Colorado is a popular winter destination, and for good reason. With its rugged mountains, picturesque towns, and abundant snowfall, the state offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy during the winter months. In December, Colorado is especially magical, with festive holiday events, sparkling lights, and cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for a winter getaway.
Best Place To Visit In Colorado In December
In this article, we’ll explore the best places to visit in Colorado in December, from bustling cities to charming mountain towns, and from world-class ski resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or just a taste of the holiday spirit, we’ve got you covered.
Why Visit Colorado in December?
December is a great time to visit Colorado for several reasons. The weather is typically cold and snowy, making it perfect for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Many of the state’s top ski resorts offer special events and packages during the holiday season, including holiday-themed festivals, fireworks displays, and even visits with Santa.
In addition to the outdoor activities, December is also a great time to visit Colorado’s charming towns and cities, which are decked out in holiday decorations and offer a range of festive events and activities. From ice skating rinks to holiday markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Colorado during the winter months.
In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best places to visit in Colorado in December, including top ski resorts, charming towns, and exciting events. Whether you’re a native Coloradan or just visiting for the holidays, we hope this article will help you plan an unforgettable winter getaway in the Centennial State.
Best Place To Visit In Colorado In December
Colorado is a popular winter destination, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy during the month of December. From skiing and snowboarding to holiday markets and festive events, there’s something for everyone in the Centennial State. Here are some of the best places to visit in Colorado in December:
Ski Resorts
Colorado is home to some of the best ski resorts in the country, and December is a great time to hit the slopes. Here are a few of the top ski resorts to visit: (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Orlando Florida)
- Vail Ski Resort: Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the US, with over 5,200 acres of skiable terrain. It’s a must-visit for any skier or snowboarder.
- Aspen Snowmass: Aspen Snowmass is a world-renowned ski destination, with four separate ski areas to choose from. It’s a great place to visit for both beginners and experts.
- Breckenridge Ski Resort: Breckenridge is another popular ski resort in Colorado, with over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain. It’s a great place to visit for families and groups.
Holiday Markets
Colorado has a number of holiday markets that are perfect for finding unique gifts and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Here are a few of the top holiday markets to visit:
- Denver Christkindl Market: The Denver Christkindl Market is one of the largest and most popular holiday markets in the state. It features over 150 vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to German beer.
- Boulder Holiday Market: The Boulder Holiday Market is a great place to find unique gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It features over 100 vendors selling everything from jewelry to home decor.
- Estes Park Winter Festival: The Estes Park Winter Festival is a fun and festive event that takes place in the charming mountain town of Estes Park. It features live music, food vendors, and a holiday market with over 100 vendors.
Festive Events
Colorado has a number of festive events that take place in December, including parades, tree lightings, and holiday concerts. Here are a few of the top events to attend:
- Denver Parade of Lights: The Denver Parade of Lights is a fun and festive event that takes place in downtown Denver. It features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
- Boulder Tree Lighting: The Boulder Tree Lighting is a beloved holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of downtown Boulder. It features live music, hot chocolate, and of course, the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.
- Colorado Springs Holiday Concert: The Colorado Springs Holiday Concert is a fun and festive event that takes place at the Pikes Peak Center. It features a variety of holiday music and is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Other Activities
Colorado is a great place to visit in December, with a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy. Here are a few other things to do:
- Ice Skating: Colorado has a number of outdoor ice skating rinks that are perfect for enjoying the winter weather. Here are a few of the top ice skating rinks to visit:
- Washington Park Ice Rink: The Washington Park Ice Rink is a popular outdoor ice skating rink in Denver. It’s a great place to enjoy the winter weather and get some exercise.
- City Park Ice Rink: The City Park Ice Rink is another popular outdoor ice skating rink in Denver. It’s a great place to visit with family and friends.
- Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is a fun and easy way to explore the winter landscape. Here are a few of the top snowshoeing trails to visit:
- Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to go snowshoeing, with over 15 miles of trails to explore.
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Golden Gate Canyon State Park is another great place to go snowshoeing, with over 35 miles of trails to explore.
Conclusion
Colorado is a great place to visit in December, with a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy. From skiing and snowboarding to holiday markets and festive events, there’s something for everyone in the Centennial State. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to get into the holiday spirit, Colorado is the perfect place to visit in December.
As the year comes to a close, Colorado offers a unique and festive atmosphere in December. From snow-capped mountains to bustling cities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we’ve explored the best places to visit in Colorado in December, highlighting the top destinations for winter sports enthusiasts, holiday enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
For those who love the thrill of winter sports, Aspen and Vail are must-visit destinations. These world-renowned ski resorts offer some of the best slopes in the country, with Aspen’s Snowmass Mountain and Vail’s Back Bowls being particular highlights. And for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the charming towns of Breckenridge and Crested Butte offer a range of winter activities, from ice skating to snowshoeing. (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Amritsar)
For those who love the holiday season, Colorado has plenty to offer. The city of Denver hosts a range of festive events, including the Parade of Lights and the Christkindl Market. And in the mountains, towns like Estes Park and Winter Park offer a range of holiday activities, from sleigh rides to Santa’s workshops.
Finally, for those who love the great outdoors, Colorado’s national parks and forests offer a range of winter activities, from hiking to wildlife viewing. Rocky Mountain National Park, for example, is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the beauty of the natural world, with its snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes.
In conclusion, Colorado is a fantastic destination in December, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast, a holiday enthusiast, or a nature lover, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. From world-class ski resorts to charming towns and national parks, Colorado is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.
Here are five FAQs related to the best places to visit in Colorado in December:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ski resorts in Colorado in December?
Colorado is home to some of the best ski resorts in the country, and December is a great time to hit the slopes. Some of the top ski resorts in Colorado include Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone. Each resort offers a unique skiing experience, from gentle groomers to challenging black diamond runs. Be sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out, as December can bring snowstorms and icy roads.
What are some fun winter activities to do in Colorado besides skiing?
While skiing is a popular winter activity in Colorado, there are plenty of other fun things to do in the winter. One popular activity is snowshoeing, which is a great way to explore the beautiful winter landscapes of Colorado. You can also go ice skating, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or go on a winter hike. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try snowmobiling or dog sledding. And don’t forget to check out the many winter festivals and events that take place throughout the state. (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Solan)
What are some of the best places to visit in Colorado in December for non-skiers?
While skiing is a popular winter activity in Colorado, there are plenty of other great places to visit in December that don’t involve hitting the slopes. One popular destination is the town of Estes Park, which is located at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park offers a range of winter activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. You can also visit the charming town of Aspen, which has a range of cultural attractions, including the Aspen Art Museum and the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. And don’t forget to check out the many winter festivals and events that take place throughout the state.
What are some of the best places to visit in Colorado in December for families?
Colorado is a great place to visit in December with your family, with plenty of fun and festive activities to enjoy. One popular destination is the town of Winter Park, which offers a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. You can also visit the Denver Zoo, which is home to over 4,000 animals and offers a range of winter activities, including a polar bear exhibit and a holiday lights display. And don’t forget to check out the many winter festivals and events that take place throughout the state, including the Colorado Springs Christmas Parade and the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.”
What are some of the best places to visit in Colorado in December for couples?
Colorado is a great place to visit in December with your significant other, with plenty of romantic and festive activities to enjoy. One popular destination is the town of Aspen, which offers a range of cultural attractions, including the Aspen Art Museum and the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. You can also visit the charming town of Breckenridge, which has a range of romantic activities, including horse-drawn sleigh rides and cozy cabin stays. And don’t forget to check out the many winter festivals and events that take place throughout the state, including the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” and the Colorado Springs Christmas Parade.