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Venture into a True Winter Wonderland this Holiday Season in Colorado

DENVER, CO – (November 4, 2025) – From light-filled holiday celebrations in cities and towns like  Denver and Fort Collins to powder filled days on the ski slopes of Steamboat and Crested Butte, Colorado will transform into a winter wonderland this holiday season. 

Across the state, travelers can cozy-up in accommodations with festive offerings, explore ski resorts that  infuse the holiday spirit into the mountains and discover special events that light up our vibrant downtowns. Whether it’s boarding a historic holiday train through the Rockies, exploring ice castles and holiday markets, or dashing through the snow on a sleigh ride, Colorado’s seasonal celebrations and outdoor adventures capture the true magic of the season.

As the countdown begins for the New Year,  the Centennial State is also gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026, which coincides with the nation’s 250th birthday. This winter, Colorado invites visitors to create treasured memories in a snow globe setting. For more details and additional story ideas, please visit www.Colorado.com. 

Charming Cities and Towns that Embody the Holiday Season:

  • Aspen: Aspen embodies a storybook holiday village offering days filled with steep turns and unbeatable apres ski offerings. Kick off the holidays in Aspen, with the 74th annual Wintersköl — Aspen’s annual “toast to winter,” which for decades has featured a diverse weekend of events with a multi-day festival showcasing a range of on-mountain activities, snow sculptures, a soup contest, a beer festival, live music, a bonfire, a torchlight descent and fireworks on Aspen Mountain. Celebrate with tree lightings around town. The Little Nell, St. Regis Aspen, and Sardy House all host their own tree lightings to celebrate the holidays, with celebrations that include gingerbread houses, hot cocoa and performances.
  • Breckenridge: With snow covered peaks, frosty trees and scenic views, Breckenridge is the perfect destination to embrace the holiday spirit and feel like you’ve stepped into a snow globe. Kick off the holidays with The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas during the first weekend of December, as hundreds of Santa look-alikes will run down Main Street in a classic fan-favorite race to kick off the holiday season. After the event, stick around to watch the village streets transform with 250,000 LED holiday lights. Other festivities abound throughout town including the Holiday Dog Parade, Handmade Holiday Market and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus. 

  • Denver: Denver will shine brighter than ever this holiday season with Mile High Holidays 2025, a citywide celebration filled with light, music and festive magic. The highlight of the season is the Mile High Drone Spectacular, returning with 600 drones illuminating the downtown skyline for 41 nights. The show, which is part of the America 250/Colorado 150 birthday celebration  will be visible from Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus, which will also host the Mile High Tree presented by Xcel Energy and Xfinity and the Denver Christkindlmarket. 

    Across the city, Denver’s beloved light displays will glow with renewed brilliance. Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens and Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo return with millions of sparkling bulbs and immersive pathways, while Elitch Holidays transforms the amusement park into a glittering world of color and cheer. Visitors can explore the glowing trails at Chatfield Farms’ Trail of Lights, drive through synchronized displays at Christmas in Color and experience nearly a million twinkling lights during Cherry Creek North’s Winter Wanderland. From the radiant displays at Hudson Holidays to the 9NEWS Parade of Lights, McGregor Skate and elegant traditions like the Brown Palace Holiday Tea and Denver and Christkindlmarket, Denver’s 2025 holiday season promises unforgettable moments filled with brilliance, joy and wonder for all ages.

  • Georgetown: Thousands flock to this quaint mountain village to experience an authentic, traditional-feeling holiday season in a destination where Christmas seemingly hasn't changed for more than a century. Smell roasted chestnuts, embark on a holiday shopping adventure or take a horse-drawn wagon ride through town. Experience the 65th annual Christmas Market taking place on the first two weekends in December when the town transforms into a bustling scene reminiscent of nostalgic Christmases past.
  • Leadville: Nestled among Colorado’s tallest peaks, this high-alpine town promises more than just powder with a charming historic town and the kind of laid-back magic that makes the holidays feel special. The season kicks off with Main Street’s Annual Parade of Lights coupled with the Taste of Leadville and a visit from Santa. Hop aboard the Holiday Express Train for a magical ride through the snowy peaks, carve turns at Ski Cooper or take adventure to new heights with a winter Snowmobile & Zipline Combo Tour. Stroll down historic Harrison Avenue during Shop Small Saturday and swing by FREIGHT's Motherlode Holiday Markets for handmade gifts.
  • Telluride and Mountain Village: Telluride is a winter wonderland during the holiday season that kicks off with the Mountain Village Holiday Prelude, transforming the destination into the North Pole Dec. 13 and 14. Noel Night is a festive shopping experience on Main Street highlighted by the annual lighting of a 17-foot-tall “Ski Tree” (made entirely of skis). This annual event lights up the plazas with Santa visits, train rides, ice skating, and plenty of activities fitting for the entire family. 

The Most Festive Stays:

  • The Aspen Meadows Resort Sundown Menorah Lighting: Tucked away on 40 acres in Aspen's West End neighborhood, this property’s beloved tradition of hosting a Sundown Menorah Lighting in their lobby takes place this season from December 14 - Dec 22 at 4:45 p.m., when leaders from the Aspen Jewish Congregation and Aspen Chabad House lead a gathering of locals and guests to light the menorah, savor latkes and foster community during the festival of lights.
  • The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs: Holidays at The Broadmoor are an experience not to be missed. From beautiful décor, including a massive gingerbread display, to special holiday packages, breakfast with Santa and the “Classic Holiday Show,” among other activities, it’s fun for every generation. During the “12 Days of Christmas,” become a part of celebrating a unique holiday activity each day from December 21 to January 1, ranging from baking demonstrations to whiskey tastings, fireside storytime, candle workshops and more.
  • Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs: Since 1893, visitors and locals alike have been enjoying Hotel Colorado’s extravagant holiday decorations and inviting hospitality. The yuletide season officially kicks off on-site on Nov. 28 as more than half a million lights illuminate the hotel alongside a rooftop fireworks show. The holiday magic continues inside the property, with wintry displays, a life-sized gingerbread house and 60 decorated Christmas trees for a sparkling way to celebrate the season.
  • The Curtis Hotel “Hyper Holiday Pop-Up,” Denver (December 2025): Experience the “Hyper Holiday Pop-Up” rooms at The Curtis Hotel in downtown Denver as they transform into a festive dreamland for the yuletide season. The fully decorated rooms capture the magic of the season, and those who book the holiday package will receive a stocking packed with surprise goodies and a complimentary seasonal drink flight with festive flavors crafted to capture the essence of winter, in addition to an experience in a spirited overnight stay.
  • Whovail at Four Seasons Vail (December 2025): This Christmas, “Whovail” returns to Four Seasons Vail, nestled in the Meadows Room. The experience comes complete with a Whoville-inspired gingerbread house facade, cookies, green eggnog, hot chocolate and more. The resort’s festive lineup also includes signature apres-ski, holiday menus and specialty events.
  • Gaylord Rockies Hosts ICE! Featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Aurora: For the 2025 Holiday Season, visitors can embark on a whimsical journey through hand-carved ice sculptures depicting iconic scenes from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Gaylord Rockies property, handcrafted from more than two million pounds of ice. Gaylord Rockies Resort will also debut Candy Cane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing, Gumdrop Gliders Ice Puck Challenge, and “Feast with the Grinch” event — an all-new character dining experience.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch “Festive Season of Wonder”: Starting in mid-December, this spirited mountainside resort transforms into a seasonal holiday haven, featuring Santa visits, reindeer encounters, snow globe crafting, storytelling, tree lighting and special holiday dining.

Special Events to Celebrate the Holidays:

  • Cherry Creek Holiday Market, Denver (Nov. 20 to Dec. 24, 2025): This beloved, free, daily, annual event returns for its sixth year, bringing nearly 50 Colorado makers and artisans to Fillmore Plaza, offering festive gifts ranging from handmade textiles and fine art pieces, to bottled craft cocktails, and more. Be sure to take a break from shopping to watch and listen to the live music and spirited sips at the market’s on-site Mistletoe Lounge holiday popup bar. Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs (Nov. 22, 2025 to Jan. 6, 2026): Encounter the annual festive Winter series on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, featuring nine weekends of spirited fun. Become immersed in exciting cave tours, gaze at 500,000-plus dazzling lights, listen to the lineup of live music, and look forward to a visit with Santa in town throughout the holiday season.
  • Wassail Days, Frisco (Nov. 29 – Dec. 7, 2025): This unique yearly celebration in Frisco puts local businesses’ mixology skills to the test, as they compete to serve the best “wassail” — a hot, spiced holiday cider meant to be enjoyed amongst the company of close friends and neighbors. Each business serves up its own secret version of wassail, and guests are encouraged to taste at least 12 different locations’ versions of the traditional drink across Frisco, while filling their “12 Sips of Wassail Card” that can be redeemed for a commemorative Frisco Wassail Days mug.
  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari, Colorado Springs (Dec. 5, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026, excluding Dec. 24): A stimulating evening exploring the Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo features the chance to encounter 85-plus one-of-a-kind illuminated sculptures, alongside the beloved animals who call the zoo home, year-round. Boasting larger-than-life illuminated inflatable animals, a 15-minute holiday-safari themed drone show each evening, a lineup of interactive activities, photos with Santa, and rides like the carousel and sky ride, it’s a unique opportunity to visit the zoo “after hours.”
  • La Veta Merchants’ Holiday Fest, La Veta (Dec. 6 and 7, 2025): Celebrate the season at La Veta’s Merchants’ Holiday Fest 2025, including festive late-night shopping, unique gifts from local merchants, special deals, and visits with Santa. Support small businesses, explore charming shops and soak in holiday cheer in the heart of La Veta’s Creative District.
  • Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail (December 2025): The Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail is back for 2025, bringing holiday cheer to Northern Colorado with festive light displays, free family fun, and a drive-thru option. The route stretches from Fort Collins to Boulder —  including Loveland and Estes Park, and highlights some of the state’s most dazzling seasonal displays. Don’t miss Fort Collins’ NoCo Winter Wonderland — a one-mile-long drive-thru holiday light display featuring 22 moving light displays and 200,000 lights.
  • Christmas Lights Jeep Tours, Cañon City (Through Dec. 2025): Colorado Jeep Tours is booking private Christmas Lights Tours on magical rides through Christmas light displays in the Royal Gorge Region. Visits with Santa can even be included.
  • Ice Castles, Cripple Creek and Silverthorne (December 2025): Race down the exhilarating ice slides, explore the mesmerizing ice caverns, and get lost in a frozen maze. Admire the thousands of meticulously professionally-placed icicles illuminated within breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains, and much more. The event is new to Silverthorne this year.

Ski Resorts That Take the Holidays to the Slopes:

  • Copper Mountain: Celebrate the holidays with festive, family-friendly and free events at Eagle’s Landing in Center Village at Copper Mountain. Admire torchlight parades, fireworks, and a live DJ on both Dec. 24 and 31, along with holiday cookie decorating on Dec. 24.
  • Crested Butte Mountain Resort: Celebrate the season in style at Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s festive Santa Ski Day, whether you’re wearing just an iconic hat and beard or going all out in a full Santa suit — it’s the chance to become part of a joyful event that brings the slopes to life with Christmas cheer. And to ring in 2026, the New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, led by the resort’s talented ski and ride instructors, will descend the mountain at dusk to put on an exciting and memorable display for onlookers at the base area and kick off a new year.
  • Steamboat Resort: Celebrate the start of the holiday season on Dec. 20 in Steamboat with the western tradition of the Santa Horseback Procession and an evening holiday drone show. On Dec. 21, Join the Jewish Congregation of Steamboat at the base of the mountain in a celebration of the Festival of Light with the lighting of a Hanukkah menorah. Kick off New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31 with a Light Up Snow Cat parade and the Steamboat SnowSports Instructors performing synchronized skiing illuminated only by the light of torches. At the conclusion of the parade, fireworks will light up the sky over the resort to ring in 2026.
  • Winter Park Resort: Winter Park will roll out “Deck the Slopes,” where the holiday spirit meets alpine adventure. Kick off the season on Nov. 29 with a day on the slopes, holiday music, cookies and hot chocolate, Santa visits and a holiday tree lighting in the Village. On select weekends in December, meet Santa’s live reindeer in the Village along with Santa’s sleigh and enjoy evening holiday drone shows. On Christmas Eve, enjoy holiday music and hot cocoa around a bonfire at the base - then watch as over 100 skiers make their way down the slopes - illuminating the night with flares and a fireworks show. The Winter Park Express Ski Train will offer special holiday runs in December.
  • Wolf Creek Ski Area: Southern Colorado’s beloved independent resort, Wolf Creek, will host a traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas meal inclusive of Cornish Game Hens and fixings. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Santa Claus will be visiting Wolf Creek Ski Area to hit the slopes.

Holiday Train Rides:

  • THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum (Nov. 7 to Dec. 23, 2025): THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns to the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden for a season of unforgettable holiday magic. Experience a three-part theatrical extravaganza that combines live performance, immersive storytelling and a journey aboard an authentic steam-powered train.
  • Royal Gorge Holiday Train and Santa Express Trains (Through December 2025): All Aboard the 2025 Holiday Train through the Royal Gorge for a round-trip journey in railcars decorated beautifully to celebrate the season. And on the Santa Express Train, encounter Santa Claus and his elves, Christmas carols, cocoa and cookies, and a gift for every child with a backdrop of the stunning winter season scenery.
  • Holiday Express on the Leadville Railroad (Nov. 15, 2025 to Jan. 3, 2026): Climb aboard the Holiday Express Train on the Leadville Railroad, which is decorated with bright holiday lights for a magical, fun-filled seasonal adventure. Travel through the snowy Colorado mountains on a memorable trip for the entire family while seated in cozy, heated lounge cars alongside large windows — while sipping on a hot chocolate, beer or glass of wine and enjoy a variety of snacks.
  • THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Nov. 21, 2025 to Jan. 3, 2026): Experience the magic this holiday season with an unforgettable immersive theatrical re-creation of the classic holiday story, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Board a vintage steam train and depart the Durango Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself. Onboard chefs will serve steaming hot chocolate and a sweet treat, with a reading from the Polar Express book in the background. After arriving at the North Pole, it’s time for an incredible light show, set to holiday music. And upon returning to Durango, Santa will visit each coach.
  • Santa’s Lighted Forest on the Georgetown Loop Railroad (Through Dec. 24, 2025): Visit Santa on a ride through Santa’s Lighted Forest on a stunning nighttime ride along the Georgetown Loop Railroad featuring more than 300,000 twinkling holiday lights. Santa will join for every departure before Christmas! 

Colorado-Inspired Outdoor Holiday Adventures:

  • Ice Skating: Enjoy some old-fashioned ice-skating fun at one of Colorado’s many outdoor rinks. For an urban setting, visit Old Town Square Rink in Fort Collins or Downtown Denver Rink. Both are located in lively pedestrian areas and are surrounded by charming shops and cafes. For a more mountainous venue, glide over to 40-acre Evergreen Lake, west of Denver, where you can spin on the ice and then cozy up to the fireplace in the rink’s warming hut. Keystone, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Vail, Lake City and Crested Butte are also favorite spots for skating.
  • Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Warm, snuggle-ready blankets, crisp, winter air and the gentle jingle of bells tinkling to the rhythmic stride of strapping horses are hallmarks of Colorado sleigh rides. So are elegant dinners, local Colorado wines, roaring fires and decadent desserts. Dude ranches, including those in Grand County and Steamboat Springs, are some of the best places to find fun sleigh rides.
  • Sledding: Bundle up the kids in hats and mittens and head for the hills — that’s where you’ll find plenty of sled- and tube-friendly terrain. It’s hard for anyone not to emit a lighthearted giggle as you sail down the hill, catching a bit of air as you roll over gentle bumps. Try the hills at Keystone, Steamboat, Copper Mountain, Cuchara, Winter Park and Fraser. Lifts and tow ropes will lug your tube or sled to the top of the hills, giving you time for more runs.
  • Snowshoeing/Cross-Country Skiing: With access to more than 20 Nordic centers across the state — several of whom offer adaptive equipment — discovering Colorado’s winter wonderland is made exciting via endless scenic snowshoe trails and groomed skiing terrain. Rocky Mountain National Park maintains dozens of trails. Pick up a trail map from a ranger station or join a ranger-led group tour. The Brainard Lake area west of Boulder also offers an array of well-marked trails, as do the state’s many ski towns. Experienced snowshoers and cross-country skiers can also make reservations for the state’s extensive backcountry hut system, the 10th Mountain Division. 

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ABOUT COLORADO: Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine and 28 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, 26 scenic and historic byways and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800 COLORADO. Follow Colorado on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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