After the jump are just a few ways to experience the holidays in Colorado.
Colorado in Lights
Greeley Festival of Trees (Greeley).
Twenty-seven years ago, an annual tradition began by the City of
Greeley and the Greeley Philharmonic Guild. This tradition is a
week-long extravaganza (November 28 – December 6)
in which guests enjoy a forest of beautifully decorated trees, each
tree with its own theme. Also, check out Candy Cane Lane, which presents
evergreens decorated by the “mini-crafters” who compete for the Kid’s
Choice Ribbon. Bring the kids along to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, take a
horse and carriage ride, and hear the beautiful, merry music from the
Christmas choirs.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Winter on the Mountain (Glenwood Springs). From November 1 through January 4, 2015,
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will be lit up with more than half a
million lights, 35 miles of lights to be exact. There will also be a
warming hut, fire pits and a new 4D movie along with the thrill rides.
The Alpine Coaster and the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride will be lit and open
for rides, and the caves will be filled with holiday lighting.
Tours and Treks (Denver). On Friday, December 12 from 4:30 – 9:30 p.m. explore the History Colorado Center’s collection of toys as a preview to a future traveling exhibit Toys.
After, hop on the warm bus to tour the sparkling lights around Denver
while sipping hot cocoa and munching on holiday treats. The cost is $36
members and $46 for nonmembers.
Unique Twists on Holiday Stories We Know and Love
Scrooge’s Holiday Flight (Boulder). From December 12-14,
Boulder’s aerial dance company, Frequent Flyers Productions, takes its
inspiration from the traditional “Christmas Carol” and turns it upside
down — literally! Instead of traditional ballet, the student company
uses the low-flying trapeze, stilts, hoop and aerial fabric to tell the
story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he deals with the three ghosts of Christmas
past, present and future.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ (Golden). Take a 75-minute journey on the THE POLAR EXPRESS™ beginning November 21 through December 28
at the Colorado Railroad Museum. While waiting for the train to arrive,
dancing chefs and waiters serve cookies and hot chocolate while sharing
the story of the Polar Express. Once on the train, see the story come
to life around the train. At the North Pole, look for Santa’s bag of
toys and the giant Christmas tree.
Santa Sightings
Visit Santa – at the North Pole (Colorado Springs). Visitors can make a trip to Santa’s Workshop, also known as The North Pole, through December 24.
This Christmas-themed amusement park has two dozen family rides to
choose from. Meet Santa and his elves, ride on an Aerial Tram through
the sky and don’t forget to touch snow that never melts.
Race of the Santas (Breckenridge).
Come see hundreds of Santas, or participate with them, on a six-block
race down Main Street in Breckenridge the first weekend of December. The
event is to help benefit the local charity, Adopt an Angel. The
festivities continue with the Lighting of Breckenridge. Join Santa as he
greets visitors from his horse-drawn carriage. The event is $15 for
those who have their own suit and $45 for registration plus a suit.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
New Years at the St. Regis (Aspen).
The St. Regis in Aspen is having two full days of festivities for the
New Year. Begin with the New Year’s Eve family buffet at Trecento
Quindici Decano from 6-11 p.m.
Continue the night in the resort’s courtyard in a transparent tent for a
cozy viewing spot of the fireworks. There will also be live music from
the Derek Brown Band along with a DJ. Celebrate the New Year at the New
Year’s Day Breakfast Buffet in Trecento Quindici Decano from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New Year’s Yurt Dinner & Party (Crested Butte). Ski
or snowshoe to Crested Butte Nordic’s Magic Meadows Yurt at sunset for a
New Year’s Eve that will be one for the memory books. Enjoy a
five-course gourmet dinner, libations and live music for $90, which
includes a trail pass, ski or snowshoe rental, dinner, beer and wine.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. There also is an option for the New Year’s Eve yurt party only that begins at 10:30 p.m. and features a DJ supplying high-energy music. The $35 cost includes trail pass, beer, wine and a celebratory toast at midnight. For those who want to partake in the entire evening, the cost is $120.
Torchlight Parade (Durango). Usher in the New Year at Purgatory Mountain Resort with a Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display at 6 p.m.
Watch the torchlight parade wind down the mountain as spectacular
fireworks illuminate the sky overhead; the best place to see all the
action is right from Purgatory Beach. Enjoy a kid-friendly celebration
at 10 p.m.,
complete with party favors at Paradise Pizzeria & Ice Creamery.
Savor a special New Year’s Eve Buffet dinner complete with live music by
Lacey Black, and then head to Purgy’s to dance the night away with live
music by Black Velvet and a toast at midnight.