Celebrating Christmas & New Year in Winter Park, Colorado
Planning a Christmas or New Year ski vacation? Check out some of our favorite Holiday events and activities in Winter Park, Colorado.
Winter Park’s Must-Do Christmas Events
Winter Park Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
Date: Christmas Eve
Time: From 5 PM
Location: Winter Park Resort Village
The pinnacle of the Holiday celebrations in Winter Park is the Torchlight Parade & Fireworks.
Gather family and friends at the base of Winter Park Resort to watch the torchlight ski procession weave a glowing trail down the mountain, followed by Santa and his elves. Then watch in awe as fireworks light up the night sky, and colorfully lit snowcats move down the mountain in a perfect Christmas tree formation.
Following the ski-down, an inter-denominational service is held in the lower level of Balcony House in the main Winter Park base area.
Christmas Carols in the Village
Like a good sing-a-long? Team up with the What The Dickens? Carolers! as they stroll through the Village between 4 PM – 5.15 PM.
Photos with Santa
Date: December 22, 23, 24
Time: 3-5 PM
Location: Winter Park Resort Gazebo
Snow laden trees, warm glowing fires and sparkling slopes of freshly groomed snow – is there anything more magical than the Holiday in Winter Park? Yes, SANTA! Bring the little ones to meet the fat man himself, get a picture and sing some festive carols.
Ice Skating on the Pond
Date: Open Daily
Time: 10 AM – 10 PM
Location: Winter Park Resort Village
Ice skating is a wonderful Holiday tradition that can be enjoyed in the heart of Winter Park Resort on the Village Pond. The rink is open daily between 10 am – 10 pm and ice skates can be rented from the Village Rental store located a short walk away across from Starbucks.
Where to a eat traditional Christmas dinner in Winter Park
Holiday Buffet at The Lodge At Sunspot
The Gondola will start running right after the Torchlight Parade, to ferry hungry diners up to the Lodge at Sunspot for a Christmas Eve dinner they’ll never forget.
The Holiday Buffet menu generally features salad, soup, a carving station (with vegetarian option), vegetables & sides, and a desert bar. For detailed menu items, please call Sunspot Lodge at 970-726-1446.
The Holiday Dinner Buffet costs $79.75 for Adults and $49.95 for Children under 10 years. Prices include the Gondola ride, dinner and non-alcoholic beverages (tax, gratuity & alcoholic beverages are additional).
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Call 970-726-1446 to book your table.
Devils Thumb Ranch Christmas Dinner & Buffet
Go Western at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash. This luxury ranch offers two dining options: a family friendly Prime Rib buffet in their attractive Hecks Tavern, or a fine dining four-course menu at the elegant Ranch House Restaurant. Looking to spend the day away from the slopes? Devil’s Thumb Ranch offers many activities including cross country skiing, sleigh rides, yoga and a highly acclaimed spa.
The Hecks Tavern Christmas Buffet is available from 3 PM – 9 PM, priced at $39 for adults and half price for children under 13 years. The Ranch House Restaurant Christmas Dinner is available from 4 PM – 10 PM, priced at $72 per adult and half price for children under 13 years.
RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED. Call 970-726-7013 to book your table.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Winter Park
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Head to the Rendezvous Event Center in the Town of Winter Park to sled, dance and watch fireworks spark up the skies at 9 PM.
Afterward, dance it up at Deno’s DJ Dance Party, keep it classy at Volario’s, or take your pick of Winter Park late night hot spots to ring in the New Year.
New Year Resolutions
Start the New Year right!
Blow off the cobwebs with an early morning skiat Winter Park Resort, zip up to the Continental Divide on a snowmobile tour, get wild with the pack on a dogsled ride, or soar to new heights on a hot air balloon ride.
It’s the start of a brand new year, make it a great one in Winter Park, Colorado!
