The Colorado holidays are upon us, and BOSW has gathered some of the best resort and city experiences throughout the Centennial State. From snow-dusted mountain towns and luxury ski lodges to charming downtown celebrations and storybook resort traditions, there are plenty of festive destinations to visit this winter. 

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Top Colorado winter getaways and festive resort events

Whether you’re dreaming of sipping cocoa beneath a 40-foot Christmas tree in Denver, ice skating among the peaks in Telluride, cozying up in a themed art suite in Aurora or chasing après-ski joy in Aspen, Colorado festive experiences invite every type of traveler.

From iconic resorts to charming cities, this is your definitive guide to the best Colorado holiday celebrations of 2025.

Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection (Aspen)

Festivities: Aspen’s legendary landmark brings mountain glamour, timeless tradition and holiday enchantment to life with immersive seasonal programming, luxurious dining and festive family experiences as part of its annual Auberge Holiday Fête.

• Après Tea at Hotel Jerome: A decadent twist on afternoon tea featuring hand-selected TEALEAVES blends, jewel-toned sweet and savory bites and optional enhancements including caviar service, whimsical cocktails or Louis Roederer Champagne served in Waterford crystal. Equal parts après-ski warmth and alpine sophistication.
• Santa’s Workshop: Hotel Jerome transforms into the North Pole with special appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus, bringing holiday dreams to life for guests of all ages.
• Teddy Bear Story Hour: For three magical mornings, little ones are invited to cuddle up with their favorite teddy bear for an imaginative story hour designed just for young guests.
• Wonderland by Auberge — 12/14–12/28: Celebrate the season with sweeping views of snow-covered peaks, yuletide classics performed by the Aspen Carolers and access to four legendary ski mountains. Guests can enjoy holiday events, iconic dining, spa relaxation and time to gather with loved ones in true Aspen style.

Featured holiday experiences:

• Christmas Day Feast
• Hanukkah at Hotel Jerome
• Hotel Jerome Ice Skating Rink
• The Holiday Bell Tones Festive Choir
• Santa & Mrs. Claus Visit
• Teddy Bear Story Hour
• Story Time with Jill Sheeley

Website: auberge.com/hotel-jerome/holidays

The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club (Aurora)

Festivities: The Benson Hotel unveils a Season of Wonder with three immersive ways to celebrate the holidays, from staying in artfully transformed Camp Christmas suites to shopping local artisans and enjoying a festive family brunch with Santa.

• 12/2–1/6 — Camp Christmas Suites: Choose between two themed suites — “Fairyland” or “Camp Christmas” — designed by Lonnie Hanzon of Hanzon Studios. Each 700-square-foot top-floor suite features panoramic mountain views, Juliet balconies, fireplaces and fully stocked kitchenettes. The package includes two tickets to Camp Christmas at The Stanley Marketplace and a $50 dining credit to The Common Good. Package price: $445.
• Shop Local: Aurora’s Artisan Adventure — Begins 11/17: Explore Aurora’s creative community with a $100 Stanley Marketplace gift card, a curated swag bag, a complimentary snack from Traveling Mercies or Annette, a signature Benson tote and an in-room welcome amenity. Package price: $347.
• 12/20 — A Merry Morning with Santa: Enjoy a festive brunch buffet, Santa photos and cheerful family fun inside The Benson’s ballroom. Two seatings available at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., limited to 75 guests each. Tickets: $75 adults, $35 children.

Website: thebensonhotel.com

Miracle at Lookout Bar (Avon)

Festivities: Lookout Bar at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley transforms into a festive winter wonderland as it partners with Miracle to debut the world-famous holiday pop-up bar in Avon. Expect immersive décor, après ski coziness, nostalgic cocktails and sweeping Rocky Mountain views.

• 11/20–12/30 — Miracle at Lookout Bar: Step inside the 5th-story bar to enjoy twinkling lights, festive décor and a lineup of creative cocktails paired with alpine ambiance. This year brings all-new holiday cocktails, returning Miracle favorites and a curated menu of zero-proof drinks for spirit-free seasonal cheer. Open daily from 3 p.m.–9 p.m.
• Holiday cocktails: New creations include the Dancing Sugarplums, made with gin, limoncello, plum wine, plum milk syrup, lemon, tiki bitters and nutmeg. Fan favorites such as the Christmapolitan and Snowball Old-Fashioned return with flavors of gingerbread, spiced cranberry, elderflower and absinthe.
• Zero-proof offerings: Enjoy festive non-alcoholic drinks like the Snow Day Sipper with chocolate hazelnut, coconut whipped cream and cacao dust, or the Mellow Mouse crafted with apple, strawberry, grapefruit and lemon juices and soda water.
• Reservations: Each 90-minute visit requires a reservation. Complimentary valet parking is available at The Westin Riverfront.

Website: lookoutbaravon.com

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa (Avon)

Festivities: The Westin Riverfront enhances the winter season with upgraded amenities, refreshed spaces and festive holiday programming, creating a seamless and luxurious Rocky Mountain escape for winter travelers.

• Expanded Ski Valet: Now nearly double in size at 4,000 square feet, the Ski Valet features two fireplaces, ample seating and 1,700 boot warmers. 
• Gondola Market + Café: This new grab-and-go spot serves baked goods, seasonal salads, artisan sandwiches, house-made ice cream, fresh-pressed juices, Starbucks coffee and local beer and wine. The café emphasizes sustainability with compostable packaging and local, non-GMO ingredients.
• Holiday celebrations: Seasonal programming includes a Tree Lighting, Santa Brunch, Christmas Day Brunch and a festive New Year’s Eve celebration.

Website: westinriverfront.com

St Julien Hotel & Spa (Boulder)

Festivities: St Julien Hotel & Spa becomes Boulder’s Holiday Headquarters with a lineup of cherished seasonal traditions, festive culinary experiences and live musical celebrations throughout the season.

• Gingerbread Tea: A beloved annual event featuring traditional tea service, sweet and savory treats, live music and hands-on gingerbread decorating, with proceeds supporting “There With Care.”
• Charlie Brown Goes to The Nutcracker: Boulder’s Ron LeGault Trio performs a whimsical blend of Vince Guaraldi’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” music with Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretations of “The Nutcracker.”
• Breakfast with Santa: A family-friendly holiday favorite filled with festive cheer.
• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dining: Enjoy candlelit dinners at Jill’s Restaurant and a grand Christmas Day brunch buffet in the ballroom accompanied by live music.
• New Year’s Eve celebration: Ring in the new year with food, drinks, a live band, a balloon drop and a midnight toast.

Website: stjulien.com

The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs)

Festivities: Each winter, The Broadmoor transforms into a storybook holiday escape filled with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees and festive décor. The resort’s beloved life-sized gingerbread display serves as the centerpiece, debuting a brand-new theme each year crafted entirely from real gingerbread, icing and candy.

• Twelve Days of Christmas celebration: Guests can enjoy a rotating lineup of themed experiences, including baking classes, whiskey tastings, candle-making workshops and fireside story time with Mrs. Claus.
• Classic Broadmoor Holiday Show: A dazzling dinner-and-performance event featuring Broadway-caliber talent and unforgettable entertainment.
• Breakfast with Santa: A festive family favorite with seasonal treats and jolly holiday moments.
• Christmas Day Brunch: An indulgent holiday feast hosted in Broadmoor Hall.
• New Year’s Eve Gala and Bash: Ring in the new year with a glamorous celebration surrounded by the resort’s iconic holiday ambiance.

Website: broadmoor.com

Hotel Polaris (Colorado Springs)

Festivities: Hotel Polaris launches its inaugural Wings of Winter celebration, honoring the 70th anniversary of the NORAD Santa Tracker with aviation-themed holiday activations, nostalgic traditions and immersive family experiences inspired by one of the world’s most beloved Christmas stories.

• Santa Hotline — Beginning 12/1: A classic red phone in the hotel lobby connects children directly to the North Pole for special messages from Santa, Mrs. Claus or the elves.
• Flights with Santa — Sundays in December, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Take the pilot’s seat in the hotel’s 737Max flight simulator for a journey to Finland’s Rovaniemi Airport with Santa as your co-pilot. The $15 experience (ages 6+) includes a 15-minute flight, hot chocolate and a photo with Santa. First-come, first-served.
• Operation Elf: Enjoy surprise visits from Santa and his elves throughout the season. The Operation Elf package (available after Thanksgiving) includes elf turndown service with milk and cookies and a complimentary “Operation Santa Claus: How NORAD Saved Santa book.” Rates start at $135.
• Cocoa Command at Doolies — 11/28–12/28, Thu–Sun, 2–4 p.m.: Warm up at a hot cocoa bar featuring custom toppings, a kids’ cocoa lab and spirited sips for adults. $20 per adult, $10 for children 12 and under.
• Holiday Tea on the Horizon — Tue–Thu, 2–4 p.m., beginning 11/25: A classic tea service with seasonal and aviation-themed treats. Children receive a copy of Operation Santa Claus: How NORAD Saved Santa. $55 per adult, $27.50 for children 6–12.
• NORAD Santa Tracker Viewing Party — 12/24: Watch Santa’s journey unfold in real time as the hotel broadcasts the NORAD Santa Tracker on all public TVs.
• Thanksgiving & Christmas Buffets: Pamela’s hosts festive buffets for both holidays, including Christmas Day brunch (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) and evening dinner specials. $75 per person, 50% off for children 6–12, and kids 5 and under dine free. Optional $14 unlimited mimosa upgrade.
• Weekly Wings of Winter activities: Seasonal events include aviation-themed cookie decorating, s’mores by the firepit on the Flat Iron Terrace and Toy for Tots donation drop-offs (one free hot chocolate per donated toy).

Website: thehotelpolaris.com/experiences

Denver Union Station (Denver)

Festivities: Celebrate the magic of the season at Denver Union Station, which transforms into a festive holiday landmark with its annual Grand Illumination, a returning Miracle Bar pop-up and free Santa at the Station visits throughout the season.

• 11/28 — Grand Illumination: Enjoy holiday hits from the Denver Dolls, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a festive photo booth and the official lighting of the station’s 40-foot outdoor Christmas tree adorned with more than 7,000 lights. The tree lighting begins at 6:10 p.m.
• 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21 — Santa at the Station: Free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus return to the Great Hall, with optional VIP reservations available for purchase.
• 11/26–12/25 — Miracle at Union Station: Holidays at Grandma’s House: This year’s Miracle Bar pop-up embraces a nostalgic “Holidays at Grandma’s House” theme with vintage décor, cozy corners, spiced-cider scents and holiday cocktails. Located at the lower-level Gallery Bar, Miracle Bar is open 4 p.m.–midnight on weekdays and 2 p.m.–midnight on weekends. Reservations are highly recommended.

Website: denverunionstation.com/experience/event-calendar

The Crawford Hotel (Denver)

Festivities: The Crawford Hotel invites couples to indulge in a luxurious fall date-night escape inside the historic Denver Union Station, complete with elevated cocktails, romantic ambiance and classic railway glamour.

• Fall — Date Night at the Cooper Lounge: Enjoy a $75 credit to sip handcrafted cocktails and savor decadent bites at The Cooper Lounge, inspired by the elegance of the Orient Express and the California Zephyr. Known for its expert bartenders and chic vintage style, this intimate bar sets the scene for the perfect romantic night out. The package also includes complimentary valet parking.

Website: thecrawfordhotel.com/offers/date-night-at-the-cooper-lounge

Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek (Denver)

Festivities: Halcyon brings modern luxury and best-friend-house vibes to Cherry Creek North during the holidays, offering European alpine ambiance, rooftop celebrations and seasonal culinary experiences throughout the season.

• Halcyon on Ice: A mountaintop escape in the Mile High City featuring a rooftop après lounge, festive holiday treats and specialty cocktails at Rare Bird, plus an ice-skating rink surrounded by sweeping Rocky Mountain views.
  Holiday dining: Enjoy elegant holiday buffets for Thanksgiving and Christmas in the second-floor ballroom. A festive holiday bakeshop offers individual baked goods as well as pre-order cakes and pies.
• Holiday tea at Local Jones: Celebrate the season with warm scones, house-made pastries, savory sandwiches and Champagne served in a cozy holiday atmosphere. Thanksgiving and Christmas specials are also available for holiday diners.
  New Year’s Eve at Rare Bird: Ring in the new year with a rooftop celebration complete with holiday cocktails, skyline views and festive vibes.

Website: halcyonhotelcherrycreek.com

Dairy Block (Denver)

Festivities: LoDo’s Dairy Block transforms into a lively holiday micro-district with its annual Holiday on the Block celebration, featuring expanded markets, themed pop-ups, family fun and seasonal surprises throughout December.

• Mistletoe Market — 12/13–12/14 & 12/20–12/21: This expanded market curated by Fireside at Five features 40+ local vendors across the heated Alley and Blake Street. Shoppers can browse clothing from B Fresh Gear and ParHopper, wood art from Park Hill Turning Co., artisan chocolates from Bibamba, ceramics from Enso Clay, handmade jewelry from Angela Rose Jewelry and more. Open noon–7 p.m.
• Crumpit Cave & Story Time: Snap festive photos with “The Mean One” and Cindy Lou for $5 (digital and prints included) at Free Market from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. both weekends. Cindy Lou also hosts family-friendly story time at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
  

Seasonal pop-ups & events:

• 11/26–12/31 — Good Tidings pop-up bar at Run for the Roses
• 12/6, 2–5 p.m. — The North PL Holiday Kickoff Party at Poka Lola
• 12/7, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. — Free dog caricatures at The Maven
• 12/11, 7–9 p.m. — “Elf” Movie Trivia at Denver Milk Market
• 12/13–12/14 & 12/20–12/21, noon–4 p.m. — Maven Holiday Cake Pop event with Itty Bitty Cakes
• 12/13–12/14 & 12/20–12/21, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. — Kachina Cantina Kid-Friendly Holiday Brunch
• 12/14 & 12/21, noon–3 p.m. — Live music by the Jingle Belles in the Alley
• 12/13–12/14 & 12/20–12/21, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. — Holiday Cookie Decorating at Morning Jones
• 12/13–12/14, 3–6 p.m. — Wreath Building Workshop at Free Market
• 12/14, 5 p.m.–close — December Taste of the Market in Denver Milk Market
• 12/20, noon–2 p.m. — Poka Lola Holiday Disco Tree Topper Crafting
• 12/21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. — Denver Milk Market Drag Queen Holiday Divas Brunch

Website: dairyblock.com/holidayontheblock

The Maven Hotel (Denver)

Festivities: The Maven Hotel offers a festive, relaxing holiday staycation in the heart of Dairy Block with cozy winter packages, ski-season perks and a returning holiday movie experience perfect for seasonal snuggling.

• Snowflakes in the City: Book two nights and receive a third night free for the ultimate downtown winter getaway.
• Snowpack(ed) and Ready to Ski: Guests with a valid ski pass receive 20% off their stay.
• Mistletoe Movie Magic: Snuggle up in a luxurious guest room and binge classic holiday favorites, including “White Christmas,” “Love Actually,” “Elf” and “Die Hard,” paired with a special The North PL cocktail from Poka Lola Social Club and in-room movie snacks and candies.

Website: TheMavenHotel.com

The Brown Palace (Denver)

Festivities: One of Denver’s most cherished seasonal traditions, Holiday Tea at The Brown Palace returns in November, offering an elegant and timeless celebration of the season inside the hotel’s iconic atrium.

• Holiday Tea: Surrounded by glittering holiday décor and the shimmering Denver Debutante Chandelier, guests enjoy classic English tea service complete with perfectly steeped teas, warm scones with Devonshire cream, delicate savory bites and sweet confections. Live piano melodies fill the grand atrium, creating a festive atmosphere that honors this beloved Brown Palace tradition.

Website: BrownPalace.com

Larimer Square (Denver)

Festivities: Historic Larimer Square glows with seasonal charm during Larimer Lights, a festive lineup of live entertainment, FREE Santa visits, holiday crafts, specialty pop-up bars and a nightly projection mapping light show in the heart of downtown Denver.

• 11/28–11/29, noon–4 p.m.: Kick off the season with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping, visits with Santa, twinkling lights and live performances by the Original Dickens Carolers. Enjoy Black Friday deals from Ariat, Osteria Marco and Sway.
• 12/6, noon–4 p.m.: Enjoy free Santa photos, hot cocoa and s’mores, live carolers and seasonal cocktails from Rioja, Osteria Marco, NADC Burger and Garage Sale Vintage. Families can stop by Crafty Chassis for ornament decorating and letters to Santa.
• 12/13, noon–5 p.m.: Explore festive pop-up holiday bars throughout the block and enjoy Santa photos, hot cocoa & s’mores and the Original Dickens Carolers. Crafty Chassis returns with ornament decorating and Santa letters. Furry friends can take Santa photos at the Santa Paws Photo Booth from 2–4 p.m.
• 12/20, noon–5 p.m.: One last chance to see Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoy live carolers and finish your holiday shopping among Larimer Square’s festive décor.
• Nightly projection show — 11/28–12/31: A magical projection mapping light show illuminates the Kettle Arcade nightly after dusk. Visitors can also enjoy festive photo ops with Larimer Square’s Christmas tree, snowmen and life-size nutcrackers.

Season-long specials:

• Ariat: BOGO cozy socks
• Osteria Marco: Buy a mini bottle of limoncello, get a meat & cheese platter on your next visit
• Sway: Buy a $150 gift card, receive a $25 bonus card; buy a $300 gift card, receive a complimentary Glow Getter Hydration Facial ($139 value)

Website: larimersquare.com/larimerlights

Purgatory Resort (Durango)

Festivities: Purgatory Resort delivers a classic Southwest Colorado holiday experience with Santa visits, mountain celebrations, whiskey tastings and snowcat adventures designed to make the season unforgettable.

• 12/21, 1:30–3 p.m. — Santa & Mrs. Claus Visit the Mountain: Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Beach area for festive cheer and holiday wishes. The celebration concludes with a seasonal tree lighting.
• 12/27, 5–6:30 p.m. — Whiskey Tasting at Hoody’s: Enjoy a guided tasting of four high-end whiskeys from different regions, plus a handcrafted cocktail.
• 12/31, 6–7 p.m. — New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks: Ring in the new year with Purgatory’s iconic torchlight parade, featuring ski instructors and patrol descending the slopes with torches, followed by a fireworks show at the base.
• 12/13, 12/14 & 12/18–12/31 — Scenic Snowcat Tours: Take in panoramic mountain views on a two-hour scenic snowcat tour, complete with a chairlift ride, photo stops and complimentary hot cocoa. Tours run at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Ages 3+. $100 per person.
• 12/6 & 1/3, 4–9 p.m. — Snowcat Dining Excursions: Enjoy a moonlit snowcat ride to an on-mountain dining experience overlooking the Needles Mountains. Each evening includes a five-course tasting menu paired with select wines and beers. $250 per person.

Town of Frisco (Frisco)

Festivities: Just 90 minutes from Denver, the charming Town of Frisco — known as the Main Street of the Rockies — becomes a Hallmark-movie winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, mountain charm and festive holiday traditions.

• 11/29–12/7 — Wassail Days: Frisco’s beloved annual celebration transforms Main Street with twinkling lights, pop-up Santa sightings and complimentary samples of wassail, a hot spiced apple cider served by local businesses. Visitors can sip their way through town while holiday shopping and collecting stamps on the “12 Sips of Wassail Card” to earn a commemorative Frisco Wassail Days mug.

Website: townoffrisco.com

C Lazy U Ranch (Granby)

Festivities: C Lazy U Ranch celebrates the season with its signature Rocky Mountain Christmas, inviting guests to settle into upscale cabins with wood-burning fireplaces, a personal tabletop Christmas tree and all the trimmings.

• Christmas at the Ranch traditions: Enjoy gingerbread house building, cookie decorating, holiday-themed karaoke and festive Santa visits delivered via horse-drawn sleigh. Santa arrives with presents to place beneath the Main Lodge Christmas tree for all guests to enjoy.
• Seasonal ranch activities: With 8,500 snow-dusted acres, winter adventures include horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, horse-drawn sleigh rides, tubing, sledding and ice skating or pick-up hockey games on the pond.

Website: clazyu.com

Grand Junction (Grand Junction)

Festivities: Trade holiday crowds for a scenic winter escape in Grand Junction, where red rock canyons meet snow-capped peaks on Colorado’s Western Slope. The season brings festive charm, outdoor adventure and cozy, unexpected holiday magic.

• Hotel Maverick winter experiences: Stay at Grand Junction’s only boutique hotel, where Devil’s Kitchen transforms into a magical winter terrace complete with private snow globes and gondolas for chef-driven dining and craft cocktails with views of the Grand Mesa and Colorado National Monument.
• Downtown holiday charm: Stroll beneath a glowing canopy of holiday lights, warm up with a Polar Express Hot Chocolate from Main Street Bagels and shop for local treasures surrounded by more than 115 public art pieces.
• Seasonal events: Celebrate with Grand Junction’s hallmark traditions, including the Downtown Tree Lighting and the Parade of Lights, festive favorites that make the city feel like a hidden holiday gem.

Website: visitgrandjunction.com

Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection (Telluride)

Festivities: Madeline Hotel & Residences brings alpine luxury to new heights at 9,545 feet, offering ski-in, ski-out access, cozy fireside moments and a holiday fête that transforms Mountain Village into a storybook winter escape.

• Letters to Santa: By the lobby fireplace, kids and adults alike can write letters using festive templates, cheerful pens and playful stamps before sending them straight to the North Pole via Madeline’s special holiday mailbox.
• Fire & Ice Skating: Glide across Reflection Plaza with complimentary ice skating and warm up afterward at the festive hot chocolate bar piled high with holiday toppings.
• Cookie Decorating: Celebrate sweet traditions with hands-on cookie decorating featuring frosting, sprinkles and plenty of seasonal cheer.
• Christmas Eve Dinner — 12/24, 5–8 p.m.: Enjoy a festive mountain feast filled with seasonal dishes, alpine touches and joyful ambiance.
• Christmas Feast — 12/25, 5–8 p.m.: Gather for a warm and elevated Christmas dinner where the glow of the Rockies meets thoughtful pairings, celebratory flavors and moments made for memory-making.

Website: auberge.com/madeline/holidays

Snowmass Village (Snowmass Village)

Festivities: Snowmass Village delivers a quintessential Rocky Mountain Christmas escape with 95% ski-in, ski-out lodging, more than 3,000 acres of powdery terrain and one of the most convenient mountain airport locations in Colorado. Visitors enjoy world-class skiing with an average of just two skiers per acre.

• 12/20–12/24 — Santa in Base Village: Santa returns for complimentary meet-and-greets and photos in Base Village, while carolers fill the Snowmass Mall with classic holiday tunes.
• Winter activities: Beyond skiing, guests can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing and an alpine coaster that winds through over a mile of snowy forest, reaching speeds up to 35 mph.
• Daily s’mores: Warm up after a day on the mountain with free s’mores served daily at 3:30 p.m. in Base Village and on the Mall.

Website: gosnowmass.com