The holidays in Estes Park a truly special time of year. The town becomes a beautiful display of Christmas lights, decorated storefronts, and snow-covered mountains that serve as your backdrop. For an unforgettable holiday vacation, here’s how you can spend the holidays in Estes Park.
Attend a holiday event
Holidays in Estes Park wouldn’t be complete without its festive events the town hosts every year.
Catch the Glow Parade and Celebration
Kick-off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving with the Catch the Glow Parade and Celebration. As the sun sets, the fun begins. Music will fill the streets and the air with your favorite Christmas tunes. Dancers and parade floats add to the excitement as Estes Park comes to life with the spirit of Christmas. The event is free and open to the public.
When: November 29, 2019
Where: Downtown Estes Park, Elkhorn Avenue
Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest
Join Estes Park in their inaugural Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest. The festival will feature over 100 Colorado wines that visitors will be able to taste as they shop local retail and craft vendors for those loved on their list. Ticketed entrance gets visitors a commemorative wine glass, wine tote, and unlimited tastings from Colorado wineries. Bring the kids, as Santa will make an appearance at his workshop during the festival.
When: November 30 & December 1, 2019
Where: Estes Park Event Complex
Things to do in Estes Park
Holiday shopping
Take a stroll along the Riverwalk in downtown Estes Park and pop in at some of the local shops for unique holiday gifts. From clothing and jewelry boutiques to art galleries and more, there is something for everyone on your list.
Snowshoe in Rocky Mountain National Park
Nothing says the holidays like blankets of snow covering the ground with mountain peaks surrounding you. Often some of the best summer hiking trails make for good winter snowshoe trails. Bring your own pair or check out the many rental shops in town.
Read here for more on how you can enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park’s backcountry in winter.
Sledding in Hidden Valley
Maye one of the more popular things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is sledding at Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley in Rocky Mountain National Park used to be a downhill ski area and has since turned its ski runs into sledding runs.
Go cross-country skiing
Rent or bring your own backcountry Nordic skis and head out to Rocky Mountain National Park where you will discover a quiet beauty as you make your way through soft fluffy snow. For ski-friendly terrain head to the west side of the park and for more challenging terrain head to the east side of the park. Outside the park, popular cross-country ski areas include Devil’s Thumb Ranch or Brainard Lake Recreation area.
Spend a day at the spa
Rest and relax by taking your vacation indoors and treat yourself this holiday season by unwinding with a massage or specialty spa treatment at one of these Estes Park spas.
Estes Park Lodging
Spend the holidays in Estes Park and book your stay with Alpine Trail Ridge Inn. With our affordable and comfortable accommodations just minutes from downtown Estes Park, we have a wide variety of options to choose from when booking your Estes Park vacation. Be sure to visit Alpinetrailridgeinn.com for the best rates available this holiday season.
