Christmas Markets Colorado 2025 Your Guide to the Best Holiday Festivities

21) Ouray Ice Park Festival, Ouray

Every January, ice climbers and adventure seekers head to Ouray for the Ouray Ice Park Festival. You can watch climbers—both pros and beginners—tackle frozen waterfalls.

The festival welcomes anyone, even if you’ve never tried climbing before. Free clinics run throughout the event, and instructors are happy to show you the ropes.

A lively vendor village pops up inside the park. You’ll find the latest climbing gear, souvenirs, and food from local spots.

Product demos happen all day, and you can chat with guides and athletes about their experience. The whole thing takes place in the Uncompahgre Gorge, just a short walk from downtown.

Events run day and night, and festival members get early access to the park. Most activities are free, but some clinics and special events do cost extra.

Bundle up, because the weather can get seriously cold and icy.

If you’re thinking of going, book your lodging early—Ouray fills up fast during the festival. Most visitors grab hotel rooms months in advance on booking.com.

Dates	Location (Address)	Times	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
January 23 – January 26, 2025	280 7th Ave, Ouray, CO 81427, USA	Varies by event	Free entry; fees for some activities	See options on booking.com	Visit the official Ouray Ice Festival website for details.

22) Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, Steamboat Springs

Since 1914, Steamboat Springs has thrown its Winter Carnival every February. The event is packed with outdoor activities that show off the area’s western spirit.

One highlight? Kids on skis get pulled by horses right down the main street. It’s a wild mix of winter sports and ranching tradition.

After dark, the Night Show Extravaganza takes over. The Lighted Man, covered in lights and fireworks, slides down the slope in a blaze of color.

Crowds gather from all over Colorado to watch the spectacle. It’s honestly one of the best moments for photos.

You’ll need a Winter Carnival button to get in, which costs $15. That button lets you watch or join any event for several days.

Buffs and neck gaiters aren’t for sale this year, so don’t forget to pack your own warm gear for those chilly February nights.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
February 5–9, 2025	Steamboat Springs, Colorado	Various times	$15 Winter Carnival button	Nearby hotels	Steamboat Winter Carnival

23) Glenwood Springs Winterfest, Glenwood Springs

All of Glenwood Springs lights up for Winterfest in December. You’ll see streets and buildings covered in holiday lights.

Families gather to soak in the cheerful vibe. Local artisans fill booths with crafts and handmade gifts.

You can snack on seasonal foods and treats at stalls throughout the festival. The Holiday Bazaar offers even more specialty items and unique presents.

Kids get free gondola rides up at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Santa hangs around for photos and to meet the little ones.

The Glenwood Springs Community Center hosts the Holiday Arts & Crafts Market, where you can find even more local products. Winterfest runs all December, and most activities won’t cost you a thing.

Plenty of hotels sit downtown, so you can stay close to the action.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December 1-December 31, 2025	Various locations in Glenwood Springs	9 a.m. – 8 p.m.	Free entry for most events; check event details for specific prices	View hotels in Glenwood Springs	More details on Glenwood Springs Winterfest

24) Winter Market Experience in Fort Collins

The Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market sets up at the Foothills Mall every winter. Local farmers and makers gather to sell veggies, homemade breads, cheeses, and creative crafts.

This market has drawn a loyal crowd for 17 years, serving as a go-to hangout for locals and visitors. Dates change each year, so it’s smart to check their schedule online before you go.

You’ll find stalls with fresh produce, baked treats, sauces, and handmade gifts you won’t see anywhere else. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with growers or artists—they’re usually happy to share their stories.

Here’s a quick table if you want to plan your visit:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Nearby Stay	Website
Check Event Website	Foothills Mall, Fort Collins, CO	Check Event Website	Free	Check hotels at booking.com	Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market

Shopping here means you’re supporting local vendors and picking up holiday foods and gifts with a personal touch. Don’t forget to double-check times online before heading out.

25) Salida Holiday Lights Parade, Salida

Every year, folks in Salida gather for the Parade of Lights, right after Thanksgiving. The parade kicks off on F Street and winds through the downtown area, ending up at Riverside Park.

You’ll spot floats decked out in holiday lights, local performers, and music that keeps things upbeat. Santa Claus always pops up at the end, which gets kids and parents buzzing with excitement.

After the parade wraps up, the Christmas Mountain lighting starts on Tenderfoot Hill. Thousands of colorful LED lights transform the hillside into a giant, glowing tree you can see from all over town.

During the festivities, you can duck into an open house for some hot cocoa. It’s a cozy way to warm your hands if the night turns chilly.

Locals and out-of-towners mingle here, swapping stories and enjoying sweet treats together. The vibe feels friendly and relaxed, just what you’d want from a small-town holiday celebration.

If you’re thinking about going, you won’t have to pay an entry fee. Local hotels in Salida offer plenty of places to stay.

For updates or questions, check the Salida Chamber of Commerce website.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 28, 2025	F Street to Riverside Park, Salida	6:00 PM	Free	Salida hotels (booking.com)	Salida Christmas Events

26) Pueblo Parade of Lights, Pueblo

What To Know About the Parade

The Pueblo Parade of Lights has been a tradition for years and always draws a big crowd from all over Colorado. For a lot of folks in Pueblo and nearby, it signals the real start of the holiday season.

You’ll see brightly lit floats, school bands, classic cars, and even horses all dressed up for the occasion. Groups march along a route that cuts through the historic downtown and the Riverwalk.

This year’s theme is “Winter Holidays Around the World,” so you’ll catch a mix of cultural displays. Live music and local acts keep things lively from beginning to end.

People always line the streets early, hoping for a good spot. Since it’s free, the parade makes a solid pick for families or anyone looking for some holiday cheer.

It’s smart to check the parade route ahead of time and pick your viewing spot. If you’re staying overnight, hotels in Pueblo on Booking.com have you covered.

For more info, swing by the official event website.

Date	Address	Time	Prices	Where to Stay	Website
November 29, 2025	Colorado Avenue & Abriendo, Pueblo, CO	5:30 PM	Free	Booking.com – Pueblo	Pueblo Parade of Lights

27) Boulder Holiday Lights Experience, Boulder

The Boulder Holiday Lights Experience always brings in a steady crowd. It all starts with a trip up to see the Boulder Star glowing on Flagstaff Mountain.

From Panorama Point, you can look out over the whole city lit up for the season. Downtown Boulder gets festive in late November, once the city streets and courthouse light up.

If you’re planning a visit, November 24, 2025, is the big kickoff—Switch on the Holidays. After that, downtown glows with light installations through early January.

The Pearl Street Mall is especially bright, with storefronts and walkways shining every night. Both locals and visitors wander through, soaking up the atmosphere.

The Lights of December Parade is a highlight, bringing together businesses, schools, and performers for a big celebration. On December 7, 2025, floats roll through the streets and Santa makes his entrance.

The courthouse, covered in lights and decorations, always draws a crowd. It’s a favorite meeting spot for lots of folks.

If you’re into shopping, the Firefly Handmade Holiday Market happens November 9-10, 2025. Local artisans set up on Pearl Street, so you can pick up unique gifts or grab a winter treat.

All events are outdoors and free, which is great if you just want to wander in and out. Downtown Boulder has plenty of restaurants and hotels, so staying nearby makes everything easy to reach.

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Nearby Hotel	Website
Nov 24, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026	Downtown Boulder, CO	Varies	Free	Boulderado Hotel	Downtown Boulder Christmas Events
Dec 7, 2025	15th & Walnut to Broadway, Boulder, CO	6:00 PM	Free	St Julien Hotel	Holiday Magic in Boulder
Nov 9-10, 2025	Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall, Boulder, CO	All Day	Free Entry	Hotel Boulderado	Boulder Christmas Guide

28) Longmont Lights in Longmont

Longmont Lights fills Roosevelt Park with holiday displays every December. You’ll find the park glowing with lights and music, making it a great spot for a laid-back outing with friends or family.

The walkway winds through the displays, so you can stroll and take it all in at your own pace. If you’re up for something more active, Friday night means free ice skate rentals.

You can hit the outdoor rink from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday. Saturday offers two skating sessions—one in the afternoon from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and another from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Regular admission applies for Saturday skating, but Friday’s free rental is a nice bonus. Families and friends often gather for cocoa and a walk through the lights.

You’ll spot both quiet corners and bustling stretches, so there’s something for everyone. Roosevelt Park really turns into a neighborhood hangout, with laughter and the sound of skates echoing through the air.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 13 & 14	Roosevelt Park, Longmont, CO	Fri: 6:30–9 pm; Sat: 1–6 pm, 6:30–9 pm	Free skate rental Fri; Sat regular admission	Hotels in Longmont	Longmont Lights event information

The event sits right in the heart of Longmont, so you can pop into local shops or grab a bite before or after your visit.

29) Grand Junction Parade of Lights, Grand Junction

What Happens at the Parade

Main Street in Grand Junction comes alive every year for the Parade of Lights. More than 100 floats roll down the street, all covered in bright holiday lights.

Families and visitors show up early to snag a good spot. Businesses deck out their storefronts, so you get a colorful show in almost every window.

The whole downtown buzzes with excitement as the parade moves through the city’s heart. This event feels like Grand Junction’s biggest holiday get-together.

If you want to be part of it, mark your calendar for Saturday, December 6, 2025. For more details or to sign up for a float, check the Parade of Lights event page.

Basic Info and Logistics

Date	December 6, 2025
Address	101 South 3rd Street, Grand Junction, CO, 81501
Times	Evening (time to be announced)
Prices	Free to attend
Where to Stay	Find nearby hotels on Booking.com
Website	Downtown Grand Junction Parade of Lights

Keep an eye on the official event site for updates. Plenty of hotels are close by if you want to make a weekend of it.

30) Loveland Winter Holiday, Loveland

If you’re hoping to catch some real holiday spirit in Colorado, Loveland’s got plenty going on. Winter Wonderlights lights up Chapungu Sculpture Park every evening from late November to early January.

The walking paths glow with thousands of animated lights. Each night, you can catch a light show that lasts about 30 minutes and runs on a loop.

Some nights, local choirs and bands fill the park with music, which really adds to the vibe. There’s no admission fee, and anyone can visit.

Downtown Loveland also throws the Festival of Lights. Santa arrives for the tree lighting on 4th Street, and after that, you can wander among holiday vendors.

Live music plays throughout the night, and you’ll find a holiday market with crafts, treats, and gifts. The Festival of Lights is free, so you can just show up.

December brings Christmas in Loveland to Historic Downtown. The classic decorations and activities feel a bit nostalgic.

Live performances and family-friendly attractions pop up along the streets. You can soak in the old-fashioned holiday cheer.

Need a place to stay? Booking.com lists plenty of local hotels and places to crash.

Event	Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Winter Wonderlights	Nov 23, 2025 – Jan 1, 2025	Chapungu Sculpture Park, Centerra, Loveland, CO	5:00-9:00 PM	Free	Booking.com Loveland Hotels	Winter Wonderlights
Festival of Lights	Nov 21, 2025	Downtown Loveland, CO	5:00-8:00 PM	Free	Booking.com Loveland Hotels	Festival of Lights
Christmas in Loveland	Dec 13, 2025	Historic Downtown Loveland, CO	4:00-8:00 PM	Check Site	Booking.com Loveland Hotels	Colorado Christmas Markets