The chilly season is a treasured time in Estes Park, given that it's one of the iconic small towns in the US to visit in winter — a time when the terrain blankets with pristine snow, and adventure abounds. Be it outdoor activities from snowshoeing to cross-country skiing or indoor escapades like rock climbing, an Estes Park winter is all about getting up, getting active, and having a blast (or enjoying sumptuously cozy pastimes instead — supping hot chocolate and mulled wine in front of a winter cabin's roaring fire sounds as appealing as zooming down the slopes). Whatever visitors' preferences, Estes Park’s winter calendar is packed with possibilities to tempt the entire family. Plus, the location's events throughout winter make for a more extended fun-filled getaway, too — the festivities and fun don't stop after Santa Claus has come to town and gone away, after all.
Although Estes Park is a winter wonderland during the entire season — with something for everyone until spring melts the snow — the magical time of year commands the most attention; adorned by twinkling lights and festive displays, this small northern Colorado town transcends reality to become a real-life fairyland for the holidays. The can’t-miss Estes Park Holiday Trail in Colorado proves that this fairyland place one of the most attractive US states in winter, as the town illuminates its businesses, streets, and whole neighborhoods with breathtaking lights and decorative displays to rival Lapland itself — the official home of Santa Claus.
Where Is The Estes Park Holiday Trail?
As its name suggests, the Estes Park Holiday Trail is located in Estes Park, CO, and comprises the downtown area — but what is it, exactly? This whimsical wintry event takes place annually and transforms this pretty town's streets into a fantasy realm chock-a-block full of colorful Christmas lights and displays. The holiday trail doesn't just involve a few local businesses or one sole street lined with lights, though; it spans the entire community.
The trail's decorations and illuminations begin in the downtown area, where the streets glisten with seemingly infinite twinkling lights while local businesses decorate their shop windows. What's more, the trail extends beyond downtown Estes Park; the Holiday Trail ventures in all directions, seeping joyous holiday spirit and beautiful decor into residential neighborhoods and private homes, all decked out in sparkling lights and eye-catching decor.
Among the numerous local enterprises decking the halls and igniting the streets throughout the wintry Estes Park Holiday Trail include local and visitor favorites. The following list, taken from the park's official website, details each business to check out on the trail — which visitors lucky enough to witness the magic of the event shouldn't pass up on visiting! The joyous businesses to scope out during a visit, based on their location, are as follows:
Downtown
- The Christmas Shoppe
- Elkins Distilling Co.
- Penelope's Burgers & Fries
- SereniTEA's Tea Room
- Simply Christmas
- The Spruce House
- The Taffy Shop
- You Need Pie
Hwy 7
- Avant Garde Aleworks
- Miracle on 7 at Cousin Pat's
- 1031 Woodland Court, Estes Park, CO 80517
- 1980 Sharon Court N., Estes Park, CO 80517
US 34 Corridor - Fall River Road
- Castle Mountain Lodge
- Dunraven & The Estes Park Resort
- Stanley Home Museum
- 838 Panorama Circle, Estes Park, CO 80517
US 36 Corridor - Moraine Avenue
Check out this map of all the festive displays on the Visit Estes Park Holiday Trail website. The public can also vote for their favorite holiday display this year!
When Is The Estes Park Holiday Trail In Colorado?
This year, the Estes Park Holiday Trail runs from November 19 until December 31, 2022. However, many more events continue throughout winter — even after Christmastime and the New Year parties have been and gone.
Other Things To Do In Estes Park In Colorado During Winter
The main spectacle each year is the legendary Estes Park Holiday Trail. The cheerful event easily makes Estes Park one of the most charming Christmas towns in the US — and quite rightly so. While this showstopper is the premier of the attractions in Estes Park, other offerings entice visitors to town in the chilly season, too. Among the many unmissable things to see in Colorado at and around Christmas (specifically, Estes Park), there's the annual tree lighting ceremony, the Holiday Wine Festival, and Catch the Glow Parade.
Moreover, the town also hosts plenty of other epic events in the cold season after the festivities come to an end. It doesn't matter if visitors wish to savor the snow or soak up the wintry scenery from the cozy warm indoors; this stunning part of Colorado isn't solely all about the Estes Park Holiday Trail in which transforms into its most fantastical version of itself; other winning itinerary items in and nearby the town promise a fantastic winter getaway even after Santa's gone back to Lapland.
Winter Trails Day
- When: Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend
An awesome event hosted over Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, the Winter Trails Day is the ultimate excuse to try out a new winter sport. Occurring in Rocky Mountain National Park (situated adjacent to Estes Park), various outfitters and winter sports operators are ready and available on-site to get visitors into trying on new winter gear and apparel. The plentiful pretty trails and gorgeous scenery within Rocky Mountain National Park make this event even sweeter and only serve to make visitors rekindle their love of winter.
Wine & Chocolate Festival
- When: February 4, 2023, 12 pm - 5 pm
- Where: Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way, Estes Park
A favorite way to celebrate with a loved one during Valentine’s Day month, the Wine & Chocolate Festival is a popular Estes Park event held each February. She will most certainly love indulging in these two favorite treats on a romantic winter getaway to Estes Park! Held at the Estes Park Events Center, a variety of wines produced locally are onsite for taste testing, alongside sweet chocolate samples.
Whiskey Warm-Up
- When: March 4, 2023, 1 pm - 4 pm - tickets can be purchased here
- Where: George Hix Riverside Plaza
Around the end of winter, when spring begins to rear its floral head, visitors can celebrate the advent of warmer days at the Estes Park Whiskey Warm-Up. Taking place at the George Hix Riverside Plaza, the Whiskey Warm-Up offers whiskey fans the unique opportunity to taste-test an array of Colorado whiskeys and learn more about the state's whiskey-making process. There's also entertaining live music and the chance to browse local vendors while knocking back free samples of some of the best whiskeys in Colorado — perhaps don't drive to this event!
Outdoor Winter Recreation
Estes Park and the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park offer miles of hiking trails ranging beginner to advanced (unsurprising, since Colorado offers the best hiking in the US). This picturesque, adventure-plush part of the state provides many miles to saunter on snowshoes or partake in exciting cross-country skiing. Plus, as one of the best beginner-friendly ski destinations in North America, even newbies donning their skis for the first time can get enjoy the winter landscape by sliding along the slopes.
For amazing snowshoeing in this area, the 0.6-mile loop trail around Bear Lake is an incredible experience and showcases sublime views of the lake and Hallett Peak. Adventurers will also enjoy gliding across the snow on cross-country skis along the 3.3-mile loop to Sprague Lake. If the family are tagging along and need a bit of fun, sledding and tubing at Hidden Valley can't be beaten — this spot was once a downhill ski area but was converted to a family-friendly sledding zone.
Check out the Estes Park winter calendar to see other upcoming events happening in the chilly months. Additionally, don't forget to take a look at the town's official year-round events calendar and see all the top things to do in Estes Park taking place now and in the near future!