Winter Park Holiday Events: December Happenings for Mountain Living
One of the best parts of living—or vacationing—in Winter Park, CO is the way our community comes alive during the holidays. From festive fundraisers to magical mountain traditions, December is packed with local events that showcase the charm of Grand County. Here’s your guide to the season’s biggest happenings—all perfect reminders of why Winter Park is such a wonderful place to call home.
Torchlight Parade at Winter Park Resort
🎁 December 4–12: Grand County North Pole Gift Drive
Support local families by dropping off new, unwrapped gifts or clothing at donation sites across the county, including Real Estate of Winter Park, Edward Jones in Fraser, the Winter Park Information Center, and more. All gifts benefit local children through the Mountain Family Center.
🎄 December 5 | 4-8PM: Festival of Trees – Grand Park Community Rec Center
Enjoy a free night of holiday music, food, drinks, and over 20 decorated trees and wreaths. Bid in the silent auction, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits. Hosted by the Fraser River Valley Lions Club.
🏔️ Saturdays, December 6–24: Deck the Slopes – Winter Park Resort
Celebrate the season with photos with Santa, hot cocoa, live music, and a dazzling holiday drone show at dusk. A magical mix of mountain adventure and festive fun for the whole family.
✨ December 6 | 6-10PM: Rocky Mountain Yule Celebration – Headwaters Center
Dress up for an evening of live music, festive food, drinks, and a silent auction supporting the Headwaters River Journey Museum and local water education programs. Buy tickets here.
🍪 December 13 | 11AM-3PM: Holiday Happenings – Cozens Ranch Museum
A free community celebration featuring cookie decorating, holiday crafts, photos with Santa, and museum access. Suggested donation: $5.
❄️ December 13 | 8:30AM-3:30PM: Tommelfest – Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Kick off winter with this Nordic-themed celebration featuring free ski lessons, keg tosses, Swedish treats, and winter retail specials. Open to all guests; registration required for ski clinics.
🎶 December 13 & 14: Home for the Holidays – Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
A heartwarming holiday show performed by RMRT alumni, with performances on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. For more details click here.
🏠 December 18 | 5:30-7:30PM: Gingerbread House Competition – Grand Park Community Rec Center
Build and decorate a gingerbread house with provided supplies. One house per household; registration required ($25). Sign up here.
🦌 December 20 | 3:30-7PM: Run Like a Reindeer 5Kish – Fraser River Trail
Snowshoe, ski, bike, or walk to Rendezvous Event Center in your best reindeer gear. Enjoy hot cocoa, s’mores, and carolers after this family-friendly fun run. Socks included while supplies last! Sign up here.
🎅 December 21 & 22: Santa & Mrs. Claus – Granby Ranch
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy storytime, drop off letters, and snap festive family photos. Sunday 12-6pm & Monday 8am-3pm.
🔥 December 24 | 5:30PM: Torchlight Parade – Winter Park Resort
A beloved Winter Park tradition! Watch skiers descend Hughes run with torches, followed by a brilliant fireworks show. Enjoy Santa photos, sweet treats, cocoa stations, and an optional evening church service.
Whether you're enjoying these festive events as a longtime resident or exploring Winter Park as a future homeowner, the holidays here embody everything special about mountain living—connection, community, and extraordinary natural beauty.