Colorado is known for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, and during the holidays, the state transforms into a true winter wonderland. Colorado’s allure during this special season lies in its ability to seamlessly combine timeless traditions with thrilling new adventures and is the place to celebrate the most magical time of the year.
Colorado invites all to embrace the holiday spirit and create treasured memories in a snow globe setting. For more details and additional story ideas, please visit www.colorado.com.
Special Events To Celebrate The Season:
- Mile High Holidays NEW Nightly Drone Spectacular, Denver (Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, 2024): New this winter, gather the whole family to see over 400 drones take over Denver’s skyline with dynamic holiday displays and performances visible throughout downtown Denver. The displays will take to the sky nightly at 7 p.m. with a few special shows.
- Denver Christkindlmarket, Denver (Nov. 23 to Dec. 23, 2024): The Denver Christkindlmarket is an authentic, German-style holiday market that plays host to local and European craft and food vendors, and tons of magical entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
- Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland, Denver (late November to December 2024): Cherry Creek North transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with nearly a million twinkling lights illuminating over 600 trees. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, special holiday shopping events and live entertainment throughout the season. Cherry Creek Holiday Market on Fillmore Plaza offers unique gifts and local crafts.
- The New Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail, Northern Colorado (late November to early January): The new Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail allows visitors to experience festive light displays, free family-friendly activities and even a drive-thru option at three Northern Colorado cities known for having some of the best light displays in the state — Loveland, Fort Collins and Estes Park — along with displays in Greeley, Longmont and more. Winter Wonderlights in Loveland takes place Nov. 23 to Jan. 1, and Garden of Light returns to the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins in December. The Festival of Trees takes place in Greeley Nov. 29 to Dec. 7, and Estes Park’s 2024 Catch the Glow celebrations take place throughout the holiday season kicking off on Nov. 23.
- Parade of Lights and the lighting of Christmas Mountain, Salida (Nov. 29, 2024): Santa Claus will light the 750 foot Christmas Tree after the Parade of Lights that will be lit each evening until Jan. 5. Explore over 20 local art galleries for unique Colorado-made gifts and find one-of-a-kind treasures in Salida’s vibrant arts community.
- Wassail Days, Frisco (Nov. 30 to Dec. 8, 2024): Businesses serve unique wassail recipes while guests holiday shop and complete a “12 Sips of Wassail Card” to receive a commemorative mug. The event includes a tree lighting with fireworks, breakfast and story time with Santa, caroling and more.
- The 64th Annual Georgetown Christmas Market, Georgetown (Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2024): Each December, thousands of visitors travel to the tiny mountain town of Georgetown to experience a traditional Christmas that hasn’t changed in 100 years: roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides and wonderful sights and smells.
- The Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas, Breckenridge (Dec. 7, 2024): Hundreds of runners racing down Main Street dressed in Santa suits is not a sight to be missed. Festivities abound throughout town including the Handmade Holiday Market in the Breck Create Arts District, a performance of the Nutcracker: Land of the Sweets and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.
- Kris Kringle Market, Vail (Dec. 12-15, 2024): Vail’s Kris Kringle Market creates a festive and magical holiday experience in the heart of Vail Village. Inspired by the Christmas markets of Europe, Vail’s Kris Kringle Market runs Dec. 12-15 starting at noon daily. The market will feature Colorado artisans, handmade food products as well as musical entertainment, kid’s activities, gluhwein and more.
- Hanukkah Celebration and Latke Contest, Denver (Dec. 15, 2024): Prepare for those eight crazy nights by playing themed games, purchasing Hanukkah gifts, jamming to live music, munching on a variety of latkes from famous Denver restaurants and so much more.
- 35th Annual Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration, Colorado Springs (Dec. 26, 2024 to Jan. 1, 2025): Kwanzaa celebrates the best and highest of the values, history, culture, philosophy and achievements of African people (living in America and in other parts of the world). The 35th Annual Colorado Springs Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration is held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. daily at In-Balance Wellness Studio.