Kick Off the Holiday Season, Grand Lake Style
Get your holiday season started off on the right foot by making lasting memories in the quaint village of Grand Lake, Colorado, where joyful experiences abound and cozy is king. Located just a two-hour drive from Denver, this classic “Christmas Village” is a hot spot for getting outdoors and into the holiday spirit. Don’t let the old mud season myth deter you–there’s a slew of things to do in Grand Lake during the holiday season, from shopping and dining to hiking and Christmas tree “hunting”, plus festive, family-friendly events and entertainment.
The town’s signature Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the downtown square, where locals and visitors alike flock to enjoy merry music, sweet treats and community camaraderie under twinkling holiday lights (and often a fresh dusting of sparkling snow!) Santa will also be in attendance for photos and whispering holiday wish lists. Snuggle up with loved ones around fire pits with a steaming mug of cocoa. The excitement peaks when the lights come on for the first night of the season, and culminates with caroling and karaoke under the stars.
Thanksgiving weekend also brings the annual Olde-Fashioned Holiday Craft Bazaar to the Grand Lake Community House with a wide variety of handmade gifts and foodstuffs. You’ll be amazed at the impressive display of artisan items like hand-poured candles, knitted scarves, homemade housewares, wood carvings, natural skincare products and so much more! This merry shopping extravaganza is the premier event presented by the Grand Arts Council, a local non-profit organization.
You can also get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping by browsing dozens of locally owned boutiques, gift shops, outdoor outfitters and other small businesses that line Grand Lake’s historic boardwalk. You’ll find unique, mountain-inspired items like turquoise jewelry, one-of-a-kind artwork, outdoor gear and clothing for all ages.
Surrounded on three sides by the majestic landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park, no visit to Grand Lake is complete without spending some time in the great outdoors. The weather might be chilly, but Grand Lake locals embrace the mantra of “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” so bundle up and head out for some fresh air, exercise and fun! The iconic hike to Adams Falls is little more than a half-mile round trip and can be enjoyed year-round (if snow is deeper than 6 inches, we recommend renting a pair of snowshoes from Never Summer Mountain Products, located on the boardwalk in downtown Grand Lake). With November marking the end of timed-entry permits for the park, you can also take a drive up Trail Ridge Road, where you’ll find plenty of other hiking trails, plus historic landmarks, stunning scenery and wildlife activity (note: Trail Ridge Road is now closed for the winter season at the Colorado River Trailhead, approximately 10 miles past the Kawuneeche Valley/west entrance).
Grand Lake is also one of the few places you can go “hunting” for your own Christmas tree to take home! Tree permits are sold by the U.S. Forest Service at recreation.gov for specific locations in the Grand Lake area (please cut only in specified locations as some forest areas are still under safety closures from wildfire impacts). Not to toot our own horn, but tree cutting permits are issued in the Sulphur-Ranger district a full two weeks before other areas in Colorado. Dashing through the snow to find that perfect pine and harvesting it with your own hands is an unforgettable experience sure to create memories to last a lifetime.
If the weather truly is too frightful to be outside, ward off cabin fever by signing up for a creative class or workshop at the Rocky Mountain Folk School, a very special amenity located in downtown Grand Lake, a state-certified Colorado Creative District. The organization offers instruction in traditional art forms like pottery, painting, woodworking and more, with the mission to engage the hands, warm the heart, stimulate the mind and encourage community connection. Make something for yourself, or perhaps craft the perfect gift for someone special.
For more indoor entertainment, head to the box office at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater for tickets to classic holiday performances like “A Christmas Carol” and “Home for the Holidays” showing on select dates in December. Don't forget to grab a glass of bubbly before the show in the beautifully-decorated theater lobby, and don't miss their gift shop, too!