Colorado Offers Festive Holiday Events and Travel Packages Starting at Just $52.80 Per Night

Denver (November 15, 2007) - As the winter season approaches and the aroma of hot chocolate fills the chilled mountain air, Colorado transforms into a winter wonderland. Now through the New Year, visitors to Colorado can take advantage of incredible holiday-inspired travel packages and events offering everything from horse-driven sleigh rides to an Electric Safari light show.Below are just a few ways to celebrate the holidays in Colorado this winter. For a complete list of events, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit www.COLORADO.com. For the latest holiday travel packages visit www.colorado.com/traveldeals.

• Mile High Holidays. Denver is offering a special promotion called "Mile High Holidays" now through January 31, 2008. The city that stands at 5,280 feet above sea level is offering a special $52.80 hotel rate at 48 properties, from charming inns to grand luxury hotels. The city is also rolling out shopping specials, restaurant deals and more. (www.milehighholidays.com)
  
  
• $96 at 9,600 Feet. Early season is the best time to enjoy holiday activities in Breckenridge. The mountain opens on November 9, 2007 and rates as low as $96 per night are being offered throughout Breckenridge. The resort town is also home to charming holiday and winter events. (877-593-5260; www.gobrek.com)
  
  
• "Ouray" for Santa! Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas at the Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs in Ouray, the Switzerland of America. Santa will visit guests of the lodge on Christmas Eve, delivering gifts to children and spreading holiday merriment. Guests can also take advantage of the activities in Ouray, including sledding, snowmobiling and more. Rates start as low as $115 for one-night accommodations, double occupancy. (800-327-5080; www.boxcanyoneouray.com)
  
  
• Winter Solstice Celebration. Revitalize, rejuvenate and be pampered at Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, located in South Central Colorado. This package includes two night's accommodations in one of the spa's yurts (a circular canvas dome similar to many Native American huts), a sunrise ceremony with chanting, singing, drumming and dancing around a large fire, and a seasonal catered dinner. Guests will also experience a rejuvenating cleansing scrub and massage, along with unlimited use of the mineral hot springs pools. Rates start at $369, double occupancy. The package is available from December 21-22, 2007. For more information call (719-256-4328; www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com)
  
  
• Sleigh Bells in the City. The historic Brown Palace in Denver is offering a romantic holiday getaway for two. The package includes a carriage ride for two with hot chocolate, a couple's pedicure, and one night accommodations at this grand luxury hotel. Rates start at $329, double occupancy, and are valid through Jan. 31, 2008. (888-321-2599; www.brownpalace.com)
  
  
• A Suite Resolution. Ring in the New Year at one of Denver's most lavish boutique hotels. The Burnsley Hotel is offering an intimate night for two, complete with a four-course dinner, a private balcony overlooking the city's spectacular fireworks display, and chilled champagne and party favors upon arrival. Rates start at $219 for one-night accommodations, per double occupancy. (800-231-3915; www.burnsley.com)
  

A Selection of Holiday Events Throughout Colorado:

• Holiday Lighting Ceremony (Glenwood Springs) November 23. Thousands of twinkling lights magically transform the town and the historic Hotel Colorado. www.visitglenwood.com
  
• Glow Holiday Celebration (Estes Park) November 23. An annual celebration to kick off the holiday season. Children can visit with Santa and enjoy hay rides. An early-evening parade begins at 5:30 pm. All activities are free. www.estesparkcvb.com
  
  
• All Aboard the North Pole Express (Alamosa) November 23. Santa will be aboard the magically transformed Rio Grande Rail Road passing out candy canes, hot chocolate, and holiday cheer. www.riograndescenicrailroad.com
  
  
• Santa Gets Nautical (Pueblo) November 23. Come ride the boat with Santa Claus and have refreshments at the Historical Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. www.puebloharp.com/holidaylight.html
  
  
• Chocolate Tasting Festival (Creede) November 23. The 18th Annual Chocolate Festival invites chocolate lovers to sample freshly made confectionary delights while touring historic downtown Creede. www.creede.com
  
  
• Victorian Days Holiday Weekend (Leadville) November 30-December 2. Step back in time for an old-fashioned holiday experience. The weekend includes a parade of lights, carolers, a visit from Santa, Victorian Home tour, and a Victorian-style dinner. www.leadvilleusa.com
  
  
• Spirit of Christmas Walk and Chocolate Walk (Grand Junction) December 7. A night of caroling, visits with Santa, shopping and snacking. Enjoy live entertainment and all the hot chocolate you can drink. www.downtowngj.org
  
  
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Electric Safari (Colorado Springs) December 7. Electric Safari is the largest holiday light show in the Pikes Peak region, attracting 30,000 visitors annually. www.cmzoo.org
  
  
• Winterfest (Boulder) November 9. Visitors enjoy this old fashion holiday celebration. Activities include gingerbread house contests, games, crafts, holiday photos in a vintage sleigh, and more. www.bouldercoloradousa.com
  
  
• A Colorado Christmas (Denver) December 14. A Colorado Christmas stars the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Colorado Children's Chorale and more in a fun-filled program of traditional and contemporary holiday favorites. www.coloradosymphony.org
  
  
• Full Moon Madness (Tabernash) December 22. When the moon rises, guests of the Devil's Thumb Ranch get full run of the ranch's world-renowned cross country ski area and skating rink. www.devilsthumbranch.com
  
  
• Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade (Winter Park) December 24. Bundle up for a night of holiday festivities, including hot chocolate and caroling around the bonfire. Watch as torch-bearing skiers lead Santa and his elves down the mountain. The evening concludes with an extravagant fireworks show and Christmas tree display. www.skiwinterpark.com/todo/calendar/december/xmaseve.htm
  
  
• Hot Springs Lodge & Pool New Year's Eve Party (Glenwood Springs) December 31. Kick off the end of the year with a soak in the mineral enriched hot springs and count down to the New Year with noise makers. www.hotspringspool.com
  
  
• Ullr Fest (Breckenridge) January 5-12. This long-standing event pays homage to the mythical Norse God of Snow. A week-long schedule of events range from the Ullympics to the Ullr Bonfire to the famous (and ‘unofficial world's craziest') Ullr Fest Parade down Main Street. www.gobreck.com
  

ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering world-class adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and renowned ski resort areas. The state's breathtaking natural landscape boasts natural hot springs, thousands of lakes and rivers, 10 national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit www.COLORADO.com.

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