Join YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center as we safely celebrate the holiday season in the Rocky Mountains! Our Christmas programs will look a little different this year as we have designed them to follow COVID-19 guidelines from our county and state, but there is still plenty of fun to experience as we soak in the season! For more information about activities, call 970-586-3341 x1104.
Ornament Crafts
Visit the Mootz Family Craft and Design Center (open Thurs- Mon) to make your own Christmas ornament. Personalize for your family getaway or create a special gift for a loved-one. Choose from a variety of fun holiday-themed ornaments. Ornaments start at $2.
Daily: Gingerbread House Contest
Pick up a unique Gingerbread House kit from the Sweet Memorial Building for $10 to take back to your accommodation. Once your masterpiece is created, enter it into our Gingerbread House Village contest for the chance to win a $50 activity gift certificate!
Daily: Drive through a Christmas Village
The Flower Circle area of YMCA of the Rockies is decorated with festive lights for a fun drive-through experience. Take a tour of our decorated cabins from the warmth of your own car. See a map for more directions.
*please note no reservations are required for this activity except for Christmas Eve night from 5pm – 8:30pm . This time period requires reservations for the “Home for Christmas” program. See additional details below.
Daily: Ice Skating at Dorsey Pond
Enjoy a twirl on our picturesque outdoor ice skating pond! Free rentals available for guests of YMCA of the Rockies to check out. Available at the Sweet Memorial Program Building.
December 12 &19: Curate the Holidays at the Museum
Enjoy music, hot chocolate and cookies on the steps of the museum porch from 9:45 am -11 am.
December 12 & 19: Storytime around the Campfire
Join our YMCA Librarian for Christmas stories around the campfire at 10:45am. Advanced sign up required.
December 19-31: Cookie Decorating
Pick up a free Cookie Decorating kit from the Sweet Memorial Program Building and take it back to your cabin or lodge room for sugary fun.
December 24, Santa Visits:
If you are staying in lodging at YMCA of the Rockies, pre-arrange for Santa to personally deliver your presents to your door on Christmas Eve. This is a long-standing and guest favorite YMCA of the Rockies holiday tradition! Call x1104 for more information.
December 24, Christmas Eve Service
Load the family into the station wagon and join the fun as the Chapel Ministry presents, “Home For Christmas,” a drive-in family friendly and socially distanced celebration of the birth of Jesus. This event will be held on December 24th, and will occur every 20 minutes from 5:00-8:00 pm. Experience holiday lights and music, and listen to Grandpa B tell the story of Christmas, all from the warmth of your car! Space is limited, and reservations are required. Specific instructions will be sent once reservation is complete, register for the “Home for Christmas” activity here. or call 970-586-3341 x1104 to register.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Cosmic Climbing
Climb in the dark, lit by black lights and neon stripes, as you find your way up the indoor climbing wall. Limited class occupancy, climbing wall is sanitized between each use.
New Year Day 5K
Socially distanced and virtual race to start the new year off in a healthy way! Register to participate here.
Create Your Vision Board
Put together your goals for 2021 using our supplies in the Sweet Memorial Program Building. A great way to visually set your aspirations personally or as a family for the next year!
Art and Nature Inspire!
Come join a museum guide on this fun walk of our center’s public art. Be inspired by nature and the art surrounding you as we take a gentle stroll through the center and engage in conversation and exploration. All ages welcome!
Additional Activities
Enjoy additional activities through the month including snowshoe rental, guided hikes, nature program, indoor climbing, s’mores around the campfire and much more! Browse our Weekly Activity Guides for a complete listing of activities available. When in the Town of Estes Park, take a drive through the self-led Yuletide Lights driving tour.
Book Your December Getaway Soon!
Reservations go fast, so plan early by making a reservation online or calling 888- 613- 9622.