There’s no need to stress over your holiday gift list: Grand Lake, a real-life Christmas village decked out in twinkling lights and blanketed in glittering snow, is chock-full of potential presents, from ones that can be wrapped with a neat bow to exhilarating experiences that won’t fit under the tree. This year, Give Grand Lake by shopping locally, joining one of our many festive events, and giving back to the local community.
Shop Local for the Holidays
Grand Lake’s historic wooden boardwalk is lined entirely with locally owned and operated businesses that make it easy to find meaningful gifts while supporting our mountain community. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely afternoon of window-shopping or planning for some serious retail therapy, here’s where you’ll find some of the region’s best gifts.
Discover a festive collection of holiday trimmings to deck your halls at Humphrey’s Cabin Fever. The Stalk Market has seasonal bouquets (a perfect, last-minute hostess gift) and a sweet-smelling selection of bath and body products that make lovely stocking stuffers. For the adventurer on your list, snag a cozy sweater and must-have outdoor gear and gadgets at Never Summer Mountain Products.
Stop by the quaint Otherside Gear Coffee Shop for gently used gear at great prices, plus a craft coffee while you browse. Visit Mountain Market for gourmet goodies like artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and spreads, and don’t miss the hand-poured, seasonally scented soy candles from Grand Lake Candle Co., with favorites like “Cookies for Santa” and “Winter White Forest.”
As you browse for gifts, mark your calendar for the Olde Fashioned Holiday Craft Bazaar (November 28 and 29, at the Historic Grand Lake Community House in Town Park). Distinctive creations from local crafters, including quilters and hat-makers, will be on display, with vendor participation varying from year to year.
Gift an Experience or a Meal
Looking for a particularly memorable gift? Experiences often make the most lasting impressions. Surprise your loved ones with a snowmobile tour from On The Trail Rentals, showcasing breathtaking views of the Continental Divide; a horse-drawn sleigh ride through pine-scented forests at Winding River Resort; a spa package; or ski passes to Granby Ranch or the Grand Lake Nordic Center.
For those who prefer creativity or learning, Rocky Mountain Folk School offers hands-on workshops and art classes, while the Grand Lake Center hosts fitness, recreation, and community activities throughout the season. You can also join a ranger-led winter program in Rocky Mountain National Park to learn about the area’s unique landscapes, wildlife, and ecology from an expert’s perspective.
A thoughtfully chosen meal at one of Grand Lake’s local restaurants makes a meaningful gift as well, something to savor and remember. From cozy taverns to mountain bistros, each offers flavors that feel distinctly of the season.
Celebrate with Community Events
Not every present needs to be wrapped: gift time together by bringing your loved one to one of our wintry community gatherings. The town’s Tree Lighting Ceremony (November 28) is an evening of merriment, with Christmas carols, hot cocoa, delicious cookies, and a visit from Santa and his reindeer.
Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre’s annual “Home for the Holidays” productions (December 13 and 14) feature an array of holiday classics and Broadway hits that’ll have you singing in your seat, while Comedy Night in the House (December 27) will be a hilarious reprieve from the holiday mayhem. Throughout the season, the Grand Lake Creative District hosts events in the Community House, adding even more reasons to gather and celebrate indoors.
Support Local Nonprofits
Helping our neighbors is part of what makes Grand Lake such a beautiful place to live and to visit. Share the love this holiday season by including local nonprofits in your gift-giving. Some of the organizations that are doing great work for our community include the Grand Arts Council, the Grand Lake Area Historical Society, Grand Lake Trail Grooming, Trout Unlimited - Colorado River Headwaters Chapter, Grand County Pet Pals, and Sustainable Grand.
This year, Give Grand Lake! You’ll be supporting small businesses while also presenting your loved ones with one-of-a-kind presents they’ll never forget. It’s a rewarding and fun holiday tradition. But first, you have to get here, so start planning your winter visit now.