Catch the Glow 2024

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.

LODGING PACKAGES & SPECIAL OFFERS THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: LEARN MORE

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

HOLIDAY PIN PAINTING PARTY DECEMBER 12 5-8PM

Bull Pin From 3-5pm for just $57, you'll receive a curated flight of six whiskeys along with delightful hors d'oeuvres.

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 YMCA OF THE 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 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.

FRIENDSGIVING BOOZY BINGO WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

HOLIDAY WINE FESTIVAL SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

The Barrel 5 rounds of bingo, trivia, drink specials, brewery swag prizes & more!

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!

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.

Thanksgiving Meals Thursday, November 28 TWIN OWLS STEAKHOUSE

THE VIEW RESTAURANT

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

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

EMBER AT THE ESTES PARK RESORT

YOU NEED PIE DINER & BAKERY

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.

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

Week Three 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!

SNOWMAN FESTIVAL 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!

STANLEY HOME MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE YULETIDE DECEMBER 14

Week Four December 9-15

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!

HOLIDAY BLOCK PARTY DECEMBER 10

THE NUTCRACKER DECEMBER 14 & 15

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.

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.

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.

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 December 16-22

SWEETS STROLL FESTIVAL BOND PARK SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 12-5P.M. 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

& 1 mile walk

RSVP NOW

Bond Park Saturday, December 21 6 p.m.

Sunday Stroll with

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.

SAVANNAH THE REINDEER DECEMBER 22 12-2PM

REBEL POP SANTA CRAWL DECEMBER 21

FESTIVUS CELEBRATION 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.

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

Week Six Dec 23-Jan 1

Christmas Meals December 24 & December 25 TWIN OWLS STEAKHOUSE DECEMBER 24 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

BIRD & JIM DECEMBER 19-30 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