Howdy, neighbors. Buck Timber here.

Winter is tapping on the window, the mountains are settling into their cold season posture, and Estes Park is about to flip the switch on the holidays. If you are sticking around for Thanksgiving week, you picked a good time. The next few days are packed with lights, parades, warm drinks, and more Santa sightings than Mo Pass can count on one hand.

I will be taking next week off for Thanksgiving just like many of you, so this issue covers everything from now through the holiday weekend. If you are heading out of town, travel safe. If you are staying put, bundle up and enjoy the glow. Estes does the holidays in a way only a mountain town can pull off.

Estes Park’s mountain charm shines brighter than ever, creating a welcoming kickoff to the holiday season for locals and visitors alike.

What year did the first Catch the Glow holiday parade take place in Estes Park?

Estes Park will sparkle with holiday spirit as the beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony returns to Bond Park on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Festivities begin at 3:30 p.m., with free activities for all generations.

Carriage rides wind through twinkling paths, offering a magical atmosphere for couples and families alike. Kids can unleash their creativity with seasonal crafts, while families capture keepsake photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

At 5:30 p.m., Mayor Gary Hall will lead the official lighting of the spectacular 36-foot pine tree, unveiling a breathtaking six-week light display in Bond Park.

The park will transform nightly, 5 to 9 p.m., with walk-through lighting exhibits, interactive photo spots, and a dazzling holiday music light show.

Support the Blue Santa program by donating to help local seniors and community members in need. Submissions for Blue Santa deliveries are open until November 30.

Experience the magic and togetherness that define the Estes Park holiday tradition.

Downtown Estes Park will sparkle on Friday, November 28, 2025, as the beloved Catch the Glow Parade returns, drawing crowds of up to 20,000 for a magical holiday evening.

Elkhorn Avenue bursts to life with more than 40 vivid entries, from creative floats crafted by the Town of Estes Park and local nonprofits to vibrant marching bands, classic fire trucks, and eye-catching vehicles.

Families can meet Santa Claus and savor the inviting shops and restaurants nestled downtown.

Subscribers to the Rocky Mountain Channel can also enjoy a live-stream, capturing the festive spirit at home.

This year, visitors can try new local highlights like the Stanley Chocolate Factory at the historic Stanley Hotel, where chocolate lovers get a hands-on experience.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with joy, tradition, and community in the heart of the Rockies.

This season is picking up speed in Estes Park, and the town is filling the calendar with events that mix fun, community spirit, and early holiday magic. Whether you want parades, performances, warm drinks, or something for the kids, there is plenty to look forward to.

🏃 Turkey Trot 5K at YMCA of the Rockies
Saturday, November 22 | 9 a.m.
Sweet Memorial Program Building
Free to join, family friendly, and dog friendly with leashes. A perfect pre pie warm up.

Buck’s note: Mo Pass says the secret to finishing strong is imagining a cinnamon roll waiting at the end. I think that is the only reason he runs at all.

🎬 Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and Christmas Double Feature
Saturday, November 22 | 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Historic Park Theatre
Free

The old classics on the big screen. Snoopy, Linus, Charlie Brown’s little tree, and all the nostalgia you expect. A free Saturday morning movie sponsored by local businesses.

🎅 Visit with Santa at YMCA of the Rockies
Saturday, November 29
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center
Bring the kids to meet Santa in a cozy mountain setting. Free with activities happening throughout the day. A simple and cheerful stop for families kicking off the holiday season.

📚 Polar Express Pajama Story Times
Saturday, November 29
YMCA of the Rockies Library
All aboard for a festive reading of The Polar Express. Pajamas encouraged. Hot drinks and holiday spirit supplied. A great morning treat for young readers.

🍺 Hoppy Holiday Bar at Avant Garde Aleworks
November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026

Avant Garde transforms its taproom into a festive holiday escape with seasonal brews, hot cocoa, hot buttered rum, live music, trivia nights, Sip and Stitch classes, and a snowman scavenger hunt. Cozy and cheerful, especially after a walk through the Bond Park lights.

🍷 Estes Park Holiday Wine Festival
Saturday, November 29 | Estes Park Events Complex

Fifteen to twenty Colorado wineries. Holiday vendors. Food trucks. Unlimited tastings for adults, plus a wine glass and tote. Kids activities available too. A perfect warm up from the inside out after a long parade weekend.

More info: estesparkholidaywinefestival.com

🎄 Festival of Trees – Estes Park Quota
November 12 to December 14
The Estes Park Resort

More than 40 decorated trees created by local nonprofits and businesses. Raffle tickets support community programs, and you may take home a tree that becomes the star of your living room.

🍽️ Thanksgiving Meals in Estes Park
If you are not cooking this year, local restaurants have your back. Visit Estes Park has the full list:

visitestespark.com/blog/post/where-to-eat-in-estes-park-this-thanksgiving

Buck’s note: Mo Pass says he is thankful for any place that does not make him peel potatoes.

Did You Know? Estes Park Holiday Addition

• • The tree lighting tradition in Estes Park goes back more than 60 years.
  Generations of families have watched Bond Park light up to kick off the season.

  • The YMCA of the Rockies is one of the largest YMCA facilities in the world.
  Families travel from all over to stay, hike, craft, and enjoy their holiday programs.

  • The Historic Park Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places.
  It first opened in 1913 and is one of the oldest operating cinemas in the country.

  • Bond Park’s holiday displays include walk through light features and photo spots.
  They stay up for several weeks, giving everyone plenty of time to visit.

  • The Polar Express book by Chris Van Allsburg is a Caldecott Medal winner.
  It remains one of the most beloved winter children’s books ever published.

  • The Festival of Trees supports local nonprofits through raffle fundraising..

Buck's Joke Of The Day

Why did the turkey bring a microphone to dinner?
Because it wanted to roast everyone! 🦃

1990
Mo Pass says he remembers the very first parade. I asked what stood out. He said, “My toes. They froze.”