Get ready for a full-scale, action-packed November and December in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. While gearing up for the holidays in Glenwood Springs, make sure to pamper yourself during this busy and beautiful time.
Soaking in natural hot springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort surrounded by snow-dusted peaks is just the answer from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Not only will you never forget admiring the stars and moon while relaxing in the mineral hot springs, you also will have a front-row seat to watch the lights switch on and the fireworks sparkle during the Lighting Ceremony at Hotel Colorado on Nov. 29. Read on to find out about all the happenings.
Hotel Colorado Tree Lighting
Kick Off the Holidays Early
The holiday season in Glenwood Springs officially begins with the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue’s Holiday Show that runs Nov. 15 – Jan. 11. The show is presented on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings as well as Thursdays in December and additional dates between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This two-hour family fun dinner theater show features professional talent performing a variety of comedy skits, jokes, high-energy dance numbers, unique novelty songs and original comedic presentations that are guaranteed to entertain. Meals can be purchased separately and are prepared by Glenwood Springs restaurants.
Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park begins on Nov. 23. It’s pure magic for all ages with holiday lights galore, a giant musical Christmas tree, Santa visits (Nov. 23 and every Saturday through December) and live music on select dates from Nov. 23 to Dec. 31. Also enjoy rides, cave tours and all sorts of activities.
Reaching America’s only mountaintop theme park is half the fun. From Nov. 11-27, bring a $25 City Market gift card for Lift Up, the local food pantry, and receive four free gondola tickets through the Gondola Giving program. The gondola tickets can be used anytime through February 2025.
Thanksgiving Day Feasts
On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, if you are gearing up for the holidays while visiting Glenwood Springs or simply just don’t want to cook, head for Hotel Colorado, Riviera Scratch Kitchen or Hugo’s. Make sure to make reservations for these amazing Thanksgiving spreads.
Full-On Holiday Cheer
One of the biggest events of the holiday season is held at one of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s neighbors. The 34th annual Lighting Ceremony at Hotel Colorado takes place on Nov. 29 from 3 – 7:30 p.m. This Glenwood Springs tradition includes visits with Santa Claus, musical entertainment, a holiday-themed photo booth, live ice carving demonstrations, an all-new artisan craft fair and more. However, the pinnacle is when more than half a million Christmas lights are turned on simultaneously and a fireworks show is launched from the top of the hotel around 7 p.m.
Hotel Colorado Tree Lighting
Also make reservations for Hotel Colorado’s Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 8 and 15 and stroll around the main floor of the hotel at any time to see the numerous Christmas trees and outstanding holiday decorations.
If you love holiday music, Mountain Madrigal Singers is performing at four Christmas concerts this year on Dec. 7, 8, 13 and 14 at Glenwood Church of Christ. Make it a full-on special day on Dec. 13 by also attending the Grand Holiday celebration at Centennial Park. This free event from 3:30-6:30 p.m., features Santa, a hot cocoa bar, fresh churros, story time, family activities and more.
Shop Like a Local
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s shop in the pool lobby has a large selection of fun things to buy for your gift list. Also take an easy stroll over the pedestrian bridge to downtown, which is full of locally owned shops. Small Business Saturday is held locally and nationally on Nov. 30; look for special deals and happenings.
Shopping and gearing up for the holidays in Glenwood Springs requires hard work, so end the day right soaking in the world’s largest hot springs pool. Or may we suggest Suds ‘n Soak for those who prefer not to shop? Savor local brews at Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, Casey Brewing Taproom and Ball Brewing and meet your family or significant other back at the hot springs.
Also attend the Holiday Arts & Crafts Market hosted by Glenwood Springs Arts Council on Dec. 6 from 12-6 p.m. Or shop for gifts (or yourself!) at the Holiday Bazaar at Glenwood Springs Community Center on Dec. 7 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be more than 40 makers, crafters and artisans on hand as well as food trucks and a Little Elves Workshop to help keep kids busy.
Another great gift idea is the popular Ski Swim and Stay package. Spend a day (or more) skiing or riding at Sunlight Mountain Resort, which opens for the season on Dec. 13 before indulging in the geothermal hot springs and staying overnight at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. The package includes 10% off the Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort; a hot, made-to-order breakfast at The Grill; unlimited access to the pool; one Sunlight Mountain lift ticket per registered adult, per day booked; and one free lift ticket for kids 12 and under per day, per paying adult. There also is a free shuttle ride provided by Sunlight Mountain. This package is available Dec. 15, 2024 to April 6, 2025, but free lift tickets for kids ages 6-12 will not be available Dec. 20-Jan. 1 and select other dates during ski season.
A Ski and Snowboard Rental package also is available through Hanging Lake Adventure Co-op to gear up for time on the slopes
Take your holiday celebration to a new level in Glenwood Springs and at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort!