Media Contact:
Claire Molle and Heidi Barfels
press@visitestespark.com
“Catch the Glow” in Estes Park This Holiday Season
ESTES PARK, Colo., Oct. 02, 2024 – Estes Park, the basecamp to Rocky Mountain National Park, is a remarkable destination year-round, but during the holiday season, things get extra magical. With family-friendly festivals, interactive experiences, dazzling performances, and spectacular light displays, all set against a glorious mountain backdrop, there’s no better place to spend a winter weekend in the Rockies. This year, a 36-foot Pixel Pine tree will be the centerpiece of the season, captivating visitors with its state-of-the-art light show choreographed to beloved holiday tunes, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that transforms Bond Park into a winter wonderland.
Estes Park’s 2024 Catch the Glow celebrations will also feature exciting events like the Snowman Festival on December 7, where families can embark on a snowman scavenger hunt and enjoy festive treats, and the Sweets Stroll Festival on December 21, offering free treats throughout downtown. Estes Park’s holiday magic is truly a “can’t miss” during the most wonderful time of the year!
Here’s what’s in store for 2024:
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 23
Let there be light! The holiday season in Estes Park begins with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Bond Park. During opening night, families can meet Santa, enjoy holiday craft kits, take horse-drawn wagon rides, and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. Mayor Gary Hall will flip the tree lighting switch at 5:30 p.m. All activities are free.
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New for 2024: This year’s Christmas tree in Bond Park has to be seen to be believed. The only one of its kind in Colorado, it’s a 36-foot S4i® Pixel Pines™ tree that comes to life with hundreds of thousands of LED lights dancing in a breathtaking animated light show set to holiday music. Every night during the season, visitors can enjoy this incredible celebration from 5-9pm.
Catch The Glow Parade
November 29
The annual Catch the Glow Parade will brighten Estes Park at 5:30 p.m. on the day after Thanksgiving. Each year, as many as 20,000 people line Elkhorn Avenue to watch more than 40 custom floats, marching bands, fire trucks and other specialty vehicles make their way through downtown Estes Park. Old Saint Nick himself will make an appearance and bring generous amounts of joy and excitement to all.
Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest
November 30
Get ready to unwind and sip your way into the holiday spirit at the fifth annual Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest. The event showcases 15-20 wineries from Colorado alongside retail and holiday shops, various food options and complimentary selfies with Santa, plus activities for kids. Admission includes a wine glass, a wine tote and unlimited wine tastings (participants must be at least 21 years of age to consume alcohol).
Snowman Festival
December 7
Return to Bond Park for more wintry, family-friendly fun during the Snowman Festival from 12-5pm. The Snowman Scavenger Hunt will kick things off, with participants exploring Estes Park to uncover snowmen hidden within various businesses; if you find all the snowmen, you’ll get a free keepsake Snowman ornament for your tree! Enjoy nostalgic carriage rides through a winter wonderland and watch skilled artisans turn blocks of ice into stunning masterpieces. Rub shoulders with your favorite frozen princesses and get your wish list ready because Santa himself will be making a special appearance. Thirsty or hungry? There will be a selection of local libations and various food trucks offering delicious eats.
Sunday Stroll with Savannah the Reindeer
December 8 / December 22
Want to meet a real, live reindeer? Make plans to visit Downtown Estes Park on Sunday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 22, from 12-2pm for a Sunday Stroll with Savannah the Reindeer. Savannah and Kris Kringle will stroll along Elkhorn, providing a magical holiday experience. Bring your own camera for this free, fun photo opportunity. (Please, no dogs allowed near the Reindeer)
The Nutcracker Suite
December 14
Experience the enchantment of The Nutcracker Suite, thoughtfully curated to showcase our favorite excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s classic fairy tale, all brought to life by the extraordinary talents of Boulder Ballet at the picturesque Pavilion on The Stanley Hotel Campus. This suite of timeless holiday classics promises to fill your heart with the magic of the season.
A Classic Holiday
December 14
The Estes Park Chorale will present their annual Holiday Concert at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. Classic Christmas and Holiday tunes will be featured in this concert for the whole family.
Sweets Stroll Festival
December 21
Bring your whole crew to the Sweets Stroll Festival for a full day of family-friendly fun. Experience the enchantment of Estes Park as you walk through a display of Catch the Glow Parade floats, take photos and feed the animals at the petting zoo (with reindeer, of course), take a ride down a giant inflatable slide and step into Santa's shoes on the reindeer ride! While you're there, indulge your sweet tooth and explore the charming downtown of Estes Park during the mouthwatering Sweets Stroll. Pick up your free punch card at the Sweets Stroll Festival, and let it lead you to candy stores, ice cream shops, chocolatiers and bakers — each promising a different treat to punch off on your card. Collect five stamps and you’ll get a prize back in Bond Park.
Chase The Glow 5K
December 21
Experience the Estes Park lights at this family-friendly Christmas run/walk. During the Chase the Glow 5K, participants will follow a paved 5k route through all of Estes Park’s amazing holiday light displays, finishing in Bond Park, surrounded by the Christmas village. Stay warm and cozy after the run with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies made by local artisans at Jubilations.
Holiday Town at The Bull Pin
This winter, The Bull Pin, one of the most fun and family-friendly entertainment spots in Estes Park, will transform into Holiday Town, offering guests a world of twinkling lights, seasonal delights, and festive fun. Visit Candy Cane Lanes for a jolly breakfast and photos with Santa himself. Then, head to Tinsel Tavern, where joyful mixologists will whip up delicious holiday-themed cocktails that will warm your spirit. Unleash your creativity with wreath decorating workshops led by Carissa from Simply Christmas or try your hand at a unique twist—decorating bowling pins with The Creativity Cabin.
Estes Park Holiday Lights Driving Tour
Cruise through the holiday season by following this free, self-guided tour of festive decorations throughout Estes Park. Be sure to make time to shop and enjoy sweet treats along the way.
Don’t miss your chance to Catch The Glow this holiday season in Estes Park. Start planning by checking out some great special offers on lodging.
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About Visit Estes Park
Visit Estes Park is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Estes Park, Colorado. A Destinations International (DI) accredited DMO, Visit Estes Park's mission is to drive sustainable year-round economic growth by encouraging visitor demand. Estes Park, just 90 minutes from Denver, is the basecamp for Rocky Mountain National Park offering outdoor experiences, activities, dining, shopping and an environment that is welcoming and approachable. Known for world-class adventure, resident wildlife and scenic beauty, Estes Park is Colorado’s quintessential mountain town. To learn more, go to visitestespark.com.
