There’s truly nothing quite like Christmas in Colorado. The snow-blanketed peaks, crisp air, quaint mountain towns, and friendly locals all make for the perfect winter wonderland experience.
Whatever your family traditions may be, from sampling local pies to cutting down your own tree, the holiday season simply isn’t the same without at least a few festive outings. To help you make the most of every minute this season, here are 12 of the best Colorado Christmas celebrations.
Uniquely Colorado Christmas Celebrations
Whether you’re looking for something low-key or more adventurous, you’ll find several fun Colorado Christmas celebrations across the state.
Colorado Springs Christmas Celebrations
1. North Pole
How could we not start our list of the best Colorado Christmas celebrations with the North Pole?! You can visit this beloved Colorado theme park year-round, but it’s far more magical during the holidays.
Open year-round Thursday through Monday; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Advance reservations are required for the holiday season (November through January).
2. Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Come see why USA Today voted Electric Safari the third best zoo lights in the whole country — two years in a row! View select animal exhibits and explore dozens of light sculptures and life-sized inflatable animals. And be sure to check the zoo’s wish list to play Secret Santa!
Open nightly through January 1; closed on Christmas Eve. Advance ticket purchase required.
View this post on Instagram
3. Gingerbread Display at the Broadmoor
The Broadmoor is known as an incredibly luxurious hotel; one of the most iconic landmarks in Colorado Springs. Another signature of the hotel, however, is its holiday gingerbread house tradition, which spans over 50 years. This year’s display towers over 10 feet tall and used a whopping 2,000 pounds of ingredients!
On display through January 1. Make a night of it and visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in the same outing!
View this post on Instagram
Denver Christmas Celebrations
4. Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
One of the most beloved Colorado Christmas celebrations is Zoo Lights. This year, the event is bigger than ever, with new light displays and special add-ons including giraffe feeding and a souvenir glow package.
Open nightly November 22 through January 8; advance ticket purchase required.
5. Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens
Elitch Gardens is hosting its first-ever holiday event in 2021, Luminova Holidays. The theme park transforms into a winter wonderland with over 3 million lights, a 200-foot candy cane tunnel, visits with Santa, and rides on select attractions.
Open November 26 through January 2; timed-entry reservations required.
View this post on Instagram
6. Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
This long-running Colorado holiday celebration features a 360-degree interactive light experience. Walk among 3-D light fixtures decked out in thousands of LED lights and treat yourselves to cocoa and holiday goodies.
Runs November 19-January 8th and closed Christmas Day. Advance ticket purchase required.
7. Camp Christmas, Lakewood
If you’re a fanatic for the holidays, Camp Christmas is for you. 303 Magazine called it “The most ‘extra’ Christmas event in town…magical,” and for good reason. Celebrated Colorado artist Lonnie Hanzon created a whimsical wonderland of lights, rides, and fun, including cheekily-named cocktails and special pun trees.
Open November 18 through January 2; timed-entry ticket purchase required.
View this post on Instagram
Other Colorado Christmas Celebrations
8. Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms, Littleton
At the Denver Botanic Gardens’ second location, the entire family can enjoy the one-mile walking path at the Trail of Lights. The path is decked out in thousands of lights synchronized to music, and features include a walk-through tunnel and antique tractors.
Open nightly through January 2; closed on Christmas Day. Advance ticket purchase required.
View this post on Instagram
9. Extravaganza of Lights at Hudson Gardens, Littleton
After a two-year hiatus, the Extravaganza of Lights is back and better than ever. Enjoy hundreds of lighted trees (some of them dancing!), a walk-through tunnel, giant snowmen, reindeer, and much more.
Open November 26 through December 31; advance ticket purchase required.
10. Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs
One of the Centennial State’s hot springs destinations is also home to one of the best Colorado Christmas celebrations. Stay at historic Hotel Colorado for an unforgettable holiday. Staff spends several weeks solely decorating, putting up half a million lights and trimming over 60 trees.
11. Santa Express Train at the Royal Gorge
Of all the Colorado Christmas celebrations, few are as magical as the Santa Express. On your journey, enjoy festive holiday music, hot cocoa, and cookies. Plus, meet Santa and his elves! If you’re looking for a slightly more laid-back experience, the Holiday Train is very similar, but without Santa.
Runs November 19 through December 30 up to four trips daily; no trains on Christmas. Purchase tickets in advance.
View this post on Instagram
12. Polar Express Train, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
In the southwest corner of the state (not far from some of the best Colorado ghost towns and the Million Dollar Highway), you’ll find another beloved holiday train experience: the Polar Express. Wear festive PJs and come ready for a treat- and song-filled journey!
Runs November 19 through January 1 with multiple departures daily; no trains on Christmas. Purchase tickets in advance.
There you have it, 12 fun and festive Colorado Christmas celebrations. Which ones are you planning to visit this year? Connect with us on social media and tag us in your posts! Happy holidays, from the River Beats fam to yours!