The Colorado mountains are a wonderful place to go during the winter holidays. Christmas events are hosted at picturesque towns around the state, offering a magical backdrop of snow-covered peaks and forests.
From Christmas train rides to light parades, there are many different ways to celebrate the holidays. Some events are free, while others require an admission fee.
Here are some of the most popular holiday events, in chronological order:
Polar Express Train – Durango
The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the biggest attractions in Southwest Colorado. Its most popular event each year is the Polar Express Train. The ride lasts approximately 65 minutes and operates from mid-November to early January.
Santa Claus boards the train and greets each of the passengers. Dress warmly, as it can be cold outside when visiting the North Pole, though the train cabins are heated. It’s recommended to wear pajamas too to join in the Christmas spirit.
479 Main Ave, Durango | November 21, 2025-January 3, 2026 | durangotrain.com/events/the-polar-express-train-ride
Winter on the Mountain – Glenwood Springs
Located in Western Colorado, the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park hosts its annual Winter on the Mountain from late November to early January. It’s held over six weekends, and offers folks a chance to take the gondola to 7,1000 feet atop Iron Mountain. More than 500,000 lights are used to decorate for the event. It’s perfect for the family before a dip in the local hot springs.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs | November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | glenwoodcaverns.com/events/winter-on-the-mountain
Salida Christmas Mountain (& Parade of Lights)
Christmas celebrations commence in Salida on Saturday, November 28th, with the Parade of Lights. Watch illuminated floats roll past you on the main street in downtown. At the end of the parade, the 750-foot Salida Christmas Mountain will be lit up for the season. It lights up the night skies until Sunday, January 4th.
Downtown Salida | November 28, 2025-January 4, 2026 | colorfulcolorado.com/christmas
Ice Castles Colorado
Returning to Cripple Creek and Silverthorne for the 2025-26 winter season, Ice Castles Colorado is a magical way to spend an evening. Featured frozen attractions include crawl tunnels, archways, caverns, ice slides, and ice sculptures. There’s even a frozen tap for refreshments. All the Ice Castles are built on-site by artists and run from late December to early March.
125 Stephens Way, Silverthorne | late December – early March | icecastles.com/silverthorne-colorado
339 Irene Avenue, Cripple Creek | late December – early March | icecastles.com/cripple-creek-colorado
Georgetown Christmas Market
Head up to Georgetown, Colorado, for the annual holiday market, held over two weekends in December. The Georgetown Christmas Market runs from 10 am to 5 pm on two sets of Saturdays and Sundays. Get a feel for what Christmas might’ve been like over 100 years ago in a Rocky Mountain mining town.
6th Street, Georgetown | December 6-7 and 13-14, 2025 | historicgeorgetown.org/georgetown-christmas-market-2
Those are some of the most memorable Christmas celebrations in Colorado mountain towns. Remember to dress warmly. Happy holidays!
Christmas Holiday Events near Colorado Springs