Get ready to kick off the Christmas season in grand style at Hotel Colorado’s 34th Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 29!
You asked, and we delivered—this year’s Hotel Colorado Annual Lighting Ceremony promises even more fun with extended entertainment, more time with Santa, and an enhanced artisan fair. And don’t worry, the fan-favorite photobooth is back along with a jammin’ band on the Main Stage! Join us for a day and night of holiday magic and unforgettable memories with friends and family.
Shop the All-New Holiday Artisan Fair
From noon to 8 p.m., explore the Hotel Colorado’s Artisan Holiday Fair in the Devereux Ballroom. This isn’t your ordinary Christmas Bazaar—our vendors are offering high-quality crafts and handmade goods, perfect for gifting to your loved ones. These thoughtfully curated items are designed with care, making them treasures to give and cherish. Be sure to arrive early for the best selection.
Smile and Strike a Pose
From noon to 8 p.m., step into the holiday-themed photobooth to capture festive moments that will keep you smiling all season long. With an array of props and a holiday-themed backdrop, the photobooth is the perfect spot to get silly, make memories, and create keepsakes to look back on for years to come.
Meet North Pole Celebrity Santa Claus
This year, we’ve extended Santa’s visiting hours from noon to 7 p.m. Bring the little ones to meet the Jolly Old Elf, and don’t worry—there are plenty of daytime slots when the hotel is less crowded for a calmer experience. Snap a photo, share your Christmas wish list, and watch as Santa lights up your child’s eyes with holiday wonder. Pro tip: Help kids overcome shyness in meeting the man in red by talking and reading about Santa in the weeks leading up to the big day!
Frosty Ice Carving Magic
For a mesmerizing display of winter artistry, check out the live Ice Carving demonstration from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Hotel Colorado courtyard. Watch as our expert carver transforms a simple block of ice into an intricate, dazzling sculpture using tools that range from chainsaws to chisels to create an icy masterpiece. What will take shape this year? You’ll have to be there to find out!
Christmas Sounds by Symphony in the Valley
Feel the holiday spirit come alive with the big band sounds of Symphony in the Valley. Their enchanting performance of Christmas tunes will fill the Roosevelt Ballroom from 5 to 5:45 p.m. and again from 7:45 to 8:30 p.m. Even the littlest of listeners will be captivated by the instrumental sounds of sleigh bells, the whinny of horses, and the clickity clack of hooves made by the talented musicians in the orchestra.
The Denver Dolls Roll into Hotel Colorado
From 6:10 to 6:30 p.m. and again from 7:15 to 8 p.m., enjoy the retro harmonies of The Denver Dolls. The all-female trio of professional performers will be singing Christmas carols in the Hotel Colorado Lobby. Inspired by the beloved WWII-era USO shows and musical tradition of the 30s, 40s, and 50s, these lovely ladies will have you feeling nostalgic for White Christmas no matter what decade you were born into!
Main Stage Entertainment In the Spotlight
As darkness descends, the activity transitions to the Main Stage outside on Sixth Street! In addition to food trucks ready to serve up quick bites to hungry revelers, prime time events kick off at 5 p.m. with a warm welcome from General Manager Larry MacDonald and the Melville Family, owners of Hotel Colorado. The local high school ROTC group will then open with a color guard tribute, followed by performances by talented young musicians and dancers from the area.
At 5:45 p.m., The Denver Dolls will take the Main Stage to perform their retinue of lively hits, warming up the crowd for the headlining act, A Band Called Alexis. Known for their high-energy country rock, this Western Slope powerhouse will get the crowd moving with tunes that include Christmas and holiday favorites, original songs, and covers from iconic artists like Shania Twain, Bonnie Raitt, and Tim McGraw.
Fireworks Spectacular and Grand Musical Finale
Get ready for the main event—the 34th Annual Hotel Colorado Light Ceremony! Around 7 p.m., Santa, General Manager Larry MacDonald, and the Melville Family will lead the countdown to Glenwood Springs’ one-and-only fireworks show. Watch as the sky lights up with a spectacular display of color, showering the valley in a vibrant display of holiday cheer. But the fun doesn’t stop there—A Band Called Alexis will hit the stage again to keep the party going, enticing the crowd to show off their swing, two-step, and boot-stompin’ moves until the end of the evening.
Join Us For a Hotel Colorado Holiday Kickoff
Hotel Colorado’s 34th Annual Lighting Ceremony is an event you won’t want to miss. Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit for a day filled with crafts, music, lights, fireworks and so much more. Learn more at Hotel Colorado and get ready to make this holiday season unforgettable!