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: November 24, 2025 – 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. This year’s event features How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. Book an overnight package that combines entertainment and makes the most of this Christmas celebration.
Winter on the Mountain
- Dates: Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, to Sunday, January 4th, 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.
Salida Christmas Mountain
- Dates: Saturday, November 28, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026
- Address: Downtown Salida
- About: The 750-foot-tall Christmas tree is illuminated all holiday season and Salida Holiday Park.
Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
- Date: 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.
Mind Blown Telluride
- Date: Fri-Sat, late November 2025 through March 2026
- 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 5-10, 2026
- Address: Steamboat Springs
- About: The 40th annual Music Fest features fifty bands over six days. Featuring a variety of genres and shows that last from 12 pm-10 pm. Shows are held around town in every venue type, from ballrooms to big tents.
National Western Stock Show
- Date: Sat-Sun, January 10-25, 2026
- 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.
Cowboy Downhill
- Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
- 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 19-28, 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 22-25, 2026
- Address: Ouray
- About: The biggest ice climbing festival in North America, featuring the world’s best climbers and 100 educational climbing clinics heading into its 31st year.
Winter X Games
- Date: Friday-Sunday, January 23-25, 2026
- 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 23-25, 2026
- 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 23-February 1, 2026
- Address: Durango
- About: Now in its 47th year, this winter celebration features a costume party, follies, parade, and an annually changing theme.
Denver Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Address: Denver
- About: Sample whiskey from over a dozen distillers while meeting the brands at this one-day event.
Pond Hockey Classic
- Date: Saturday-Sunday, January 31-February 1, 2026
- Address: Grand Lake
- About: Visit the picturesque winter wonderland of Grand Lake to watch and/or play in this annual 3×3 ice hockey tournament featuring sixty adult teams and 8 natural ice rinks on the frozen Grand Lake. Adults play on Saturday and Youth compete on Sunday.
Colorado Motorcycle Expo
- Date: Sat-Sun, January 31-February 1, 2026
- Address: National Western Complex, Denver
- About: The largest swap meet in America, the 47th annual Colorado Motorcycle Expo is great for those looking to buy new bike components, check out numerous competitions, and be surrounded by other motorcycle enthusiasts.
Lafayette Oatmeal Breakfast & 5K
- Date: TBD 2026 (last event: Tuesday, January 14, 2025)
- Address: Lafayette
- About: Annual warm oatmeal breakfast followed by a 5K walk/run.
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 or cancelled indefinitely (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 or cancelled indefinitely (last event: January 2024)
- 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.
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