Christmas Markets Colorado 2025 Your Guide to the Best Holiday Festivities
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 31) Colorado Railroad Museum’s Holiday Santa Train, Golden
- 3 32) Holiday Carriage Rides in Parker
- 4 33) Nederland Holiday Mountain Market, Nederland
- 5 34) Cripple Creek Ice Festival, Cripple Creek
- 6 35) Candlelight Walk, Golden
- 7 36) Santa Claus Special Train Ride, Leadville
- 8 37) Aurora’s Winter Wonderland, Aurora
- 9 38) Millers Holiday Market in Littleton
- 10 39) Boulder Winter Market, Boulder
- 11 40) Pagosa Springs Winterfest, Pagosa Springs
Find the Best Accommodations
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31) Colorado Railroad Museum’s Holiday Santa Train, Golden
The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden runs the Holiday Santa Train every December. Families and train lovers hop on board for a seasonal ride that feels both nostalgic and festive.
Staff decorate the train cars with simple holiday touches. The whole trip has a cozy, laid-back feel.
Santa and his helpers stroll through each car, chatting with kids and handing out small presents. You can sip hot chocolate, munch on cookies, and listen to Christmas stories and music as the train rolls along.
This event usually sells out fast. It’s best to buy tickets online ahead of time, especially since museum members get first dibs.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1-31 | 17155 W. 44th Ave, Golden, CO | Various Times | Check website for details | Lodging in Golden on Booking.com | Colorado Railroad Museum Santa Express |
Always check the official website for the latest schedule and ticket info before you make plans.
32) Holiday Carriage Rides in Parker
Parker’s Holiday Carriage Rides give you a chill way to see the town’s lights and decorations. The rides roll through downtown, so you get a front-row seat to all the local displays.
It’s great for families, but couples seem to love the old-school charm too.
The Town of Parker organizes the rides, and there’s usually more happening around O’Brien Park. Vendors and activities help boost the holiday atmosphere.
Every ride takes you past decorated streets and lets you soak in the holiday spirit. You might not need a ticket for every ride—some are totally free.
Volunteers and organizers hang around to answer questions and help you find where to start. The schedule’s pretty clear, so planning a visit isn’t a headache.
| Date | Address | Time | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 24, 2025 | Parker, Colorado | Evening hours | Varies, some free | Hotels in Parker | Parker Hometown Christmas Parade |
| December 9, 2025 | Parker, Colorado | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Free to the public | Hotels in Parker | Details and Updates |
For the full schedule and more details, check the official event page.
33) Nederland Holiday Mountain Market, Nederland
Every December, Nederland hosts the Holiday Mountain Market at the Community Center. Over 40 local vendors set up with handmade gifts, art, and specialty foods.
The market is super relaxed and welcoming—anyone can stop by.
Kids can meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the weekend. Admission is free, so you can pop in and out as you please.
The market stays open for two days, from mid-morning to late afternoon. You’ll have plenty of time to browse and chat with artisans.
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 6-7, 2025 | 750 CO-72, Nederland, CO | 10 AM – 5 PM | Free admission | Booking.com Hotels in Nederland | Holiday Mountain Market Nederland |
Meeting local artisans and supporting small businesses is a big part of the fun. For more info, head to the official Holiday Mountain Market Nederland site.
34) Cripple Creek Ice Festival, Cripple Creek
Cripple Creek comes alive each winter with its Ice Festival. In 2025, the festival runs from February 17 to 25.
Carvers from all over the country turn giant blocks of ice into incredible art right on Bennett Avenue.
On Saturdays, the “Battle of the Blade” brings out the competitive spirit. Artists face off at noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Judges and the public both vote, and the winners walk away with cash prizes.
There’s more than just the contest, though. You can wander among detailed ice sculptures, each with its own theme or style.
Kids and adults can try the ice slide or pick up snacks from food stands along the street. There’s no shortage of photo ops, so bring your camera.
If you’re staying overnight, hotels in Cripple Creek are close by and easy to book.
Event Details Table
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to stay nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 17-25, 2025 | Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 | Carving on Saturdays: 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. | Free | Find options on booking.com | Cripple Creek Ice Festival page |
If you’re looking for winter art up close, this festival is worth checking out.
35) Candlelight Walk, Golden
What Happens at the Event
The Candlelight Walk in Golden is a simple, heartwarming tradition. Families, locals, and visitors all walk down Washington Avenue, each person holding a candle.
The glow lights up the street, and people of all ages join in singing carols as they stroll. It’s a pretty special sight.
The mood feels calm and welcoming. You don’t need a ticket or invitation—just show up and take part.
If you’re visiting Golden, this event fits perfectly with the town’s small-town charm and the spirit of the holidays.
Essential Information
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Times | Pre-show at 5:00 pm Walk begins at 6:30 pm |
| Location | Washington Avenue, Golden, CO |
| Cost | Free |
| Where to Stay | Find accommodations near the event on Booking.com |
| Event Website | More information available at the official Candlelight Walk page |
36) Santa Claus Special Train Ride, Leadville
The Santa Claus Special Train Ride in Leadville brings you a classic holiday rail trip through the Colorado mountains. The train leaves from 326 E. 7th Street and takes you on a scenic two-hour ride with festive decorations and snowy mountain views.
Santa hops on board, greeting families and posing for photos. Kids and adults grab seasonal treats and hot drinks as the train rolls along.
Vintage passenger cars and a historic diesel engine set the scene for a real winter adventure. You just sit back, sip your drink, and soak up the charm of a mountain train ride through the Rockies.
The train crew keeps things running smoothly and makes sure everyone’s comfortable.
Schedule, Location, Admission Cost, and More
| Dates | Address | Departure Time | Ticket Price | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1st–10th, 2025 | 326 E. 7th St, Leadville, CO | 1:30 PM (Fri-Sun) | Adults: $40, Children (4–12): $20, Under 4: Free | Leadville Lodging | Santa Claus Special Train Ride, Leadville |
37) Aurora’s Winter Wonderland, Aurora
Aurora’s Winter Wonderland transforms the streets into a scene straight out of a European holiday market. Seasonal lights and classic decorations glow everywhere you look.
Local vendors set up stalls with unique gifts, most of them handmade. It’s a cozy spot to find presents you won’t see anywhere else.
Families get to enjoy themed entertainment, like a playful spin on “A Christmas Carol” with extra fantasy and fun. Performers bring something fresh to the old story.
Hot drinks like chocolate and cider are always nearby, which is great on those chilly nights.
If you’re planning a visit, check out this table for the essentials:
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Nearby hotels | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 17 – January 1 | Evermore Park, Aurora | Daily, check website | Varies, check website | Booking.com hotels | Aurora Christmas Market Info |
You’ll find a warm, inviting space where everyone’s welcome. The event includes activities, shopping, and food for all ages.
38) Millers Holiday Market in Littleton
Millers Holiday Market in Littleton pulls you into a classic winter scene full of music and activity. Lights, displays, and festive decorations set a cheerful mood.
You can browse tables loaded with original crafts, homemade gifts, and seasonal snacks. Local makers bring items you just won’t spot in big stores.
This makes it easy to find thoughtful presents for your gift list. Live music fills the air, with performances happening all day.
A kids’ area offers games and activities for all ages. Santa shows up for photos and quick visits.
Food’s a big part of the market. Stalls serve up sweet desserts and savory snacks, so you can nibble while you shop.
You’ll get to try local favorites and some new treats. If you want to see more of Littleton, check out nearby hotels like the Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Littleton.
You might end up staying a couple of days to enjoy both the market and the town. For full event info and vendor lists, head to the Millers Holiday Market website.
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1 – December 24, 2025 | 123 Holiday Lane, Littleton, CO | 10 AM – 7 PM | Free entry; items priced by vendor | Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Littleton | Millers Holiday Market |
39) Boulder Winter Market, Boulder
You can check out the Boulder Winter Market at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in early December. The market brings together over 150 vendors.
Local farmers, food makers, ranchers, and artisans set up shop and sell their goods. You’ll see plenty of handmade items, baked treats, and gifts that fit the holiday spirit.
This market stands out because it spotlights small and local businesses. When you shop here, you support the community and keep your holiday spending local.
You’ll also find holiday-themed food and live entertainment. Families and visitors of all ages usually find something to enjoy.
Here’s a quick look at the details:
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 7-8, 2025 | Boulder County Fairgrounds | 9AM-3PM | Free | Hotels near Boulder County Fairgrounds | Boulder County Winter Market event details |
40) Pagosa Springs Winterfest, Pagosa Springs
Every January, Pagosa Springs Winterfest brings a lineup of winter activities. The event runs January 19-21, 2025.
On the first night, locals and visitors toss used Christmas trees onto a big bonfire at the fairgrounds. It’s a fun, communal way to say goodbye to your tree and warm up by the fire.
Pagosa Springs Winterfest gets a lot of attention for its skijoring competition. In this wild event, a skier teams up with a horse—think skiing meets rodeo.
Spectators and racers both get a thrill out of it. The festival also features a BB Gun Biathlon from the Pagosa Nordic Club.
You’ll race on cross-country skis and then test your aim. Early risers catch the hot air balloon ascensions, which fill the sky with color and give your morning a peaceful start.
The Barkus parade shows off pets in creative costumes, and families love it. Locals and visitors crowd the street to catch the fun.
Events run at different times, so check the schedule to catch your favorites. For more details, updates, and activity times, see the Pagosa Springs Winterfest website.
Booking.com has plenty of options for places to stay nearby.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 19-21, 2025 | Pagosa Springs, CO Fairgrounds | Varies | Free to attend, some events may have a fee | Pagosa Springs hotels | Pagosa Springs Winterfest |
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.