Christmas Colorado Style: 17 Festive Ways To Celebrate

Tis’ the season for Christmas celebrations! It’s a time for family, friends, and cheer as everyone gets into the holiday spirit. The great state of Colorado has a wealth of activities that make celebrating Christmas fun and exciting. Different parts of the state offer a variety of events, from the Mile High City to the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Ready to celebrate Christmas Colorado style? Here are 17 great ways to celebrate the holidays in Colorado.

CHRISTMAS COLORADO STYLE: DENVER METRO

First up is the city of Denver, the state’s capital. As a major urban center, spending Christmas in Denver is sure to be action-packed and full of entertainment.

DENVER’S FIRST MILE HIGH HOLIDAYS DRONE SHOW

Denver’s Mile High Holidays Drone Show dazzles the city skyline with brilliant, synchronized drone displays set to festive music. These nightly shows add a modern twist to holiday traditions, combining vibrant lights with Denver’s iconic winter scenery.

Each show features hundreds of drones forming captivating holiday shapes and scenes high above. Best viewing spots include spots along the 16th Street Mall, Union Station, and the Civic Center Park. Perfect for families, couples, or groups, the drone shows offer a unique, free way to enjoy the holiday spirit without the typical holiday crowds.

DENVER CHRISTKINDLMARKET

The Denver Christkindlmarket is an authentic, German-style holiday market, which is host to local and European craft and food vendors, and tons of magical entertainment for everyone to enjoy. It’s a must-see (and must-taste!) holiday experience that is FREE.

CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD ROCKIES

One of the most popular things to do in Denver during the holiday season is attending “Christmas at Gaylord Rockies,” a glorious festival that takes over much of the Gaylord Rockies Colorado Resort during the holiday season. A literal winter wonderland, this event is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

Other holiday events include a white-knuckle Cirque show, snow tubing and ice skating, and decorating gingerbread at the Mistletoe Sweet Shop. Make your reservations now for a great Denver Christmas escape.

Read More: Gaylord Rockies Christmas: Your Guide to a Festive Family Tradition

HANUKKAH CELEBRATION AND LATKE CONTEST

Prepare for those eight crazy nights by playing themed games, purchasing Hanukkah gifts, jamming to live music, munching on a variety of latkes from famous Denver restaurants and so much more. Dec 15th at JCC Denver.

POLAR EXPRESS AT THE COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM

The Polar Express is a fictional train ride from the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. This story comes to life every December at the Colorado Railroad Museum, with kids able to sit in a real train car and listen to the tale of believing. Kids can also meet Santa, who makes an appearance at the end of the ride!

Passengers will enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, cookies, and a cabaret of Christmas-themed entertainment. Kids and adults alike will love this magical holiday experience with elves that are sure to delight with their performances and antics.

NUTCRACKER WITH THE COLORADO BALLET

Few things are more synonymous with Christmas than the Nutcracker Ballet. Denver’s prestigious Colorado Ballet presents a magnificent performance of this classic holiday tale every year. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, coupled with beautiful sets and costumes, makes for a magical evening for the whole family.

Downtown Denver’s performing arts venue, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, is home to this wonderful experience. A mix of dance, music, and theater awaits you at the Colorado Ballet’s Nutcracker performance.

The talented cast performs the show a total of 22 times throughout December, so you’ll have plenty of chances to experience this holiday tradition.

BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT AT DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS

Another activity that will make you feel like part of a Christmas movie is Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Walk under snow and thousands of twinkling lights as you make your way through this holiday tradition. 

Located on York Street in Denver, the Botanic Gardens’ lights display dances to holiday music and is accompanied by beautiful decorations. The Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms is also worth checking out, as it offers a different display. It is an annex of the Denver Botanic Gardens, so it’s easy to do both!

Remember to bundle up and bring a cozy blanket to take in all the beauty of Colorado’s winter landscape. It’s also worth noting that all lights are LED lights, so you can enjoy these spectacular displays without worrying about your environmental impact.

WINTER WONDERLAND AT THE DENVER ZOO

In a similar vein, the Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo is another unique way to experience the holiday season. Over one million LED lights illuminate the zoo’s exhibits, and sculptures made of ice bring a touch of whimsy to this family-friendly event. Crafts and cocktails are available in the heated pavilions, and music adds to the festive atmosphere. 

Of course, you can also partake in all the traditional zoo activities, like feeding giraffes and watching the penguins strut their stuff. Fire barrels are stationed around the zoo for you to warm up, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery no matter what the weather is like.

MIRACLE AT UNION STATION

The historic Union Station in downtown Denver is among the city’s most picturesque buildings, so it makes sense that they would turn it into a Christmas pop-up. The cocktail bar, restaurant, and event space take on a holiday vibe during December, with special menu items available.

The decorations are well worth a visit, with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and spectacular decorations. A Hanukkah section is also included.

NORTHERN COLORADO HOLIDAY LIGHT TRAIL

The Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail is a festive journey through Fort Collins and neighboring cities, showcasing 24 enchanting holiday light displays. In Fort Collins, the Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony on November 1 illuminates 22 blocks with thousands of LED lights, creating a magical atmosphere that lasts through Valentine’s Day.

Examples? The NoCo Winter Wonderland, a one-mile drive-through light show at Colorado Youth Outdoors, features over 200,000 lights. The Garden of Lights at The Gardens on Spring Creek offers a whimsical half-mile loop adorned with colorful displays. Nearby, Loveland’s Winter Wonderlights at Chapungu Sculpture Park presents a nightly light show with over 200,000 lights set to music.

CHERRY CREEK HOLIDAY MARKET

Cherry Creek North’s Winter Wanderland transforms the neighborhood into a festive haven with over a million twinkling lights adorning more than 600 trees. The season kicks off with the Million Light Plug-In on November 21, 2024, at Fillmore Plaza, illuminating the area in a dazzling display.

The Cherry Creek Holiday Market runs from November 21 to December 24, featuring over 50 local artisans and creators. Visitors can warm up at the Mistletoe Lounge, a cozy pop-up bar offering festive drinks. The Giving Machines provide a unique way to donate to those in need, and Saturday Night Lights events on December 7, 14, and 21 offer complimentary treats, music, and entertainment under the glow of the lights.

CHRISTMAS COLORADO STYLE: IN THE MOUNTAINS

For a truly authentic Colorado Christmas, head up into the mountains for your celebrations. Various towns and ski resorts have holiday celebrations, which we’ll explore below.

FRISCO

Businesses in Frisco serve unique wassail recipes during Wassail Days while guests holiday shop and complete a “12 Sips of Wassail Card” to receive a commemorative mug. The event includes a tree lighting with fireworks, breakfast and story time with Santa, caroling and more.

BRECKENRIDGE

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is a picturesque resort town with one of the state’s most famous holiday events. The Lighting of Breckenridge ceremony is a yearly extravaganza that draws huge crowds. Thousands of people make their way to Main Street on the first weekend in December to watch the parade and enjoy the festivities.

Along with the lights, you’ll also witness the “Race of the Santas,” where hundreds of people dressed as Santa Claus race down the street. In addition to that, you’ll find Christmas carols, food vendors, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Finally, on New Year’s Eve the Torchlight Parade down the mountain is quite a unique spectacle. Skiers race down the hill while holding flares, creating a magical light show in the night sky.

Stay Here: The Lodge at Breckenridge

GEORGETOWN

Less than an hour from Denver, Georgetown is a charming Victorian-era town that makes a picturesque Christmas destination. This year marks the 63rd annual Georgetown Christmas Market and Parade. The stores open their doors to visitors who want to shop for unique gifts, and the town is alive with holiday cheer.

Horsedrawn carriage rides are available throughout the town, and people dress in period costumes to celebrate the event. You’ll be transported back in time to a simpler era with warm food and hot cider. You can even enjoy chestnuts roasting on an open fire!

And if you want to make a weekend of it, the town’s cozy bed and breakfasts will give you a chance to experience the holidays like a local.

Stay Here: Rose Street Bed & Breakfast

VAIL

Vail’s Kris Kringle Market creates a festive and magical holiday experience in the heart of Vail Village. Inspired by the Christmas markets of Europe, Vail’s Kris Kringle Market runs Dec. 12-15 starting at noon daily. The market will feature Colorado artisans, handmade food products as well as musical entertainment, kid’s activities, gluhwein and more.

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

You might know Steamboat Springs as a popular ski resort town, but there’s plenty more to this charming little town. The best time of year to visit is during Christmas when they transform the town for the holidays.

Sleigh rides in the snow are a fun way to experience the area. Shopping is also a big part of the festivities, as you can find unique handmade gifts and artisanal goods.

Of course, skiing is still one of the main draws of the Steamboat experience, and you can’t visit without hitting the slopes. Whether you’re an experienced skier or just want to enjoy the scenery, taking a ride up Mount Werner is an adventure in itself. And at night, the lights twinkling on top of the mountain create a magical atmosphere that will leave you wanting more.

Read More: 13 Awesome Things To Do in Steamboat Springs for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Stay Here: The Steamboat Grand

TELLURIDE

Next, Telluride is the definition of a mountain-town Christmas. The quaint streets aren’t as crowded as some of the bigger resorts, making it a relaxing and intimate setting for celebrating the holidays. As with most mountain towns, skiing on some of the world’s finest powder is a trademark activity. But if you don’t want to hit the slopes, there are plenty of other things to do in town.

The Mountain Village Holiday Prelude is an annual event that features train rides and ice skating down the main street. Santa Claus also makes an appearance, and the scavenger hunt is a fun way to get everyone involved. 

Stay Here: The Hotel Telluride

OURAY

We stay in the small-town Colorado category with Ouray, which boasts some of the best scenery in the state. Known as the Switzerland of America, this town is a unique and charming place to spend the season. The holiday lights and decorations are a full-scale affair here, especially the tree-lighting ceremony.

The Ouray Ice Park is a huge draw for ice climbers worldwide, so you might see some of the best athletes practicing their craft. If you’re not a fan of trudging through snow and ice, the hot springs are always a more relaxing option for restoring your energy.

Read More: 17+ Best Hot Springs in Colorado You Must Visit

Stay Here: Hot Springs Inn

ASPEN

Perhaps the most famous ski resort destination in Colorado is Aspen. As one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the country, the area has been perfecting its Christmas activities for decades.

From snowshoeing to sledding, the opportunities for adventure are endless here. And, of course, you can’t leave Aspen without enjoying some world-class dining and shopping. Hot cocoa and s’mores are aplenty in Aspen, from the slopes to the town. 

The fantastic mountain views and snow-covered trees will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas card.

Stay Here: The Gant

PARADE OF LIGHTS AND LIGHTING OF THE TREE – SALIDA

What if we told you the world’s largest artificial Christmas tree was in Colorado? Well, it’s true! The Salida Tree isn’t a tree per se, but a massive parade of lights that spans from the summit of Tenderfoot Mountain to its base. Each of the 4,500 lights is part of a tree-inspired light display that can be viewed from anywhere in town. It’s an incredible sight to see!

Regarding activities, Salida’s Main Street is lined with quaint shops and restaurants. And if you’re a snowboarder or skier, there’s plenty of fun to be had on the nearby mountain range.

Stay Here: Silver Ridge Lodge

DURANGO

While most of the tree-lighting activities on this list had you in the spectator seat, Durango is all about getting you into the action. Christmas tree permits are cheap, and you can cut down your own tree in the San Juan National Forest. Once you’ve got your tree, head back to town and enjoy a fun-filled evening in the village.

The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is another great way to enjoy the season – it’s our favorite train ride in the US! This beloved experience brings to life the holiday classic, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg, through an immersive, theatrical re-creation.

Onboard, guests enjoy readings from the book while dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. Upon arrival at the North Pole, a dazzling light show set to holiday music delights passengers. On the return trip, Santa and his elves board the train, visiting each coach to present the first gift of Christmas to every passenger.

Stay Here: Holiday Inn Express Durango Downtown

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO COLORADO

• YOUR COLORADO VACATION
• GLENWOOD SPRINGS: 9+ Sensational Things To Do In Glenwood Springs
• ESTES PARK: 17+ Of The Best Fun Things To Do In Estes Park
• RESORTS: 21 Amazing Colorado Resorts For Every Type Of Traveler
• TRAIN RIDES: 11 Fun Train Rides In Colorado (+ 8 Rail Museums)

WHERE TO STAY IN COLORADO