See 4,500 Dazzling Lights on the Best Christmas Main Street in Colorado

During the most magical time of year, main streets across the state are all aglow in beautiful Christmas lights, creating traditions I look forward to all year. While these main streets are enchanting, one stands out for going above and beyond—and it's easy to see why. Salida, Colorado shimmers with stunning lights and festive cheer during the holiday season, and it's full of non-stop fun. Gather the whole family and explore the best main street at Christmas in Colorado. I think you'll agree that there's nothing more magical than Christmas in Salida.

Salida is a Colorado favorite for outdoor fun, shopping, art, and culture year-round, but come Christmastime, it transforms into a hub of holiday wonder. Its dazzling main street shines bright through the season—featuring lights galore, parades, and more. Salida is a true Christmastime treasure that you'll want to share with your family.

My favorite part of all has to be the one-of-a-kind Christmas Mountain, a 750-foot-tall Christmas tree outline on Tenderfoot Mountain illuminated with over 4,500 LED bulbs, making it one of the largest holiday displays in Colorado and a shining symbol of the season.

If you’re planning to visit this year, the Christmas Mountain Lighting & Parade of Lights is scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the parade down historic downtown Salida, shop during extended store hours, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and take a walk through Holiday Park at Riverside Park, featuring beautifully decorated trees sponsored by local organizations and businesses. The evening concludes with the dramatic lighting of Christmas Mountain and a fireworks show.

To wrap up your holiday visit, be sure to check out the Chaffee County Winter Farmers Market, held every Saturday from November 15 through December 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds. This indoor market will feature locally grown produce, coffee, hot food, artisan goods, crafts, and holiday gifts from regional vendors, making it a festive gathering for the community and a perfect way to enjoy the local flavors of Salida during the holiday season.

For more information on Christmas in Salida, Colorado, and the Christmas Mountain Lighting, please visit the Salida Chamber of Commerce website.

Have you ever spent Christmas in Salida, Colorado? What are your favorite places to visit during the holidays in Colorado? Let us know through our nomination form. Make your season even brighter by checking out this festive road trip that showcases some of the best Christmas lights in Colorado. Just don’t forget the delicious road trip snacks.