The holiday magic sparkles when snow blankets festive Colorado. From sparkling tree lightings and European-style markets to quirky parades and ice-carved wonderlands, Colorado’s mountain towns know how to celebrate in style. Here are some of my favorite places to get swept away in festive fun this season.
Holiday Cheer in Vail
Every December, Vail turns into a winter postcard. The holidays kick off with two beloved tree lightings in Lionshead on November 29 and Vail Village on December 7. Wander the charming streets during the Kris Kringle Market (December 11–14), a European-style holiday market filled with handmade goodies and alpine cheer.
Saturday nights in December bring festive ice skating shows, and New Year’s Eve shines bright with a Torchlight Parade followed by fireworks over the slopes.
If you’re sticking around after the holidays, don’t miss Vail Winterfest beginning January 2, when intricate ice sculptures line the Gore Creek Promenade in Vail Village.
Tree Lighting in Vail Village Credit: Discover Vail
Estes Park Sparkles in December
On the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 28), Estes Park knows how to kick off the season with the Catch the Glow Parade. The small town parade hits high on the festive fun scale. Bond Park glows nightly with a 36-foot pixel pine and festive light shows.
Families love the Snowman Scavenger Hunt happening through December 31st. Pick up a punch card at the Visitor Center to participate. A fun new addition this year is Sleigh the Games (December 12–14). Don’t miss the inaugural festival filled with winter-themed adventures and games.
Winter is also one of the best times to explore Rocky Mountain National Park with quieter trails and snowy solitude. It’s my favorite time of year to visit the popular national park. Hidden Valley is a secret gem for sledding, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing.
Breckenridge’s Quirky and Fun Traditions
Known for unusual festivals,Breckenridge leans into holiday fun with gusto. The first weekend of December is packed with celebrations, starting with the crowd-pleasing Holiday Dog Parade and the high-energy Race of the Santas, when hundreds of Santas dash down Main Street. There’s also a Handmade Holiday Market showcasing artisan wares.
The Lights of Breckenridge glow across 11.2 miles with more than 250,000 bulbs. Take a dazzling stroll through town and feel like you’ve stepped into a snow globe scene in festive Colorado.
You’ll also find Later in the month, the party shifts into full winter mode with Ullr Fest (December 18–20). Don your Viking helmet and embrace all things winter at this beloved, uniquely Breck celebration. I judged the parade in 2024 and it’s hoot! Folks in Breckenridge love a good party and this is one of the best of the year.
Bonus: Classic Hotel for Holiday Traditions
One of Colorado’s most iconic holiday stays is The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. This legendary resort hosts White Lights Weekend (November 26–30). The Broadmoor is celebrating its 40th anniversary of this tradition on November 29. From December 21–January 1, guests can enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas, filled with activities ranging from beer tastings to fireside storytime and family bingo.
Families staying at the resort especially love the annual Breakfast with Santa, happening this year on November 29, December 14, and December 20. The Annual Holiday Show, complete with a three-course dinner, lights up December 19, 20, and 24. Make dinner reservations in advance as this festive Colorado dining experience typically sells out.
Here’s two fun facts about The Broadmoor: It’s one of two AAA 5-Diamond resorts in Colorado and it holds the title of the world’s longest-running Forbes 5-Star.
Credit: The Broadmoor
