Last Updated: November 9, 2022

Winter Park truly is a wonderful spot to savor the holiday season. In addition to the overabundance of winter activities, Winter Park plays host to several truly unique and memorable events that make the holidays even more magical. 

Check out Winter Park deals before booking your vacation. 

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

November 10 , 2022 - January 7, 2023  |  Arapahoe National Forest

Take home a tree for a few months and a holiday memory that lasts a lifetime. Grand County allows Christmas Tree cutting in designated areas of the Arapahoe National Forest from early November through the beginning of January. All you need to do is gas up, gear up (gloves, saw, etc...), get a permit, and you are on the hunt to finding the perfect tree.  

Local Tips: 

• Get a permit. The USFS takes permits and their rules and regulations very seriously. Read up before you cut! 
• Bring rope or twine. Don't be that car with all arms out the windows holding on to your tree!  

Christmas Dinners

The holidays in Winter Park are magical - you can get outside before and after a big meal and enjoy the fresh air, new snow, and good times with family and friends. Decide whether to dine in or dine out and plan accordingly. 

Local Tips:

• Locals like to leave the cooking to the experts too, so if want to eat out, make your reservations early. 
• If you are set on cooking the big meal, plan accordingly. We have grocery stores but they may not stock your great Aunt Edna's obscure secret sauce ingredients.

Tommelfest

December 10, 2022  |  8:30am - 4:00pm  |  Devil's Thumb Ranch

The annual Tommelfest celebration brings Viking-themed Nordic revelry to the valley. Get ready to raise your glogg (old-fashioned Swedish spiced wine) for this festive celebration.  Learn more...

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade 

December 24, 2022  |  5:30pm - 7:00pm  |  Winter Park Resort

The Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade is one of the most beloved Winter Park traditions - the mountain is lit up by ski patrol and volunteers skiing down -- an electrifying and enchanting experience for all in attendance.

Local Tips: 

• Get there early and grab a spot near the bonfire.
• Bring handwarmers, hot chocolate (Bailey's for the 21+ crowd), and pocket snacks (snacks that are easily procured from a pocket).
• Take Winter Park's Transit shuttle, The Lift -- it is free, safe, and no one has to worry about parking!  
• There's 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!

New Year's Eve Celebration with Fireworks

December 31, 2022  |  TBD  |  Rendezvous Event Center

Fireworks aren't just for 4th of July in Winter Park -- we shoot 'em off during our New Year's Eve Celebration as well. 

Local Tips: 

• Take Winter Park's Transit shuttle, The Lift -- it is free, safe, and no one has to worry about parking!  
• Put the kids in snowgear -- one run down the hill on the community sleds, they'll be hooked! 
• Free hot chocolate is provided by the Town -- but locals always know to bring their own secret stash and pocket snacks.
• Need more than Fireworks to fire up your New Year's Eve? Check out the event calendar for other activities.

Other Signature Winter Events

Winter Park is always ready to celebrate the season! Our community welcomes and encourages everyone to live like locals, be adventurous, and celebrate the beauty of the surrounding area. Experience all that Winter Park has to offer with a bit of help from our Winter Park Event Calendar.