These holiday Colorado road trips will put you in the Christmas spirit!
One of the most wonderful times of the year is especially unforgettable in Colorado, with a wealth of charming towns made even prettier with dazzling lights and a blanket of snow.
If you’re looking for an ideal Christmas town in the Rocky Mountain state, boy, do we have options for you! When the winter season arrives in this state, a sense of magic takes over the entire area, transforming it into a spectacular winter wonderland.
With magical mountain towns covered in snow, festive events, and charming decorations, Colorado is the perfect destination for anyone wanting to experience the true spirit of Christmas.
The blend of natural beauty and small-town holiday charm makes for a truly unforgettable experience. So, which holiday Colorado road trips are the best to spend this season? Keep reading to find out!
Holiday Colorado road trip: Take a step back in time in Georgetown
Just a quick drive from Denver, Georgetown is an old Victorian-era mining town that adds an old-fashioned charm to the holiday season. The town hosts the Georgetown Christmas Market every year, which looks like a traditional European holiday market.
Wandering through the market, you’ll find roasted chestnuts, hand-crafted gifts, and carolers dressed in Victorian garb. The snow-covered historic structures provide a cozy setting, making it easy to feel like you’ve simply stepped back in time.
The festive environment is completed by the scent of fresh pine and mulled wine, filling the air with nostalgia and warmth.
While on this Holiday Colorado road trip, be sure to ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which offers an unforgettable Santa Train ride with festive adornments and even a visit from Santa Claus himself.
The picturesque train ride takes you through spectacular winter landscapes, with views of sparkling streams and snowy valleys. Remember to bundle up and enjoy the fresh mountain air while you wave to Santa and his elves during this special holiday journey.
Holiday Colorado road trip: Take a train ride to the North Pole in Durango
Around Durango, the enchantment of Christmas is all aboard the Polar Express Train Ride.
Conducted by the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, this charming ride takes you to the “North Pole” while serving you holiday treats and hot chocolate, complete with a reading of the traditional story.
Durango is embellished with festive lights, with shops offering local gifts and crafts perfect for your holiday shopping. The town’s wild-west charm only adds a unique twist to the holiday festivities, making it an entertaining destination for those with families.
If you book tickets for the Polar Express Train Ride while on this Holiday Colorado road trip, you’ll enjoy the experience of meeting Santa while surrounded by the spectacular winter landscape.
Just remember to wear your pjs for the whole Polar Express experience! After the train ride, you can explore Durango’s charming downtown area, where you can experience festive decorations, live music, and delicious treats from local bakeries and cafes.
Holiday Colorado road trip: Check out a quintessential Christmas wonderland in Breckenridge
Breckenridge is frequently considered the crown jewel of Christmas celebrations in this state. Cradled in the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge comes to life and transforms into a captivating holiday town with twinkling lights streaked across historic Main Street.
The season begins with the Race of the Santas and the Lighting of Breckenridge. You’ll see locals and visitors dress up as Santa Claus and run through the streets.
As you wander past cute little shops decorated with festive decor, you can grab a hot cocoa and enjoy carriage rides, ice skating, and breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks.
While you’re on this Holiday Colorado road trip, make sure you take advantage of the annual Breckenridge Ullr Fest, which is dedicated to the Norse god of winter.
With a quirky parade and bonfire at the end of the night, it’s the perfect way to celebrate winter with a local twist. If you’re an outdoor lover, you can also hit the slopes for snowboarding or skiing because Breckenridge offers some of the best winter sports possibilities in the area.
And if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, take a leisurely stroll through the holiday market and enjoy the warm glow of all the beautiful festive lights.
Holiday Colorado road trip: Experience alpine festivities in Vail
Vail is renowned for its European-inspired charm and elegant winter activities, making it one of the state’s most upscale holiday destinations.
But in December, Vail Village is lit up with spectacular lights, and the yearly Vail Holidays event offers everything from festive concerts to tree lighting ceremonies.
You’ll love walking through the charming streets while snow falls and experiencing the delightful skating rinks. The area’s stunning architecture, reminiscent of an alpine village, contributes to a storybook setting for your winter escape.
While taking this Holiday Colorado road trip, be sure to take part in Vail’s Torchlight Parade on Christmas Eve. You’ll see skiers making their way down the mountain while carrying torches, creating an extraordinary glowing spectacle.
After the parade, you can warm up by the outdoor fire pits with a hot chocolate in hand. Or you can explore Vail’s lavish boutiques for some fun holiday shopping.
And if you’re looking for adventure, Vail’s world-class ski slopes can provide lots of opportunities for snowboarding, skiing, or snowshoeing through the scenic landscape.
Holiday Colorado road trip: Take in the holiday cheer of the Rockies in Frisco
The charming town of Frisco is a hidden gem and the perfect place to spend Christmas in Colorado. In Summit County, Frisco’s Main Street comes alive with festive decor and holiday lights.
At the same time, the Wassail Days celebration offers free tastings of a spiced cider drink at many local businesses. The event symbolizes the community spirit, with carolers and horse-drawn sleigh rides adding to the joyful atmosphere.
Frisco’s small-town charm and its lovely mountain surroundings make it an ideal place to celebrate this year’s holidays. If you’re with the kiddos on this Holiday Colorado road trip, make sure you take them to the Frisco Adventure Park for tubing.
There’s nothing like the rush of sliding down a snow-covered hill to get into the holiday spirit. And after? You can get yourself a cup of hot cocoa at a local cafe and explore Frisco’s festive holiday market, where you can enjoy live music and find handcrafted gifts.
If you want an unforgettable experience, take a snowshoe tour through the nearby trails to enjoy the peaceful winter landscape.
Holiday Colorado road trip: Experience a snowy holiday haven in Telluride
Telluride is a picture-perfect mountain town that feels like you’ve stepped into a snow globe during the holidays. The town’s main street has holiday lights everywhere you look, and the snow-covered peaks provide a spectacular backdrop.
Telluride’s yearly Mountain Village Holiday Prelude offers an entertaining mix of activities, including tree lightings, holiday movies, and even visits with Santa and his reindeer.
The darling charm of Telluride, combined with the dazzling mountain scenery, creates an idyllic holiday setting.
While on this Holiday Colorado road trip, make sure you take advantage of the free gondola ride between Telluride and Mountain Village for spectacular views of the snowy scenery and festive lights below.
The gondola ride is especially magical during the nighttime, with the town’s twinkling lights visible from above.
Remember to visit Telluride’s many locally-owned restaurants and shops, where you can find some unique gifts and enjoy hearty meals perfect for a cold winter’s night. Just don’t forget to pack some warm shoes!
What do you think of these holiday Colorado road trips? Be sure to let us know if you’ve ever visited any of these beautiful places in the US. But don’t leave yet!
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