I've lived in Estes Park for more than three decades, and I can tell you there's something pretty special about this town when Christmas rolls around.
Now, Estes Park is beautiful just about any time of year. We've got the mountains, the wildlife, the fresh air, and enough scenery to make just about anybody want to stay a little longer.
But when the Christmas lights start going up downtown, the whole place takes on a different personality.
The summer crowds have gone home, the aspen leaves have fallen, and the mountains are beginning to look like somebody sprinkled powdered sugar all over them.
And then comes one of my favorite holiday traditions.
The Estes Park Tree Lighting.
It's one of those events that reminds me why I enjoy living in a small mountain town.
You've got families bundled up in winter coats, kids excited about Christmas, neighbors visiting with one another, and a downtown that looks like something you'd see on a Christmas card.
Of course, there's always somebody who didn't dress warmly enough.
Usually, that's the person who thought a light jacket would be just fine in the Rocky Mountains in November.
I've seen that mistake a few times.
When and Where Is the Estes Park Tree Lighting in 2026?
This year's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, right in the heart of downtown Estes Park.
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, with the official lighting at 5:30 PM
Location: Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado
Admission: Free
The celebration is scheduled to include live holiday music, visits and photo opportunities with Santa, holiday crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, and hot chocolate.
And the best part is that the activities are free.
That's something families can appreciate, especially this time of year when everybody's Christmas shopping list seems to get a little longer.
Bond Park Becomes a Christmas Wonderland
If you've ever spent time in Bond Park, you know it's one of the gathering places that makes downtown Estes Park special.
During the warmer months, you'll find festivals, concerts, and people enjoying the sunshine.
But when Christmas arrives, Bond Park becomes something entirely different.
The trees light up, holiday decorations fill the park, and the mountains provide a backdrop you just can't duplicate in a big city.
Starting November 21, the park is scheduled to feature a free nightly holiday light display from 5 PM to 9 PM.
That means even if you can't make it to the official ceremony, you'll still have opportunities to enjoy the lights throughout the holiday season.
And here's something I always tell people.
Don't be in too much of a hurry.
Take a few minutes to walk around, enjoy the decorations, and appreciate the fact that we get to experience Christmas surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains in Colorado.
It's Really About the People
Now, I've seen a lot of Christmas decorations over the years.
Some are pretty impressive.
But what I enjoy most about events like the Estes Park Tree Lighting isn't necessarily the lights.
It's the people.
You'll see grandparents bringing their grandchildren, families taking pictures, longtime residents catching up with neighbors, and visitors experiencing Christmas in Estes Park for the first time.
That's what makes a small town special.
In a place like Estes Park, you can't go very far without running into somebody you know.
Sometimes that's a good thing.
Sometimes it means a quick trip downtown turns into an hour-long conversation.
But I wouldn't trade that sense of community for anything.
And I think the holidays bring out the best of it.
Don't Forget About Our Downtown Businesses
Another thing I love about the Tree Lighting is what it does for our downtown businesses.
By late November, our summer tourism season is behind us.
A lot of our local shops and restaurants are beginning to settle into a slower pace.
And events like this give people another reason to come downtown.
You can spend the afternoon browsing the stores along Elkhorn Avenue, pick up a few Christmas gifts, and enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants.
We've got some wonderful family-owned businesses in Estes Park, and I always encourage people to support them whenever they can.
Remember, when you shop locally, you're supporting the people who live and work right here in our community.
And besides, there's something a little more personal about buying a Christmas gift from a local shop than ordering another package online.
The Christmas Celebration Doesn't Stop With the Tree Lighting
One thing I appreciate about Estes Park is that we don't just put up a Christmas tree and call it good.
We've got several wonderful holiday traditions that keep the celebration going.
The annual Catch the Glow Parade is scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2026, at 5:30 PM.
If you've never attended, it's worth seeing.
Downtown Elkhorn Avenue fills with illuminated floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles, and plenty of families enjoying the festivities.
Santa Claus even makes an appearance.
There's also the Estes Park Quota Festival of Trees at the Estes Park Resort, featuring decorated Christmas trees and opportunities to support local charitable work.
And for those who enjoy looking at Christmas lights, the Estes Park Holiday Lights Driving Tour highlights decorated locations around town, including downtown, the Fall River corridor, and the Lake Estes area.
So even if you miss the official Tree Lighting, there's plenty of Christmas spirit to enjoy.
A Few Tips From Someone Who's Spent Plenty of Winters Here
If you're planning to attend the Tree Lighting, I've got a few suggestions.
First, dress warmly.
I know that sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people forget that the temperature drops pretty quickly once the sun disappears behind the mountains.
Second, arrive a little early.
That gives you time to find parking, walk around downtown, and enjoy some of the activities before the official lighting.
Third, make an afternoon of it.
Visit a few shops, enjoy a meal, and spend some time exploring the town.
And finally, bring your camera.
Between the holiday decorations, the mountain scenery, and the possibility of a little snow, you'll have plenty of opportunities for Christmas photographs.
Just remember, if you see an elk wandering through downtown, give it plenty of space.
They don't care that you're trying to take the perfect Christmas picture.
Why Christmas in Estes Park Feels Different
I've traveled to plenty of places over the years, and I've seen some pretty impressive Christmas celebrations.
But there's something about Christmas in Estes Park that feels a little different.
Maybe it's the mountains.
Maybe it's the snow.
Or maybe it's the fact that even after all these years, Estes Park still has that small-town feeling that brought so many of us here in the first place.
When the Christmas lights come on downtown, it reminds me that this community is about more than tourism, real estate, or beautiful scenery.
It's about the people who call this place home.
The families who have lived here for generations.
The business owners who work hard to keep our town going.
And the neighbors who come together to celebrate traditions like the Tree Lighting.
That's what makes Estes Park special to me.
Come Experience Christmas in Estes Park
If you've never visited Estes Park during the Christmas season, I'd encourage you to make the trip.
Come for the Tree Lighting.
Walk through downtown.
Visit our local businesses.
Enjoy the mountains, the decorations, and the people who make this community such a wonderful place.
And if you find yourself thinking that Estes Park might be a pretty nice place to call home, well, I happen to know a little something about real estate around here.
I'd be happy to visit with you.
After more than three decades in this town, I still think it's one of the best places a person could live.
And Christmas is just another reminder of why.
Gerald Mayo
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Event Information: https://www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/holidays/
