Christmas In Estes Park: Best Things To Do During The Holidays

If you’re looking for a Christmas destination in Colorado that feels festive without being overwhelming, Estes Park hits a really nice sweet spot. It offers classic holiday traditions, cozy winter activities, beautiful scenery, and just enough going on to fill a weekend — without the pressure of a packed schedule or the ski-town premium price tag.

This guide covers the best things to do during Christmas in Estes Park, including seasonal events, outdoor winter activities, and a few indoor options for colder or snowy days.

Table of Contents

Christmas In Estes Park: Best Things To Do

Holiday Tree Lighting & Downtown Christmas Lights

Christmas in Estes Park officially kicks off with the annual holiday tree lighting in Bond Park. This is where you’ll find Santa appearances, free photos, and a festive countdown as the town’s main Christmas tree lights up for the season. It’s a family-friendly event and a great way to ease into the holidays if you’re visiting in early Decemeber.

Even if you can’t make the actual ceremony, downtown Estes Park shines all month long. Storefronts glow with lights, trees are decorated throughout town, and the mountains create a picture-perfect backdrop for a stroll along Elkhorn Avenue.

Holiday Events & Seasonal Festivities

Estes Park leans into the holidays with a rotating lineup of seasonal events throughout December. Many of these are geared toward families, but they’re still enjoyable if you’re visiting as a couple or with friends and want something festive but low-key.

You’ll find themed weekends with snowman activities, storytelling sessions, craft stations, and interactive games for kids — perfect if you want holiday atmosphere without committing to a full day of events.

New this year, Sleigh the Games (December 12–14) brings a weekend-long holiday festival to town. Expect playful winter competitions, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities spread across multiple days. The festival wraps up with the Sweet Stroll Finale, where visitors can pick up a punch card in Bond Park and wander through participating candy shops, bakeries, and chocolatiers for complimentary treats. It’s a fun way to explore downtown and end the weekend on a sweet note.

For a full list of this year’s Christmas events, check out Estes Park Holiday Events.

The Stanley Hotel At Christmas

The Stanley Hotel is worth visiting any time of year, but Christmas adds an extra layer. The holiday decor here is elegant rather than over-the-top, and the historic interiors feel especially cozy in winter.

You don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy it. Stop by to walk through the public spaces, grab a drink, go for a ghost tour, or simply soak in the atmosphere.

Historic hotel with white siding, red trim, American flags, and green hedges on sunny day. Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado. — The Stanley Hotel

Shop Downtown (Don’t Skip the Taffy!)

Downtown Estes Park is very walkable, and Christmas is one of the best times of year to explore it. Many shops decorate for the season, and the combination of lights and window displays makes browsing feel extra festive.

One stop that’s mandatory is The Taffy Shop. If you’ve been before, you already know — and if you haven’t, December is the perfect excuse. It’s warm, nostalgic, and smells incredible inside.

Throughout the month, kids can also take part in the Snowman Scavenger Hunt, where snowmen are hidden in storefront windows around town. It’s an easy way to keep little ones entertained while you shop and turns downtown wandering into an activity of its own.

Holiday Lights Driving Tour

If you want something festive without spending a lot of time outside, the Holiday Lights Driving Tour is a great evening option. Decorations are spread throughout downtown and nearby neighborhoods, with notable stops around Bond Park and the Lake Estes area.

Each season, an interactive map is released to help you plan your route. Pair this with a hot drink and a dessert stop afterward, and it’s an easy, low-effort Christmas night.

Find information about this year’s event at Holiday Lights Driving Tour.

Ice Skating At YMCA Of The Rockies

If you’re staying near or visiting the YMCA of the Rockies, don’t miss the seasonal outdoor ice skating rink. Skating here feels very nostalgic, with mountain views, string lights, and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for families or couples.

Even if you’re not staying on-site, the ice skating rink is still open to the public.

Warm Up With Coffee Or Hot Chocolate

After time outside, warming up at a local cafe is almost essential in winter. Estes Park has several cozy spots where you can grab coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and take a break from the cold.

Downtown cafes are especially convenient if you’re walking Elkhorn Avenue — making it easy to duck inside, warm up, and then continue exploring.

River Walk Cafe, Kind Coffee, Bird’s Nest, and Coffee on the Rocks are a few of my favorite spots.

Guest and employee at coffee shop with huge multi-floor windows with mountain views in background. Bird's Nest Cafe, Estes Park, Colorado. — Bird’s Nest Cafe

birds nest coffee shop estes park colorado — Bird’s Nest Cafe

Spend A Winter Day In Rocky Mountain National Park

One of the biggest perks of visiting Estes Park in December is how easy it is to access Rocky Mountain National Park.

Snow completely transforms the landscape, and while many higher-elevation roads are closed, areas like Bear Lake Road (conditions permitting) are often accessible and far quieter than in summer.

Winter hiking, snowshoeing, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing are all great options — just be sure to check weather forecasts, road closures, and traction requirements before heading in.

For more information, check out The Best Things To Do In RMNP In Winter.

Woman in winter gear, with snowshoes and walking poles standing on frozen, snow-covered lake with dramatic mountain backdrop on sunny day. Dream Lake in winter, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. — Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park

Woman snowshoeing across frozen, snow covered lake with huge rocky mountain peaks in background on sunny winter day. Snowshoeing Dream Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colorado. — Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park

Catch The Glow Parade

One of the biggest events of the season is the Catch the Glow Parade, held in late November around Thanksgiving.

Elkhorn Avenue fills with people watching glowing floats, marching bands, and holiday characters move through downtown. It’s free, family-friendly, and one of the best ways to kick off a Christmas trip to Estes Park.

Holiday Wine Festival

The Holiday Wine Festival also takes place around Thanksgiving and is a ticketed event focused on Colorado wineries.

Guests can sample wines while enjoying festive decor and live entertainment. It’s a fun option if you’re visiting around parade weekend and want something a little more adult-focused after a day of holiday events.

Enjoy Outdoor Winter Activities (Besides The National Park)

If you want to spend time outside without heading into Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park still has plenty of winter options:

Winter Hike / Snowshoeing – Several nearby trails and open areas offer peaceful winter scenery at an easy pace. Depending on conditions you may need snowshoes, but it’s more likely regular hiking boots and spikes will suffice this time of year.
Cross-Country Skiing – Lessons available around Estes Park when conditions allow.
Winter Walking Paths – Flat paths around Lake Estes or along the river are great for a scenic, low-effort walk with mountain views.
Wildlife Viewing – Elk are often visible around town in winter, especially in the early morning or near dusk — keep your distance though!

Snow-capped mountain peaks overlooking choppy lake on windy, grey spring day. Lake Estes, Estes Park, Colorado. — Walking around Lake Estes

Festival Of Trees At The Estes Park Resort

One of the most underrated Christmas activities in Estes Park is the Festival of Trees, hosted each year at the Estes Park Resort.

Local organizations decorate themed Christmas trees, transforming part of the resort into a festive indoor walk-through. Admission is free, and there’s typically a raffle benefiting a local nonprofit if you want to participate. There’s also usually a children’s coloring contest and light seasonal snacks available.

This is an especially good stop if the weather isn’t great or you’re looking for something calm and cozy.

Art Classes

For something warm and indoors, Estes Park has several studios offering hands-on art classes throughout winter. Options range from canvas painting and acrylic pours to metal embossing and mixed-media projects.

Classes are a fun way to spend an afternoon and make a unique Christmas souvenir to bring home.

Check out classes at Inspired Artisan Market & Studio or Art Center of Estes Park.

Grab A Festive Holiday Drink

When you want something seasonal to sip, Estes Park has a great option right in town. At Avant Garde Aleworks, the taproom transforms into the Hoppy Holiday Bar for the season, serving up a special holiday drink menu from late November through early January.

You’ll find festive pours like a rich Winter Strong Ale alongside non-alcoholic options like hot cocoa and hot-buttered cider — perfect for a break between holiday activities or an evening out with friends.

Beyond drinks, the Hoppy Holiday Bar also hosts seasonal events like live music, craft workshops, and trivia throughout the holidays, making it a fun and social way to warm up during your Estes Park visit.

Woman holding craft beer in front of steel drums in brewery. Avant Garde Aleworks, Estes Park, Colorado. — Avant Garde Aleworks

Couple sitting at outdoor table drinking craft beer on chilly afternoon in fall. Avant Garde Aleworks brewery, Estes Park, Colorado. — Avant Garde Aleworks

Estes Park at Christmas is cozy, festive, and refreshingly low-key compared to some of Colorado’s larger holiday destinations. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or just passing through, it’s easy to mix seasonal events with winter scenery and relaxed downtime.

I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip, and have the best time!

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more information? Check out my additional Estes Park and RMNP guides below.

Christmas In Estes Park: Best Things To Do During The Holidays

Christmas In Estes Park: Best Things To Do