Planning a holiday in the snow this winter season? Look no further! Winter Park is truly a magical & wonderful place to spend the holidays. In addition to the world-class skiing, Winter Park also plays host to several truly unique and memorable events that make the holidays even that much more special.Check out some of our favorite holiday events and activities in Winter Park, CO this winter season.
It is abundantly clear why local’s are quickly swept up in the spirit of things here in Winter Park and why visitors choose to spend their holiday season here, too. Check out this handy list for some of our favorite holiday things to do!
Local’s Tip: Please feel free to use and reference this tentative events calendar to help plan your trip to Winter Park!
Tommelfest
December 9, 2023 | 8:30am – 3:00pm | Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Raise your glogg (old-fashioned Swedish spiced wine) for the annual Tommelfest celebration! Kick off the beginning of the winter season at this speciall & unique Viking-themed Nordic festival. Featuring free skate & classic cross country ski lessons from DTR Ski Instructors & CU Ski Team Coaches, keg toss, Swedish meatballs, and more!
Enjoy a festive feast for the occasion including brats, meatball skewers, sauerkraut, scalloped potatoes, brussels sprouts, and delicious cobblers.
12–1 PM: Norwegian Keg Toss | Next to Heck’s Patio
1 PM–2 PM: Clinic Registration | Zach’s Mercantile
2–3:30 PM: Complimentary Clinic with Ski Pass | Zach’s Mercantile
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
December 24, 2023 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm | Winter Park Resort
Winter Park’s most beloved holiday tradition, the Torchlight Parade, is back for another illuminating performance! Join in for an evening filled with Holiday cheer, from photos with Santa, to sipping on hot chocolate, and caroling throughout the base village. Stay warm by the bonfire while enjoying the firework display and torchlight parade illuminating the night’s sky.
Local Tips:
- Get there early and grab a spot near the bonfire.
- This year’s event will take place on Larry Sale. Red Chair plaza and the base area in front of Larry Sale will be the best viewing areas.
- Santa Claus is coming to Winter Park Resort! Get a free printed photo of you and your family with Santa at the Village Gazebo from 1 – 4pm.
- Stop by the Hot Chocolate Bar at Bradley’s before the show for a tasty warm-up! Regular (and spiked! for 21+) hot chocolate available.
- Take Winter Park’s Transit shuttle, The Lift — it is free, safe, and no one has to worry about parking!
- There’s a non-denominational service at 6:00pm in West Portal after the parade. Participate in services on Christmas Eve so you can sleep in on Christmas Day!
New Year’s Eve Celebration with Fireworks
December 31, 2023 | TBD
New Years Eve is looking bright in Winter Park! On December 31st from 7-9 pm, the Rendezvous Event Center, in downtown Winter Park, will host sledders and tubers, and Silent Disco by Big Little Sound. This event is free and open to the public and sleds, tubes, and toboggans are provided on the event center’s tubing hill. Then stick around for the evening’s firework display. More information coming soon!
Local Tips:
- Take Winter Park’s Transit shuttle, The Lift — it is free, safe, and no one has to worry about parking!
- Put the kids in snowgear — one run down the hill on the community sleds, they’ll be hooked!
- Free hot chocolate is provided by the Town — but locals always know to bring their own secret stash and pocket snacks.
- Need more than Fireworks to fire up your New Year’s Eve? Check out the event calendar for other activities.
MORE NYE CELEBRATIONS:
The Winter Park & Fraser Chamber will host a New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31, 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Rendezvous Event Center in Downtown Winter Park. There will be a Silent Disco by Big Little Sound and sledding. This event is free and open to the public.
Where To Stay?
Winter Park is always ready to celebrate the winter season! This community is so welcoming, and encourages everyone to live like the locals do! When you’re ready to visit this little corner of paradise, be ready to be adventurous, and celebrate the beauty of the surrounding area. Experience all that Winter Park has to offer with a bit of help from your favorite local lodging company Winter Park Lodging Company!
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