Planning to spend Christmas in Colorado? Look no further! Here’s our updated 2026 Christmas in Colorado itinerary to help you make the most of your holiday trip. In this guide, I share where we stayed, winter activities to enjoy, and much more.
About Our Stays
Our Original Stay
During our research, we discovered several beautiful homes in the area. As expected, many were out of our price range due to the holiday season – until we found THE cabin.
Our original stay in Dillon was an incredible single-family residence that was spacious, cozy, and conveniently located. Key features included five large bedrooms, a washer and dryer, a fireplace that required real wood, a backyard patio, and impeccable views. We loved the authenticity of the mountain aesthetic throughout the home – it truly had that cabin feel in every space.
One of my favorite features was the hiking trail located directly behind the home. It was perfect for adventure seekers like us, and we even had the pleasure of witnessing two moose – a surreal experience! (Thankfully, we were inside during the sighting, as moose can be aggressive.)
The home was big enough for a family of ten, yet cozy enough to bring us together when it was called for. We would definitely book here again!
If you’re planning your own Christmas in Colorado itinerary, I highly recommend this accommodation. If you are interested, I’ll link the listing HERE.
Our Most Recent Stay
On our most recent Christmas trip, we stayed in a different home, and it was just as lovely. It checked all the same boxes we loved about our previous stay – spacious, cozy, and perfectly suited for a winter getaway. It offered plenty of room to unwind after long days out exploring, with that warm, mountain feel that makes coming home at night something to look forward to.
If you’re traveling with family or a larger group, booking a home like this truly enhances the experience. Having space to gather, relax, and slow down together makes all the difference during the holidays. I’ll link that listing HERE.
Christmas in Colorado: Our Itinerary
Ice Castles
The Ice Castles offered an enchanting experience as we wandered through the expansive ice sculptures, complete with mesmerizing tunnels and slides, all aglow with a myriad of colors. It’s mind-boggling to think that skilled artists meticulously carved these frozen wonders, each ice castle boasting its own unique charm and size.
During our self-guided tour, we were fortunate to witness a delicate snowfall, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience. Trust me, it was nothing short of amazing! We got soooo lucky!
These incredible ice creations are typically open to the public from December to February, with adult tickets priced at $29 during peak season.
Dillon Dam Overlook (Sapphire Point Trail)
If you are familiar with previous travel blog posts, you know I am a huge fan of pit stops. I love unplanned destinations, especially those that allow for a moment to pause, breathe, and be present.
The Dillon Dam Overlook is a scenic spot in Summit County along I-70 that I highly recommend. On our most recent trip, we completed the full Sapphire Point Trail, and it was absolutely worth it. The trail didn’t take long, wasn’t difficult, and felt very doable. Some areas were icy, so proper footwear is important, but overall it was a peaceful walk with incredible views.
Frisco Adventure Park
If you still have a spark of your inner child, do yourself a favor and book reservations for some or all of the activities at Frisco Adventure Park. I promise you’ll have a fantastic time enjoying what the park offers.
Our family participated in a sleigh ride – the only reservation we could secure – and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was an activity our parents felt comfortable with, and the sunny weather enhanced our enjoyment.
For the 2026 season, here’s what’s happening:
- Tubing Hill & Frisco Nordic Center: Open through April 6, 2026, offering tubing, skate skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
- Rope Tow Terrain Park: Open through April 25, 2026.
- Beginner Ski & Snowboard Hill: Now open through April 5, 2026.
- Sleigh Rides with Two Below Zero: Now open and reservations are required. Call 970-453-1520 to book.
According to our guide, tours proceed regardless of weather conditions, which is interesting to know – depending on your perspective! 😉
Helpful links:
Breckenridge Highlights
Main Street
A few years ago, a video went viral featuring a charming old town with snow-covered streets and glowing Christmas lights, resembling a scene from a vintage Christmas movie.
That magical place, my friend, turned out to be Main Street in Breckenridge.
Once we learned this, we were convinced – Christmas had to be spent there. It completely fulfilled the vision we had before the trip – it was truly a magical winter experience.
If you can stay in Breckenridge, do it. The houses are charming, and you can’t go wrong booking accommodations close to all the fun.
Definitely book a reservation at Giampietro Pasta & Pizzeria for an Italian fix. The fettuccini bolognese was DELISH.
Parking around Main Street is relatively easy. However, if you need a specific recommendation, we paid to park at the BreckConnect Gondola parking lot. The address is 170 Watson Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424. There is also free two-hour parking in nearby residential neighborhoods.
The Breck Troll
Yes – we finally visited the Breckenridge Troll. It was one of those “we should see this at least once” experiences, and I’m glad we did.
That said, the line was long, and the area around the troll was extremely icy. Getting close enough for photos required some bravery and balance. We did manage the photo, but not without watching a few people slip along the way. Wear comfortable shoes with good traction, dress in layers, and take your time.
The Viral Hot Chocolate
This stop was at the very top of my sister’s must-do list, so we all complied against our will, kidding, kidding. We stood in line for nearly two hours at Mountain Top Cookie Shop, which felt slightly aggressive in the moment, but long wait aside, the hot chocolate was totally worth it. And honestly, I’m glad it was, because standing in line that long for mediocre, watered-down hot chocolate would have been tragic.
It was warm, rich, and exactly what you want after walking around in freezing temperatures. My only regret was not getting my own, since I ended up sharing with my husband and nephew, which, in hindsight, was a rookie mistake.
Free Gondola Ride
You can find several free activities for the family in or near Breckenridge. Two of these include the gondola ride and sledding hill located at Carter Park. Due to limited time, we were only able to ride the gondola, but it was a neat experience! After all, it was free, and we had some pretty cool views of the town.
As of 2026, the BreckConnect Gondola is still free to ride, making it a family favorite. Just keep in mind that while the gondola itself is free, any on-mountain services or lifts beyond the gondola base area will require a pass.
TIP: Always check the gondola hours before heading up and confirm that it’s actually open, since it occasionally closes due to weather or maintenance. Helpful link: BreckConnect Gondola Info
Loveland Pass, A High Mountain Pass in Colorado
Do you love and appreciate adventurous pit stops? If so, Loveland Pass is a must-add to your Christmas in Colorado itinerary. This scenic high mountain pass offers breathtaking views and the kind of thrill that turns a drive into part of the experience.
Loveland Pass is about 30 minutes northeast of the Airbnb we stayed in, which made for a reasonable drive since we stopped at another location first. But heads up: the road up to the pass is considered dangerous in winter. Thankfully, I didn’t know that until afterward, or my anxiety might’ve been off the charts!
We were rewarded for braving the drive. The panoramic snowy views were unlike anything I’d ever seen. If you love a good thrill, bring your sleds because you’ll find a few perfect hills for sledding. We had so much fun as a family sledding in this area – although one particular hill was much friendlier than the other!
That said, please do your own research to determine if Loveland Pass should be part of your Colorado winter vacation. The road can close suddenly for weather, landslides, or icy conditions, and the sledding hills here are informal (not maintained). Always check live road conditions before heading up: Is Loveland Pass Open? (Cool resource that lets you know the conditions of Loveland Pass!)
A Denver Stop Before Heading Home
On our last day, we stopped in Denver before our flight, which worked out perfectly given its proximity to the airport. We spent some time at Denver Union Station, which is a great place to stretch your legs and grab a bite or coffee before heading out. Inside, you’ll find several food options, cafés, and shops, making it an easy and enjoyable stop if you have extra time.
Just outside Union Station, there’s also an outdoor seesaw park, which was perfect for the little ones to burn off some energy before the flight home. It felt like a thoughtful, low-effort way to end the trip.
We wrapped things up with ramen at Jinya Ramen Bar, conveniently located right across the street. Warm, comforting, and exactly what we wanted after a few full days of winter travel, it was such a great final meal. If you have extra time before departure, adding Denver to your itinerary is absolutely worth it.
Top Breckenridge Restaurant Recommendations
- Downstairs at Eric’s: Après-ski pub for the whole family, with HDTVs, casual comfort food & a long list of beers on tap.
- Location: 111 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Cuisine: American, Pizzeria, Pub
- Website linked here
- Briar Rose Chophouse & Saloon: Upscale choice for steaks, small plates, and a buzzy happy-hour scene in rustic-chic surrounds.
- Location: 109 Lincoln Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, American
- Website linked here
- Blue River Bistro: Upscale bistro dishing up rustic American classics & artisanal cocktails with live jazz & blues.
- Location: 305 N Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Cuisine: American
- Website linked here
- Instagram linked here
- Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina: Mexican kitchen featuring specialty tacos & margaritas, outdoor seating & an après-ski scene.
- Location: 600 S Park Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Website linked here
- Twist: Eclectic American comfort food served in a cozy cottage eatery with a patio & mountain views.
- Location: 200 S Ridge St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Cuisine: American
- Website linked here
- Instagram linked here
- Kenosha Steakhouse: Casual steakhouse that also specializes in house-smoked BBQ, with craft beers & a spacious patio.
- Location: 301 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, American
- Website linked here
- Instagram linked here
- Motherloaded Tavern: Eclectic comfort food plus creative cocktails offered in homey tavern quarters.
- Location: 103 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Cuisine: American, Bar
- Website linked here
- Instagram linked here
- Empire Burger: Laid-back stop for burgers, sandwiches & classic American sides paired with shakes & beer.
- Location: 500 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Cuisine: American, Burgers
- Website linked here
- Instagram linked here
- Giampietro Pasta & Pizzeria: Cozy pizzeria drawing crowds with housemade pies, giant calzones & other Italian eats since 1963.
- Location: 100 N Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
- Website linked here
- Instagram linked here
- Hearthstone Restaurant: Historic house with classy decor & mountain views turned luxe eatery with elevated American cuisine.
- Location: 130 S Ridge St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
- Cuisine: American
- Website linked here
- Instagram linked here
Final Thoughts
Well, that is a wrap for our Christmas in Colorado itinerary. If you want to cross “A White Christmas” off your bucket list, I highly recommend considering Colorado. The combination of magical winter activities, charming towns, and beautiful snowy landscapes made it an unforgettable experience for our family.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to email me at sonia@mrsprofresh.com or send a DM on Instagram.
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Ps. If you want to see highlights from the trip, head over to my Instagram and look for “colorado pt 1” and “colorado pt 2” for all the fun!
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Check out my honest review about my experience!
highlights from our trip
Thank you for posting your experience; this was very informative. I am planning our Colorado Christmas trip, for 2024, as I type.
How exciting, Dana! Glad you found this blog post helpful 🤍 you’re going to have a blast!