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 Christmas trains, such as the Polar Express in Durango.
Here’s a look at the top annual December events in Colorado, in chronological order:
2026 Annual December Festivals in Colorado
Warren Miller Film Tour
- Date: late October through December 2026
- Address: Multiple showings across Colorado
- About: An annual film tour following skiers and snowboarders as they take on the snow. From backyard hills to mega mountains, this tour kicks off the winter season with a bang.
Denver Christkindlmarket
- Date: Friday, November 20 – Wednesday, December 3, 2026
- Address: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver
- About: The 26th 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: Friday, November 20, 2026 – Saturday, January 2, 2027
- 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.
Mind Blown Telluride
- Date: Fri-Sat, late November 2026 through March 2027
- Address: Telluride
- About: Taking place at The Peaks Resort & Spa, Ty Gallenbeck puts on a 75-minute magic performance that makes guests question the known.
Vail Film Festival
- Date: Thursday-Sunday, December 3-6, 2026
- Address: Vail
- About: An annual 4-day film festival showcasing independent movies and screenplays.
Festival of Lights Parade
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Address: Tejon Street, Colorado Springs
- About: Colorado Springs starts its holiday season off by illuminating the town with the 42nd Festival of Lights Parade. Bring the family and enjoy the festivities as Santa and a myriad of floats wander down the road.
Evergreen Winterfest
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Address: Evergreen
- About: Community arts festival showcasing handmade gifts at the Center for the Arts Evergreen.
Georgetown Christmas Market
- Date: Sat-Sun, December 5-6 and 12-13, 2026
- Address: 6th Street, Georgetown
- About: The 66th 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: TBD 2026 (last event: Thurs-Sat, December 18-20, 2025)
- Address: Breckenridge
- About: This festival celebrates the winter god of Norse mythology, now in its 63rd year. Shenanigans include frying pans, Viking hats, “Ullympic” competitions, and a float parade.
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
- Date: Thursday, December 24, 2026
- 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: Wednesday, December 31, 2026
- 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.
Holiday Arts Bazaar
- Date: TBD 2026 (last event: Fri-Sun, December 5-7, 2025)
- Address: Telluride
- About: A 3-day holiday market that sells an array of locally made and handcrafted items, including jewelry, food, clothing, and ceramics.
Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
- Date: TBD 2026/27 (last event: Friday, November 21, 2025 – Sunday, January 11, 2026); closed Nov 27 and Dec 25
- 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.
Winter on the Mountain
- Dates: TBD 2026/27 (last event: Saturday, November 22, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026)
- Address: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs
- About: Holiday festivities at over 7,000 feet on Iron Mountain. See more than 500,000 lights, meet Santa, and listen to live music at Winter on the Mountain.
ICE! Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
- Date: TBD 2026/27 (last event: November 24, 2025, to January 2, 2026)
- Address: Gaylord Rockies Resort, Aurora
- About: Annual holiday lights and ice display held at Gaylord Rockies Resort, home to Arapahoe Springs Waterpark. Book an overnight package that combines entertainment and makes the most of this Christmas celebration.
Salida Christmas Mountain
- Dates: TBD 2026/27 (last event: Saturday, November 28, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026)
- Address: Downtown Salida
- About: The 750-foot-tall Christmas tree is illuminated all holiday season, with the Salida Parade of Lights happening in late November.
Bridge of Lights
- Dates: TBD 2026 (last event: Friday-Sunday | November 28-30, December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 2025)
- Address: Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Cañon City
- About: Cross America’s highest suspension bridge during the Christmas season and soak in the dazzling light display.
It’s a RiNo-Ful Life
- Date: TBD 2026 (last event: Saturday, December 6, 2025)
- Address: Truss House – 3400 Arkins Ct, Denver
- About: Holiday market featuring over two dozen vendors, along with live music, food, and drinks.
The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas
- Date: TBD 2026 (last event: Saturday, December 6, 2025)
- 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.
Parade of Lights
- Date: TBD 2026 (last event: Saturday, December 6, 2025)
- 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.
Christmas in the Gold Camps
- Date: TBD 2026 (last event: Saturday, December 13, 2025)
- Address: Cripple Creek
- About: Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying a Saturday of festive activities, a winter parade, and a light show.
Holidays at Outlets at Castle Rock
- Date: TBD or cancelled
- Address: Outlets at Castle Rock, Castle Rock
- About: Head to the Outlets at Castle Rock from the beginning of November to December for great shopping deals and holiday festivities.
Christmas at Schmid Ranch
- Date: TBD or cancelled
- Address: Telluride
- About: Telluride kicks off the month of December with an old-fashioned tradition sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit.
12 Days of Aspen
- Date: TBD or cancelled
- 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.
Noel Night
- Date: TBD or cancelled
- Address: Durango
- About: The largest shopping night of the year in Durango, full of music, treats, decorations, and holiday festivities.
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