I’m a Colorado native…I say that with pride because there’s not as many of us around these days. I love my out of state friends, don’t get me wrong….I just know how to celebrate the holidays in Colorado the RIGHT way! It really is my absolute favorite time of the year. When people think of celebrating the holidays in Colorado they think of skiing. I steer clear of the slopes around the holidays to avoid the crowds and tourists. Who wants to stand in a 45min lift line? Not me. So, I’ve compiled a list of the best ways to celebrate the season in Colorado….away from the slopes:
1). Watch the Grand Illumination of the City and County Building in Downtown Denver. This year the lighting is on November 28th. It’s free, festive and beautiful!
2). Catch a performance of the Nutcracker from the Colorado Ballet – One of my all time time favorite holiday memories is watching the Nutcracker. The Colorado Ballet does an amazing performance and has become a holiday tradition! (If you book the first 3 weeks, you can get 20% off).
3). Ride the Royal Gorge Santa Express Train! Have you ever seen the movie Polar Express? Well the Santa Express Train brings Polar Express to life…in Colorado! The train will take you to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus, where children receive a special bell from the jolly old elf, cookies & hot chocolate flow freely, and dinner & drinks are available on a journey you’ll treasure year after year. The Santa Express is a winter wonderland, where children (and all) are encouraged to wear cozy pajamas and relax with family and friends. You will be served complimentary hot cocoa and a cookie on the way to the North Pole, decorated like a true Christmas town, bedecked with 17,000 holiday lights for its most famous resident – Santa Claus. On the way, Christmas music and Santa’s Elves will keep you entertained.
4). The Parade of lights – The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is the signature event of the Downtown Denver holiday season. The FREE holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate floats, and a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Grab your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever! Dates: Friday, December 5, 2014 at 8 p.m. or Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 6 p.m.
5). Downtown Denver – While you’re attending the parade, make a night of it and stay downtown! Downtown Denver during the holidays is incredibly festive and that’s a ton to do! Dinner, dancing, movies you name it! 🙂 Soak up the lights from your high rise hotel room, starting at $99. While you’re downtown be sure to visit the skyline ice skating rink off 16th and Arapahoe!
6). The Denver Zoo lights- Come and experience a holiday light safari with more than 38 brilliantly-illuminated acres of lights, featuring more than 150 animated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected.
7). Eat at White Fence Farm – They decorate like your grandma used to! AND it’s an affordable and fun place to eat.
8). Georgetown Christmas Market -The Georgetown Christmas Market is a festive outdoor European-inspired Market featuring handcrafted gifts, horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, roasted chestnuts, appearances by St. Nicholas in his traditional robes, and the Santa Lucia Children’s Procession. Date: December 6, 7, 13 & 14 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Where: 6th Street, Georgetown.
9). Visit the North Pole Amusement Park in Colorado Springs The amusement park is open year round, but if there’s a nice day in December it’s a great way to celebrate the season with little ones!
10). Visit an outdoor Ice rink! There’s multiple all around the Denver area and suburbs. Downtown, Southlands and Belmar to name a few.
11). Cut down your own Christmas Tree! Yes, you can do this. Head here to learn more about what areas allow it.
12). Visit Santa at Bass Pro Shops – This may sound strange but they put on one of THE best (and Free) Santa meet and greet events around. There’s crafts for the kids, a winter play land and best of all Santa!
