Mark Your Calendars: Holiday Events Are Happening!
Grand County is the quintessential place to celebrate this holidays: big snowflakes that tempt even adults to catch them with their tongues, sun sparkling off fresh snow on a bluebird day, smoke drifting up from chimneys, and snow settled in for winter (and with it, all the winter fun we've been waiting for)! The beauty and the vibe alone make spending this season here nothing short of magical; the month-long calendar of events that our towns, resorts, and businesses have planned make it even sweeter.
GRANBY TREE LIGHTING: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
Experience small-town charm at its finest and kick off the festivities with Granby's tree lighting. Complete with s'mores, hot cocoa, and caroling with Granby Elementary's Minnesingers, this family-friendly event will put you in the holiday spirit. Be there at 6pm to catch the official lighting at the welcome center on Main Street!
FESTIVAL OF TREES: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
The Fraser Valley Lions Club puts on the Festival of Trees, a beloved community event, every year. However, they had to take a two-year break due to COVID-19, but this year they are back in full swing! The gym at the Grand Park Recreation Center is transformed into a holiday wonderland as it is lined with trees decorated by local non-profit organizations. Attendees can vote for their favorites by purchasing tickets and depositing them with the trees and wreaths of their choice. All proceeds from these tickets sales and the silent auction go directly to the nonprofits that decorated them.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be ready to hear Christmas wishes while students from Middle Park High School will entertain the crowd with carols. Local bakeries and restaurants are also donating their favorite desserts, which will be available for purchase by silent auction. Beer and wine, as well as hot coffee and hot chocolate, will be available at no charge. Hot dogs and finger food will also be provided (donations encouraged). This annual event brings the community together to start the holiday season off right--full of good food and good fun while supporting the excellent work of non-profits in our county. Swing by and vote for your favorite between 4-8pm.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3
Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains (formerly River Run Resort) is a luxury campground complete with tiny houses, playgrounds, sport courts, gas fire pits, a mini-bowling alley, arcade, and more. On the corner of Highways 40 and 34, it's central location in the county makes it an ideal event venue. Their team prioritizes engaging the community. Just like their October pumpkin patch, the annual Breakfast with Santa is open to the community and gives people access to their facilities by means of a fun event. Breakfast with Santa goes from 9am-12pm with food, photos, and fun. Tickets are $20 for all ages. Christmas pajamas are encouraged!
Bring the whole family out to enjoy this event on a a snowy winter Saturday! Purchase tickets in advance at the Sun Outdoors Event Center office.
GRAND CHRISTMAS MARKET: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3
Fitch Ranch Meats and Market has a passion for locally sourced food and supporting local artisans. They sell local salt, honey, and hot sauce while handmade charcuterie boards fill the shelves of their market. It's no question they support the entrepreneurs in our valley. They're furthering that cause with the Grand Christmas Market. Stop by between 4-8pm to shop local products including jewelry, art, custom cutting boards, blankets, ad more. And you might even win a door prize! Located on the west end of Granby's Main Street just before the turn to Grand Lake, you can check it out after you have breakfast with Santa at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains!
WINTER WONDERLAND AT BISTRO 28: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4
Join Grand Kids Learning Center for its 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland at Bistro 28 at Pole Creek from 11am-2:30pm. This family-friendly fundraising event includes a visit from Santa, winter crafts, a hot chocolate bar, and festive outdoor activities. The Fraser Valley Elementary Choir will perform at 11:30am, and Santa will be ready for visits from 11:45-1:45. Adult beverages and burritos will be available for purchase. Support early childhood education in our valley while filling up with yuletide cheer!
Ticket costs:
Two children: $40
Three children: $55
$5 for each additional child after the first three
Adult entrance: free
HIDEAWAY PARK BREWERY HOLIDAY ART MARKET: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4
Not your typical holiday market! What's better than a little après ski and local art? Grab a craft beer to sip while checking out the work of Grand County's talented artisans from 2-7pm at Hideaway Park Brewery on Main Street in Winter Park. Take care of your holiday shopping list at Winter Park's first craft brewery.
DEVIL'S THUMB RANCH TOMMELFEST: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa hosts their annual Tommelfest from 8:30am-4pm. An ode to the first cross-country skiers from Norway and Sweden, the Nordic festival kicks off the winter season at DTR with glogg (old-fashioned Swedish spiced wine) and free skate & classic cross-country ski lessons with DTR ski instructors and CU ski team coaches. Keg tosses, Swedish meatballs, and fun in the snow make this an event people come back for year after year.
HEADWATERS CENTER ROCKY MOUNTAIN YULE CELEBRATION: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
Keep the party going after the Tommelfest at the Rocky Mountain Yule Celebration from 6-10pm. Held at the Headwaters Center barn in downtown Winter Park, this fundraiser to support water conservation education, specifically through the Headwaters River Journey, will be an evening of fun and celebration. "Festive finery" attire is encouraged for this first annual event at one of the best venues in the county. Each $100 admission ticket includes a holiday meal and two drink tickets (with a cash bar also available). Check out the silent auction, and bring your dancing shoes as Chris Daniels and the Kings will be playing all night!
VISITS WITH SANTA: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 & Sunday, DECEMBER 18
This weekend has double the Santa fun!
Bring the family to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Granby Ranch on Saturday, December 17th. Children can visit with Santa, participate in an activity or small craft, and snap a photo at the holiday-themed photo booth from 2-4:30pm.
While you're there, be sure to drop off your letter to Santa in the "Letters to Santa" drop box. Mailed nightly, direct to the North Pole. And stay for the tree lighting at 5:30pm!
Want to wow your kids with Santa AND his reindeer? Then be sure to be at Moffat Railroad Museum between 10am-4pm (a real timeframe win for when those littles need an afternoon nap!). Tickets include admission to the railroad museum.
Admission: $12 adults 17+, $6 children 5-16, $2 children under 5, $9 seniors/military
GRANBY RANCH TREE LIGHTING: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17
After visiting Santa, keep the fun going with the Granby Ranch Tree Lighting. Watch Santa and Mrs. Claus light the Granby Ranch holiday tree. The kids will love dropping off letters to Santa in their official "Letters to Santa" drop box. Take home the memories with photos from the complimentary photo booth. You can really get in the Christmas spirit with a group sing-a-long of Jingle Bells. The lighting party is from 5-6pm, but the tree lighting officially takes place at 5:30pm.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REPERTORY THEATRE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: DECEMBER 17 & 18
Grand Lake is home to the the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, a world-class theater offering professional shows in the Rocky Mountains. The Home for the Holidays shows are Saturday, December 17th at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 18th at 2:00pm. The festive and heartwarming holiday tribute is staged and directed by Michael Querio and Jeff Duke. Tickets start at $20.
A real treat in such a small town, we treasure the Rocky Mountain Rep and hope you can find time to check out their holiday show!
WINTER PARK RESORT CHRISTMAS EVE TORCHLIGHT PARADE
A true tradition for locals and visitors, the torchlight parade at Winter Park Resort is worth scheduling your Christmas Eve around. After photos and visits with Santa in the village from 1-4pm, gear up for the big show. The parade starts at 5:30pm when skiers weave their way down Larry Sale with torchlights, snowcats dance to holiday music, and fireworks light up the sky. Warm up by the big bonfire and cheers to Christmas Eve in this event full of genuine holiday cheer. One of our absolute favorites for sure!
GRANBY RANCH NEW YEAR'S PARTY
Ring in the new year at Granby Ranch! With a focus on family fun, they've planned events to start the celebration in the afternoon (because we all know most kids can't make it until midnight!):
3pm-7:15pm: DJ Jen G in Slopeside Dining Hall
4pm-7pm: Kid’s Light Up the Night Glowstick Parade
7:15pm: Employee Torchlight Parade
8PM-10PM: DJ Jen G at 8350 Lounge
RENDEZVOUS EVENT CENTER NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION
The New Year's celebration at Rendezvous Event Center by Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park on New Year's Eve is always a favorite. From 7-9pm, let the kids take laps on the sledding hill (and take a lap or two yourself!), dance to the silent disco, and enjoy the fireworks as you say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023!
Posted by Angela McDonough (Sandstrom) on
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