Are you looking for the best holiday activities in Colorado? This place is jam packed with magic everywhere you look, and there are options for everyone! The local communities and businesses truly know how to liven up the cold and long winter months. As someone who didn’t necessarily love winter in the past, these things have really made a difference in making the season more enjoyable, especially now with a toddler and baby on the way. Without further ado, let’s get into 8 of my favorite holiday activities in beautiful Colorado!

1. Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski to a Yurt

We are kicking it off with snowshoeing or XC skiing to Tennessee Pass Cookhouse for lunch or stay overnight in their yurts. Whether you are just looking for a quick day trip, or a little weekend getaway, there are lots of options at Tennessee Pass. It is located very close to the town of Leadville, CO (about a 2 hour drive from Denver) and the land is owned by a couple who turned it into a magical wonderland of yurts, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and even a little hill for downhill skiing! The staff at Tennessee Pass has the whole experience dialed in, making it extremely easy and hassle free for you. The yurts sleep 6 people comfortably and the cost is $300 per night no matter how many people you have. They will send you some follow-up emails asking if you prefer to reserve a dinner at their iconic Cookhouse (around $100 per person) or have food delivered to your yurt. When I stayed over, we opted to go with the food delivery. It was only $20-$25 per person and still amazing food. I kid you not when I say my night in the yurt was one of the most peaceful nights of my life. We enjoyed our candlelit dinner that was delivered right to us, enjoyed some wine, played games and stargazed. The best part is the trails are very beginner friendly and take you through a winter wonderland filled with gorgeous mountain views. Pair that with the cozy cookhouse and you have a great holiday memory!

Another option if you are unable to make it to Tennessee Pass, but would still love some XC skiing, is the many Nordic Centers in the Denver area including Eldora Mountain Nordic Center, Keystone Resort, Frisco Nordic Center, Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Snow Mountain Ranch, and Breckenridge and Vail Nordic Centers. These offer up great options with groomed trails, and equipment rentals if you aren’t already geared up. As someone who isn’t overly thrilled with the thought of flying down a mountain on skis, XC trails have been a great experience that allow me to still get outside with my family and enjoy the crisp fresh air and breathtaking views!

2. Ice Castles

Switching gears a bit, let’s dive into an absolutely magical experience, especially with kids – the Cripple Creek or Eagle Ice Castles! Cripple Creek is about a 2 hour drive from Denver near Colorado Springs, and Eagle is also about a 2 hour drive from Denver toward Glenwood Springs. Both offer up ice tunnels, slides, sculptures, caverns and archways that are backlit with beautiful colors (especially when you visit during the evening). The Cripple Creek location even has a “Polar Pub” with cozy adult beverages if that is your jam. The ice castles are such a fun and family friendly activity that brings so much magic to the cold season. Even if you don’t have kids, you’ll likely turn into one as you explore through tunnels and zoom down slides!

3. Holiday Trains

One of my favorite holiday activities, by far, is riding on a train through Colorado’s snowy landscape. Honestly, the train rides are gorgeous year-round, but there is something extra special about a winter ride. Some trains even host special holiday rides in the month of December. One of the most famous is Durango’s Polar Express, and for good reason – the staff even dress up as Polar Express characters and interact with passengers! A few other great options are the Georgetown and Royal Gorge trains as well – both hosting fun holiday options! Just note that each train experience is different, and make sure you read the fine print so you know how to dress depending on open or closed cars!

4. Sleigh Ride

Another unique and festive Colorado holiday activity is literally dashing through the snow, on a two-horse open sleigh. Breckenridge Sleigh Rides has an array of options from romantic and more private, scenic rides through the forest, dinner sleigh rides, and even one that takes you to a miner’s cabin. I chose to go with the Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Ride which included a delicious hot cocoa bar by a bonfire, followed by a 30 minute horse-drawn sleigh ride through White River National Forest. When I went, it was $57 per adult and kids under 2 were free. It truly was the perfect unique winter day-trip experience – I recommend going at dusk (4-5:30pm ish) and then dining in Breck after. Be sure to bundle up and dress warm!

5. Iceskate Evergreen Lake

If you are looking for some fun on skates, you are definitely going to want to go ice skating at Evergreen Lake, located about 35 minutes out of Denver in Evergreen. It is actually the world’s largest zamboni groomed outdoor rink, hosting 12 hockey rinks along with a large area for general skating. Admission is $15 per person and children under 4 get in for free. There are also punch pass, and season pass options along with $10 skate rentals. Skating at Evergreen Lake is truly one of my favorite ways to get the whole family outside and having fun in the winter months!

6. Botanical Garden Lights

If skates aren’t quite your thing, but you still want to get outside for some festive beauty, be sure to check out the Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanical Gardens during the evening from 4:30 to 9:00pm. It is a beautiful and dynamic display of light and color that is sure to bring some wonder to the season as it has been dubbed one of the top holiday light shows in the nation. It is about a mile-long path through gorgeous light displays and features. It is about $30 for entry and kids under 2 get in for free. Throw some cozy layers on and experience a beautifully lit walk through a forest of lights!

7. Pop-up Christmas Bars

Last but certainly not least, if you are in the Denver area during the holiday season, you have to check out one of the many pop-up holiday bars or pubs. They go all out to bring cozy and festive vibes to their customers, and there is something for everyone, whether it’s a fun night out with friends, or a date night with your significant other. If you aren’t sure where to find them, check out this list of 2024 options. It truly is one of my favorite things about Denver in the winter!

I hope these options spark the holiday spirit and get you out and about enjoying everything the season has to offer. If you are looking for more ideas on how to thrive in Colorado during the winter months, be sure to check out my other blogs, “Colorado Winter Bucket List”, “10 Stunning Snowshoe Trails In Colorado”, and “5 Ways to Overcome Winter Blues”.

Happy + Healthy Trails,

Bradee