Why Estes Park, CO Should Be Tops on Your Christmas Town Bucket List

Driving into Estes Park in winter is like driving into a storybook. Mountains surround you on all sides, draped in snow. You see enormous elk in the park as you pass the frozen lake. Once you enter downtown you’re met with lights, smiles, and plenty of festive hustle and bustle.

If you’re into the look of a Hallmark Christmas movie, with a laid back Colorado vibe and a welcoming local community… pack your Santa hat. Estes Park is where you need to be this Christmas.

Skiing is available, but not the top priority

Most folks who come to Colorado in winter (especially from Atlanta) are coming to ski or snowboard. That was always our strategy, anyway. And while snowboarding is one of my favorite things on earth… that drive from Denver to the ski resorts (across I-70) is tricky, scary, unpredictable… you get it.

The great thing about Estes Park is that you avoid I-70 when heading into the mountains. It’s about an 1.5 hours northwest of the airport, and an easy drive.

Here’s the scoop… Estes Park is the perfect vacation spot for those who don’t ski or snowboard. There is so much to do to celebrate the season, and because it’s not a ski town, the prices for lodging, food and activities are very affordable.

But… if you still want to hit he slopes while you’re in town, Eldora (on the Ikon Pass) is your closest option. It’s a smaller resort but we love it! And the parking is free!

The annual parade and festival weekends bring holiday magic

Each year Estes Park holds a Christmas parade one weekend… and a themed holiday festival occurs on a different weekend (Double the opportunity to visit! Double the opportunity for snow!)

The festival theme changes every year – 2024’s festival was all about snowmen! Here’s a sample of what this year included:

• 50 of the local businesses participated in the Snowman Scavenger Hunt. By visiting 20 locations, finding the “hidden snowman” and having them stamp my card, I was able to head to Simply Christmas for an adorable Estes Park snowman ornament.
• At Bond Park in the middle of downtown you can watch live ice carving, take a free horse-drawn carriage ride, get your photo taken with Santa or Buddy the Elf (that’s the videos above!), nosh on a special from a food truck, and more.
• Catch a musical light show put on by the state’s only Pixel Pine tree – also at Bond Park. It’s 36-feet of festive fun, with hundreds of thousands of LED lights dancing in a choreographed display set to holiday music.
• Watch the calendar for the chance to meet with Savannah the Reindeer. You’ll have the opportunity to snap photos with both the reindeer and Kris Kringle – for FREE.

Holiday Town and Candy Cane Lanes offer strikingly jolly fun

The Bull Pin is a local’s staple all year round, showcasing upscale bowling and a restaurant that serves delicious eats. But at Christmas, it transforms into a merry celebration of all things Christmas kitsch – in the best possible way.

Before I tell you about the Santas and snowmen, let’s get back to the food! I kid you not, this isn’t bowling alley food. It’s packed with flavor! I highly recommend the cheese curds… even better than Wisconsin. No joke.

After that, you’ll want the Korean chicken sandwich. It’s has a bit of a kick, but not too much… just right. And, by all means, be sure to check out the holiday drink menu.

When you’ve finished your meal, carry your drink over to Candy Cane Lanes for a game or two of bowling. You’ll find more decor, Christmas bowling graphics and games, and more.

There are a ton of fun events happening here for adults or families… like the Bad Santa dueling pianos night, pin painting and breakfast with Santa.

Tis the season for shopping

Much of the holiday happenings are downtown, so while you’re there you might as well shop till you drop! One of the cutest stores is Simply Christmas. I mentioned them above because it’s where we picked up our scavenger hunt prize… it’s filled to the brim with all sorts of Christmas cheer!

Trendz at the Park (above, right) was probably my favorite downtown shop. It’s a boutique with all the cutest decor, clothing and tchotchkes – more upscale than most of the other stores, but not ridiculously expensive like you’d expect.

Another store I didn’t want to leave was McDonald Book Shop (above, left.) It’s so cozy, and smells of wood and paper… and passion. There is a super kid’s section – be sure to look at the calendar for special Christmas reading time for kids. There are also great books about the area including stories of several sensational historical figures tied to the area.

We were also lucky enough to visit two holiday markets… there are several of them throughout the season all at different locations so be sure to check the Visit Estes Park website when you visit. It’s special to pick up a print, card, piece of jewelry, etc from one of the local artists.

A festive way to sip, savor, and celebrate

SereniTEA Tea Room in downtown Estes Park is special any time of year, but especially at Christmas.

Make reservations for their Christmas Tea, which includes a three-tier dessert stand adorned by handcrafted tea sandwiches (the chicken curry is to die for,) cranberry scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate sweets and an unlimited pot of tea.

Best when also served with a few girlfriends, while donning our tea hats!

According to our server, Maroon Bells Lady Grey is one of the most popular teas… but we selected from the holiday tea blends which included flavors of gingerbread, cinnamon, roasted nuts, and more. There were about 10-12 options to chose from.

You can upgrade your tea with the addition of a mimosa or prosecco, and don’t be shy about bringing the kids. You’re little ones will love the Christmas Princess Tea.

Snowy hikes and Hidden Valley fun in Rocky Mountain National Park

While there are not special “Christmas” activities inside Rocky Mountain National Park, taking a short (or long) hike in the park is bound to put you in the holiday spirit.

Even if your visit doesn’t coincide with a snowfall in Estes Park, the national park is much higher in elevation and almost certain to be blanketed in snow. Yes – it’s that big a difference in only the ~10 minute drive from downtown to the Beaver Creek park entrance!

There are over 350 miles of trails in the park, but hiking the lakes off Bear Creek Road is my favorite option any time of year.

It’s only about a 2 mile hike, round trip, to Dream Lake. That offers a great opportunity to spend time in RMNP without it eating your whole day (though that’s not bad either.) You’ll pass Nymph Lake as you hike to Dream Lake, and you’ll find yourself in awe of the views.

In the photo above you can see the frozen Nymph Lake behind me. In the video, I am celebrating my arrival at Dream Lake.

In the photo above, I’m following Rich who is local to Estes Park. We passed through a makeshift arch of evergreens to see this spectacular view seemingly out of nowhere. And right around the bend is Dream Lake. Gorgeous, right?

In winter you will still need a day pass or annual park pass to get into the park, but you don’t need a reservation. There are far fewer people who visit in winter. I loved the quietness of the snow… and the opportunity to visit without the crowds.

If you hike the park, bring snowshoes or micro spikes. The popular trails like this one are generally packed, so micro spikes are much better. If you don’t have any, be sure to stop at Estes Park Mountain Shop before heading up. They offer every type of rental you could imagine, including spikes. Even snow gear for the kids.

In fact, if you have kids, rent a sled while you are at the Mountain Shop, and make a stop at the Hidden Valley inside the park. It was a former ski location, and while it’s no longer operating it is a super place for snow sledding.

One final note here. After your snow fun, when coming out of the park, stop at Coffee on the Rocks. You’ll find delicious hot coffee and snacks, easy parking, and ducks gathering at the outdoor pond which are fun to feed.

Holiday magic and history at The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel is one of Colorado’s best known hotels, probably because it is where Stephen King found his inspiration for The Shining. But friend, it is so much more than that!

If nothing else, be sure to stop in and admire the Christmas decorations, and read the plaques, photos and information about the history of the hotel. You can grab a coffee and snack in the cafe. And in winter, parking is free.

However… there is much more to do! Take one of many tours offered by the hotel, grab brunch at Brunch & Co in the Lodge next to the hotel, or make plans to visit the old Stanley family homestead during their Yuletide Open House.

Brunch & Co is amazing. Sensational. Beyond delicious. It’s my favorite brunch is Colorado. OK. Maybe my favorite ever. But I’ll save that story for another post (coming shortly!)

My recommendation? Booking a whiskey tasting is THE ideal way to get in the holiday “spirit. (See what I did there?)

The Stanley doesn’t make it’s own whiskey and bourbon…. but the tastings they offer are still very special. Brands you know like Maker’s Mark, Woodruff Reserve, Elijah Craig… and local and small batch distillers like Still Austin and Boulder Spirits are served here. But not the ones you can buy at the package store.

The Stanley Hotel works with distillers around the world to offer a Stanley-only single barrel selection. Each of these special selections are available for purchase at the Vault in the hotel – generally less than 200 bottles. Ever. And, selections are also available during the tasting.

Every level of whiskey enthusiast (and even non-enthusiasts) are welcome to the tastings. I spoke with one local who told me he didn’t like whiskey… until he sampled the spirits at Stanley.

The guys who run the tastings are unpretentious, down to earth, incredibly knowledgeable, and they make the tasting relaxed and fun. The tasting room is cozy and warm. You just can’t miss this one.

You’ve got to make it to Estes Park for Christmas; it really is a magical place. But if you’re drawn here for the winter after the holidays then you won’t want to miss these cool events:

● First People’s Festival: Jan. 17-19, 2025
● SkiJor: Jan. 24-26, 2025
● Frozen Dead Guy Days: March 14-16, 2025

I’ve got more on these and other winter fun in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!