Colorado Holiday Travel Guide
Your Essential Family-Friendly and New Year’s Eve Adventure Planner
Colorado transforms into a festive wonderland each holiday season, offering a range of family activities, sparkling lights, specialty holiday menus, and lively New Year’s Eve events for adults. Whether you are planning a mountain getaway or staying close to Denver, this Colorado Holiday Travel Guide highlights the best things to do, eat, and experience all across the Front Range and select mountain towns.
Family-Friendly Things to Do This Holiday Season
Denver
Denver Zoo Lights
The Denver Zoo glows with millions of lights, animated animal sculptures, holiday treats, and themed installations. Kids love the nightly light shows and hot cocoa stations.
More Info: https://denverzoo.org/zoolights
Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
A favorite for families, Blossoms of Light features immersive light tunnels, glowing orbs, and illuminated gardens.
More Info: https://botanicgardens.org
McGregor Skate at McGregor Square
McGregor Skate is LoDo’s newest skating rink, located in the bustling McGregor Square plaza. Open Daily starting Friday, November 28th.
More Info:https://www.mcgregorsquare.com
Colorado Springs
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Electric Safari
This mountaintop zoo comes alive with more than seventy light displays and breathtaking city views.
More Info: https://cmzoo.org
12 Days of Christmas
Join us as we celebrate a unique holiday activity each day from December 21 – January 1! From baking demonstrations to beer tastings, fireside storytime to family bingo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
More Info:https://www.broadmoor.com/holidays
Golden
Colorado Railroad Museum Polar Express Train Ride
One of the Denver area’s most beloved holiday traditions. Children board a festive train while performers re-create scenes from the classic film.
More Info: https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org
Golden Holiday Parade and Jingle on the Avenue
Golden hosts charming small town festivities each weekend in December, including carolers, twinkling lights, and family activities along Washington Avenue.
More Info: https://visitgolden.com
Winter Park
Coca-Cola Tubing Hill
A family favorite with banked turns, a magic carpet lift, and fun views of the ski slopes.
More Info: https://winterparkresort.com
Winter Park Village Festivities
Enjoy holiday crafts, live music, photo opportunities, and warm treats throughout the season.
More Info:https://www.playwinterpark.com/article/holidays-high-country
Breckenridge
Breckenridge Lighting of the Town and Holiday Markets
A charming downtown celebration with lights, live performances, and festive shopping.
More Info: https://gobreck.com
Adult Friendly New Year’s Eve Events
Denver NYE Events
The Brown Palace New Year’s Eve Gala
Live music, gourmet dining, champagne toasts, and formal attire in an iconic Denver setting.
More Info: https://brownpalace.com
Denver New Year’s Eve Fireworks Downtown
Two spectacular fireworks shows at the 16th Street Mall, perfect for adults exploring downtown nightlife.
More Info: https://visitdenver.com
Gatsby’s White Rose Gala at The Ritz-Carlton
Roaring Twenties theme, live band + DJ, balloon drop, VIP experience.
More Info:https://newyearspartydenver.com/
Colorado Springs NYE Events
The Broadmoor New Year’s Gala
Dinner, dancing, live music, and a luxurious holiday atmosphere.
More Info:https://www.broadmoor.com/holidays/bash
Breckenridge and Winter Park NYE Events
Breckenridge New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
A mountain tradition where skiers glide down the slopes with torches before fireworks illuminate the valley.
More Info: https://gobreck.com
Winter Park NYE Celebration
Live music, festive drinks, and mountain views leading up to the fireworks show.
More Info:https://www.playwinterpark.com/new-years-eve-celebration
Holiday Travel Q and A
Q: Which restaurants in Denver are offering special holiday menus
A: A few places go all in for the season. OAK at Fourteenth features a four-course prix fixe for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Urban Farmer in the Oxford Hotel offers an $85 Christmas Eve prix fixe with festive entrées such as prime rib or salmon. These reservations fill early, so booking ahead is highly recommended.
Q: Where should I go for holiday shopping and markets
A: Visit the Cherry Creek Holiday Market from November 20th through December 24th in Fillmore Plaza. The market features more than fifty local artisans, live music, and the cozy Mistletoe Lounge for festive drinks. The Denver Christkindlmarket is another staple at the Tivoli Quad with German food, holiday music, and handcrafted gifts from November 21st through December 23rd.
Q: Where can I find great deals on winter gear or ski equipment during my holiday trip
A: The REI Denver Flagship Store carries top brands, seasonal discounts, and on-site ski and snowboard tuning services. It is one of the best one-stop shops for gearing up before heading to Winter Park or Breckenridge.
Q: Where can I get holiday treats and specialty foods
A: Delicious holiday goodies can be found at The Butter Knife, Sassafras Bakery, and Vosges Haut Chocolat. These shops offer cookies, pies, chocolates, and gourmet holiday gifts perfect for enjoying at your rental or giving to loved ones.
Plan Your Colorado Holiday Stay
AirSimplicity offers well-equipped vacation homes across Denver and the Rocky Mountain Foothills. Whether you want to be near mountain adventures or close to holiday markets and New Year’s Eve events, our homes give you a comfortable base for your seasonal getaway.
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