Winter Events in Colorado
We don’t head inside when the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling — we celebrate with special Colorado events! Winter carnivals, ice-carving competitions and lighting ceremonies are some of the ways we live the season to the fullest.
Want event more? Visit our Colorado events calendar
We don’t head inside when the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling — we celebrate with special Colorado events! Winter carnivals, ice-carving competitions and lighting ceremonies are some of the ways we live the season to the fullest.
Want event more? Visit our Colorado events calendar
Winter Carnivals in Colorado
Coloradans consider winter our most magical season, and we love to celebrate all that comes with it at winter carnivals across the state.
Breckenridge ULLR Fest: December
Snow lovers celebrate Norse mythology during the annual Ullr Fest where you'll find revelers dressed as vikings, a downtown Breckenridge parade and bonfire, a town-wide talent show, the Ullr Ice Plunge, ice skating and fat-bike racing.
Wintersköl in Aspen: January
Wintersköl, Aspen's annual "toast to winter" dates back to January 1951 when locals began celebrating the town's unique Nordic lifestyle. The four-day fest features on-mountain activities, film screenings, a winterfest, broomball and fat-biking competitions, and much more.
UllrGrass in Golden: January
Put on your faux fur and Viking horns for UllrGrass: a family-friendly winter music and beer fest surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountain foothills in Golden. Highlights include the UllrGrass Park Parade, music from local and national bluegrass musicians and tons of local food and craft vendors.
Pagosa Springs' Winterfest: January
Are you brave enough to submerge yourself in the San Juan River's Penguin Plunge? Test your skills in the Anything Goes Downhill Sled Race or sit back and watch the mass ascension of hot-air balloons during WinterFest in Pagosa Springs.
Steamboat Springs' Winter Carnival: February
Steamboat has reveled in their bounty of trademark Champagne Powder® since 1914. The winter carnival features ski-jumping competitions, dog-sled pulls, cross-country obstacle races and a spectacular fireworks display.
Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival in Leadville: March
Fearless skiers connected by towrope to a horse and rider galloping at top speed navigate an obstacle course , and it all takes place in the middle of Leadville. Along with ski joring, the lively celebration also boasts a winter carnival and other snowy activities.
Colorado Snow & Ice Festivals
Though they don’t linger too long during Colorado’s sunny winter months, frozen masterpieces created by gifted ice artisans leave a lasting impression.
Berthoud Snowfest & Colorado Snow Sculpting Competition: January
This winter festival in Berthoud includes the sanctioned Colorado Snow Sculpting Competition. See the snow sculptures, visit booths with food and tummy-warming drinks, shop the artisan market, see Santa and Mrs. Claus, view the parade of lights and more!
Ouray Ice Festival: January
Though it’s an ice festival of a different sort, Ouray’s celebration is one of the most spectacular. Each year, 3,000 climbers descend on the town to ascend the Ouray Ice Park’s mile-long frozen gorge, while spectators watch in amazement.
Rio Frio Ice Fest: January
At the Rio Frio Ice Fest, scavenger hunts, snowman-building contests, the Rio Frio 5k and a fire-and-ice party celebrate winter in Alamosa.
International Snow Sculpting Championship: January–February
Each year, teams from around the world flock to the week-long International Snow Sculpting Championship in Breckenridge to gently coax intricate sculptures out of 20-ton blocks of snow.
Lake City Ice Climbs Festival: February
Top-roped and lead-speed climbing competitions take place on Lake City's beautiful blue wall of ice at the Ice Climbs Festival.
Cripple Creek Ice Festival: February
Artists deftly use chainsaws to carve clear creations along Cripple Creek’s main street, while families frolic through an ice maze and sip hot chocolate at the annual Cripple Creek Ice Festival. As an added bonus, the town is also home to the Ice Castles — stunning palaces made of thousands of icicles with slides, tunnels, sculptures and more.
Ski & Snowboard Competitions
- X Games Aspen: January
- Winter Dew Tour at Copper Mountain: February
- Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineer Race in Snowmass: February
Colorado Holiday Events
- Denver Christkindl Market: Nov.–Dec.
- Estes Park's Catch the Glow Celebration: Nov.
- Greeley Lights the Night Parade: Nov.
- Olde Golden Christmas in Golden: Nov.–Dec.
- Downtown Boulder's Snow Much Fun: Nov.–Jan.
- Denver Parade of Lights: Dec.
- CU Presents: Boulder Holiday Festival: Dec.
- Georgetown Christmas Market in Georgetown: Dec.
Want More?
Discover iconic winter events & celebrations
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Shop holiday markets
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