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The month of December has become a dream destination for enthusiasts seeking to do winter sports. While snow blankets the mountains and towns become festooned in holiday lights, Colorado boasts of many activities and experiences, including world-class ski resorts and quaint holiday events. However, the charm of nature combined with seasonal attractions makes Colorado special during the winter. Whether one is an adventure seeker, a culture buff, or someone seeking a cosy getaway, December in Colorado means making memories alive.
10 Places To Visit In Colorado In December
From enjoying your skiing at Aspen to shopping at the winter holiday market in Denver. Below are the 10 places to visit in Colorado in December.
1. Aspen
Photo: Rhododendrites / Wikimedia Commons
Your next luxury winter vacation must include the city of Aspen. It has world-class ski resorts located in a picturesque mountain town with breathtaking scenery and an active wild after-ski scene full of life. Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are great activities to try. Streets in Aspen are hung with Christmas lights while its boutiques and fine dining options make the festive ambience complete.
Top Attraction: Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
2. Breckenridge
Photo: Jlfdz / Wikimedia Commons
Breckenridge is a winter wonderland, chic, charming, and featuring excellent ski slopes. The famous Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas takes place in December, attracting large crowds for the festivities. There are many options for non-skiers: snow tubing, dog sledging, and curling up next to a cosy lodge. You can enjoy your winter holidays to the fullest here with your family and loved ones as this is one of the best places to visit in Colorado in December.
Top Attraction: Breckenridge Ski Resort
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
3. Denver
Photo: Zenhaus / Wikimedia Commons
December in the capital city of Colorado is one of all things festive, pleasured with a dollop of cultural events. Do not miss a visit to the Denver Zoo Lights for a magical evening when the zoo transforms itself into a sparkling wonderland, or take a stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light. Downtown Denver features ice-skating rinks and holiday markets. For something more mixed with culture and history, you can visit the Denver Art Museum or Colorado State Capitol.
Top Attraction: Denver Zoo Lights
Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
4. Vail
Photo: Nick Csakany / Wikimedia Commons
Vail is a classical ski resort, albeit populated by ski enthusiasts from across the globe. In an area with sprawling ski slopes, rich accommodations, and European flair, Vail remains quite remarkably appealing during December. It has an array of apres ski offerings from fine dining that spoils you and pleasant shopping to live entertainment. Wintery activities such as snowshoeing and ice skating are also quite popular. This makes Vail particularly well during the holidays, given its decorations and events.
Trip Duration: 3 – 5 days
5. Estes Park
Photo: Nyttend / Wikimedia Commons
As a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, riders will be blown away when you visit Estes Park in December time. Snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes, and silent trails make it ideal for winter photography and wildlife spotting. Snowshoeing is a wardrobe optional in Estes Park, with a scenic drive open through the park. Estes Park, with cosy cabins, holiday-themed shops, and local dining opportunities, is a pleasant winter retreat and one of the best places to visit in Colorado in December.
Top Attraction: Rocky Mountain National Park
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
6. Telluride
Photo: Thomas Kelley thkelley / Wikimedia Commons
Located in an Alaskan box canyon, Telluride has won hearts for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and Old West charm. Telluride Ski Resort stands out among the many attractions by providing ski trails for all levels of skiing expertise. The beautiful historic district of this town has its decorations for the festive season and many events like the Telluride Holiday Prelude. Non-skiers can take snowshoe tours to see such trails, enjoy film screenings, or spend the afternoon at the local hot springs.
Top Attraction: Telluride Ski Resort
Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
7. Steamboat Springs
Photo: Murray Foubister / Wikimedia Commons
Steamboat Springs is popularly known as Ski Town, due to the fine champagne powder. Steamboat Ski Resort is for skiing and snowboarding. You can soak at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs set amid snowy landscapes. The town even has a variety of holiday events, including light shows and festive markets in early December. It makes this one of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado in December.
Top Attractions: Steamboat Ski Resort, Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
8. Crested Butte
Photo: Chris Segal / Wikimedia Commons
Crested Butte is a cosy mountain town that has a laid-back ambiance and excellent skiing terrain. The Crested Butte Mountain Resort features various slopes; local shops, art galleries, and festive decorations brighten the town. Winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice climbing are popular here. The town’s cool holiday celebrations and relaxed atmosphere can make it a hidden gem for December travellers.
Top Attraction: Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
9. Durango
Photo: M M / Wikimedia Commons
Durango embodies a blend of winter adventure and holiday charm. Thus, families would find a Polar Express-themed ride on the historic operation of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway an attractive option in December. Purgatory Resort features skiing and snowboarding, while shops and restaurants in downtown Durango usher in the peace and warmth of the festive season. Such adventure and holiday charm combine to make Durango a lovely destination in December.
Top Attractions: Durango, Silverton Polar Express
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
10. Colorado Springs
Photo: Khoshhat / Wikimedia Commons
The place offers you the natural beauty and is the best holiday attraction. You can witness Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods, all dressed in magnificent white in winter. Weekly events at the Broadmoor Hotel include skating, special light displays, and winter-themed dinners. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Electric Safari is a must-see holiday event featuring animal exhibits paired with twinkling lights. This place is best to visit during the winter season and must be added to your itinerary.
Top Attractions: Garden of the Gods, National Museum of World War 2, Pikes Peak
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
These places to visit in Colorado in December become the epicentre of invitations to winter enthusiasts; they have everything in their pocket for world-class skiing opportunities. It is a cosy holiday destination for people who are looking for getaways. December is incredible for natural landscapes in their holiday spirit to frame together and render. So pack your warmest clothes and book your trip with TripXL to embrace the winter magic of Colorado.
Cover Photo: Murray Foubister / Wikimedia Commons
