January Colorado Events

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:

2025 Annual January Festivals in Colorado

Polar Express Train Ride

Date: Fri-Sun, November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
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 20 – January 29, 2025
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.

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