By the time you are reading this you may be buried in the preparations for Thanksgiving or Christmas, feeling slightly, or even completely overwhelmed with the sheer volume of things that need to be done right now and although we can’t help you find the perfect gift for Uncle John, we can assist you in planning your New Year’s adventures in Estes Park. The new year stretches out before you as a blank slate just waiting to be filled in and starting it out with a snowy journey to Colorado is the best way to begin 2025. This New Year’s in Estes Park guide to the fun you can have in Estes Park and the comforts you will enjoy in our holiday hideaways may not make your chores go away, but they will make them more bearable, knowing that you have something to look forward after the gifts are unwrapped.
The Lights Are Still Up
Most people, and that includes towns and businesses, keep their Christmas lights up until after the New Year and if you are still feeling the sweet afterglow of an excellent Christmas, you may not be ready to shut the door on the holiday. The Estes Park Holiday Lights Tour is one of our favorite ways to extend the good cheer of the holiday and all you need is a car with a heater, a thermos of hot cocoa to share with the family, and the map we have linked here for a self-guided tour of the holiday lights as seen downtown and in the neighborhoods that surround your Voyago Vacation Rentals holiday retreat. https://www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/holidays/driving-tour/
One Last Chance for Cookies and Cocoa
At Christmas every activity and event seems to involve hot cocoa and cookies so it may be possible you will have had your fill by the time New Year’s rolls around, but if not, January 1st is the last day You Need Pie, located at 509 Big Thompson Avenue, will offer their free cookies and hot cocoa. This fun event takes place from 5-7 PM daily and can be tacked on to your drive to the holiday lights, offering a festive and exciting night.
Say Farewell to the Old Year in Style
There are generally two ways of thought on how to celebrate the new year, with one side deciding to stay in (and we will discuss that in future paragraphs) and the other wanting to end the year with a big bang. Estes Park will have plenty of opportunities to do both, with the events listed below feeding your desire for glitz, glamour, and the bubbly!
- American Legion Post 119 New Year’s Eve Party, 850 N St Vrain Avenue- This New Year’s Eve Party is for members of the American Legion, but with over 1.5 million members, chances are at least a few of our guests belong. This fun event will be in the style of a speakeasy and will include champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, and live music; members of other posts just need to bring their membership card and pay the ticket price.
- Crystal Ball at the Stanley, December 28- The Stanley Hotel is often at the epicenter of most events around Estes Park and New Year’s is no exception. Offering an 80s Band, costume contest for best 80s costume, and a photo booth, this event takes place a few days before the actual end of the year, but it is worth checking out.
- The Wheel Bar, 132 E Elkhorn Avenue- When you want to celebrate like the locals, the Wheel Bar is the first place we would recommend. Offering an old school vibe in which everyone feels welcome, this fun spot has been a tradition for 79 years! Offering pool tables, televisions, and a wonderful way to say farewell to 2024, an evening at The Wheel Bar may be the most fun you have had this year.
At Home with Voyago Vacation Rentals
The best moments of your celebration of 2025 may very well be the ones that take place at home in your Voyago Vacation Rentals holiday hideaway. As we mentioned earlier, not everyone wants to be out on the roads on New Year’s Eve, especially with the additional chance of ice, snow, and sleet in Estes Park. Welcome 2025 with your own favorite appetizers you created in our fully equipped kitchen, stock a selection of champagnes or sparkling grape juice, and rock out the last day of the year with a fire going, Dick Clark’s Rocking New Year’s Eve on the television, and no worries about designated drivers. Spending your New Year’s in Estes Park was already a good idea and spending it in Estes Park with Voyago Vacation Rentals may be the BEST idea! Reach out to us and reserve your favorite Estes Park vacation home full of fun and peace today!
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!
The holidays can be a mixed blessing as we enjoy the excitement, the activities, and the intensive time spent with family, but we also dread the excitement, the activities, and the intensive time spent with family, and with Thanksgiving peeking around the corner, you may be already planning to run away. Families are wonderful, but they can make us crazy, and Thanksgiving, a holiday in which we are supposed to be thankful, can sometimes make us resentful, but a vacation in Estes Park during this stressful time can make all the difference. Offering peace and tranquility, the perfect shops for starting your Christmas shopping, and all the comforts of home in our Voyago Vacation Rentals holiday hideaways, Estes Park is the perfect Thanksgiving destination, and this guide will explain it all in more detail.
Stay Out of the Kitchen
Just because our holiday retreats offer fully equipped kitchens that bring the joy back to your cooking experiences, it doesn’t mean you have to utilize them. It’s a holiday after all, and you deserve a break, and many restaurants in downtown Estes Park will be offering holiday meals that will be prepared, served, and cleared away by someone who isn’t you! Restaurants such as Twin Owls Steakhouse, located at 3110 S St Vrain Avenue Suite B, which is offering your favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and The View, located at 300 Riverside Drive, which has a traditional Thanksgiving Buffet, will ensure that your stomach will be full, your taste buds will be happy, and thankfulness will be back on the table.
Pie Is a Must
Whether you are preparing the meal in your holiday hideaway or are dining out at local restaurants, let us be perfectly clear about something: Pie is a must, and we aren’t talking about a single slice you can enjoy with your meal. You Need Pie!, found at 509 Big Thompson Avenue, is famous for its pies in dozens of flavors that will make it impossible to choose a favorite. Of course, they sell pumpkin pie, and their bourbon pecan pie will make your mouth water, but if you haven’t tried peanut butter & jelly pie or their black forest pie, can you really consider yourself a connoisseur of pie? Their mocha decadence pie will change your world, and because there are no calories on vacation (That’s our story and we are sticking to it!), you can eat as much as you like and not worry about your pants getting too tight.
Christmas Begins
It doesn’t seem right that you have barely finished your last bite and it will already be time to start celebrating Christmas, but that is the way of the world, and with the chances being high that it will be snowing or will have already snowed, you have to admit it will feel kind of festive. Participate in Black Friday shopping at cute shops such as Trendz at the Park (100 E Elkhorn Avenue), Mountain Vault (300 E Elkhorn Avenue), and Rocky Mountain Majesty (215 W Elkhorn Ave) to get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Catch the Glow Parade, Elkhorn Avenue, Day After Thanksgiving at 5:30 PM
A light parade helps welcome the Christmas season, and with over 40 entries, the Catch the Glow Parade makes us look forward to the crush of the next few weeks even more. Offering marching bands, fire trucks, and floats that sparkle and shine, downtown Estes Park comes alive with this parade, and kids will get the chance to meet Santa while parents enjoy the opportunity to do a little shopping on Black Friday. This small-town parade may not pack the punch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade does (which you can watch on the state of the art televisions in your Voyago Vacation Rentals retreat), but it is a heartwarming one that will bring a sparkle to your children’s eyes and the feeling that the simple life might be one you could get used to.
Celebrate at Home with Voyago Vacation Rentals
Just think about it for a minute. When was the last time you truly enjoyed Thanksgiving? You spend so many hours of your time cleaning, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and when the meal is on the table, it takes about 10 minutes to devour, and your grumpy Uncle David will still complain that your turkey is dry and your pie isn’t sweet enough. In Estes Park, your lodgings will already be sparkling clean, shopping won’t be necessary, and your uncle will not be seated at the table. And you get to enjoy stunning views, comfortable surroundings, and a peek into Christmas that may have you starting to think about a return trip to Estes Park in December! Reserve your favorite holiday haven today and learn for yourself why Estes Park is the perfect Thanksgiving vacation destination.
Just like that, the 2023 has flown by us at an unbelievable speed, leaving us to get ready for 2024. Celebrate the end to the year by coming to check out Estes Park for a winter themed vacation getaway. Estes Park is one of the top destinations in Colorado for winter sports and unbelievable scenery. New Year’s in Estes Park offers a chance to celebrate the end to a wonderful year and step into 2024 with memorable plans and activities. Take a look at the many ways you can celebrate New Year’s with us right here in Estes Park:
New Year’s Dinner with Bird & Jim
Each year local restaurant Bird & Jim offers a stunning New Years dinner to celebrate a brand-new year. Last year’s occasion brought 2022 to a close with an incredible five course prix fixe meal that includes entrees such as pork belly, miso braised short ribs, duck breast, ahi tuna tartare, and much more. Bird & Jim has become a favorite up here in Estes Park with its modern mountain dining that includes an ingredient driven kitchen. While the menu for this year’s New Year’s dinner has yet to be announced you can expect tantalizing entrees similar to last year. Make sure to pair your prix course dinner with a wine pairing or order from their cocktail menu. If you are not able to make the New Year’s Dinner you can always dine in with Bird & Jim lunch, dinner, or even brunch on the weekend.
The Crystal Ball
Another popular event right here in Estes Park to celebrate the New Year with is The Crystal Ball. This annual tradition takes place at the Stanley Hotel where you can enjoy a three-course dinner along with a dance hall so you can literally dance the night away into 2024. Previous years have included live entertainment during the dinner portion of the event that have included live comedians on stage. A live band will be chosen for the Crystal Ball to showcase some incredible music for you to dance to. Guests are able to enjoy the full dinner, show, and concert package or just purchase tickets for the concert itself. Either way you know you will have a ball right here at The Crystal Ball. This is a 21-and-up event only with more information on the event coming soon.
Grab a Beer at Avant Garde Aleworks
It wouldn’t be a visit to Colorado without stopping by one of the many breweries in the area. Avant Garde Aleworks is one of the top breweries in the area and is open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. They offer a selection of tasty beers including seasonal rotations such as their Winter Strong Ale. The brewery is open daily and also offers up a selection of tasty snacks such as pretzels and assorted chips and popcorn. Join the native Colorado folk and have a beer at Avant Garde Aleworks.
ROCK THIS New Year’s Eve Bash!
Another great New Year’s Eve event right here in Estes Park is ROCK THIS New Year’s Eve Bash taking place at The Barrel. This is another great craft beer and cocktail lounge right here in Estes Park for you to enjoy. This New Year’s Eve bash is a rock and roll theme with costumes highly encouraged for attendees. Entry is just $5 per person which will also provide you with party favors, access to the photo booth, and a free champagne toast. Doors open at 8:00 PM to kick off the party where you will be able to enjoy delicious craft beer or handmade cocktails. The event is sponsored by Tivoli Brewing Company so expect plenty of their tasty beer on tap. Local musicians Perros Nuevos will be on hand for some incredible tunes that you cannot miss out on. Come enjoy the rock show at ROCK THIS New Year’s Eve Bash at The Barrel!
Go Skiing at Eldora
Visitors for New Year’s will also be able to enjoy some winter sports when they visit Estes Park. While the area is not known as a ski destination you will find Eldora Ski Resort approximately 47 miles outside of Estes Park and has been a favorite ski area for years without the major crowds. You will find slopes of all experience levels making it an ideal spot for everyone. Purchase a day pass so you can enjoy the slopes for the day before heading back to your vacation rental.
More Fun for the Holidays in Estes Park
There is no better time than right now to find your favorite vacation rental just in time for New Year’s. Come celebrate the end of 2023 the right way with one of our premium rentals and access to these exciting events and activities. Contact us today!
Mother’s Day is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring and showing appreciation to the most important women in our lives, our mothers. It is an occasion that calls for a special gesture to express our gratitude and love for everything they have done for us. One way to celebrate this day is by taking your mom on a trip to Estes Park, a picturesque mountain town in Colorado. Estes Park is a perfect destination for Mother’s Day with its breathtaking natural scenery, diverse activities, and unique local culture. Whether your mom loves the outdoors, shopping, or simply relaxing, Estes Park offers something for everyone. In this blog, we will explore the many reasons why taking your mom to Estes Park for Mother’s Day is a wonderful idea, and how you can make this trip an unforgettable experience for both of you.
Discover the Charm of Estes Park
After a day of exploring the park, stroll through town and indulge in a treat from Grandma’s Mountain Cookies or savor a local brew at Estes Park Brewery. From a romantic dinner along the Estes Park Riverwalk to kayaking on the lake with the family, there’s no shortage of things to do. And for those who love to shop, you’ll find various boutique stores in town, including art galleries like Mountain Blown Glass and souvenir shops like Rocky Mountain Gifts and T-Shirts. With plenty of vacation rentals, Estes Park is the perfect destination for a Mother’s Day getaway.
Experience the Wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, also known as “The Gateway to the Rockies,” is the perfect destination for those seeking a quick mountain getaway. With stunning alpine scenery visible from your vacation rental and throughout town, it’s no wonder that this charming mountain town is a popular choice for visitors. Once you’re inside Rocky Mountain National Park, the famous sites are easily accessible, including the breathtaking Bear Lake, which transforms into an otherworldly winter wonderland during the colder months and glistens under the summer sun. Drive up Trail Ridge Road, the highest byway in America, for panoramic views that will leave you speechless. And for an exhilarating adventure, ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to a local peak, where you can soak up the stunning vistas. With limitless choices of activities, Estes Park has something for everyone.
A Foodie’s Delight
Estes Park is a foodie’s paradise, with a variety of restaurants to satisfy any craving. Indulge in a juicy burger, spicy beef tacos, or savory coconut-milk-free Jungle curry. From fine dining experiences to quick bites, Estes Park’s local restaurants offer menus that will tantalize your taste buds. And remember to enjoy a local bottle of wine to fully immerse yourself in the area’s flavors. After a day of adventure and indulgence, relax and recount your experiences while savoring a delicious meal in this charming mountain town.
Visit the Stanley Hotel
If your mom enjoys haunted experiences, taking her to the Stanley Hotel for Mother’s Day is an unforgettable gift. Located in Estes Park, Colorado, the Stanley Hotel is famously known for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining” and is considered one of the most haunted places in America. A tour of the hotel’s eerie hallways and ghostly rooms is a must for anyone who loves a good scare. With a variety of tour options available, including the Night Spirit Tour and the Stanley Tour, you and your mom can explore the hotel’s dark past and paranormal activity. For the ultimate spooky experience, consider booking a room in the hotel’s original building, rumored to be the most haunted section of the property. And if your mom is feeling brave, sign up for a ghost hunt with the hotel’s resident paranormal investigation team. The Stanley Hotel offers a unique and chilling experience that your mom will never forget, making it the perfect Mother’s Day gift for the adventurous and fearless mom in your life.
Don’t Miss the Sunset
Watching the sunset in Estes Park with your mom on Mother’s Day is a breathtaking and serene experience that you will cherish forever. The towering Rocky Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for the vibrant hues of the sunset, creating a stunning display of colors that paints the sky. The peacefulness of the moment is amplified by the sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the gentle lapping of the nearby lake. Sitting side by side with your mom, you can reflect on cherished memories and enjoy each other’s company in a peaceful and picturesque setting. As the sun slowly dips below the horizon, you and your mom can witness the beauty of nature’s daily finale, a reminder of the beauty and magic that surrounds us every day. Watching the sunset with your mom in Estes Park is a simple yet meaningful way to show your love and appreciation for her on Mother’s Day.
Book Your Getaway
So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to book your Estes Park Mother’s Day rental with us today. Estes Park is waiting for you!
The town of Estes Park is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and is a popular destination for vacationers. Every year, the town attracts visitors from all over the world who enjoy the many activities and attractions the area has to offer. One of the most popular times to visit Estes Park is spring, when the snow is melting and the flowers are blooming. If you’re planning a trip to Estes Park this spring, check out some of these upcoming events!
The Second Annual St Patty’s Day Beer Mile
Ready to take your St Patrick’s Day celebration to the next level? Get ready to ditch the leprechaun hat and whisky and put on your running shoes; it’s time for the second annual St Patty’s Day Beer Mile! This unique race starts and ends at Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company, with a pit stop at Avant Garde Aleworks in between. Whether you’re up for competing for your best time or looking for an unforgettable bar crawl, runners of all abilities are welcome – all you need is a festive outfit and plenty of energy! With Good Time Johnny providing some post-race tunes back at Avant Garde Aleworks in Estes Park, Colorado, this is sure to be one celebratory track that you won’t want to miss. So, grab a few mates, grab some beers (responsibly!), and get ready for a one-of-a-kind St Patty’s Day experience.
Frozen Dead Guy Days
If the name of this festival didn’t get your attention then perhaps the details will! Frozen Dead Guy Days was created after Grandpa Bredo Morstoel died from a heart condition in 1989 and was shipped from Norway to Oakland, California. He was then placed in liquid nitrogen for almost 4 years and in 1993 was shipped to his daughter in Colorado. The fun happens from March 17th – March 19th. There will be live music all weekend long, a polar plunge, coffin races, a Deadman fashion show, a Bands and Bloodys Sunday brunch, and many other roaming freak show acts and exciting events that will make this weekend one that you certainly don’t want to miss out on! If you’re a fan of all things creepy, weird, or just plain fun, make your way to Estes Park for Frozen Dead Guy Days this Spring.
Easter Weekend
Easter is a great time to connect with friends and family, so what could be better than heading out of town for some mountain adventures? Estes Park is the perfect solution; it boasts stunning natural beauty, incredible adventure options, and enough shopping and dining choices to satisfy every traveler. The town of Estes Park sits right on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering a beautiful gateway to explore one of America’s premier destinations. You can spend your days full of excitement, from hiking, canoeing, and fishing all the way through skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can test your limits by rock-climbing the nearby sandstone cliffs. Don’t forget about the things to do that are unique to Easter, including egg hunts for all ages, gondola rides for gorgeous views over the mountaintops, or even a candlelight dinner accompanied by live music and dancing. With many cozy cabins to choose from, you can create a wonderful experience your whole family can enjoy!
Bigfoot Days
If you’ve been dreaming up the perfect weekend, look no further than Bigfoot Days in beautiful Estes Park on April 14-15, 2023. Treat yourself to a truly unforgettable experience. On Friday, April 14th attend the Bigfoot BBQ Dinner where you can dine with Bigfoot celebrities, eat a bigfoot-themed meal, and enjoy live music while doing so. Enjoy a buffet-style dinner with food including slow-braised BBQ brisket, mountain fried chicken, green Chile mac & cheese, a mashed potato bar, and more. Then end the meal with a peach cobbler and a special Bigfoot-themed dessert. If you don’t get tickets in time for the dinner or are looking for a free event then you’re in luck! On Saturday, April 15th from 10 AM – 4 PM at Bond Park the free festival is taking place. Enjoy seeing all of the booths and stands from local vendors, spot Bigfoot or Bigfoots wandering the grounds, and enjoy all the Bigfoot activities in the area. Making your way to Estes Park for Bigfoot Days is sure to be a worthwhile experience and one you won’t forget!
Book Your Stay
No matter what your age, you’re sure to find plenty of fun activities to fill your days when you visit Estes Park, Colorado this spring! Make some incredible memories with the people you love most by booking one of our lovely vacation rentals today. At Voyago Vacation Rentals, we feature a range of Estes Park vacation rentals with unique amenities for you to choose from. We can’t wait to welcome you and show you all our beautiful town has to offer! Give us a call now to get started planning your dream vacation.