When the snow starts falling and the lights start twinkling, Colorado transforms into a winter wonderland straight out of a Christmas movie. From Victorian main streets decked in garlands to ski towns that feel like Santa’s favorite hangouts, here are the top Colorado Christmas towns to add to your holiday bucket list. After all, there is no Christmas like Christmas in Colorado!
Also Read: 22 Epic Places to Explore in Colorado This Winter
Vail
I have gone to Vail twice at Christmas. It’s very Christmas Card like and stunning. Everywhere you will find pure alpine magic: twinkling lights, cozy lodges, festive events, world-class skiing, and European-style charm. Of course a must is Vail’s viral Hot Chocolate at the Four Seasons, topped with a giant block of marshmallow!
Also Read: Amazing Christmas Trips in USA (Besides Vail, Colorado)
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is pure Christmas magic. Stroll down historic Main Street lined with thousands of twinkling lights, catch the annual Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas, then cozy up with hot cocoa by the fireplace. Oh, and the skiing is pretty spectacular too!
Also Read: Breck’s Top 10 Christmas Attractions and Activities
Estes Park
At the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is the perfect place for a snowy holiday escape. The town lights up with festive decorations, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, and the charming Estes Park Christmas Parade.
Georgetown
Step into a Hallmark movie in Georgetown, where the Victorian Holiday Market, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and the famous Georgetown Christmas Market make this historic mining town one of the state’s most beloved holiday stops. Take a stop by the famous Busy Bee Cab Co. car from the John Denver film, The Christmas Gift.
Further Reading: 14 Best things to do in Georgetown for Christmas
Denver
Christmas in Denver is a festive blend of city sparkle and Rocky Mountain cheer. Downtown comes alive with dazzling lights at the City and County Building, ice skating at Skyline Park, and the famous Denver Christkindl market. Union Station transforms into a winter wonderland, while neighborhoods like Cherry Creek twinkle with holiday displays. Cozy restaurants, festive shows, and snowy mountain views complete the magic.
Telluride
Telluride is breathtaking any time of year, but in December it’s downright magical. The whole town sparkles under a blanket of snow, with charming shops, an old-time ice rink, and a beautiful backdrop of the San Juan Mountains.
Read further: Telluride Christmas Events and Activities – Complete guide for families
Ouray
Christmas in Ouray feels like stepping into a snow globe. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, this tiny town sparkles with festive lights. Wander historic Main Street, soak in the hot springs, enjoy the town tree lighting, and experience old-fashioned holiday magic in Colorado’s “Switzerland of America.”
Aspen
Think luxury meets storybook charm. Aspen’s downtown glows with elegant holiday lights, outdoor skating rinks, holiday concerts, and après-ski by a crackling fire. Don’t miss the 12 Days of Aspen celebration with events for all ages.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Aspen, Colorado
Crested Butte
Nicknamed “the last great Colorado ski town,” Crested Butte is quaint, colorful, and full of holiday cheer. Ski down snowy slopes by day, then enjoy torchlight parades, festive lights, and cozy fireside evenings by night.
Durango
Durango’s holiday season feels like stepping back in time. Hop aboard the Polar Express on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a magical ride to the “North Pole” . This is a hit and kids (and grown-ups) love it.
Colorado Springs
Christmas in Colorado Springs is peak mountain magic and city holiday vibes. Wander twinkling lights at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari, shop festive markets downtown, and admire the Broadmoor’s extra decorations. Visit the North Pole amusement park, ride the Santa Train, and snap Insta-worthy views of snowy Pikes Peak.
Grand Lake
Christmas in Grand Lake is a peaceful holiday escape with genuine small-town charm. Take in the frozen lake and snowy peaks, shop at local businesses, and enjoy the quiet and cozy without the crowds of nearby ski resorts. Stroll through festively lit streets, visit cafes, and savor an old-fashioned Colorado Christmas by the fire. The boat parade is often a highlight of the festivities.
Manitou Springs
Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, this quirky mountain town goes all out for Christmas. Browse unique shops, visit the annual Christmas parade, and stop by Santa’s Workshop at the nearby North Pole amusement park.
Silverthorne
Christmas in Silverthorne brings mountain charm and festive fun to life. Twinkling lights adorn the Blue River trail, while the town hosts tree lightings, holiday markets, and visits with Santa. Close to ski resorts and cozy cabins, Silverthorne offers a magical winter escape surrounded by snowy peaks and holiday cheer.
Keystone
Visit Keystone for a snowy Christmas celebration filled with twinkling lights, festive village decorations, and endless winter fun. Enjoy ice skating on the outdoor rink, horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy meadows, and skiing on perfectly groomed slopes. Cozy lodges, hot cocoa, and stunning mountain views make it the perfect holiday escape.
Golden
Golden glows with old-fashioned holiday spirit. Stroll Washington Avenue under thousands of lights, catch the Olde Golden Christmas parade, and warm up with cocoa at local cafes. It’s pure small-town holiday charm.
Silverton
A historic mining town turned winter paradise, Silverton offers snowy streets, Victorian buildings, and mountain backdrops worthy of a snow globe. The Christmas Market and mountain adventures make it extra special.
Colorado knows how to do Christmas: big snowy mountains, tiny twinkling towns, and holiday cheer around every corner. Bundle up, grab a peppermint mocha, and hit the road to discover your new favorite holiday escape. Which Colorado Christmas town is on your wishlist? Let the holiday planning begin!
Further Reading: 22 Fun Wintertime Adventures and Activities in Colorado for families