Planning a holiday in the snow this winter season? Look no further! Winter Park is truly a magical & wonderful place to spend the holidays. In addition to the world-class skiing, Winter Park also plays host to several truly unique and memorable events that make the holidays even that much more special.Check out some of our favorite holiday events and activities in Winter Park, CO this winter season.
It is abundantly clear why local’s are quickly swept up in the spirit of things here in Winter Park and why visitors choose to spend their holiday season here, too. Check out this handy list for some of our favorite holiday things to do!
Local’s Tip: Please feel free to use and reference this tentative events calendar to help plan your trip to Winter Park!
Rocky Mountain Yule Celebration 2024
Date & Time
Dec. 14, 2024
6:00 PM — 10:00 PM
Price
$125 per person
Where
Headwaters Center
730 Baker Drive
PO Box 443
Winter Park, CO 80482
Join in on the fun December 14th from 6-10 PM for an enchanting evening of food, festivity, and YULE! The Headwaters Center in downtown Winter Park is hosting its third annual Rocky Mountain Yule Celebration. Dress up and cut a rug with live music and community cheer. Participate in a silent auction just in time to secure unique holiday gifts for your family and friends. Enjoy the band, a buffet dinner, and two drink tickets with your $125 admission ticket. All proceeds from admission, bar, and silent auction will benefit the Headwaters River Journey Museum 501c 3 and other local water conservation education initiatives.
Holiday Drone Show & Winter Wonderland
Date & Time
Dec. 14, 2024
11:00 AM — 5:30 PM
Price
FREE
It’s a Winter (Park) Wonderland! Join in the Village throughout the day for s’mores, photos with Santa, ornament decorating, and more to get in the holiday spirit! Then wrap up your day with a special festive drone show above the mountain.
Winter Wonderland
Time: 11am – 5pm
Head to the Village at the base of Winter Park Resort for hot cocoa, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, and other festive activities to get you into the holiday spirit.
Holiday Drone Show
Time: Dusk
Join in on the fun for the Holiday Drone Show, a mesmerizing display of synchronized drones that will fill the night with holiday icons, festive designs, and vibrant colors.
Tommelfest
Date & Time
Dec. 14, 2024
8:30 AM — 3:00 PM
Where
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
3530 County Road 83
Tabernash, CO 80478
Raise your glogg (old-fashioned Swedish spiced wine) for the annual Tommelfest celebration! Kick off the beginning of the winter season at this special & unique Viking-themed Nordic festival. Featuring free skate & classic cross country ski lessons from DTR Ski Instructors & CU Ski Team Coaches, keg toss, Swedish meatballs, and more!
Tentative Schedule
(*subject to change)
- 8:30 AM–2 PM: Rental & Trail Pass Pick-Up | Zach’s Mercantile
- 10–11:30 AM: Complimentary Clinic with Ski Pass | Zach’s Mercantile
- 12–3 PM: Heck’s Tommelfest Buffet | Heck’s Patio | Click to See Menu
Enjoy a festive feast for the occasion including brats, meatball skewers, sauerkraut, scalloped potatoes, brussels sprouts, and delicious cobblers. - 12–1 PM: Norwegian Keg Toss | Next to Heck’s Patio
- 1 PM–2 PM: Clinic Registration | Zach’s Mercantile
- 2–3:30 PM: Complimentary Clinic with Ski Pass | Zach’s Mercantile
Run Like a Reindeer 5K
Date & Time
Dec. 20, 2024
4:30 PM — 7:00 PM
Where
Rendezvous Event Center
78821 U.S. Hwy 40
Winter Park, CO 80482
Get ready to lace up your running shoes or Nordic boots and snowshoe, cross country ski, fat bike, or walk with snow cleats on the Fraser River Trail to the Rendezvous Event Center. Embrace the magic of the season as you race against friends, family, and fellow holiday enthusiasts.
Participants are encouraged to wear their best reindeer-themed attire: antlers, festive costumes, or holiday gear to add to the fun!
Please note: this race is not timed. More info: Registration
Holiday Happenings
Date & Time
Dec. 21, 2024
11:30 AM — 3:00 PM
Where
Cozen’s Ranch Museum
77849 U.S. Hwy 40
Fraser, CO 80442
Cozens Ranch is hosting the annual Holiday Happenings with Santa this holiday season. As always there will be cookie decorating, holiday keepsake making, a chance to sit with Santa, and of course a fun visit to the museum!
This is a free community event, open to all ages!
If you’d like to make a donation to keep this event happening every year, we suggest $5
Reindeer & Holiday Drone Show
Date & Time
Dec. 21, 2024
11:00 AM — 5:30 PM
Price
FREE
Ever met Santa’s reindeer? This weekend, you can visit with a few of these fuzzy friends in the Village between ski laps. After the sun sets, stick around for a magical holiday drone show at the base.
Local’s Tip: Visit the Derailer or Doc’s deck for the best view!
Reindeer in the Village
Time: 11am – 5pm
The Holidays are here! That means sparking snow, delicious hot chocolate, and, of course, Santa’s reindeer. On December 21st two of Santa’s reindeer will be in the Village along with Santa’s very own sleigh. Stop by and get your picture taken on Santa’s sleigh and celebrate the season here at Winter Park Resort.
Holiday Drone Show
Time: Dusk
Join for the dazzling Holiday Drone Show, a mesmerizing display of synchronized drones that will fill the night with holiday icons, festive designs, and vibrant colors.
Santa and Mrs. Claus at Granby Ranch
Date & Time
Dec. 22, 2024
11:00 AM — 4:30 PM
Date & Time
Dec. 23, 2024
11:00 AM — 4:30 PM
Where
Granby Ranch
1000 Village Way
Granby, CO 80446
Ho, ho, ho! Santa and Mrs. Claus are making a special stop at Granby Ranch this holiday season! Bring the whole family to meet the jolly couple and share your holiday wishes. Kids can enjoy storytime, take photos with Santa, and even drop off their letters to the North Pole. This magical visit is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and create unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on this festive holiday tradition—Santa and Mrs. Claus can’t wait to see you!
Local’s Tip: This event is being held two days December 22nd & 23rd, 2024. Plan accordingly!
Torchlight Parade
Date & Time
Dec. 24, 2024
5:30 PM
Price
FREE
Winter Park’s most beloved holiday tradition, the Torchlight Parade, is back for another illuminating performance! Join in for an evening filled with Holiday cheer, from photos with Santa, to sipping on hot chocolate, and caroling throughout the base village. Stay warm by the bonfire while enjoying the firework display and torchlight parade illuminating the night’s sky.
There is also a non-denominational service at 6:00pm in West Portal after the parade. Participate in services on Christmas Eve so you can sleep in on Christmas Day!
Local’s Tip: Get there early and grab a spot near the bonfire AND Take Winter Park’s Transit shuttle, The Lift — it is free, safe, and no one has to worry about parking!
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Date & Time
Dec. 31, 2024
5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Price
FREE
Winter Park shines on New Year’s Eve. Join for a celebration you won’t soon forget. On December 31st the Rendezvous Event Center in downtown Winter Park will host sledders and tubers, and a Silent Disco hosted by Big Little Sound. This event is free and open to the public and sleds, tubes, and toboggans are provided on the event center’s tubing hill.
Other New Year’s Eve Happenings:
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks | 12am | Grand Lake
- NYE Fireworks Show and Mountain Light Parade | 7pm | Granby Ranch
- New Year’s Eve Special | 9pm | Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Start The New Year Right!
Blow off the cobwebs with an early morning ski at Winter Park Resort, zip up to the Continental Divide on a snowmobile tour, get wild with the pack on a dogsled ride, or soar to new heights on a hot air balloon ride. It’s the start of a brand new year, make it a great one in Winter Park, Colorado!
Where To Stay?
Winter Park is always ready to celebrate the winter season! This community is so welcoming, and encourages everyone to live like the locals do! When you’re ready to visit this little corner of paradise, be ready to be adventurous, and celebrate the beauty of the surrounding area. Experience all that Winter Park has to offer with a bit of help from your favorite local lodging company Winter Park Lodging Company!
For more info about Winter Park, CO check out these other great resources:
- 1-Day Ski Itinerary at Winter Park
- Three Easy Ways To Get To Winter Park
- Child Care Options & Kid-Friendly Activies in Winter Park
