The snowy state of Colorado is a magical place to experience the holidays. The ski towns light up the trees around Thanksgiving and they become the most beautiful sight when covered with a fresh coating of snow. The Denver metropolitan area has a stunning selection of holiday light displays and Santa visits. Here are the special Colorado holiday getaways that we’ve found around the state.
The Holidays in Vail, Colorado
We are partial to Vail, as it is very near our home town. The skiing is amazing and there is so much more for families to do in the winter. December has brought possibly the best early season skiing in a decade. To top it all off the Antlers at Vail is offering a Holiday Magic package including the gift of a fifth night free for guests who book four nights on stays through December 26, 2018. Leading up to Christmas Day, Antlers will feature special activities including cookie decorating, ornament and and stocking making. Guests can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa along with holiday crafts while relaxing in the elaborately decorated lobby – a task the Antlers’ staff spends several days perfecting.
And for Colorado holiday getaways, the fun doesn’t stop there. Upon check-in, each guest reservation receives a randomly selected red envelope containing one of a handful of gifts, ranging from a round of margaritas at neighboring gourmet Mexican restaurant, El Sabor, or breakfast at the classic Little Diner, all the way up to a future complimentary one-night stay at the Antlers. Combine the holiday extras with Antlers already lengthy list of complimentary amenities – including ski valet to the nearby Eagle-Bahn Gondola and loaner snowshoes and sleds – for the makings of a magical ho-ho-holiday Vail ski vacation.
The Holidays at Dairy Block, Downtown Denver
Dairy Block – Denver’s vibrant new micro-district in the heart of Lower Downtown – is ringing in the holiday season with festive outdoor decorations lighting Denver’s first pedestrian Alley, carolers, along with new shopping and dining outlets, visits from Santa and a pop-up shop celebrating local experiences.
Grab a cocktail at Dairy Block’s new Seven Grand, which serves one of the largest selections of premium whiskeys in the West, along with a variety of specialty classic and seasonal cocktail creations in an intimate space that features live music, weekly tastings, pool tables and private event areas.
Denver Milk Market is getting in the Holiday spirit by hosting Santa for FREE family photos. After having their photo taken with Santa, children head to Morning Jones to receive free gingerbread cookies and milk! Santa will be located at the lobby entrance to Milk Market from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on December 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd.
The Maven at Dairy Block – an independent, modern hotel delivering 172 industrial-chic guest rooms & an energetic lobby – is encouraging guests to STAY COZY this holiday season with special room rates starting at $179 per night, including 50 percent off Valet Parking and a waived Destination Amenity Fee, which includes discounts on treatments at The Oxford Club, Spa & Salon and more.
The new Gaylord Rockies
New this year, LIGHT! at Gaylord Rockies provides an ideal Colorado holiday getaway experience. This spectacular interactive holiday experience immerses visitors in color, fanciful patterns, and wondrous light. Visitors walk through indoor and outdoor paths of magical illumination and music.
The holiday magic begins the moment you approach the resort. A forest of fully-lit, color-changing trees, colorful lights and dancing snowflakes pave your way to excitement. Explore numerous breathtaking interactive lighting displays throughout the resort, both indoors and outdoors, including:
• A forest of color-changing trees
• A field of glowing orbs, appropriately named “The Valley of Light”
• Giant musical wind chimes
• A 12’ tall giant holiday ornament, perfect for Insta-worthy holiday portraits
• Beautifully lighted indoor waterfalls and rapids
Free admission for everyone. Come enjoy dinner in any of the resort’s 8 restaurants. Or spend the night, or the weekend. Rates start at $119 per night when you book the Local Residents Offer.
Gateway Canyons for the Ultimate Luxury Colorado Winter Getaway
With its snowy mountain peaks and world class ski resorts, Colorado is the ideal winter destination. Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa offers guests the ultimate winter escape starting December 27, 2018.
For those who want an intimate adventure getaway, but still want to hit the slopes, Gateway Canyons’ offers over the top accommodations. Guests can hop in one of Gateway Canyon’s private helicopters. Then be whisked off to one of the nearby ski destinations. Enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding Telluride, Aspen, or Vail.
After a long day on the slopes relax and rejuvenate at the resort’ luxurious spa. The Spa is nestled amongst naturally breathtaking, serene scenery just beneath the incredible Palisade Rock formation. It offers guests new ways to enjoy a rejuvenating respite after a long day on the slopes. A diverse menu of luxurious seasonal treatments includes Chai Spice Warming Body Ritual and Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice.
Colorado ix the ultimate Christmas holiday vacation with snow, lights and great hotels.
Some very nice Colorado Winter Destinations.