The holiday season is upon us, and Colorado sure knows how to celebrate!
There's something extra magical about the holidays here in Denver. The city lights up with twinkling lights, there are immersive displays and exhibitions, fun events for all ages, holiday markets, and so much more.
Today I'm sharing more than 30 of my favorite family friendly holiday activities in and around Denver. In this post you'll find details for:
🎄 Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
✨ Trail of Lights at Chatfield Gardens
❄️ Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
🎄 Elitch Holidays at Elitch Gardens
✨ Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
❄️ Denver's Mile High Tree
🎄 Christmas in Color
✨ Sugar Science: A Sweet Colorado Christmas Story
❄️ Denver Christkindl Market
🎄 Hudson Holidays
✨ Camp Christmas
❄️ Krampus: Fright Before Christmas
🎄 Holiday Afternoon Tea at Babe's Tea Room
✨ Santa's Little Man Ice Cream Factory
❄️ Denver's Union Station
🎄 Parade of Lights
✨ Downtown Denver Rink
❄️ Light the Lights at Denver City Council Building
🎄 Lights throughout Denver
✨ Cherry Creek North Pole
❄️ Light up the Holidays in Boulder
🎄 Chautauqua Winterfest
✨ Louisville Parade of Lights
❄️ Holidays at The Broadmoor
🎄 Olde Golden Christmas
✨ The Polar Express at Colorado Railroad Museum
❄️ Colorado Railbike Adventures Illuminated Christmas Ride
🎄 Georgetown Loop Railroad
✨ Ice Castles
❄️ The North Pole Santa's Workshop
🎄 Royal Gorge Bridge of Lights
✨ Catch the Glow in Estes Park
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but during the holiday season it really comes to life thanks to the evening event Blossoms of Light. The actual blossoms may be gone for the Winter and the trees may be bare, but there is plenty of color to be seen thanks to thousands of twinkling lights that set the gardens aglow. Rug up in your Winter woolies, sip a hot chocolate and take a walk through the gardens where you'll be mesmerized by the sparking light displays, the glowing orbs that seem to float on the frozen ponds, the fascinating light sculptures and the fields of light that twinkle in time to music. You can see our visits here and here.
Blossoms of Light runs nightly from November 20th to January 11th (closed December 25th) from 4:30pm to 9pm.
Tickets start at $27 for adults, $22 for children (ages 3 - 15), and children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge.
Timed entry tickets must be purchased online in advance at https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/blossoms-light.
This event tends to sell out every year so make sure to book in advance.
Denver Botanic Gardens is located at 1007 York Street, Denver.
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms
Denver Botanic Gardens offers two events over the festive season. Along with Blossoms of Light mentioned above, there's also Trail of Lights at the gardens' Littleton location, Chatfield Farms. This family friendly exhibition features a mile of dazzling light displays, a children's play area with synchronized music, antique tractors and farm machinery, an 1880s ranch homestead, and hot drinks and snacks to purchase. You can see our visit here.
Denver Botanic Gardens offers two events over the festive season. Along with Blossoms of Light mentioned above, there's also Trail of Lights at the gardens' Littleton location, Chatfield Farms. This family friendly exhibition features a mile of dazzling light displays, a children's play area with synchronized music, antique tractors and farm machinery, an 1880s ranch homestead, and hot drinks and snacks to purchase. You can see our visit here.
Trail of Lights runs on various evenings through January 11th (closed on December 25th) from 5pm to 8:30pm.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for children (ages 3 - 15), and children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance at https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/trail-lights.
Chatfield Farms is located at 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton.
Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
The Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora sure knows how to make the holiday season as festive as possible. Visitors will find stunning light displays throughout the resort and grounds, holiday shops with tasty treats and gifts galore, scavenger hunts, indoor tubing, and all sorts of fun entertainment. The highlight of celebrating the holidays at Gaylord Rockies is the ever popular ICE! immersive exhibit. Visitors don giant blue parkas and enter a frozen wonderland of colorful ice sculptures, ice slides and so much more. This year's ICE! exhibit features scenes from Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. You can see our previous visits here and here.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora sure knows how to make the holiday season as festive as possible. Visitors will find stunning light displays throughout the resort and grounds, holiday shops with tasty treats and gifts galore, scavenger hunts, indoor tubing, and all sorts of fun entertainment. The highlight of celebrating the holidays at Gaylord Rockies is the ever popular ICE! immersive exhibit. Visitors don giant blue parkas and enter a frozen wonderland of colorful ice sculptures, ice slides and so much more. This year's ICE! exhibit features scenes from Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. You can see our previous visits here and here.
Christmas activities at Gaylord Rockies run through January 2nd. Times vary depending on the activity.
Tickets prices vary depending on the activity and date.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://christmasatgaylordrockies.marriott.com/.
Gaylord Rockies is located at 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora.
Elitch Holidays at Elitch Gardens
Denver's favorite theme park, Elitch Gardens, amps up the festive spirit this holiday season with Elitch Holidays. Formerly Luminova, Elitch Holidays features millions of dazzling lights, a 65ft Christmas tree, a giant lighted snowman, a 200ft candy cane tunnel, interactive activities, Santa and his elves, strolling holiday entertainers, and rides on limited Elitch Gardens attractions including the carousel, Big Wheel, Meow Wolf's Kaleidoscope, Tea Cups and more. You can see our visits to Elitch Holidays here, here and here.
Elitch Holidays runs from November 28th through January 4th from 5pm to 10pm.
Tickets are $24.99 per person. Children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge.
Elitch Holidays is also included with 2025 and 2026 Elitch Gardens season passes.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online at https://elitchgardens.com/elitch-holidays/.
Elitch Gardens is located at 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver.
Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo is a favorite with Colorado families at anytime of year, but during the holiday season is when it really shines. Literally! With over 2 million lights spread over 80 acres, Zoo Lights is a spectacle that the whole family will love. As well as beloved light displays, visitors will find s'mores stations, festive cocktails, hot drinks and animal viewing in the Tropical Discovery Building and El Pomar Village Hall (plus any other cold weather nocturnal animals that happen to be out and about).
Denver Zoo is a favorite with Colorado families at anytime of year, but during the holiday season is when it really shines. Literally! With over 2 million lights spread over 80 acres, Zoo Lights is a spectacle that the whole family will love. As well as beloved light displays, visitors will find s'mores stations, festive cocktails, hot drinks and animal viewing in the Tropical Discovery Building and El Pomar Village Hall (plus any other cold weather nocturnal animals that happen to be out and about).
You can see our previous visit to Zoo Lights here.
Zoo Lights runs on select nights through January 4th from 4:30pm - 9pm Sundays - Thursdays, and 4:30pm - 10pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Ticket prices vary depending on the day. Tickets start at $26 for adults, $19 for children (3 - 15), and children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge.
Timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance online at https://denverzoo.org/events/zoolights/.
Denver Zoo is located at 2300 Steele Street, Denver.
Denver's Mile High Tree
The Mile High Tree is back again and this year it has a new location. Along with the popular Christkindl market, the Mile High Tree has moved to the Auraria Campus Tivoli Quad. Visitors can enjoy the ever changing lights on the 110ft "tree" as they twinkle in time to holiday classics. The light displays can be enjoyed from outside the tree as well as inside. Laying down inside the tree and looking up at the lights above as they swirl around and twinkle is my favorite. It's really is an experience not to miss.
The Mile High Tree is back again and this year it has a new location. Along with the popular Christkindl market, the Mile High Tree has moved to the Auraria Campus Tivoli Quad. Visitors can enjoy the ever changing lights on the 110ft "tree" as they twinkle in time to holiday classics. The light displays can be enjoyed from outside the tree as well as inside. Laying down inside the tree and looking up at the lights above as they swirl around and twinkle is my favorite. It's really is an experience not to miss.
Denver's Mile High Tree is on display through December 31st from 5pm to 10pm.
For more information and hours visit https://www.denver.org/milehighholidays/tree/
Denver's Mile High Tree is located at Auraria Campus Tivoli Quad, 1000 Larimer Street, Denver.
Christmas in Color
Looking for a socially distant holiday activity? Too chilly to be outside? Or maybe you just want to check out holiday lights in a fun and different way? Christmas in Color is the festive activity for you! Load up the car with your loved ones and experience this drive through animated light display with over a million twinkling lights choreographed to holiday music. We've been a couple of times both here in Colorado and in Utah and it's always such a fun event for the whole family. No need to worry about the weather or dressing up. It's the perfect way to check out holiday lights in your pajamas! You can see our visits here and here.
Looking for a socially distant holiday activity? Too chilly to be outside? Or maybe you just want to check out holiday lights in a fun and different way? Christmas in Color is the festive activity for you! Load up the car with your loved ones and experience this drive through animated light display with over a million twinkling lights choreographed to holiday music. We've been a couple of times both here in Colorado and in Utah and it's always such a fun event for the whole family. No need to worry about the weather or dressing up. It's the perfect way to check out holiday lights in your pajamas! You can see our visits here and here.
Christmas in Color has two Colorado locations, Water World in Federal Heights and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, as well as other locations around the country.
Christmas in Color runs nightly through December 28th from 5pm to 10pm (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Tickets start at $34.99 per vehicle.
Timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance at https://christmasincolor.net/.
Sugar Science: A Sweet Colorado Christmas Story
Got a sweet tooth and looking for something a little different to do this holiday season? The Inventing Room has you covered. This fun Denver based sweet shop combines science and sugar to create experiments that turn out absolutely delicious. Visitors will experience a chef led culinary demonstration with traditional holiday treats served with a twist of science. Each visit lasts for 45 minutes and includes 6 festive treats, a liquid nitrogen sundae, and some time in the glow in the dark room.
You can see our visit to The Inventing Room here.
Sugar Science: A Sweet Colorado Christmas Story runs Thursdays through Sundays through November, December and January.
Tickets are $16 each for all ages and must be purchased in advance on line. They tend to sell out quickly so don't delay if you see availability. December tickets are currently available to purchase. January tickets will be released toward the end of December.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.tirdenver.com/sugar-science.
The Inventing Room is located at 4433 West 29th Avenue, Denver.
Christkindl Market
For those wanting to experience a little old world charm, Denver's Christkindl Market is just the place. This European style Christmas market features an artisan marketplace with ornaments, keepsakes, local specialties and more, as well as a tasty treats and delicious holiday drinks including mulled wine and hot cocoa. Entertainment is on offer daily and there are beloved theme days including Krampus Nacht (December 5th), St Nikolaus Day with Denver Christkind on site (December 6th), and many more.
Christkindl Market is open daily through December 23rd from 1pm to 9pm Mondays through Thursdays, and 11am to 9pm Friday through Sunday and the final week.
Admission to Denver Christkindl Market is free.
For more information visit https://www.christkindlmarketdenver.com/.
Christkindl Market is located at Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad, 1000 Larimer Street, Denver.
Hudson Holidays
The Hudson Gardens and Events Center in Littleton is home to Hudson Holidays. This sprawling outdoor event features over a million twinkling lights in trees and through out garden beds, inflatable snowmen, a holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer. Visitors can warm up with hot drinks and snacks available on site. New this year, there will be add on sleigh rides available on December 4th and 14th. You can see our visit to Hudson Holidays here and here.
The Hudson Gardens and Events Center in Littleton is home to Hudson Holidays. This sprawling outdoor event features over a million twinkling lights in trees and through out garden beds, inflatable snowmen, a holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer. Visitors can warm up with hot drinks and snacks available on site. New this year, there will be add on sleigh rides available on December 4th and 14th. You can see our visit to Hudson Holidays here and here.
Hudson Holidays runs on select days from November 28th through to January 4th from 5pm to 9:30pm.
Tickets for Hudson Holidays start at $20 for adults, $15 for children (3 - 12), and children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance at https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/christmas-lights/.
Hudson Gardens is located at 6115 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton.
Camp Christmas at Stanley Marketplace
Camp Christmas is back in Colorado! Last year Camp Christmas headed to Texas, but I’m excited to share that it’s back in Colorado again this year. Everyone’s favorite quirky holiday event will be taking over Stanley Marketplace, with some displays open to the public for free and others requiring ticketed entry. Expect to find a campy holiday extravaganza filled with Christmas decorations from past and present, pun trees, a free scavenger hunt, Santa visits, themed pop up bars, and so much more. Camp Christmas Express adds to the fun with a 15 minute walk through extravaganza.You can see our previous visits to Camp Christmas here, here and here.
The Camp Christmas displays throughout Stanley Marketplace can be viewed at any time during market opening hours through December 24th. Camp Christmas Express runs Tuesdays through Sundays.
Camp Christmas Express tickets are $10 and can be purchased on site.
For more information visit https://www.stanleymarketplace.com/all-events/camp-christmas.
Camp Christmas is located at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 N Dallas St, Aurora.
Krampus: Fright Before Christmas
If you’re into all things spooky and looking for something a little different this holiday season this festive haunted house is a must see! It’s everything you’d expect from a haunted house with lots of holiday decor and creepy Christmas characters thrown into the mix. Think Krampus, creepy elves, zombie angels, and so much more.
You’ll find these festive fiends outside the haunted house too as they stroll around the grounds spooking visitors. Due to the scary nature of this attraction it may not be suitable for children under the age of 12 - unless you have spooky kids like mine! You can see our visit to Krampus: Fright Before Christmas here.
Fright Before Christmas runs through Friday December 12th through Sunday December 14th.
Tickets start at $29.99.
For more information and to buy tickets visit https://13thfloorhauntedhouse.com/krampus/.
Fright Before Christmas is located at 3400 E52nd Street, Denver.
Holiday Afternoon Tea at Babe's Tea Room
Want to mix up the holiday festivities a little with a special experience? The holiday afternoon tea at Babe's Tea Room is the perfect choice! Guests can experience a classic English high tea with a festive twist. Think tiered platters of scones, macarons, tea sandwiches and festive treats served with your choice of freshly brewed tea.
You can see my visit to Babe's Tea Room for their holiday afternoon tea here.
Babes' Tea Room offers their holiday afternoon tea throughout the month of December at both their Denver and Golden locations.
Babe's Tea Room is located at 2401 15th Street, Denver and 1027 Washington Avenue, Golden.
Santa's Little Man Ice Cream Factory
Denver's iconic Little Man Ice Cream Factory becomes a festive wonderland during the holiday season. Through December 31st the store will be decked out in twinkly lights and holiday decor. Visitors will find a ton of holiday activities including Santa visits, bingo with Mrs Claus, gingerbread house decorating, letters to Santa, crafting stations, community caroling, live holiday music, and more.
As well as all of the festivities, the ice cream line up will feature three special holiday flavors including eggnog, gingersnap and white chocolate candy cane.
You can see our visit to Little Man Ice Cream here.
Little Man Ice Cream Factory is located at 4411 W Colfax Avenue, Denver.
Denver's Union Station
Denver's Union Station is always a fun place to visit during the holidays. On select evenings you'll find the façade of the station lit up while Christmas trees and twinkling lights sparkle all around. Inside the station you'll find more light displays, stunning Christmas trees and a pop up festive cocktail bar. There will also be visits from Santa and Mrs Claus on November 30th and December 7th, 14th and 21st from 11am to 4pm. Santa visits are free of charge and are on a first come, first served basis, but for those wishing to reserve a time with Santa a St Nick Express family pass is available for a fee.
Denver's Union Station is always a fun place to visit during the holidays. On select evenings you'll find the façade of the station lit up while Christmas trees and twinkling lights sparkle all around. Inside the station you'll find more light displays, stunning Christmas trees and a pop up festive cocktail bar. There will also be visits from Santa and Mrs Claus on November 30th and December 7th, 14th and 21st from 11am to 4pm. Santa visits are free of charge and are on a first come, first served basis, but for those wishing to reserve a time with Santa a St Nick Express family pass is available for a fee.
Union Station kicks of the holiday season with the Grand Illumination on November 28th. This event starts at 5pm and features the lighting of the 40ft Christmas tree outside the station, festive performances, and a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus.
You can see one of our previous visits to check out the lights at Union Station here.
For more information about the festivities at Union Station visit https://unionstationindenver.com/events/
Parade of Lights
Denver's annual holiday parade is always a crowd pleaser. The holiday parade takes place on Saturday December 6th at 6pm with a 2 mile route that includes Tremont, Arapahoe, 15th and 17th Streets. You can find the map here. The parade will feature all the favorites including marching bands, dance troupes, parade floats, equestrian groups, Major Waddles the Penguin and, of course, Santa. Parade floats will be displayed throughout Downtown Denver for the month of December.
For more information visit https://www.winterindenver.com/parade.
Light the Lights at Denver City Council Building
Denver's City Council Building is gorgeous any time of year, but during the holidays it comes to life with a colorful light display in the evenings. Through January 26th, the façade of the building will be lit up until 10:45pm most evenings. At 5:45pm and 6:45pm Tuesdays through Sundays there will be an 8 minute long light and music show for a little extra sparkle and magic. There will be no show on December 6th and 21st.
For more information click here.
Lights throughout Denver
You don't have to attend a Christmas event to take in the festive cheer! With holiday light displays all around the city, an evening stroll or drive in Denver is all it takes to see some stunning lights. 16th Street Mall, Larimer Square and Civic Park are some of my favorite places to check out holiday lights. An easy walk that takes in lots of holiday cheer is to start at Civic Park to watch the colorful illuminations on Denver City Council building, and then head towards 16th Street Mall where the lights twinkle overhead and on each tree and light pole. Head a little further east and you'll see the Daniels & Fischer clocktower illuminated as well as light displays in Skyline Park. Take a detour down Larimer Street for more twinkling lights and outdoor dining before continuing down 16th Street Mall to Wynkoop Street. Turn right on Wynkoop Street and you'll find yourself at Union Street Station with the illuminations on the façade, Christmas trees, light displays and maybe even Santa if you time it right.
You can see our holiday walk through Downtown Denver here.
Cherry Creek North Pole
Each holiday season Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood lights up with 16 blocks of festive light displays, a holiday market and weekend entertainment.
Enjoy Saturday Night Lights on December 6th, 13th and 20th with light displays, live entertainment, photo opportunities, and carriage rides in Civic Plaza.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market runs daily through December 24th with a wealth of local maker, designers and creators selling their goods in a festive environment. The market runs 12pm - 7pm Sundays through Wednesdays, and 11am - 9pm Thursdays through Saturdays.
Cherry Creek hosts a Chanukah celebration with a menorah lighting, fire jugglers, hot drinks, latkes and sufganiyots takes place on December 14th from 5pm - 7pm.
For more information about Winter Wanderland visit https://cherrycreeknorth.com/things-to-do/ccn-signature-events/holidays-in-cherry-creek-north.
Light Up the Holidays in Boulder
Denver isn't the only Colorado city getting in on the holiday fun. Boulder comes alive with twinkling lights throughout the holidays as part of the Light Up the Holidays event.
Through January 31st Downtown Boulder and the Civic area light up with thousands of dazzling lights hung from trees and structures as well as the Snow Much Fun Virtual (AR) Experience. Using a cell phone, visitors will be able to take a self guided tour through Downtown Boulder and spot holiday characters through augmented reality.
On December 13th the Lights of December parade takes place at 6pm and makes its way through Downtown Boulder.
Meet Santa at St Nick on The Bricks, a free event held on November 28th and 29th, and December 6th and 13th.
While in Boulder don't forget to look up toward the mountains where the Flagstaff Star shines over the city as it has done every holiday season since 1947.
For more information about holiday events in Boulder visit https://boulderdowntown.com/light-up-the-holidays/events/lights-of-december-parade
Chautauqua Winterfest
Boulder’s Chautauqua Park lights up for the holidays with the annual Chautauqua Winterfest celebration held on December 12th and 13th. This family friendly festival features carriage rides, cookie decorating, a marketplace, Santa visits, a fairy village, and so much more.
For more information and to book attraction passes visit https://www.chautauqua.com/event/winterfest-2025/
Louisville Parade of Lights
This one is our local holiday parade. It's much smaller than the parades in Denver and Boulder but it's a sweet family event none the less. This year's parade takes place on Friday December 6th on Main Street in Louisville. The parade itself starts at 7pm but the festivities begin at 5:30pm with holiday shopping, musical entertainment and Santa himself.
For more information visit https://louisvillechamber.com/parade-of-lights/
Holidays at The Broadmoor
The historic Broadmoor hotel in Colorado Springs is a festive delight during the holidays. With millions twinkling lights throughout their grounds it really does become a Winter wonderland. But the lobby is where the magic is most wonderful. Gingerbread and confectionary displays are the main attraction. This year’s lifesized gingerbread attraction has yet to be announced, but in the past it has been a cottage or vehicles. When I visited last year it was a golf cart.
Visiting the displays at The Broadmoor can be a little tricky if you're not staying at the hotel as a guest, but they do open their doors to visitors on select weekdays in December. You can visit without a room reservation December 1 - 4, 8 - 11, and 15 - 18. Outside of these dates you will require a room reservation to visit.
For more information visit https://www.broadmoor.com/holiday-faq.
Olde Golden Christmas
The town of Golden really knows how to celebrate the holiday season with a wealth of activities on offer for locals and visitors alike. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate parks and historic buildings each night through February.
Historic Washington Avenue lights up with the annual Candlelight Walk on December 5th at 6:30pm. Children and adults alike will find joy in the annual Olde Golden Holiday Parade which takes place on December 13th at10:30am. All sorts of fun festivities follow the parade include horse and carriage rides, visits with Santa and holiday markets.
Santa also returns with other beloved holiday characters on December 16th for Jingle on the Avenue. Live music, photo opportunities and Newfoundland dog cart rides will be on offer.
There's so much more on offer throughout the holidays in Golden so make sure to visit
https://www.visitgolden.com/olde-golden-christmas/ to check out all the events.
The Polar Express at Colorado Railroad Museum
For a magical family outing, plan a visit to Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden to take a trip on The Polar Express. This popular event lasts 90 minutes and includes cabaret style entertainment, cookies and hot chocolate for all guests, a ride on a vintage steam train, and a chance to meet Santa. Each guest takes home a souvenir bell from Santa. Guests are welcome to wear their favorite holiday pajamas just like the kids in the book and movie. The cabaret show and train are both heated, but don't forget a jacket for while waiting to board the train.
The Polar Express runs on select nights through December 23rd.
You can see our ride on the Polar Express here.
The Polar Express is currently sold out for the 2025 season, however, occasional tickets may become available. For more information visit https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/polar-express/.
Colorado Railroad Museum is located at 17155 West 44th Avenue, Golden.
Colorado Railbike Adventures Illuminated Christmas Ride
For a rail ride of a different sort, head to Colorado Railbike Adventures in Erie. Here you’ll find rail bikes, four seater pedal powered vehicles that run along disused rail tracks. It’s a fun activity at any time of year, but during the holidays things get extra festive with 2 mile long illuminated night time rides through a forest of twinkling lights. We haven’t done the Illuminated Christmas Rides before, but you can see our visit to Colorado Railbike Adventures during the Summer here.
Illuminated Christmas Rides run Wednesdays through Sundays with hours varying depending on the day.
Colorado Railbike Adventures in located at 4121 County Road 3, Erie.
To book tickets visit https://www.coloradorailbikeadventures.com/.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Want to take a train ride through a Winter wonderland? The Georgetown Loop Railroad has got you! This popular train ride is a festive favorite in Colorado with two options for the holidays.
During the day, Santa's Rocky Mountain Adventure takes visitors on a scenic 1 hour and 15 minute ride through the forest and across the iconic 95 foot tall rail bridge. In the evening the festivities are ramped with Santa's Lighted Forest which features more than 300,000 twinkling lights along the 60 minute route. Santa visits passengers on the train during both options. Table seating is available in the Parlor, Executive and Presidential cars, with food and beverages available to purchase. Individual seats are available in the Coach cars. Please note that it gets pretty chilly in coach.
Tickets are $38 for adults (16+) and $28 for children (1 - 15) for coach seats. For table seating, Parlor Car starts at $135 for 3 people, Executive Car starts at $159 for 3 people, and Presidential Car starts at $210 for 4 people. Infants under 1 year old are admitted free of charge but still require a ticket.
This popular event is sure to sell out so reserve your tickets now at https://www.georgetownlooprr.com/winter-holiday-trains/.
Georgetown Loop Railroad is located at 646 Loop Drive, Georgetown.
Ice Castles
Ice Castles return to Colorado this year with TWO locations! Like last year, Ice Castles will have a location in the tiny town of Cripple Creek. A new location in the town of Silverthorne joins the Ice Castles family.
Visitors will be amazed by the hand grown ice structures that glisten in the sun and glow at night thanks to colorful LED lights built into the ice. You can see our previous visits here, here and here.
Dates for Ice Castles are yet to be released as the formation of the ice crystals that make up the structures are weather dependent, but generally the event covers Winter break through February.
Tickets go on sale December 2nd and can be purchased online. Pricing has yet to be released.
Ice Castles are located at 339 Irene Avenue, Cripple Creek, and 125 Stephens Way, Silverthorne.
For more information and to book tickets visit https://icecastles.com/colorado/.
The North Pole Santa's Workshop
Did you know that Santa's workshop is right here in Colorado? Ok, so it's not THAT Santa's workshop and it's not actually the North Pole, but it IS a fun amusement park with holiday themed rides and attractions that the whole family is sure to love.
The North Pole Santa's Workshop is open now Thursdays through Mondays through December 24th.
On peak days (weekends in November and December, Thanksgiving week and Christmas week) online tickets will be required for entry. On non-peak days entry is free and ride wrist bands will be available to purchase on site for $35.
The North Pole Santa's Workshop is located at 5050 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade.
For more information visit https://northpolecolorado.com/.
Royal Gorge Bridge of Lights
Ever wondered where the highest suspension bridge the in the US can be found? It’s right here in Colorado! Royal Gorge Bridge stands at a whopping 956 feet above the Arkansas River and is a sight to behold - and to walk across. It’s even more fun during the holidays season with Bridge of Lights. During this festive event, Royal Gorge Bridge and the surrounding area are lit up with thousands of twinkling lights. Visitors will also find a Christmas Market, photos with Santa, cookie and ornament decorating, and seasonal treats. We haven’t been during the holidays, but you can see our visit to Royal Gorge Bridge here.
Bright of Lights runs November 28th - 30th, and December 5th - 7th, 12th - 14th, and 19th - 21st from 5pm to 9pm.
Tickets are $14 online and $16 at the gate. Children ages 3 and under are admitted free of charge.
To purchase tickets visit https://royalgorgebridge.com/bridge-of-lights/.
Catch the Glow Estes Park
The idyllic mountain town of Estes Park turns into a festive snow globe this holiday season with the annual Catch the Glow festival. Each night Bond Park lights up with festive lighting and a 36ft pixel pine tree with choreographed light shows. The festive fun continues with the Festival of Trees at Estes Park Resort, a snowman scavenger hunt through town, and holiday markets. The weekend of December 12th to 14th amps up the festivities with the inaugural Sleigh the Games festival. You’ll find all sorts of quirky activities including human curling, team sled races, foam snow ball fights, and so much more culminating in the Sweets Stroll in which visitors can stroll through town sampling sweet treats.
For more information visit https://www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/holidays/.
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What's your favorite thing to do in Colorado during the holiday season? Leave me a comment to let me know!
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