11 Reasons Christmas In Colorado Is The Absolute Best

Opened in the summer of 1956, Santa’s Workshop began as a 25-acre village featuring artisan shops, puppet shows and, of course, visits with Jolly Old St. Nick himself. Today the Pikes Peak attraction features more than 28 rides, restaurants and unique shows that are perfect for the entire family!

Running now through December 24th at the Southwest Plaza in Littleton is the exciting Santa's Toy Factory; a whimsical wonderland that allows you to "TEST a few of Santa’s newest toys in the Testing Lab and next you will assist with DESIGNING, BUILDING, and PAINTING toys in the Factory."

Situated at Skyline Park in Downtown Denver is the 17th annual Denver Christkindl Market, which brings together German culture with the most unforgettable of sights, live bands, artisans, and delicious food and drink.

Taking place December 8th and 9th is Krampus: A Haunted Christmas, which features evil elves, terrifying snowmen, and — of course — Krampus: The Demonic Beast of Christmas. (Krampus: A Haunted Christmas is located at 3400 E 52nd Ave in Denver and offers tickets beginning at $27.99 per person.)

Taking place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. December 8th through the 10th, December 15th through the 23rd, and December 25th through January 1st, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Electric Safari features 85 delightful light sculptures over the zoo's 50 acres!

Taking place November 17th through January 2nd, the Polar Express takes its guests on a ride they will never forget, beginning at the Durango & Silverton Depot in Durango and ending at the North Pole. During the ride, guests young and old will enjoy watching the classic "Polar Express" come to life, thanks to up-close encounters with the characters, a special reading of the story from the train's special chefs, and, of course, a special stop (and rare glimpse) at the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself!

You know Manitou Springs for its charming downtown area, fun attractions (like the iconic Pikes Peak Cog Railway), and unforgettable festivals, but what you may not realize is that the town of 5,000 also knows how to do the holidays right with their annual Manitou Tree lighting, Heritage Center Holiday Market, and magical Christmas parade.

"Nothing is more magical during the holiday season than the marvel in the eyes of young and old when they see real live reindeer in person," states the Laughing Ranch, which also rents their reindeer out for special events, parties, and parades.

Taking place November 24th through January 1st, the Denver Botanic Gardens' Blossoms of Light is home to one of the best holiday walks in the state with their state-of-the-art sound-reactive, animated LED lights, decorated ponds and trees, and even more festive surprises around every corner.

There is nothing quite like a charming old time Christmas celebration… Sure, the modern day holidays are fun too with the elaborate lights, television specials, and online shopping specials, but lets face it: nothing compares to the simplicity of carolers, candles, and handcrafted gifts, which is exactly what you will find at Olde Golden Christmas.

Never tried a chestnut? You're not the only one... fortunately, you can change that by visiting the 56th Annual Georgetown Christmas Market; a Victorian-era holiday celebration complete with carolers, European market, and lots of delicious food!