7 Ideas For Holiday Fun At The Top Of The Rockies

December 8, 2021

Looking for a last-minute holiday escape? Head to Leadville and Twin Lakes, the top of the Rockies! Here are seven ideas for spectacular holidays. : Fat biking by @skc1025

1) HOP ABOARD THE HOLIDAY EXPRESS

This year for the first time, the Leadville Railroad is extending its season into winter and offering a holiday lights train ride. Travel through the snowy Colorado mountains on a decorated train. Climb aboard for a magical, fun-filled holiday adventure!

Enjoy seating in one of three brand-new heated lounge cars with comfortable booths and large windows. Reservations will be for purchase by table, seating couples or up to four people per table. You can buy hot and cold drinks, beer, wine, and a variety of concessions such as popcorn, candy, and chips on board.

Capacity is limited; please book online for this special holiday experience. The Holiday Express runs through Jan. 15, 2021!

2) VISIT A HOLIDAY MARKET

Spend a quiet Sunday afternoon at the Motherlode Holiday Market at FREIGHT. Shop for gifts handmade by local artisans!

3) SHOP DOWNTOWN LEADVILLE

Stroll historic Harrison Avenue, for uncrowded holiday shopping and one-of-a-kind gifts. Art, antiques, apparel, made-in-Colorado gifts, minerals, books, and much more await. Pick up a wreath or holiday floral arrangement. Find the best outdoor gear, carefully chosen by people who use the same kind themselves in Leadville’s mountains. Stop in a coffee shop or market for a warm drink and a pastry or grab a hot toddy at a saloon. Savor lunch and dinner at one of Leadville’s tasty restaurants. : @gasperwasthere

4) MEET SANTA

Come to the holiday party at the Delaware Hotel to meet Santa. Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and more. Dec. 17, 4 – 7 p.m.

5) DINE IN A YURT

Plan a festive lunch (weekends) or dinner (daily) at the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse and dine in a yurt. You’ll ski or snowshoe a mile through the forest to get there—a winter holiday experience you’ll treasure.

6) SEE TWIN LAKES IN WINTER

Twin Lakes is stunning in winter when snowcapped peaks surround it. Experience its majestic natural beauty. Snowshoe or fatbike around the lake or take the trail to Interlaken. Then war m up with a delicious dinner or Sunday brunch at the Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon.

7) PLAY IN THE SNOW

Enjoy a real winter this holiday season! Come experience downhill skiing and cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snowcat rides. Twirl on the ice rink, thrill on the sledding hill. Zoom on a dogsled or a zipline through a winter wonderland.

Headed to the backcountry? Be sure to read and heed our winter backcountry safety tips for a fun and safe trip.

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