Holidays in the High Country

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, & More

Holidays in the High Country

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 1 , 2019 - January 6, 2020  |  Arapahoe National Forest

Grand County allows Christmas Tree cutting in designated areas of the Arapahoe National Forest from November 1, 2019-January 6, 2020. 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 7, 2019  |  8:00am - 4:00pm  |  Devil's Thumb Ranch

The 15th Annual Tommelfest will bring a Viking-themed Nordic celebration to the valley. Get ready to raise your glogg (old-fashioned Swedish spiced wine) for this festive celebration.  Learn more...

Venture Out Fest

December 14, 2019  |  12:00am - 5:00pm  |  Winter Park Resort

Winter Park is a pure, unspoiled canvas for mountain adventure year round, so come celebrate all that the area has to offer at Winter Park Resort's first ever winter Venture Out Fest presented by The North Face. Check out our s'mores bar, dog sledding, zip lining, gear demos, Holiday Ice Skating Show, and more, plus hands-on clinics for Backcountry Basics, Ski & Board Waxing, Skijoring, and more. But wait, there's more... stick around for our Mini Rail Jam, Disco Tubing, and Winter Camp Out. Learn more..

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade 

December 24, 2019  |  4:00pm - 8:00pm  |  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 6pm 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, 2019  |  8:30pm-10:00pm  |  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

January 25 -- Stagecoach Classic 2020  |  Devil's Thumb Ranch 

February 22 -- Village Mardi Gras  |  Winter Park Resort 

Winter Park Event Calendar

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