{Denver Parade of Lights. Photo by: Jeremy Crantek} December in Colorado brings about plenty of holiday cheer, snow festivals, and unique ways to enjoy the mountains. Ring in the holidays and the winter season with these special things to do in December in Colorado.
Warmer days are behind us and the upcoming holidays are on everyone’s minds. Unique Christmas festivals and celebrations are found throughout the state. We cover most of the best ones below, but you can find a few more events in December on our festivals page.
December blankets additional layers of snow over the Rocky Mountains, opening up the remaining ski resorts and terrain to play on. From snowmobiling to tubing, and ice skating to cross country skiing, the winter season is fully underway by the time Christmas and New Year’s Eve rolls around.
Here are some things to do in CO during December 2019:
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
Celebrate the holiday season with thousands of dazzling lights set within Denver’s Botanic Gardens. This is the garden’s signature annual event that showcases a twinkling winter wonderland, including a 360-degree immersive light experience. Top off the evening with holiday treats, a cup of hot cocoa, and a holiday dinner.
- When: November 29, 2019 – January 3, 2020
- Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, York Street location only
Christmas Tree Train
A favorite activity amongst Coloradans, chopping down your own Christmas tree. This popular tradition is available aboard the Durango and Silverton Train and Railroad. Hop aboard the Cascade Canyon Train with a scheduled stop to cut down your own Christmas tree. Bring your tree aboard as you ride back to Durango, ready to decorate for the holidays! Don’t worry, you are aiding in the upkeep of the forest by cutting down the trees to help prevent forest fires. A tree permit is required and is available with your booking.
Discover other holiday train rides throughout Colorado.
- When: December 1st, 8th, and 15th
- Where: Durango, CO
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
See the classic Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas this holiday season at the Buell Theater. The musical features the hit songs from the favorite original with Max the dog narrating the mean Mr. Grinch. Limited dates available, so get your tickets today!
- When: December 3 – 8, 2019
- Where: Buell Theater in Denver
Denver Parade of Lights
In its 44th year, the Denver Parade of Lights will take to the streets once again for their two-mile downtown route. Spreading the Christmas spirit, the parade features marching bands, decorative floats, and Santa himself. Plus, a special appearance of the parade’s mascot, Major Waddles the Penguin completes the evening of festivities. The event is free to the public with options to purchase seats in the grandstand in front of the City & County Building.
- When: December 6, 2019
- Where: Civic Center Park in Denver
35th Annual Festival of Lights Parade
Celebrate 35 years in the making with the holiday favorite, the Festival of Lights Parade in downtown Colorado Springs. Watch as floats dance by, listen as the high-school marching bands play Christmas tunes, and see Santa Clause himself make his way through the streets bringing all the holiday cheer. The parade will run on Tejon Street, starting at St. Vrain St.
- When: December 7, 2019
- Where: Downtown Colorado Springs, CO
The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas
Come see as Breckenridge is transformed into a holiday winter wonderland with the Lighting of Breckenridge and the ever-popular, Race of the Santas. This year’s event schedule includes a snowman building competition, holiday dog parade, the moose march, free holiday concert, and of course a chance to meet Santa at the Barney Ford Museum.
- When: December 7, 2019
- Where: Breckenridge, CO
Breckenridge ULLR Fest
This year will mark the 57th year the Ullr Fest in Breckenridge. The event is filled with a downtown parade, a talent show, the Ullr Ice Plunge, ice skating, and a fat bike race. Plus, don’t miss the biggest bonfire in town as the streets fill with thousands to watch the parade make its way downtown. The floats aren’t your typical parade floats, with participants skiing off jumps or soaking in a hot tub as they glide down the street. Or help take back the title of World Record Shot Ski attempt (currently held by Park City, UT) and register for the Ullr Shot Ski competition.
- When: December 11 – 15, 2019
- Where: Downtown Breckenridge
Berthoud SNOWFEST & Colorado Snow Sculpting Competition
Held every year in December, The Berthoud SNOWFEST is a sanctioned Colorado snow sculpting competition, known as the Colorado State Snow Sculpting Competition. Watch as competitors from all over compete to be crowned top snow-sculptor master of Colorado. The event is also host to a holiday market, the parade of lights and the ceremonial lighting of the tree, plus a kids’ fun snow sculpting contest.
- When: December 11 – 14, 2019
- Where: New Freedom Outreach Center in Berthoud, CO
Vail Snow Days
Welcome in the ski and snowboard season in style with Vail Snow Days. The event hosts free concerts at Ford Park, not-to-miss après parties, and a colorful street fair in Vail Village. Events throughout the festival include the Pray for Snow Pub Crawl, a block party in Vail Village, Bluegrass and Bloodies at The Tavern at Arrabelle, plus so much more!
- When: December 12 – 15, 2019
- Where: Vail Village, Ford Park
Holiday Chocolate Festival
What better way to celebrate the holidays than with chocolate? Attend the Holiday Chocolate Festival in Colorado Springs and sample from over 100,000 samples of chocolate! Get some holiday shopping done for those on your list or indulge yourself this holiday season. Bring the kids to meet Santa and let them harness their creativity at the free holiday craft station. Entertainment is provided along with gift booths selling jewelry, clothes, crafts, and more. Admission is $10.
- When: Saturday, December 14, 2019
- Where: Colorado Springs Event Center
12 Days of Aspen
For twelve days in December, the charming ski town of Aspen becomes a hub of holiday cheer with its 12 Days of Aspen event. Enjoy free ice skating, carolers, concerts, a showing of The Polar Express at the Wheeler Opera House, cookie decorating, Christmas Day buffet, a visit from Santa, all ending with a New Year’s Eve extravaganza over Aspen Mountain.
- When: December 20 – 31, 2019
- Where: Aspen, CO
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
While most Colorado mountain towns host their own version of a torchlight parade on the mountain, Telluride might be one of the more beautiful places to witness this unique event. Stand amazed as the slopes light up with nearly 100 people gliding down the mountain, in the dark, with lit torches in hand. This scene can be seen from almost anywhere in town, but the best viewing spots are found along Telluride’s Main Street. This is one Christmas Eve you won’t soon forget.
- When: December 24, 2019
- Where: Telluride, CO
Those are some of the most exciting activities to enjoy this December in Colorado. Stay tuned for more fun to follow in January.
Year Round Hiking in the Garden of the Gods
