With the majority of the Colorado mountains covered in snow, January is host to numerous winter sports events. The Ouray Ice Festival is the largest ice climbing festival in the country and the Winter X Games is unmatched in excitement and talent.
Make the most of this winter season by attending some fun events such as a winter train ride through the Rocky Mountains. And if you’re heading to the resorts for some weekend skiing or snowboarding, be sure to research any concerts or festivities.
Here’s a look at the top annual January events in Colorado, in chronological order:
2026 Annual January Festivals in Colorado
Polar Express Train Ride
- Date: Fri-Sun, November 21, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- 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.
ICE! Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
- Date: Fri-Sun, November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- 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.
Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
- Date: Friday to Sunday, November 20th, 2024 to January 12, 2025 (closed on Nov. 28th and Dec. 25th)
- 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.
Mind Blown Telluride
- Date: Fri-Sat, late November 2024 through March 2025
- 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.
The MusicFest at Steamboat
- Date: Mon-Sat, January 6-11, 2025
- Address: Steamboat Springs
- About: The 39th annual Music Fest features fifty bands over six days. Featuring a variety of genres and shows that last from 12pm-10pm. Shows are held around town in every venue type from ballrooms to big tents.
National Western Stock Show
- Date: Sat-Sun, January 11-26, 2025
- Address: National Western Complex, Denver
- About: Since 1906, the stock shows include rodeos, horse shows, livestock, western art, and more special events spread out over more than 16 days.
Lafayette Oatmeal Breakfast & 5K
- Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
- Address: Lafayette
- About: Annual warm oatmeal breakfast followed by a 5K walk/run.
Cowboy Downhill
- Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
- Address: Steamboat Ski Resort, Steamboat Springs
- About: Professional cowboys from across the U.S., as well as Australia, Canada, Europe, and Mexico, compete in a race down Headwall near the base of Steamboat Resort.
Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships
- Date: Mon-Wed, January 19 – January 28, 2026
- Address: Riverwalk Center, Downtown Breckenridge
- About: Witness 20-ton blocks of ice get hand-carved by experts from all over the world. Teams from around the world sculpt around the clock for five days to build the spectacles of art, followed by five days of viewing the masterpieces.
Ouray Ice Festival
- Date: Thur-Sun, January 23-26, 2025
- Address: Ouray
- About: Biggest ice climbing festival in North America, featuring the world’s best climbers and 100 educational climbing clinics heading into its 30th year.
Winter X Games
- Date: Thursday-Saturday, January 23-25, 2025
- Address: Aspen
- About: The world’s best athletes in skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling compete another year at Buttermilk.
Rio Frio Ice Fest
- Date: Fri-Sun, January 24-26, 2025
- Address: Alamosa
- About: Three days of winter activities in the San Luis Valley. The signature event is the Rio Frio 5K, a race on the frozen-over Rio Grande River. Other highlights include ice sculptures, an ice carousel, and a polar plunge.
Snowdown
- Date: Fri-Sun, January 24 – February 2, 2025
- Address: Durango
- About: Now in its 46th year, this winter celebration features a costume party, follies, parade, and an annually changing theme.
Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival
- Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
- Address: Denver
- About: Sample whiskey from over a dozen distillers while meeting the brands at this one-day event.
CSCCI Chinese New Year Festival
- Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
- Address: Colorado Springs
- About: Annual celebration of the Chinese New Year, complete with demonstrations, authentic fare, and music. This is the year of the snake.
Colorado Indian Market & Southwest Art Fest
- Date: TBD 2026 (last event: Sat-Sun, January 26-27, 2025)
- Address: Colorado Convention Center, Denver
- About: Heading into its 44th year in 2026, this showcases a juried selection of 150 artists and craftsmen from two dozen Native Nations. There is live entertainment and authentic food to experience.
Winter Brew Fest
- Date: TBD 2025 (last event: Saturday, January 27, 2024)
- Address: Denver
- About: Live music and unlimited samples of 100+ craft brews at Mile High Station.
Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: Breckenridge
- About: Unique beer festival featuring exotic and strong styles, going on for over 20 years. Dinners, seminars, and workshops are held throughout the three-day celebration.
Go To February Events
Featured January Events
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