There’s Nothing Quite Like Christmas in the Rockies

You can’t beat Christmas in Colorado. The picturesque towns dotted throughout the Rocky Mountains can’t help but put you in the holiday spirit. Snow coupled with quaint charm, special shops and hometown festivities for the entire family drives these Colorado destinations to the top of the list.

Durango

For the kid or the kid at heart, The Polar Express train ride takes your family on a fun-filled journey to the North Pole on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The children’s book comes to life on the rails as the train makes its magical journey – complete with an entire cast of colorful characters – to pick up Santa. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies on board during the reading of the beloved children’s book. And what’s a ride to the North Pole without a gift? All the children on board will receive a special gift from Santa himself!

Telluride

Telluride decks the halls with Christmas cheer, and it is the perfect place to enjoy a more secluded yuletide experience. Cozied up in a box canyon, Telluride is the perfect spot to take advantage of the ski resort and the amenities offered in the San Juan Mountains ski town.

Georgetown

Roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, and horse-drawn wagon rides through historic Georgetown harkens back to Christmas traditions from a century ago. For two weekends each December this town, an old silver mining camp during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, turns into a Christmas wonderland. Carolers in Victorian costumes perform and, of course, there is an appearance by St. Nicholas. Another draw to Georgetown is the Christmas Market which is set up like an outdoor European market feature handcrafted gifts, art, local wine, antiques and more.

Aspen

Aspen truly shines at Christmas with its “12 Days of Aspen.” Throughout the celebration there are activities for the entire family. Children can make holiday gifts at The St. Regis, there are special concerts from world-renown performers, ice skating, carriage rides, special film screenings and a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service at the breathtaking Aspen Chapel. And don’t forget skiing!

Ouray

Winterfest in Ouray spans seven weeks! Starting at Thanksgiving and ending at the Annual Ouray Ice Festival, a multi-day ice-climbing event, in January, you’re bound to find something that will get you in the holiday spirit. Music, theater, holiday baking classes, wine events and more are packed into a charming town full of hot springs and deemed the Switzerland of America.

Steamboat Springs

Snow and the holidays just seem right. Steamboat offers guided skiing with a naturalist, Nutcracker performances and traditional string concerts. The Holiday Festival at the Steamboat Resort is favorite, complete with the Santa Parade on Horseback, holiday cookie decorating, a visit with Santa’s reindeer and a torchlight parade and fireworks.

Cascade

Cascade’s North Pole is a must-see stop if you have young kids. A Christmas-themed amusement park chalk full of rides, magic shows, and Christmas-themed entertainment, even has The Pikes Peak Cog Railway Santa Claus Train to the top of the mountain where Santa and his elves are hard at work.

Make your Colorado Christmas extra special and swing by one of these magical locales. Merry Christmas!