Colorado is a great place to celebrate Christmas in the US

The “most wonderful time of the year” is approaching and destinations across the United States and the world are feeling the festive spirit. The best places to go for Christmas are destinations that offer cheerful decorations and festive events that capture the holiday joy. Not to mention, with many of these ideal Christmas destinations located across the country, you’re only a road trip away from a perfect December vacation. 

Christmas in Colorado is a magical time, with historic small towns and vibrant cities lit up with twinkling holiday lights set against a snow-draped Rocky Mountain backdrop. From sleigh rides to torchlight parades down ski resort slopes and tree lighting ceremonies to Santa runs, Colorado excels at putting on a show each festive season.

Durango

Durango is picture-perfect at Christmastime and a wonderful place to visit for a family vacation at this time of year. The mountain town in Colorado’s southwest corner features a wonderfully decorated, small downtown lit with thousands of lights throughout the season. There is an arts and crafts festival held the first weekend of December that offers its visitors unique Colorado made gifts.

For children, the most beloved Christmas tradition is riding the Polar Express Train to the “North Pole.” On the ride to the North Pole, your little one will get to listen to the exciting Polar Express story.

After meeting Santa and his elves and reindeer at the North Pole stop, he boards the train for the return ride and delivers a special gift to each child while carols are sung.

Breckenridge

If you can make it up to Breckenridge on the first Saturday in December, you can experience its most unique Christmas event: Race of The Santas. That’s when hundreds of people dressed in Santa suits and sneakers hit Main Street for a 5K race. It is quite a spectacle.

The Santa race is just the start.

There is also a Holiday Dog Parade for pups and the Lighting of Breckenridge, when the city flicks the switch on its holiday light display.

Ullr Fest is also held in Breckenridge in December. Dedicated to the Norse god of snow, the festival has taken place for 59 years now and celebrates the coming winter season. Locals and tourists alike pack the streets for a Main Street parade, and many dress in Viking garb to celebrate.

A true blue mining town dating back to the 1800s, Breckenridge looks the part of a Victorian-era Christmas town, with historic homes and lampposts, and is a charming place to spend the holidays.

There are many things to do in Breckenridge, from sleigh rides to dog sledding to, of course, world-class skiing at Breckenridge Ski Resort.

By Gilbert Castro | ENC News