15 Amazing Christmas Dreams Come True at Gaylord Rockies, Denver, Colorado

Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by Leslie Stroud

Is anyone else out there a self-admitted Christmas addict?  If there was a Christmas Anonymous, I might need to attend.  November 1st kicks off my love affair with the holiday (following my almost equally intense love affair with Halloween), and I love to inject as much Christmas cheer and experiences into our holiday season as possible.

When we happen to be visiting family in Colorado, enjoying a few days at Gaylord Rockies is one of our top Christmas wishes.  My kids ask every year if we are going, and we have created very fond memories over our last three visits we’ve enjoyed as a family.  The Gaylord has packed lots of extra Christmas cheer into their fantastic resort for the holiday season.  From ICE, a literal ice playground, to the heated indoor and outdoor pool, the many restaurants and cafes to enjoy, and the deluxe family suites we love, the Gaylord Rockies is a highlight in our holiday season. 

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Fantastic Things To Enjoy at Gaylord Rockies on Christmas

Outdoor Activities With Kids at Gaylord Rockies

Anyone who is raising kids in a place with cold weather knows how stir-crazy things can get after a few weeks of cold temps.  You crave the kids running free outside and expending their energy, but the weather keeps everyone in.  The Gaylord of the Rockies boasts the frequent winter sun of Colorado and offers some amazing outdoor spaces year-round.

1. Indoor and Outdoor Pool

A favorite of my kids that entertains them all year long is the fantastic pool complex at Arapahoe Springs.  The extensive indoor pool area can hold over 400 people!  The heated pool has splash pads, two slides (minimum 48 inches to ride), an indoor hot tub, and a sports pool with a net in the middle.  

The outdoor area is equally impressive, with a fire pit, outdoor hot tubs, an infinity pool overlooking the beautiful Rocky Mountains, and a lazy river.  

All of these are staffed by multiple attentive lifeguards who are constantly walking and monitoring all who are swimming.  We were impressed with the lifeguards on our latest visit!

You can rent cabanas in warmer months and enjoy the day away under the sun.  If your crew gets hungry, there is a cafe in the pool area serving hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and a couple of salad options.

We just wrapped up our Christmas visit at the Gaylord of the Rockies and enjoyed the heated outdoor hot tub and lazy river every day of our stay!  We are Colorado natives and didn’t mind the chilly walk to the warm water.  I loved the steam from the water and being outside in the colder months!

2. Gaylord Rockies Outdoor Lawn

Fire up your chess skills with the outdoor oversized chess board or roast s’mores at the outdoor fire pit.  Bring a basketball and play a pickup ball game at the many outdoor courts or play some tennis.  The outdoor lawn area of the Gaylord of the Rockies has lots to offer!

Indoor Activities for the Family at Gaylord Rockies

3. Mistletoe Village

The first stop on any Christmas visit should definitely be to Mistletoe Village!  Be sure to note the hours, as the village may only be open in the afternoon if you visit on a weekday.  Walk into a wintery Christmas main street with shops, carolers (occasionally), and activity options.

Mistletoe Village is the center of the Christmas holiday at the Gaylord! 

Options include:

4. Tradition with Mrs. Claus

Enjoy chilled milk and a cookie while you sing with Mrs. Claus and her favorite elf!  Soy milk and gluten-free cookies are available this year, making us very happy!

5. Elf Training Academy

What do elves do best?  Make toys!  During your time at Elf Training Academy, you can learn from the best as you create your special toy to take with you.  We painted small Nutcrackers while we chatted with Santa’s Head Elf of Security for the North Pole.  

6. Gingerbread House Decorating

We adored the pre-made gingerbread houses this year!  It made decorating a snap.  Nutmeg, a live gingerbread man, was also a hit with the kids.  Each gingerbread house kit has everything you need, but you can purchase more candy in the sweet shop for decorating or snacking purposes.

7. Build-A-Bear

While dangerous for the wallet, this store is a massive hit with the kids.  Pick out your stuffed animal, accessories, and interior items, such as a special scent or recorded message.  Then, fill your stuffed animal and perform a “heart ceremony” to bring them to life.  It’s all quite adorable!

8. Ornament Shopping at Gaylord Rockies

You’ll find some fantastic ornaments and Christmas decorations in the shopping area at the back of Mistletoe Village.  

9. Hot Cocoa and Pretzels

Take a break from shopping and enjoy some hot cocoa, a holiday-themed bar, and Auntie Annie’s Pretzels.  Sit and enjoy the sights while you sip your hot cocoa.

10. ICE: Featuring A Christmas Story

One of the main attractions at the Gaylord Rockies is the massive walk-through attraction, which is all made of ice!  The Gaylord Resorts around the county start receiving 600+ lbs of ice blocks in September and use teams of ice carvers from China to design an incredible experience.  

The entire walk-through exhibit is kept at freezing temperatures and is truly spectacular. The whole family can enjoy the ice slides (long parkas are provided to wear so you don’t get stuck on the ice in your warm clothes!), and you can even race each other.  We were so impressed with the quality of the displays and the detail that matched the movie A Christmas Story.  You’ll see Ralphie, his house, the famous leg lamp, and so much more.

11. Cirque: A Christmas Spectacular

Being big fans of acrobatics and talent spectaculars, we love Cirque.  It doesn’t run on Mondays and Tuesdays, but the rest of the week, you can enter the magical world of Noel as she searches for the real spirit of Christmas.  Various talents show string together, such as acrobatics, dancing, roller skating, etc.  Our 6-year-old girl especially loved it!!

12. Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt

Get to know the stunning Gaylord complex even better while you hunt for clues around the hotel with the Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt. You can also turn in your booklet for a prize at the end!

Adult Activities at Gaylord Rockies

13. Relâche Spa

For anyone 18 years and older, the Relâche Spa at Gaylord Rockies offers a peaceful sanctuary from the busy world.  The locker rooms are extensive, with steam rooms, showers, and prep areas.  Head into the co-ed lounge area with your comfy robe, and you can relax near the roaring fireplace or on a private couch.

I was lucky enough to experience the 100-minute scrub and massage, which practically melted me onto the massage table.  The apple cinnamon body scrub smelled delicious and left my skin glowing and silky smooth.  My muscles were expertly massaged into relaxation, and I left feeling refreshed.

As a busy mom of five kids with three businesses and many church commitments, I am constantly on the go.  Taking time for myself is a challenge, but burnout is real!  Massages are an excellent way to regroup and collect my thoughts once more.

14. Sports Bar or Christmas Tree Bar

While we don’t drink alcohol, we know that’s an integral part of vacation for many adults.  The Gaylord offers a massive Sports Bar for dinner, watching the game, or enjoying some time with friends.

The Christmas Tree Bar in the lobby offers adult drinks to enjoy by the various fireplaces and amid the amazing Christmas Trees.

15. Eating Out at the Restaurants at Gaylord Rockies

Vista Montagne and Monte Jade restaurants delight the culinary senses of anyone staying on the property or stopping by for a dinner visit.  We thought the Asian Fusion food at Monte Jade was some of the best Asian food we’ve had in years.  The tempura shrimp dish was so good we had to order another!  I also appreciated the clear gluten-free options, which are not easy to find at all Asian restaurants.

Overall, the Gaylord Rockies hosts one of the best family destinations in the country and is especially magical at Christmas time.  We are leaving our third (of hopefully many more to come!) visit full of Christmas memories and cheer.  The kids are already begging to know when we can return, and I can’t say I’m much different!  Be sure to check out their early-season specials on their website here.

Xoxo,

Leslie

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