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Santa Sightings and Holiday Lights Cast a Warm Glow over Colorado's Holiday Events and Festivals |
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As the holiday season approaches, a magical aura envelops Colorado. From glittering tree lighting ceremonies to holiday home tours, the state is a treasure trove of holiday merriment.
Taking a well-deserved break, Santa takes center stage across the state. Whether he's singing, soaking in a hot spring or riding a historic railway, visitors to Colorado are sure to have a Santa sighting during their travels. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad's North Pole Express will make its first trip to Monte Vista on Friday, Nov. 23 and will run on select dates to Monte Vista and the scenic La Veta Pass through Sunday, Dec. 16. A special train is being planned on Saturday, Dec. 1 to experience the Monte Vista Holiday Festival Parade. For more information, visit www.riograndescenicrailroad.com.
In Durango, the beloved holiday film The Polar Express comes to life when the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad departs for a journey to the North Pole, where Santa and his reindeer await. Reserve online at www.durangotrain.com. Likewise, Holyoke takes inspiration from the film to present "A Hometown Christmas with the Polar Express" on Dec. 4, a day-long celebration featuring a free screening of the movie for kids, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday lights and more.
In Colorado Springs, Santa's Workshop swings into high gear over the holidays. Visiting kids can sit on Santa's lap, ride a miniature train and visit the ice cream shop. In Pagosa Springs, Santa sinks into the hot springs on Dec. 11 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for a little R&R before the big day, while at The Wildlife Experience, an interactive museum in Parker, he joins kids for breakfast and cookie decorating on Dec. 1, 8 and 15, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. For details, log on at www.pagosasprings.com and www.thewildlifeexperience.com.
High-wattage holiday lights and traditional tree lighting ceremonies are another must-see this holiday season. Dozens of towns and communities host tree lighting events, many featuring hot chocolate and caroling. In Denver, the Botanic Gardens hosts the 19th Annual Blossoms of Light, said to be the #1 holiday light display in the country. Spread over 17 acres, more than one million dazzling lights illuminate the Gardens' trees and plants.
For those who love holiday home tours, it doesn't get any better than the dazzlingly decorated Governor's Residence at Boettcher Mansion in Denver. Organized by the Colorado Historical Society, these free guided tours are available December 12–15. Every room within the historic and stately mansion will be bedecked in holiday finery.
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Beyond Skiing, Colorado's Other Winter Sports |
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Come for the skiing, stay for the ice-skating, ice-climbing, sledding, snow shoeing, sleigh rides... well, you get the picture. Indeed, most outdoor enthusiasts make their first trek to Colorado in search of the state's legendary slopes and Nordic ski trails, but more than a few find Colorado's other winter sports equally exhilarating.
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, head for the Ouray Ice Park, the first park devoted exclusively to ice-climbing. Here, vertical walls of frozen water offer up a new challenge to even the most experienced mountain climbers. For those who prefer a "grounded" ice experience, Colorado offers innumerable opportunities to learn ice-skating or fine-tune your figure 8. Check out Keystone, Breckenridge and Vail for exceptional outdoor facilities.
Snowmobiling pairs speed with accessibility. Guided snowmobile tours, complete with mid-tour hot chocolate breaks at picturesque mountain huts, offer the ultimate way to become immersed in Colorado's whisper-quiet wilderness. Favorites include Aspen Highlands' half-day tour to the ghost town of Independence, and Monarch.
For animal lovers, dog-sledding and sleigh-riding offer a chance to explore snow-covered woods the old-fashioned way. A magical step back in time, dog-sledding tours (led by hard-working Malamute, Siberian or Eskimo dogs) and horse-drawn sleigh rides can be arranged through private outfitters in many mountain regions, including Snowmass, Telluride and Durango. For those who'd prefer a trek on foot, snow shoeing can't be beat. Head to Crested Butte, Arapahoe Basin and Powderhorn, where you can snow shoe atop Grand Mesa.
Families don't have to empty their wallets to wrap little ones in Colorado's winter wonderland. Two activities that spark smiles (and savings) are sledding and tubing. From Keystone and Copper Mountain to Winter Park and Steamboat, sled- and tube-ready terrain dots the Colorado landscape. Bring a sled, tube and sense of adventure.
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| Featured Event: |
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 Denver International Wine Festival
Nov. 1–4, 2007
The premier international wine festival in the Rocky Mountains, the Denver International Wine Festival just keeps getting bigger and better — outgrowing its location year after year. This November, the festivities move to the University of Denver's brand-new School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management.
Now in its third year, the November 1–4 event kicks off with a lively Chef’s Wine and Food Competition featuring an Iron Chef-style competition and Gold Medal-winning wines from the 2007 Denver International Wine Competition. On Friday, a student-crafted Vintners’ Grand Dinner will showcase limited release California “cult” wines. Saturday brings the Grand Tasting of International Wines & Food, where more than 450 wines (from more than 100 wineries around the globe) will be sipped and swirled while Colorado restaurants serve up their specialties. The fun wraps up on Sunday with a Champagne Brunch and Travel Expo. From October 29–November 4, top-tier Denver restaurants get in on the oenophile action with Denver Wine Week vintner dinners. For details and online ticketing, visit www.denverwinefest.com. |
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Share Your Memories and Enter to Win One of Three
Trips to Colorado |
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With so many things to see and do in Colorado, it is no wonder that visitors to the state are so passionate about their favorite areas and activities. Visit www.LetsTalkColorado.com to view the interactive map and share your favorite Colorado memories and recommendations on where to go and what to experience. You can also enter to win one of three exciting trips to Colorado. Visit www.LetsTalkColorado.com/entry.aspx for complete trip details and to enter.
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| Cool Kids' Stuff |
Click Here! to find fun and free Colorado facts, games, puzzles and pictures at your fingertips.
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| MY TRAVEL PLANNER |
| Need vacation ideas? Click on any of the suggestions below for great Colorado activities. |
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The Discovery Adventure
Learn about the past through experiences with historic landmarks and wildlife refuges. Explore buildings, mansions and the great outdoors, while blazing your own path through the state. Discover Colorado and its unforgettable history.
For information on other discovery adventures, visit the Discovery Adventure page.
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The Family Adventure
Pack your bags and experience the sights and sounds of Colorado, the ghost towns and the cities in between. For family entertainment, Colorado offers an endless stock of attractions and excitement for children and young-at-heart adults.
For information on other family adventures, visit the Family Adventure page.
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The Romantic Adventure
Hearts become one in Colorado. Take in a sunset with your favorite someone and experience Colorado together. Quaint mountain towns, wide-open meadows and breathtaking views nestled in the Rocky Mountains await you!
For information on other romantic adventures, visit the Romantic Adventure page.
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The Outdoor Adventure
With 42 state parks, Colorado is open for adventure.
For information on other outdoor adventures, visit the Outdoor Adventure page.
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| A Sampling of Upcoming Events Throughout Colorado in October |
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Colorado Watercolor Society Show
Denver, Oct. 26–Nov. 2, 2007:
One of two annual juried shows of the Colorado Watercolor Society, this week-long exhibit held at the Denver Botanic Gardens is dedicated to promoting and encouraging interest in fine art in all media, especially watercolor. www.coloradowatercolor.org
8th Annual Historic Ghost Walk
Glenwood Springs, Oct. 19–21 and Oct. 26–28, 2007:
Actors portraying some of Glenwood’s most colorful pioneers, including Doc Holliday, are a highlight of these nighttime guided tours through Linwood Cemetery, sponsored by the Frontier Historical Museum. www.glenwoodhistory.com/events
Ghost Tours Friday and Saturday Evenings
Estes Park, Oct. 5–28, 2007:
Against the backdrop of Rocky Mountain National Park, these ghost tours, sponsored by the Estes Valley Resorts & the Historic Park Theatre, explore the ghosts of Estes Park. www.estesparkcvb.com
Harvest Days
Cañon City, Oct. 27, 2007:
Now in its 15th year, this event, sponsored by the Pueblo Bank & Trust, brings the community together for live music, mouth-watering chili prepared and served by the Cattlewomen's Association and free pumpkins for all. www.canoncity.com
Catch the Glow Holiday Celebration
Estes Park, Nov. 23, 2007:
Visits with Santa, hay rides, pony rides and an early-evening lighted parade are all part of this annual celebration kicking off the Estes Park holiday season. Events begin at noon. www.estesparkcvb.com
Chocolate Tasting Festival
Creede, Nov. 23–24, 2007:
Chocoholics clamor for tickets to the 18th Annual Chocolate Tasting Festival in historic downtown Creede, where local merchants prepare their favorite chocolates for lucky ticket-holders to taste and judge. Even Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance at this beloved festival for chocolate lovers of any age. www.creede.com
15th Rim Rock Run
Grand Junction, Nov. 10, 2007:
Runners won't want to miss this challenging 37-kilometer trek along Rim Rock Drive. Considered one of America's most scenic runs, the course takes runners from high desert through red-rock canyons, majestic mesas and towering rock monoliths. Register early, the race is limited to 400 runners. www.rimrockrun.org
Christmas Show and Sale
Trinidad, Nov. 23–29, 2007:
The Trinidad Area Arts Council sponsors this juried show open to all area artists. Located at the First Street Gallery, it kicks off with a reception on November 23. www.trinidadarts.org
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Glenwood Springs, Nov. 23, 2007:
Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the town of Glenwood Springs, transforming this community in the Roaring Fork Valley into a magical holiday wonderland. Start along Grand Avenue and work your way toward the Hotel Colorado, where fireworks offer a first-rate finale. www.glenwoodchamber.com
First Friday Gallery Walk
Fort Collins, Every first Friday of the Month, Year-Round:
More than 15 galleries showcase award-winning Colorado, national and international artists on the first Friday of each month, affording art lovers an opportunity to stroll the historic streets of Old Town Historic District and soak up the charm of this early trading post.
All events are weather permitting and subject to change. For a listing of additional Colorado events and travel information, log on to www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800-COLORADO. You can also order a free copy of the Official State Visitors Guide by calling 1-800-COLORADO or visiting www.COLORADO.com. |
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| COMING IN NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE |
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Holiday events and festivals |
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Holiday travel packages |
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Glenwood Springs Holiday Lighting Ceremony |
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Photo Credits:
"The Beautiful Changing Colors of Lake City Colorado " – Photo by Chuck Chetwin
"Ski Season Primer" – Photo by J.C. Leacock/CTO
"Beyond Skiing, Colorado's Other Winter Sports" – Photo by Lora Slawitschka
"Denver International Wine Festival" – Photo courtesy of The Denver Wine Fest |
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