Colorado has a lot of reasons to celebrate with festivals in December. The ski season is officially underway and the holidays are just around the corner. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style in downtown Denver with fireworks.
Exciting events include the Georgetown Christmas Market which features an outdoor European marketplace and Vail Snow Daze which has three free nights of concerts.
2022 Annual December Festivals in Colorado
Holidays at Outlets at Castle Rock
- Date: Wed-Sat, November 9 – December 24, 2022
- Address: Outlets at Castle Rock, Castle Rock
- About: Head to the Outlets at Castle Rock from the beginning of November through December for great shopping deals and holiday festivities.
Denver Christkindl Market
- Date: Fri-Fri, November 18-December 23, 2022
- Address: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204
- About: 21st year for the month-long Christkindl Market in downtown Denver. Experience old German traditions with authentic cuisine, live music, holiday drinks, and an artisan marketplace.
Polar Express Train Ride
- Date: Fri-Sun, November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023
- Address: Durango
- About: Aboard the Polar Express Train Ride, you and your family will be swept away into an elaborate holiday fantasy, complete with hot chocolate, a light show, holiday music, and, of course, Santa.
Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
- Date: Fri-Sat, November 18, 2022 – January 7, 2023
- Address: Denver
- About: A stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. The Blossoms of Light extravaganza is a twinkling and breathtaking way to spend a winter evening.
Noel Night
- Date: Friday, December 2, 2022
- Address: Durango
- About: The largest shopping night of the year in Durango full of music, treats, decorations, and holiday festivities.
Holiday Arts Bazaar
- Date: Fri-Sun, December 2-4, 2022
- Address: Telluride
- About: A 3-day holiday market that sells an array of locally made and handcrafted items including jewelry, food, clothing, and ceramics.
Telluride Fire Festival
- Date: Fri-Sun, December 2-4, 2022
- Address: Telluride
- About: A 3-day festival celebrating community, fire, and art in the mountains inspired by Burning Man.
Evergreen Winterfest
- Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
- Address: Evergreen
- About: Community arts festival showcasing handmade gifts at the Center for the Arts Evergreen.
Parade of Lights
- Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
- Address: Denver
- About: Denver comes alive each year for multiple nights during the first days of December with twinkling lights and pageantry at the city’s largest, longest, and most exciting parade of the year.
The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas
- Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
- Address: Breckenridge
- About: Kick off December with the family by participating in this holiday event. Watch the town light up as hundreds of Santas run through the streets.
Festival of Lights Parade
- Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
- Address: Colorado Springs
- About: Colorado Springs starts its holiday season off by illuminating the town with the Festival of Lights Parade. Bring the family and enjoy the festivities as Santa and a myriad of floats wander down the road.
Georgetown Christmas Market
- Date: Sat-Sun, December 3-4th and 10-11th, 2022
- Address: 6th Street, Georgetown
- About: 62nd annual Christmas Market is held on the first two Saturdays and Sundays in December. Celebrations include a European outdoor marketplace, holiday entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, Saint Nicholas, Christmas museum tours, high tea at Grace Hall, wassail crawl, hot roasted chestnuts, and Santa Lucia Children’s Procession.
Ullr Fest
- Date: Thurs-Sun, December 8-11, 2022
- Address: Breckenridge
- About: Festival celebrating the winter god of Norse mythology, now in its 58th year. Shenanigans include frying pans, Viking hats, “Ullympic” competitions and a floats parade.
Gold Camp Christmas Weekend
- Date: Fri-Sat, December 9-10, 2022
- Address: Cripple Creek
- About: Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying a weekend of fun full of festive activities, a winter parade, and a light show.
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
- Date: Saturday, December 24, 2022
- Address: Telluride
- About: The Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade in Telluride lights up the mountain in a red hue as resort employees come down the slopes carrying flares and ride into the village, bringing with them, the holiday spirit.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
- Date: Saturday, December 31, 2022
- Address: 16th Street Mall, Downtown Denver
- About: Celebrate the new year with fireworks in downtown Denver. There are two spectacular shows at 9 pm and midnight. The 16th Street Mall offers optimal viewing.
Living Lights
- Date: TBD 2022
- Address: Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster
- About: Butterfly Pavilion is hosting a new immersive festival of lights experience where visitors can embark on a journey to meet the Firefly Princess. With glowing exhibits, aerial artists, and a kid-friendly dance party, this is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
12 Days of Aspen
- Date: TBD 2022
- Address: Aspen
- About: The 12 Days of Aspen festival is more than a set of events for the community and visitors to participate in. It’s a holiday mindset that brings everyone together to celebrate the season and new beginnings.
Christmas at Schmid Ranch
- Date: TBD 2022
- Address: Telluride
- About: Telluride kicks off the month of December with an old-fashioned tradition sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Vail Snow Days
- Date: Cancelled for 2022
- Address: Vail
- About: Vail Snow Days kickoffs their 16th winter season at the popular ski resort. It lasts for 4 days and features headlining concerts, après, and even a large expo village to explore.
Go To January Events
Latest in December

6 Wonderful Colorado Winter Festivals
Fun is always just around the corner in Colorado, and that’s especially true each winter. While…

Upcoming Winter Festivals in Colorado
Winter is full of exciting Colorado carnivals and festivals to keep the spirits high. The winter…

Things to do in December in Colorado
December in Colorado brings about plenty of holiday cheer, snow festivals, and unique ways to enjoy…
View more event articles
Related Activities
Search for upcoming performing arts, rodeos, and sports that aren’t listed under events.