A large building is beautifully illuminated with colorful lights in a festive holiday display at night. Trees and shrubs are decorated with white and multi-colored lights, while parked cars line the street in front.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Festivities at this iconic Glenwood Springs, Colorado, hotel include the 35th Annual Lighting Ceremony, breakfast with Santa, High Christmas Tea, and the extravagant decorations that guests have enjoyed for more than 130 years.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 27, 2025) — Guests have enjoyed and looked forward to the elaborate holiday decorations at Hotel Colorado since it first opened its doors in 1893 and to the annual lighting ceremony since 1989. This year is no exception, and the festivities begin Friday, Nov. 28.

“While the hotel is always beautiful, a complete transformation takes place during the holidays,” Larry MacDonald, general manager for Hotel Colorado, explained. “We start with more than half a million holiday lights throughout the hotel exterior, lobby, dining areas, banquet rooms and signature suites. There are 60 decorated Christmas trees and, of course, our signature, life-size, real gingerbread house that surrounds Legends Coffee & Gift Shop.”

One of Glenwood Springs’ most beloved traditions—the Annual Hotel Colorado Lighting Ceremony—takes place on Friday, Nov. 28, on 6th Street in front of the hotel with additional holiday activities inside and in the courtyard. This cherished Glenwood Springs tradition sets the stage for the season of lights with a host of themed activities beginning at noon. From a vendor craft show and festive photo booth to a lineup of musical entertainment and an ice-carving demonstration, there’s something for everyone.

Guests can visit Santa in the Garden Veranda Room, pose at the photobooth in the Garden Room, view a live ice carving performance in the Courtyard and listen to the Symphony of the Valley performing on the Veranda. They can also vote in the Gingerbread Competition in the Roosevelt Banquet Room, which is hosted by the Glenwood Springs Historical Society. Onstage entertainment includes the Gabossi Sisters, John Chandler, A Band Called Alexis and the Legacy Dance Company. The highlight of the evening is the breathtaking moment when more than half a million lights simultaneously illuminate the hotel, accompanied by Santa’s countdown to the rooftop fireworks show at 7:05 p.m.

The festivities continue into December with Breakfasts with Santa on Sunday the 7th and Sunday the 14th from 8 to 11 a.m. in the Devereux Ballroom. There will be a full breakfast buffet for parents and children to enjoy in the same room as Santa, who will be in his chair and available for photos during the allotted times. Photos will be taken through a photobooth with prints and digital copies available. On the same Sundays, Christmas High Tea will be served in the Grand Lobby from 2 to 5 p.m. Reservations are required for all four of these events and can be made by calling 970-928-3785.

Guests can round out the season with elegant Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Buffets. Seating times are available from 2 to 9 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 970-928-3785.

###

About Hotel Colorado
Located at 526 Pine Street in historic Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Hotel Colorado first opened its doors in 1893. The hotel has been used as a temporary White House, as a place of healing for the U.S. Navy during World War II, and a community focal point from its inception. Today, Hotel Colorado is a beautiful step back in time, inviting guests to enjoy the cool mountain air, exceptional service and legendary hospitality. www.hotelcolorado.com

Media Contact:
Mandy Gauldin
Peak Communications
mandy@peakcomm.biz
970-379-5277