When it comes to places to travel to for the festive season, Colorado is hard to beat. With the snow-capped Rockies, neighborly mountain towns and seasonal cheer, the Centennial State offers the perfect blend of winter adventures and Christmas enchantment. From European markets filled with the scent of roasted nuts to train rides through winter wonderlands, Colorado has something for everyone to make this season unforgettable. Whether you’re taking a weekend away from Denver or visiting the state for the first time, these are the best holiday escapes in Colorado.
Georgetown
Distance from Denver: 45 Miles
The Lowdown: Just one hour from the Mile High, Georgetown is reminiscent of a storybook setting. Surrounded by evergreen and snowy peaks and with a population of only about a thousand, Georgetown is a quiet hamlet that evokes the cozy atmosphere of the holidays.
For 64 years, the small town has transformed into a classic Christmas destination with a European Market that’ll transport you to the past. Walk down the streets of Georgetown and inhale the sweet scents of roasted nuts, enjoy the sights of glittering lights and blanketed snow and listen to the Carolers in Victorian dress sing holiday jingles. The Georgetown Christmas Market offers unique hand-crafted gifts like ornaments, jewelry and Colorado wine. Take a horse-drawn carriage through the historic town and you may see St. Nicholas.
Experience more of Georgetown’s abundant history with Christmas Market Museum Tours. Stroll through the Hamil House, the 1867 Gothic Revival house that paints the picture of what life was once like, or explore the 1875 Hotel de Paris, a former French Inn with English-style interiors.
Whether you’re a historian or want to fall into a Hallmark movie, Georgetown perfectly captures the small-town Christmas feeling.
Breckenridge
Distance from Denver: 80 Miles
The Lowdown: If you’re looking for a white Christmas, Breckenridge is a festive place to escape the city for the holidays. The iconic Colorado ski town is not only perfect for outdoor winter activities but will load up your itinerary with festive events, holiday shopping and decadent feasts.
The first weekend of December, Breckenridge hosts the Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas. Watch as hundreds of Santa imposters kick off the holidays by dashing through snowy Main Street. Post-race, 250,000 LED lights warm up the streets of Breckenridge, creating the magical and inviting feeling of Christmas. Plan your stay until the second weekend of December for the 61st annual Ullr Fest, a Viking-filled celebration to “praise Ullr, the Norse god of snow, in hopes of a powder-filled ski season.” Put on your Viking helmet, take shot-skis and enjoy the unique parade!
If you can’t make these events, Breckenridge hosts plenty of traditional holiday activities and wintery fun. Purchase gifts from local artisan shops, ski or snowshoe across 30 miles of white diamond dust, or enjoy a scenic sleigh ride with yummy hot cocoa.
Durango
Distance from Denver: 336 Miles
The Lowdown: Head southwest to the former mining town of Durango, known for its San Juan Mountain views, skiing and the Rio Grande Railroad. Speaking of railroad, take a magical trip straight from the holiday story, The Polar Express. Transport yourself to the North Pole with an immersive theatrical retelling of the Christmas classic featuring hot chocolate, freshly baked cookies, a twinkling light show and a visit from Santa.
Or feel like you’ve stepped inside a snow globe and take a memorable holiday train trip from Durango through the Cascade Canyon. Experience 26 miles roundtrip, with views of Animas River, San Juan National Forest and the famous Rocky Mountains. Sit back in the heated coaches and enjoy the breathtaking five-hour ride.
Glenwood Springs
Distance from Denver: 157 Miles
The Lowdown: Located almost three hours west of the Mile High, Glenwood Springs is home to a bucket list getaway fit for the Holidays. Every December, Hotel Colorado becomes a winter wonderland for guests to enjoy with plenty of seasonal activities for the whole family. Bring the cozy Christmas morning vibes on your travels with the hotel’s Winter Wonderland Package. 60 trees are adorned by glittery ornaments and a delicious breakfast is provided each morning. Enjoy two complimentary beverages during your stay and a keepsake ornament to commemorate the experience.
Traditions begin in November when Hotel Colorado sets the Christmas scene with their annual lighting ceremony. Over half a million lights illuminate the hotel while fireworks dance across the Colorado sky. On December 17th, savor a Breakfast with Santa, a family-style meal where kids can share their Christmas wishes with Santa. On Christmas day, feast on a buffet provided by the hotel’s culinary team featuring wine-brined beef, apple cider, shrimp and more. If you need a beverage to keep you warm, Hotel Colorado Restaurant and Bar offers rich hot chocolate, spiced cider and cocktails to sip by the fireplace.
Take your adventures outside the hotel for a winter soak in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. Relax in 30,000 square feet and 104 degrees of steamy water while the fluffy powder comes down. Next door, the Yampah caves offer a calm, therapeutic way to unwind with 120-degree water flowing through vapor caves. It’s the perfect way to sweat away the holiday worries.
The Royal Gorge Railroad in Cañon City
Distance from Denver: 116 Miles
The Lowdown: If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate the holidays in Colorado, The Royal Gorge Railroad in Cañon City offers a New Year’s Eve dinner aboard their train. Dine in style while taking in the spectacular views of the Royal Gorge. Delight in a flavorful multi-course feast of prime rib, Atlantic salmon, Osso Bucco, champagne and dessert. Take your date night to the next level with first-class seating and enjoy a sparkling glass of wine to toast to 2025. Enjoy your wine or other libations out in the open-air car for romantic views of the gorge at night.
For a more casual experience, book a train ride on New Year’s Day for a meal from 403 Grill and a fully stocked bar.
Castle Rock
Distance from Denver: 30 Miles
The Lowdown: With only 30 miles from Denver, being the shortest drive on our list, Castle Rock is the best place for a quick getaway during the festive season. From before Thanksgiving to early January, the historic downtown area and Festival Park are holiday hubs for visitors wanting to celebrate Christmas festivities. On December 14th, grab your marshmallows and gather around the giant Storyteller Chair for marshmallow roasting, s’mores creations, hot chocolate and fables. As part of the Castle Rock holiday traditions, horse-drawn carriage rides have returned. Get cozy with a date and stroll through the enchanting downtown area. What could be a more romantic way to spend the holidays in Colorado?
North Pole
Distance from Denver: 81 Miles
The Lowdown: Have you ever wanted to celebrate the holidays in Colorado year-round? Unlike its namesake, Colorado’s North Pole is located south of Denver. Nestled in the Pike’s Peak region, this isn’t Santa’s usual workshop. This vintage-style amusement park offers Christmas cheer throughout every season but thrives especially during the holiday months. Enjoy over two dozen rides set against the backdrop of the mountains in Colorado Springs. Glide down the Peppermint Slide, delight in the thrills of the Candy Cane Coaster and take in the mountain air on top of the Ferris Wheel. Don’t forget to visit Santa and share your holiday wishes!
Aspen
Distance from Denver: 198 Miles
The Lowdown: If you’re looking for a luxurious way to spend New Year’s Eve, Aspen has a plethora of parties to kiss 2024 goodbye. For the early birds or families, start the festivities in the afternoon in downtown Aspen with roasted gooey s’mores then enjoy free ice skating in the Aspen Ice Garden. At 8 pm, watch as vibrant colors burst across the sky above Aspen Mountain with a glimmering fireworks display.
For those looking for a date night or an evening with friends, Hotel Jerome hosts an NYE Supper Club with a special guest, Broadway star, Lexi Lawson. Bask in a once-in-a-lifetime night of stunning music, an open bar and a delectable multi-course meal.
Aspen’s favorite celebration returns at The Little Nell, The Dom Pérignon Party. Ring in 2025 like James Bond with a stylish Casino Royale theme. Wear a sparkling gown or don a black tie for a night of bottomless Dom Pérignon and a toast to the year ahead.