Every year Winter Park hosts the town's favorite Christmas event. Everyone joins in for the Torchlight Parade in Winter Park! Join us in the ultimate parade, fireworks, holiday decorations, and jolly cheer that will make you smile with glee!
If you love Winter Park and are looking for a home here, check out our latest listings. What a great holiday gift this year other than a home in Winter Park! Check out our gorgeous properties for sale, and contact us today with any questions.
Everything You Need to Know About the Torchlight Parade Winter Park
Torchlight Parade Winter Park
Winter Park Resort
85 Parsenn Road
Winter Park, CO 80482
On December 24th, come to Winter Parks’ favorite event of the year. At this free event, you will feel like you are in a magical winter wonderland with Christmas carolers echoing through town and holiday cheer from the other townspeople.
During the day, take your kids to visit Santa at the Village Gazebo between 1 pm – 5 pm and get a free printed photo as a keepsake of this most memorable event. You will start to hear the carolers around 3:15 pm but wait until 4 pm when they kick off the main events near the bonfire at the Zephyr Lift!
Right before the fireworks show, you can go to the Hot Chocolate Bar at Bradley’s or the one near the Gondola and get hot chocolate for the show. They offer regular and spiked hot chocolate for the event, which you can take to the bonfire and keep warm during the fireworks. This year the parade and fireworks will be held on Hughes. The front base area of Larry Sale or Red Chair Plaza will have the best views!
Once the event begins, torchbearers will descend the mountain on skis and snowboards on the Lower Hughes trail, with Santa following! And then a brilliant fireworks show will follow. Be sure to get there early because it tends to fill up fast!
After the festivities and fun, everyone is invited to service at the West Portal for about an hour. And a holiday buffet will be served at the Sunspot Lodge at 677 Winter Park Dr.
Parking for the Winter Park Torchlight Parade
If you don’t want to worry about parking, you can use Winter Park's transit system, The Lift. This bus runs from 7 am – 2 am and even offers call-for-pick-up services to make sure you arrive at your destination safely. Check out their website to get more information, find routes and maps, and download their mobile app.
If you want to drive, Winter Park parking just expanded Lot G for the 22/23 season! At the base of Winter Park and Mary Jane, they have around 3,200 free spaces, plus a free shuttle service to get you where you are going. To check lot availability, download their mobile app for real-time information.
Christmas Eve Dinner at the Torchlight Parade Winter Park
If you want to join the festive dinner following the Torchlight Parade, head to the Sunspot Lodge by boarding The Gondola in the Base Village.
For Christmas Eve dinner, they will serve starters like artisan bread, a cheese and fruit platter, soup, or a salad. Choose from crab legs or jumbo shrimp from their seafood station. The main dishes will be pork loins, prime rib, ham, wild salmon, or winter vegetable cassoulet. You will have a choice of sides and a delicious dessert menu. Gluten-free options are available as well as a full bar.
Adult plates are $110. Child plates are $40. Reservations are required. Make your reservations early by booking tickets at The Lodge Sunspot reservation page.
Want More Things to Do in Winter Park?
If you are planning a winter vacation in Winter Park and want more ideas for things to do, read more to find out our best recommendations for places to go and things to do!
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Enjoy Winter Park All Year Long in Your Own Home
What better way to enjoy fabulous family adventures year-round than to buy a home in Winter Park? We have many gorgeous properties available that you will love. With our years of experience and knowledge, we make buying a home a wonderful experience. Check out our latest listings and contact us if you have any questions.
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