Colorado transforms into a winter wonderland as snow covers the ground and holiday decorations go up. It is one of the top destinations in the country during the festive season with visitors flocking to Aspen and Vail to sample the slopes. Colorado is also home to charming little towns that transform into glittering holiday cards replete with Christmas markets, decorations, and holiday cheer. But if you are looking for a more urban experience during the holidays, then Denver is the place to be with its concerts, light displays, and parades guaranteed to entertain everyone. If you are intent on exploring the entire state for Christmas, continue reading to explore the top things to do at Christmas in Colorado, USA.
1. Go skiing and snowmobiling in Denver (from USD 385.0)
During the winter months, Denver is one of the best places to make your base if you want to enjoy the slopes along with city living. Booking this service offers you round-trip transfers from your accommodation to the ski resort of your choice, along with tips on the best slopes and equipment rentals. Along the way visitors also enjoy a visit to the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre and if time permits the Continental Divide as well.
This private transfer can also be booked from Colorado Springs or any of the ski resorts in Vail and Summit County.
Private Winter Ski or Snowmobiling Tour and Transfer
Duration: 9 hours
2. Have a fun winter at Camp Christmas, Denver
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Camp Christmas on Monday, January 3, 2022
Held from November 17 to December 24, 2022, Camp Christmas is a wonderful event where 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of Denver’s Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park are transformed into a winter wonderland that is sure to appeal to people of all ages.
You can bring your inner child to life and ride the carousel while munching on candy, explore captivating exhibits, and enjoy a craft cocktail or two at any of the three themed bars.
Camp is open Tuesdays through Sundays from November 17 to December 18, and Monday to Saturday from December 19 to 24. On the inaugural day, camp is open from 5 pm to 9 pm. It is closed on November 24 for Thanksgiving. Guests have the option of availing of fixed entry and flexible entry tickets and two new VIP camp experiences, which include priority entry and a guided tour.
Camp Christmas
Address: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, 801 South Yarrow Street, Lakewood, CO 80226
Website: Camp Christmas
Opening hours: Nov 17: 5pm - 9pm; Nov 18 - Dec 18: Tue - Sun, Dec 19 – 24: Mon - Sat: 4pm - 9pm (closed on Nov 24)
Price: starting at 12 USD
3. Have a great time at the Parade of Lights, Grand Junction
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Arguably the biggest holiday event in Grand Junction, the Parade of Lights is popular among both locals and tourists alike. On December 3, 2022, from 5 pm onwards, more than 100 elaborate floats will take to the streets to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. The theme for this year is ‘No Place Like Home.’
This year is extra special as the event celebrates its 40th anniversary, so you can be sure that the floats will be grander than before. This is a free event and the parade can be viewed from any of the vantage points along the designated route. But make sure to get here before the time to ensure that you have an unrestricted view of the floats.
Parade of Lights
Address: Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Website: Parade of Lights
Opening hour: 5pm
Price: Free
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4. Shop for souvenirs at Georgetown Christmas Market
The charming mountain town of Georgetown hosts an annual Christmas Marketplace on the first and second weekends of December. Located about an hour’s drive from Denver, a visit to the Christmas Market can make for an excellent escape to experience Christmas traditions that have remained unchanged for years.
The town transforms into an outdoor European marketplace where visitors are serenaded by carolers dressed in Victorian costumes. Along with traditional stores, the market also welcomes unique shops to sell their goods. In addition to Christmas ornaments, visitors can also find Victorian artifacts, antiques, and rare books for their homes. Combine a visit to the market with a little sightseeing to major attractions all dolled up in festive decor.
Georgetown Christmas Market
Opening hours: Dec 3 - 4 & Dec 10 - 11: 10am to 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
Colorado Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Get with the season at the Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
You might have seen races, but have you ever seen Santas of all shapes and sizes running to kick off the holiday season? The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas is held on the first weekend of December as the small town of Breckenridge marks the beginning of the holiday season. The only rule for this half-mile (0.8-kilometer) pre-registered race is to be dressed in Santa costume, and of course to bring your holiday cheer.
Stay back after the race and watch as Main Street is illuminated by 250,000 LED lights that stay up all through the holiday season. The day also includes a Holiday Dog Parade, and Moose March, a race for children 12 and under.
Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas
Address: Main Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424,
Website: Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas
Opening hour: Race of the Santas: 4:20pm; Lighting of Breckenridge: 5pm
Price: Free, registration fees apply
6. Santa Express Train, Canon City
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Make holiday cash while having fun aboard the Santa Express Train! We have just a few positions left to fill: Cooks,...
Posted by Royal Gorge Route Railroad on Wednesday, November 10, 2021
From November 19 to December 24, and December 26 to 30, children and adults alike can be transported to the North Pole in this cheerful Santa Express. The service runs four times daily at 9:15am, 12:30pm, 4pm, and 7pm. Once you are settled in, and special guest Santa boards the train, you depart from Santa Fe Depot for an exciting holiday adventure to the North Pole.
Along the route, you will be absolutely dazzled by the holiday lights, with the evening trips also having a spectacular laser light show on canyon walls. Traveling along the Royal Gorge Route guests enjoy scenic views of the Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River.
Ticket prices range from 84 USD for children and 94 USD for adults in coach to 114 USD for children and 124 USD for adults traveling in the vista dome or deluxe class. Each ticket includes meeting Santa, hot cocoa, and cookies. Additionally for each child, there is a special Christmas gift.
Santa Express Train
Address: Santa Fe Depot, Cañon City, CO 81212
Website: Santa Express Train
Opening hours: November 19 to December 30: 9:15am - 7pm (closed on Christmas)
Price: starts at 84 USD
7. Catch a classic Christmas show in Denver
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
THE NUTCRACKER • November 26–December 24, 2022 The holiday spirit leaps to life in this treasured family tradition....
Posted by Colorado Ballet on Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Christmas is one of the most popular times to catch a show with your family and friends to get into the holiday spirit. Denver hosts a variety of performances from the iconic The Nutcracker put up by the Colorado Ballet to a variety show with the Magical Cirque Christmas featuring multiple acts, elaborate costumes, and live music. Children are sure to love the magnificent Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a stage adaptation of the 1964 animation featuring performers of all ages and songs to keep everyone entertained.
The show run and venue vary for each performance and it is recommended that you book your tickets in advance before the festive season.
8. Relive the tale at Las Posadas in Morrison
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This traditional Mexican event celebrates the journey of Mary and Joseph as they travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem searching for shelter leading up to the birth of baby Jesus. This event is held annually on Christmas Eve at The Fort Restaurant just on the outskirts of Denver.
Attendees can sample Mexican hot chocolate, traditional biscochitos, and hot cider at this outdoor event.
Las Posadas in Morrison
Address: The Fort, 19192 Highway 8, Morrison, CO 80465
Website: Las Posadas
Opening hours: 4pm - 5:30pm
Price: Free
9. Dazzle yourself at Luminova Holidays, Denver
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Happy New Year!! 2022 Our final night at @elitchgardens is tomorrow (Jan. 2nd). Get your tickets today so you don't miss out on the brightest event of the year!
Posted by Luminova Holidays on Saturday, January 1, 2022
Come November, Elitch Gardens is transformed into a magical wonderland filled with light and entertainment for the entire family. Marvel at the 65-foot (20-meter) Christmas tree, walk through the 300-foot (91-meter) candy cane tunnel, and take in the view of the illuminated park from the Ferris Wheel.
Feel like a child again as you explore this annual Denver attraction with your loved ones. The event starts on November 25 and ends on January 1, 2023.
Luminova Holidays
Address: Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle Denver, CO 80204
Website: Luminova Holidays
Opening hours: 5pm - 10pm (daily)
Price: starts at 20 USD
10. Have an enjoyable night at Christmas Across the Ages, Broomfield
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Be serenaded by the soulful voice of mezzo-soprano Claire McCahan as she presents cheerful holiday music through the ages. The event is to be held on December 16.
The evening will transport you to the time of Bach and through music will bring you toward the more contemporary Christmas classics and favorites. Accompanying the music will be stories about music and how it transcends time and culture.
Christmas Across the Ages
Address: Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Road, Broomfield, CO 80020
Website: Christmas Across the Ages
Opening hours: 7:30pm
Price: 25 USD (Full-time student with ID), 60 USD (standard)
Have a mesmerizing Christmas in Colorado
Christmas is incomplete without snow, carols, dazzling light displays, and thick hot cocoa. When you come to Colorado during the holiday season you will be welcomed by all this and much more. Come to this winter wonderland and you can be sure that there is no shortage of things to do on Christmas in Colorado, USA.
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