Traveling to Estes Park over Christmas can be problematic with children—not because they don’t want to play in the snow or explore new places, but because of the very real fear that somehow Santa won’t know where they are. Christmas without presents is their biggest nightmare, and you can reassure them as many times as you like, but their fears won’t be allayed without a visit to the big guy himself. Many of us at Voyago Vacation Rentals have children of our own, and we understand, and because we want your entire family to have a happy vacation in our holiday hideaways, we have prepared this guide to all the places your children can visit Santa in Estes Park, ensuring they can tell him themselves where their temporary lodgings are located.
Catch the Glow Holiday Parade, November 29, Elkhorn Avenue
Christmas celebrations start promptly on the day after Thanksgiving, and the Catch the Glow Holiday Parade is when Santa makes his first holiday appearance, riding anchor on this whimsical procession that lights up the night. Offering lighted floats, marching bands, firetrucks, and more this is one event you won’t want to miss. Chances are if you are here for Thanksgiving you won’t still be here at Christmas, but if you aren’t visiting for Turkey day, you can still watch this parade online if you subscribe to the Rocky Mountain Channel.
Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest, November 30
This wonderful event offers something for everyone, so if you are in the area on Thanksgiving weekend we strongly suggest adding this festival to your itinerary. Start your holiday shopping at our regular retail shops or the holiday shops that pop up for this occasion, enjoy samples of wine from 15 different wineries, and watch your children enjoy a variety of Christmas activities, including meeting and taking pictures of Santa!
Snowman Festival, December 7, Bond Park
The days until Christmas are slowly decreasing, as are the temperatures in Estes Park, and the Snowman Festival celebrates both, beginning with a snowman scavenger hunt (Can you find the hidden snowmen in local businesses?) and continuing through the day with sleigh rides, watching ice artists sculpt holiday-themed sculptures from ice, hanging with frozen princesses, and the biggest joy of all, spending time with Santa who will be taking some time out of his busy schedule at the North Pole to attend this holiday event.
Sweets Stroll Festival Weekend, December 21 & 22, Bond Park
Bond Park could also be called Christmas Central with all the exciting holiday events that will take place there, and the Sweets Stroll Festival is destined to be the largest celebration of all. The sweets you will devour are just a small part of the party, with participants being given a punch card that they take to participating shops for a free treat. It is the ice sculptures that will be in play again, the free giveaways, and the horse-drawn carriage rides that may be your favorite part of this festive event, or it could be something more. Enjoy a holiday gift market that will help you cross the rest of the people you need to shop for off your list, princess character that will mix and mingle with your kiddos, live holiday performances, and a light show that stars the town’s Pixel pine tree. Also providing holiday craft stations, glitter tattoos (the kind that wash away so mom’s don’t have to worry about their kids being permanently marked), and food trucks and a beer garden, everyone will have a little something to enjoy. And finally, the part of the celebration your children have been waiting for with bated breath, Santa will be there, taking requests and posing for pictures, so be sure your children have their list ready!
Sunday Breakfast with Santa, December 22, The Bull Pin
Even more delightful than photo ops with the jolliest of elves is the opportunity to break bread with the bearded gift giver, and the Sunday Breakfast with Santa will give your children a thrill they will never forget. The Bull Pin is a bowling alley serving up great food and good times, and at Christmas, it is a winter wonderland that is located just a bit south of the North Pole. Colorful lights, wreath decorating workshops, and festive cocktails make this event something that adults will love ad being able to enjoy a breakfast with Santa will ensure that the youngest members of your traveling party will fall in love.
Our Holiday Hideaways
Voyago Vacation Rentals will give travelers another reason to celebrate this Christmas season, providing warmth, comfort, and welcoming to all who reside within. Reserve your favorite holiday hideaway today and have yourself the merriest of Christmas experiences in December!