There’s nothing quite like winter in Estes Park. As the snow starts to fall and the mountains get their first dusting, the whole town shifts into this peaceful, twinkly kind of magic—especially when you’ve got kids in tow. It’s cozy, festive, and full of those little moments that make family getaways truly memorable.
Wandering Through Downtown Lights (and Bond Park’s Magic Tree)
Downtown lights up in the best way starting in mid-November, and let me tell you—it’s worth bundling up for. The kids will love walking Elkhorn Avenue under twinkling lights, and at Bond Park, there’s this huge glowing “Pixel Pine Tree” and a bunch of walk-through light displays that make for the perfect photo ops.
Catch the Glow Parade = Holiday Kickoff Gold
The Friday after Thanksgiving is when the whole town officially says, “Let’s do this.” The Catch the Glow Parade is one of those small-town events that feels big in all the right ways—glowing floats, music, dancers, and Santa himself. Just find a cozy spot on Elkhorn, bring blankets and snacks, and soak it all in.
Sledding at Hidden Valley is a Must
If you do one snowy thing while you’re here—make it this. Hidden Valley, tucked inside Rocky Mountain National Park, is hands-down the best sledding spot around. Rent gear from Estes Park Mountain Shop, pack some snacks, and make a day of it. There’s space for the little ones to do their thing, and trust me, you’ll be flying down the hill right along with them.
Snowman Hunt + Free Ornament? Yes, Please
From late November through December, downtown shops host a snowman scavenger hunt that’s honestly just good old-fashioned fun. Kids love it, and once you find them all, you get a cute ornament to take home. It’s a great way to wander downtown without hearing “I’m bored.”
Bike, Hike & Snowshoe Adventures
Yes, you can still bike in winter—especially on the Lake Estes Trail or the Riverwalk. Want something slower? Try the short loop at Upper Beaver Meadows. It’s quiet, easy for kids, and has that “wow” factor with the snow-covered peaks in the distance. For something new, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing—Sprague Lake is a great intro trail.
Warm Up with Hot Drinks & Chill Time
After the snow play, you’ll want to warm up. We love popping into Kind Coffee or heading back to our cozy cabin at Rocky Mountain Resorts to thaw out by the fire. (Bonus: they’ve got fireplaces, kitchenettes, and plenty of room to spread out—all without breaking the budget.)
Bonus Holiday Fun to Check Out
- Holiday Wine Festival (Nov 29) – Great for grownups, festive vibes for all.
- Sleigh the Games (Dec 12–14) – Think fun winter games, sweet treats, and music throughout town.
Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and just minutes from exploring Estes Park with kids during winter. Rocky Mountain Resorts is the ideal choice for lodging in the area after enjoying great picnics in Estes Park. We offer a variety of accommodations ranging from cozy cabins and cottages to large and spacious vacation homes. In addition, guests enjoy the nightlife of downtown Estes Park and are less than a 10-minute drive from all that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. You truly have the best access to must-do Estes Park activities with a stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts!
Cass is a writer who focuses on travel, outdoor fun, and local culture. When not working, she enjoys watching movies, listening to her record collection, and biking with her boyfriend, Ryan. She also dreams of earning that Paul Hollywood handshake and making it on the Great British Baking Show one day.
