Get ready for a full-scale winter wonderland action-packed holiday season in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Make sure to take time to pamper yourself during this busy and beautiful time.
Soaking in natural hot springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort surrounded by snow-dusted peaks is just the answer from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Not only will you never forget admiring the stars and moon while relaxing in the mineral hot springs, you will have a front-row seat to watch the lights switch on and the fireworks sparkle during the Lighting Ceremony at Hotel Colorado on Nov. 25.
Spectacular Holiday Events
The holiday season in Glenwood Springs officially begins on Nov. 19 with the kickoff of Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. It’s pure magic for all ages with holiday lights galore, a giant musical Christmas tree, live music on select December dates, and Santa visits.
Reaching America’s only mountain-top theme park is half the fun. From Nov. 19. to Dec. 31, 2022, bring a $25 City Market gift card and receive four free gondola tickets through the Gondola Giving program. The gift cards will be donated to LIFT-UP, which provides food assistance to area residents. Kids 12 and under ride the gondola free of charge during Santa visits from 4-7 p.m. every Saturday from Nov. 26 to Dec. 17, with a bonus Sunday on Dec. 18 from 2-5 p.m.
Enjoy rides, cave tours, and all sorts of activities and make sure to bundle up like you are getting ready to ski, board and play outside.
Speaking of skiing and snowboarding, the planned opening day for Sunlight Mountain Resort is Dec. 9. If you want to get in the mood to ski earlier, attend the Winter Stoke Film Festival featuring the new Warren Miller film “Day Maker” at The Vaudeville Revue on Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m.
Beginning December 9th, our Ski, Swim & Stay Package offers the best way to enjoy the wintertime in the High Country. Ski or ride at Sunlight Mountain Resort for the day and then soak and soothe your tired muscles in the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool. There is no other package like this in Colorado! Convenience, affordability, and fun are the three elements that make this the best reason to visit Glenwood Springs this winter. One kid (12 and under) per paying adult will receive a free lift ticket. There are no frills, just great snow, and the amenities you need at half the price of the luxury resorts.
Sunlight Mountain Resort is the perfect mountain offering a variety of terrain for beginners, intermediates, and experts. Ute is the longest green run in the state at 2.5 miles long, while the Heathen offers some of the steepest terrain in the state at a 52-degree pitch. They have a restaurant and bar, along with amazing ski school programs. All runs lead to one base lodge, which means you won’t get lost or spend half the day trying to get back to your group.
On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, get some exercise in before your feast at the Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run at 10 a.m. Held at Glenwood Springs Golf Club, the event is hosted by Sopris Barracuda Swim Team.
One of the biggest events of the holiday season is held at one of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s neighbors. The 32nd annual Lighting Ceremony at Hotel Colorado takes place on Nov. 25 from 3 – 8:30 p.m. This Glenwood Springs tradition includes visits with Santa Claus, musical entertainment, a holiday photo booth, live ice carving demonstrations, a craft show, a gingerbread competition hosted by the Glenwood Springs Historical Society, and more. The pinnacle is when more than half a million Christmas lights are turned on simultaneously and a fireworks show is launched from the top of the hotel around 7 p.m.
The holiday season isn’t complete without Glenwood Vaudeville Revue’s Holiday Show, Nov. 18 – Jan. 7. The show is presented on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and most Thursdays, as well as additional dates from Christmas to New Year’s. This two-hour family fun dinner theater show features professional talent performing a variety of comedy skits, jokes, high-energy dance numbers, unique novelty songs, and original comedic presentations that are guaranteed to entertain. Meals can be purchased separately and are prepared by Glenwood Springs restaurants.
Additional opportunities to enjoy great music include Mountain Madrigal Singers’ Christmas Concerts on Dec. 2, 4 and 10 at Glenwood Church of Christ, and Aspen Choral Society’s performance of Handel’s “Messiah” on Dec. 10 at Mountain View Church.
Shop Like a Local
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s shop in the pool lobby has the best swimwear selection on Colorado’s Western Slope and there are all sorts of fun things to buy for your gift list. Also take an easy stroll over the pedestrian bridge to downtown, which is full of locally owned shops. Small Business Saturday is held locally and nationally on Nov. 26, so look for special deals and happenings on this day.
Shopping is hard work, so end the day enjoying the world’s largest hot springs pool with your family. Or may we suggest Suds ‘n Soak for those who prefer not to shop? Savor local brews at Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, Casey Brewing Taproom and Ball Brewing and meet your family or significant other back at the hot springs.
Also attend the Holiday Bazaar at Glenwood Springs Community Center on Dec. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Shop to your heart’s delight with a wide variety of artisan jewelry, organic body products, gourmet foods, ceramics, seasonal décor, clothing, and other crafts made by area artisans.
Get Crafty
Or elect to take part in hands-on workshops held at Homsted in downtown Glenwood Springs. At a D.I.Y Holiday Gift Making Workshop on Dec. 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., make several sustainable and heartfelt gifts and leave with several more recipes to try at home. At Holiday Herbal Drinks, learn how to make handcrafted cocktails and mocktails and sip the results on Dec. 17. Space is limited for both so make reservations well in advance.
Take your holiday celebrating to a new level in Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.