, inclusive event that draws people together.”
A Hallmark Moment for All Ages
The event attracts participants of all ages. Abigail, a 12-year-old who rode on the carriage, couldn’t wait to feel the breeze and take in the views. Meanwhile, Noah, a teenager, described the experience as “cheesy like a Hallmark movie” but admitted it was still a lot of fun.
Even Gwen, who petted the horses after her ride, found the experience to be a highlight of her holiday season. “I like all the festivities at Christmastime. It’s all exciting,” she said.
Celebrating Western Heritage
The downtown carriage rides go beyond festive fun—they highlight Colorado’s rich Western heritage.
“For a lot of the kids that we interact with when we’re in the downtown area, they’ve never petted a horse,” Burtard said. “The downtown rides give us that opportunity to be ambassadors for the Western heritage here in Colorado.”
Burtard emphasized the importance of introducing younger generations to this part of their cultural history through simple yet meaningful experiences like horse-drawn carriage rides.
Wrapping Up the Holiday Tradition
Saturday marked the last day of free downtown carriage rides for the season. However, Christmas Light Tours continue Friday through Sunday until December 29. These tours are a favorite for families looking to make lasting holiday memories before the year’s end.
Burtard has already confirmed that JR Carriage Service will return next year, ensuring the continuation of a cherished holiday tradition in Grand Junction.
