Family Things to Do in Estes Park for the Holidays

Estes Park is brimming with family-friendly things to do for the holidays. Below are the most up-to-date highlights for 2025 so you can plan out your season with confidence.

Holiday Lights That Kids Will Love

Beginning November 22, 2025, Bond Park hosts a free Nightly Light Show Spectacular from 5–9 p.m. Set to favorite seasonal songs, the centerpiece is a state-of-the-art Pixel Pine tree — the only one of its kind in Colorado. This cutting-edge spectacle creates gorgeous patterns of light that harmonize with the music, creating an unforgettable experience that will wow the whole family. Grab some cocoa and let the captivating illumination and joyful atmosphere take you away. 

Stay warm and cozy in your car as your family sets off on the Holiday Lights Driving Tour. Follow the interactive Google Map all season long and wind your way through twinkling lights and delightful decorations throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Along the way, keep an eye out for places to shop for Christmas gifts and tasty treats!

The beloved Catch the Glow Parade returns on Friday, November 28, at 5:30 p.m. (the day after Thanksgiving). You’ll love the hand-crafted floats, marching bands and plenty of small-town cheer along Elkhorn Avenue. Families on the lookout for festive things to do in Estes Park with kids will no doubt find this parade at the top of the list. 

Active families can join the Chase the Glow on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This run and walk winds through Estes Park’s decorated streets and finishes at Bond Park, where your crew will bask in the glimmering lights. 

Festive Family Christmas Events in Estes Park

The Snowman Scavenger Hunt runs from November 22 to December 31. You can pick up a punch card at the Visitor Center or participating businesses, search for snowmen in local shops and redeem a completed card for a free ornament! 

Don’t miss this year’s brand new celebration, Sleigh the Games! This ticketed event runs from December 12 to 14 and is packed with family holiday activities. Join in playful winter competitions, catch live entertainment, and enjoy a weekend designed to create unforgettable holiday memories.

At the end of the weekend, on December 14, wrap things up with the Sweets Stroll Festival. Pick up a complimentary punch card in Bond Park, and sample treats from local candy shops, bakeries, ice cream shops and chocolatiers. The kids will delight over free sweets, while parents enjoy browsing window displays and finding gifts between stops. 

“The Nutcracker” and Holiday Performances for All Ages 

Seasonal traditions continue with Boulder Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” presented at The Stanley Hotel on December 13 and 14. This event has become one of the most beloved winter performances in Estes Park. The historic hotel adds grandeur to the evening, while the ballet’s timeless story holds the attention of younger audiences. For parents, it can be a first opportunity to share a classic performance with their children in an unforgettable setting. 

Music lovers should also attend the Estes Park Chorale’s annual holiday concert titled “Christmas Stories in Song.” The program highlights traditional carols alongside newer works, each connected by the Christmas stories they reflect. Featuring community voices and a seasonal program, the concert provides a welcoming setting for young audiences.

Tips for a Smooth Family Holiday

• Dress in layers. Evenings in November and December are chilly. Hats, gloves and coats keep kids comfortable during outdoor events.

• Check event listings. Official events pages post final details for activities like the Sweets Stroll or Chase the Glow closer to December, so be sure to review them before heading out.

• Spread out the fun. Many events run for several weeks. Planning one highlight per evening or weekend helps avoid fatigue and allows both parents and kids to enjoy each experience fully.

• Pair events with meals. Downtown dining makes it easy to add cocoa, dinner or brunch to your outing, turning each event into a full winter tradition.

Why Families Love the Season Here

Estes Park delivers a balance of small-town tradition and family convenience. Many activities are free or affordable, easily accessible and designed to bring people together. The holiday calendar packs in activities for youngsters of all ages, from the Snowman Hunt and Sweets Stroll to concerts and parades.

Families leave these outings with photos, ornaments and memories that capture these wonderful traditions that they return to each year. The holiday season in Estes Park is a magical time filled with downtown lights, community fun and a variety of events that residents and visitors enjoy together at all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your holiday family adventures today!