There’s something about Estes Park in winter — the quiet hush of snow, the sparkle of lights, and that sense of being away from “everyday.” Here are nine inviting ways to lean into the holiday spirit in Estes — whether you’re here for a weekend or a whole week.
Stroll Through a Winter Light Spectacle
As the sun sets, downtown Estes Park glows with holiday lights that spill across Bond Park and Elkhorn Avenue — the kind of scene that feels made for both quiet walks and festive photos. The Nightly Light Show at Bond Park (5–9 p.m.) pairs colorful displays with music, giving you the perfect excuse to pause, snap a picture, and soak in the season.
The holidays here officially begin with the Catch the Glow Parade, held just after Thanksgiving — floats, marching bands, and community cheer fill the streets in true small-town fashion.
For a cozier tradition, the Festival of Trees at the Estes Park Resort showcases locally decorated trees, each one offering its own spark of creativity. Whether you’re chasing a picture-perfect backdrop for the family album, a date-night stroll under the lights, or simply a moment of nostalgia with friends, Estes Park makes it easy to find your version of holiday magic.
Shop Downtown & Find Local Holiday Gifts
Downtown Estes Park is full of independently owned shops where holiday gifts come with a story. Whether you’re checking off the family list, hunting for something quirky for a coworker, or just looking for a little stocking stuffer, you’ll find plenty of one-of-a-kind options.
- Trendz — a boutique filled with Colorado-inspired finds, witty gifts, and simple treasures that make it easy to shop for everyone in your circle.
- Macdonald Book Shop — a beloved local indie bookstore with bestsellers, regional titles, and children’s books perfect for holiday reading or seasonal stockings.
- Laura’s Fine Candies & The Taffy Shop — Estes icon offering handmade sweets and saltwater taffy that make thoughtful gifts or the centerpiece of a welcome basket for out-of-town holiday guests.
- Mountain Glow Co. — a newer addition to downtown with handmade soaps, bath bombs, candles, and lotions — especially perfect for teens or anyone who loves a little self-care.
With more than 300 retailers and boutiques, downtown invites you to wander, window shop, and stumble upon something unexpected. Even in winter, most stores stay open (though evening hours can be shorter), making it easy to enjoy a festive day of browsing at your own pace.
Warm Up with Fireside Flavors
After a frosty walk downtown under the holiday lights, there’s nothing better than settling into a cozy spot with comfort food and something warm in your glass. Estes Park has no shortage of welcoming tables — here are a few favorites to try this season:
- Bird & Jim — Known for seasonal menus rooted in Colorado ingredients, this mountain-modern restaurant is a must. Their famous pheasant chowder has become a local legend — one spoonful and you’ll understand why.
- Estes Park Brewery — Their recently renovated upstairs space, The Hive, honors their locally loved Stinger beer. One of the most talked-about appetizers on the menu? The fried green beans — a crispy, addictive starter that locals and visitors rave about.
- The Post Mountain House — Set on the historic Stanley Hotel grounds, this spot nails the balance between creative pub fare and local brews. Order the buffalo chicken sandwich with their cheekily named cocktail, “Hold My Earrings” — trust us, it’s a winning combo.
- Big Horn Restaurant — For no-frills comfort food, this longtime favorite serves hearty plates that warm you up as much as the friendly service does.
- Inkwell & Brew — A quirky coffeehouse tucked downtown, offering lattes, teas, and a cozy, book-lined corner that makes you feel like you’ve discovered your own little hideaway.
Explore the Snowy Outdoors
Winter transforms Rocky Mountain National Park into a whole new playground, offering experiences that range from laid-back to adrenaline-filled. However you like to adventure, there’s a way to enjoy the season here:
- Snowshoeing — Guided tours with local experts like KMAC, Estes Park Tour Guides, or Explore Estes let you experience the Rockies at a slower pace, complete with insider knowledge. Prefer to go solo? Trails like Bear Lake and Sprague Lake are beginner-friendly favorites that showcase winter’s quieter beauty.
- Backcountry & Cross-Country Skiing — Hidden Valley and nearby trail systems offer opportunities to glide through fresh powder. For those looking to venture deeper, KMAC’s licensed guides provide safe, knowledgeable backcountry experiences.
- Sledding & Tubing — Hidden Valley is also a family-friendly hub for sledding — bring your own gear and prepare for plenty of laughs.
- Ice Climbing & Winter Adventures — If you’re craving a challenge, local outfitters guide ice climbs and other winter treks that get your heart pumping.
- Wildlife Watching & Scenic Drives — Winter’s contrast makes wildlife easier to spot, from elk and deer in town to the chance of moose in the park. Pair that with quiet drives through snowy valleys, and you’ll see why winter is a favorite for many locals.
Pamper Yourself with Spa & Wellness
The holidays are a season of giving — but they’re also the perfect excuse to give yourselves the gift of time together.
At Qi Lounge Spa inside The Estes Park Resort, couples can step out of the winter chill and into a space designed for pure relaxation. Think side-by-side massages, body treatments that soothe travel-weary muscles, and warm saunas that melt away the stress of the season. Add in holiday-inspired aromas like pine, peppermint, or spiced citrus, and suddenly winter feels less hectic and more like a reason to slow down together.
Holiday Itinerary for Two: Begin your day with a couples’ treatment at Qi Lounge, then linger downtown for a stroll through festive shops. End the evening back at the resort with dinner at EMBER, where seasonal cocktails and a fireside table make the perfect backdrop for a mountain holiday date night.
Whether you come for the sparkling lights, the mountain flavors, or the quiet trails blanketed in snow, Estes Park offers countless ways to make the holidays your own. Here, the season slows down just enough for you to savor it — a place where cozy corners, adventurous outings, and memorable moments with loved ones come together against the backdrop of the Rockies. However you celebrate, the holidays in Estes Park feel a little more magical.
