December Colorado Events

Colorado has a lot of reasons to celebrate with festivals in December. The ski season is officially underway and the holidays are just around the corner. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style in downtown Denver with fireworks.

Exciting events include the Georgetown Christmas Market which features an outdoor European marketplace and Vail Snow Daze which has three free nights of concerts.

2022 Annual December Festivals in Colorado

Holidays at Outlets at Castle Rock

Date: Wed-Sat, November 9 – December 24, 2022
Address: Outlets at Castle Rock, Castle Rock
About: Head to the Outlets at Castle Rock from the beginning of November through December for great shopping deals and holiday festivities.

Denver Christkindl Market

Date: Fri-Fri, November 18-December 23, 2022
Address: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204
About: 21st year for the month-long Christkindl Market in downtown Denver. Experience old German traditions with authentic cuisine, live music, holiday drinks, and an artisan marketplace.

Polar Express Train Ride

Date: Fri-Sun, November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Address: Durango
About: Aboard the Polar Express Train Ride, you and your family will be swept away into an elaborate holiday fantasy, complete with hot chocolate, a light show, holiday music, and, of course, Santa.

Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light

Date: Fri-Sat, November 18, 2022 – January 7, 2023
Address: Denver
About: A stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. The Blossoms of Light extravaganza is a twinkling and breathtaking way to spend a winter evening.

Vail Film Festival

Date: Thur-Sun, November 30 – December 3, 2023
Address: Vail
About: An annual 4-day film festival showcasing independent movies and screenplays.
Website: vailfilmfestival.com

Noel Night

Date: Friday, December 2, 2022
Address: Durango
About: The largest shopping night of the year in Durango full of music, treats, decorations, and holiday festivities.

Holiday Arts Bazaar

Date: Fri-Sun, December 2-4, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: A 3-day holiday market that sells an array of locally made and handcrafted items including jewelry, food, clothing, and ceramics.

Telluride Fire Festival

Date: Fri-Sun, December 2-4, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: A 3-day festival celebrating community, fire, and art in the mountains inspired by Burning Man.

Evergreen Winterfest

Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Address: Evergreen
About: Community arts festival showcasing handmade gifts at the Center for the Arts Evergreen.

Parade of Lights

Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Address: Denver
About: Denver comes alive each year for multiple nights during the first days of December with twinkling lights and pageantry at the city’s largest, longest, and most exciting parade of the year.

The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas

Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Address: Breckenridge
About: Kick off December with the family by participating in this holiday event. Watch the town light up as hundreds of Santas run through the streets.

Festival of Lights Parade

Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Address: Colorado Springs
About: Colorado Springs starts its holiday season off by illuminating the town with the Festival of Lights Parade. Bring the family and enjoy the festivities as Santa and a myriad of floats wander down the road.

Georgetown Christmas Market

Date: Sat-Sun, December 3-4th and 10-11th, 2022
Address: 6th Street, Georgetown
About: 62nd annual Christmas Market is held on the first two Saturdays and Sundays in December. Celebrations include a European outdoor marketplace, holiday entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, Saint Nicholas, Christmas museum tours, high tea at Grace Hall, wassail crawl, hot roasted chestnuts, and Santa Lucia Children’s Procession.

Ullr Fest

Date: Thurs-Sun, December 8-11, 2022
Address: Breckenridge
About: Festival celebrating the winter god of Norse mythology, now in its 58th year. Shenanigans include frying pans, Viking hats, “Ullympic” competitions and a floats parade.

Gold Camp Christmas Weekend

Date: Fri-Sat, December 9-10, 2022
Address: Cripple Creek
About: Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying a weekend of fun full of festive activities, a winter parade, and a light show.

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade

Date: Saturday, December 24, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: The Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade in Telluride lights up the mountain in a red hue as resort employees come down the slopes carrying flares and ride into the village, bringing with them, the holiday spirit.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Date: Saturday, December 31, 2022
Address: 16th Street Mall, Downtown Denver
About: Celebrate the new year with fireworks in downtown Denver. There are two spectacular shows at 9 pm and midnight. The 16th Street Mall offers optimal viewing.

Living Lights

Date: TBD 2022
Address: Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster
About: Butterfly Pavilion is hosting a new immersive festival of lights experience where visitors can embark on a journey to meet the Firefly Princess. With glowing exhibits, aerial artists, and a kid-friendly dance party, this is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

12 Days of Aspen

Date: TBD 2022
Address: Aspen
About: The 12 Days of Aspen festival is more than a set of events for the community and visitors to participate in. It’s a holiday mindset that brings everyone together to celebrate the season and new beginnings.

Christmas at Schmid Ranch

Date: TBD 2022
Address: Telluride
About: Telluride kicks off the month of December with an old-fashioned tradition sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Vail Snow Days

Date: Cancelled for 2022
Address: Vail
About: Vail Snow Days kickoffs their 16th winter season at the popular ski resort. It lasts for 4 days and features headlining concerts, après, and even a large expo village to explore.

Go To January Events