YOUR GUIDE TO SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS IN ESTES PARK NOVEMBER 23, 2024 - JANUARY 1, 2025
YOUR GUIDE TO SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS IN ESTES PARK
Glow with Us
6 WEEKS OF NIGHTLY LIGHT SHOWS AT BOND PARK
Beginning November 23 experience the magic of the holidays like never before at Bond Park from 5–9 p m every evening with our FREE Nightly Light Show Spectacular!
Choreographed to your favorite holiday tunes, witness the dazzling display
of our state-of-the-art Pixel Pine tree the only one of its kind in the entire State of Colorado This unique spectacle combines cutting-edge technology, creating mesmerizing patterns of light that dance in harmony with each note of music.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Week One
November 22-24
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Estes Park's Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature free holiday festivities, including pictures with Santa, holiday craft kits and horse-drawn carriage rides. The activities begin at 3:30 p.m., with the official tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.
All Season Long
HOLIDAY LIGHTS DRIVING TOUR
NOVEMBER 23 - JANUARY 1
Get into the holiday season by following this magical map of twinkling lights and festive decorations! Take a cheerful ride through downtown and Estes Park's charming neighborhoods. Just make sure to make time to shop and enjoy sweet treats along the way! This is a free, selfguided tour that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
HOLIDAY TOWN AT THE BULL PIN
The Bull Pin in Estes Park will transform into *Holiday Town* a magical winter wonderland bursting with Christmas cheer! Step into a world of twinkling lights, seasonal delights, and festive fun.
QUOTA CLUB FESTIVAL OF TREES
NOVEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 15
Join the Estes Park Resort to see 50 beautifully decorated holiday trees, participate in the raffle, enjoy holiday treats, and participate in the children's coloring contest.
HOLIDAY TOWN AT THE BULL PIN
CHRISTMAS DRAMS WHISKEY TASTING DECEMBER 8
Bull Pin
From 3-5pm for just $57, you'll receive a curated flight of six whiskeys along with delightful hors d'oeuvres.
HOLIDAY PIN PAINTING PARTY DECEMBER 12
5-8PM
Unleash your inner elf with the Creativity Cabin at the Bull Pin! A festive crafting adventure where you transform bowling pins into your favorite holiday characters! Create a unique handmade gift or a cheerful decoration that will bring joy to your season.
BAD SANTA NIGHT DECEMBER 21
6-11PM
Come to the Bull Pin dressed in your most outrageous and cringe-worthy sweaters and get ready for a festive night of music and fun as Colorado Keys returns with their famous dueling pianos!
SUNDAY BREAKFAST WITH SANTA DECEMBER 22
9-12pm
Santa is coming to the Bull Pin! Join us for a festive breakfast buffet filled with delicious treats and a chance to meet the man in red himself!
THE HOLIDAYS AT THE THE HOLIDAYS AT THE AT
YMCA OF THE ROCKIES YMCA OF THE ROCKIES OF ROCKIES
TURKEY TROT 5K AT THE YMCA
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Join YMCA of the Rockies on Thanksgiving morning for the annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m.!
Get out and get active before celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday.
A JOHN DENVER CHRISTMAS WITH COWBOY BRAD
DECEMBER 8
As part of our special Advent performances in Hyde Chapel, join Cowboy Brad for a John Denver Christmas performance for free at 7pm.
PERFORMANCE: OPERA SOPRANO CREE CARRICO
DECEMBER 15
As part of our special Advent performances in Hyde Chapel, enjoy opera soprano Cree Carrico in concert, singing a variety of classical, modern, and sing-a-long Christmas songs for free at 7pm
ESTES PARK JAZZ BIG BAND PRESENTS "HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS"
DECEMBER 22
As part of our special Advent performances in Hyde Chapel, Estes Park Jazz Big Band presents “Home for the Holidays”, a concert featuring favorite holiday hits for free at 7pm.
Buy a day pass and enjoy activities from ice skating to snowshoeing to sledding.
MEET SANTA!
Lula Dorsey Museum, 9am-12pm November 30, December 7, December 14, December 21, December 28
POLAR EXPRESS PJ STORY TIME
Maude Jellison Library
Saturday November 30, 5:30-6:15 PM and 7:00-7:45 PM Saturdays December 7, 14, 21, 6:30- 7:15 PM Monday December 23, 6:30 PM
Week Two
November 25-December 1
CATCH THE GLOW PARADE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
FRIENDSGIVING BOOZY BINGO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
The Barrel
5 rounds of bingo, trivia, drink specials, brewery swag prizes & more!
POUDRE VALLEY PLAYBOYS & THE CATCH THE GLOW
AFTER-PARTY
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
The American Legion Post 119 3-10pm
Late night eats and drinks and the famous Poudre Valley Playboys on stage from 7:30-9:30pm.
The Annual Catch the Glow Parade brightens Estes Park at 5:30 p m the day after Thanksgiving! Each year as many as 20,000 people line Elkhorn Avenue to “Catch the Glow” of this whimsical holiday parade, as well as spend the afternoon visiting Santa and strolling through downtown Estes Park. The parade features more than 40 units, including hand-crafted floats from the Town of Estes Park and nonprofits, marching bands, fire trucks and other specialty vehicles.
HOLIDAY WINE FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Get ready to unwind and sip your way into the holiday spirit at the 4th annual Estes Park Holiday Wine Festival! Join us at the Estes Park Events Complex for unlimited wine samplings, Santa selfies and a wine-tastic time!
Thanksgiving Meals
Thursday, November 28
TWIN OWLS STEAKHOUSE
Delight in the warm, inviting ambiance of Twin Owls from 4-8 pm Venture beyond the traditional and savor the variety of unique dishes they have in store But hurry! With seating as exclusive as their menu, reservations are in high demand and space is limited. Taharaa.com
EMBER AT THE ESTES PARK RESORT
Enjoy a grand buffet from 11am-5pm with honey ham, roasted turkey, fried shrimp, braised bison short rib and the classic sides that accompany the holiday and overlook Lake Estes. Reservations are recommended emberestespark.com.
Week Three
THE VIEW RESTAURANT
Join the View for an exclusive Thanksgiving buffet - a symphony of tradition and innovation on a plate Available from 4pm-9pm, we offer a culinary experience to amaze the senses Reservations are recommended.
TheViewEstesPark.com
YOU NEED PIE DINER & BAKERY
Thanksgiving means pie, and You Need Pie's got what you need! Can't pick your pie up? No problem - they ship nationwide! Place your orders online or by calling the shop.
YouNeedPie.com
December 2-December 8
BIRD’S NEST HOLIDAY MARKET
DECEMBER 7 & 8
12-6pm
Visit the Bird's Nest Holiday Market to holiday shop with local artist! A variety of holiday treats and drinks available from Bird’s Nest bakery.
HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET
DECEMBER 8
The American Legion Post 119 with Aspen and Evergreen Gallery 1-5pm
Spend the afternoon with your family while you shop for quality, handmade art from local artists
SNOWMAN SCAVENGER HUNT
DECEMBER 7 - 31
The Snowman Scavenger Hunt, absolutely FREE, kicks off at the Snowman Festival! Start your adventure by grabbing a snowman punch card from any of our participating stores, then enjoy a stroll through town as you search for all the snowmen Complete your punch card and head to Simply Christmas to collect your FREE snowman ornament while supplies last!
FESTIVAL FESTIVAL FESTIVAL SNOWMAN SNOWMAN SNOWMAN
BOND PARK
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
12-5 P.M.
Join us for an unforgettable start to the winter season with our Snowman Festival!
Step into a winter wonderland featuring:
Live Ice Sculpting
Free Giveaways
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
Holiday Gift Market and Craft Stations
Princess and Character visits
Photo ops with Santa
Free Glitter Tattoos
Food Trucks & Beer Garden
RSVP NOW
Sunday Stroll with
SAVANNAH
THE REINDEER
Sunday, December 8 12-2 p.m.
Head downtown for a FREE and whimsical meeting with Savannah the Reindeer. Children and families will have the opportunity to snap photos with both the reindeer and Kris Kringle, offering a truly magical experience!
Please no dogs, they will spook Savannah!
Week Four
December 9-15
HOLIDAY BLOCK PARTY
DECEMBER 10
Macdonald Bookshop, 5-8pm Enjoy season sales and festivities at your favorite downtown shops! A night geared towards locals, every shop that participates will be offering different discounts or holiday fun Shops include: Hyk, The Taffy Shop, Creativity Cabin, Grey House, Simply Christmas, Inkwell & Brew and more.
BRAD FITCH CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE LEGION
DECEMBER 14
The American Legion Post 119 6:30-9pm Brad Fitch and Mark Rashid are returning for their annual Christmas concert as part of Listening at the Legion This festive concert promises a night of holiday cheer and great music
STANLEY HOME MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE YULETIDE
DECEMBER 14
Step into a winter wonderland as you stroll through the museum, beautifully adorned with festive decorations and vintage toys that capture the spirit of yesteryear. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies as you create cherished memories while getting your picture taken with Santa. Plus, each child will leave with a delightful surprise gift!
THE NUTCRACKER
DECEMBER 14 & 15
The Pavilion at the Stanley Hotel Experience the enchantment of The Nutcracker Suite, thoughtfully curated to showcase our favorite excerpts from The Nutcracker, all brought to life by the extraordinary talents of Boulder Ballet
THE ESTES PARK CHORALE PRESENTS "A CLASSIC HOLIDAY"
DECEMBER 14
The Estes Park Chorale will present their annual Holiday Concert at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. Classic Christmas and Holiday tunes will be featured in this concert for the whole family.
Week Five
SWEETS STROLL SWEETS STROLL SWEETS STROLL
FESTIVAL FESTIVAL FESTIVAL
Join us for a FREE family-friendly winter wonderland extravaganza at our Sweets Stroll Festival! Indulge your sweet tooth with FREE treats as you explore charming downtown Estes Park with our mouthwatering Sweets Stroll! Pick up your free Sweets Stroll punch card in Bond Park at the Sweets Stroll Festival, and let the sugary adventure begin! Your punch card will lead you to candy stores, ice cream shops, chocolatiers and bakers - each promising a free treat to punch off on your card.
Step into a winter wonderland featuring:
Live Ice Sculpting
Free Giveaways
Holiday Gift Market and Craft Stations
Princess and Character visits
Photo ops with Santa Free Glitter Tattoos
Food Trucks & a Beer Garden
Join us for a festive, family-friendly Christmas run/walk through Estes Park's stunning holiday light spectacles. Then, warm up with delicious hot chocolate and homemade Christmas cookies crafted by local artisans at Jubilations.
REBEL POP SANTA CRAWL
DECEMBER 21
6pm-12am
Celebrate with a festive holiday shopping bazaar and bar-hop in one! Pick up your exclusive Santa Crawl cup at Lonigans—and enjoy drink specials at every bar Explore a lively lineup of local artists and musicians in each venue, while browsing unique holiday gifts in a one-of-a-kind bazaar setting. Join in the geocaching scavenger hunt for hidden treasures, sip festive cocktails, and soak up the holiday cheer with music, art, and shopping.
Week Six
Dec 23-Jan 1
Christmas Meals
December 24 & December 25
TWIN OWLS STEAKHOUSE
DECEMBER 24
FESTIVUS CELEBRATION
DECEMBER 21
12-8pm
We're throwing a true Festivus for the rest of us at Avant Garde Aleworks, complete with an unadorned aluminum pole, feats of mental strength (AKA trivia), Mangia Mangia Pizzeria and a holiday cookie swap!
Mangia Mangia Pizzeria 12pm-sellout
Cookie Swap @ 5pm
Trivia @ 6pm
BIRD
& JIM
DECEMBER 19-30
Delight in the warm, inviting ambiance of Twin Owls from 4-8 pm. Venture beyond the traditional and savor the variety of unique dishes they have in store. But hurry! With seating as exclusive as their menu, reservations are in high demand and space is limited Taharaa com
From December 19th-30th, choose from a variety of delectable options for each course, all expertly crafted to tantalize your taste buds Enhance the holiday cheer with their carefully curated wine pairing menus. BirdAndJim.com
LATITUDE 105
DECEMBER 25
Join Latitude 105 for Christmas dinner! Their menu encapsulates the spirit of the holiday, featuring enticing starters followed by enticing entrees. Reservations are recommended. latitude105alehouse.com.
THE CRYSTAL BALL
DECEMBER 28
The Stanley Hotel
Join us for a Celebration of the upcoming turn of the year with a jump back in time as That Eighties Band returns to the Stanley. Come in your fanciest dress or gnarliest 80's garb for a night full of fun, a photo booth, costume contest and more!
DARRELL HAMMOND FROM SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
DECEMBER 31
SHOWS AT 6 PM & 8:30 PM
The Stanley Hotel
As the second-longest running cast member and current announcer on Saturday Night Live, the actor and comedian Darrell Hammond has brought to life a cavalcade of politicians, media figures, celebrities, and newsmakers on television through his impressions. Amongst the great number of people he has embodied include Bill Clinton, Sean Connery, Jay Leno, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Donald Trump, and more.
NEW YEARS EVE PARTY AT EMBER
DECEMBER 31
8:30PM-12:30AM
Enjoy an evening with live music from Sugar Mountain, food and drink specials and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight
WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR WITH BIRD & JIM
DECEMBER 31
5-9:30 p.m.
Enjoy a four course price fixed menu with optional wine pairing. $95-per person. Reserve your table now at resy.com.
Lodging Spotlight
CASTLE MOUNTAIN LODGE
A Rocky Mountain Old Fashioned Christmas Package December 22 - December 27
Award winning Christmas light display
A trip to the backcountry to pick out the perfect Christmas tree with complimentary hot cocoa, decorations and a commemorative ornament
Santa visit on Christmas Eve
3 bundles of firewood each night to keep the holiday feeling going
A gift certificate to Bird & Jim.
Ice skate rentals for the local rink
Free snowshoe rentals for your family
Sleds for use during your stay
