Welcome the holiday season with an affordable getaway that is fun for the whole family or friend group! Gather your loved ones and get ready to celebrate—Grand Junction makes the holidays unforgettable! With lodging that won’t break the bank, accessible adventures, and a charming seasonal atmosphere, you’ll have a magical winter retreat. Discover these winter-time experiences to complement your holiday in Grand Junction.
Can’t miss holiday happenings
Mustache Run-5K
Hosted the Saturday before Thanksgiving on November 22, 2025, you can enjoy the Mustache Run-5K that starts at Lunch Loops Trailhead and ends at Handlebar Tap House. Sport your real (or fake!) mustache and enjoy the run or walk. Complete your adventure with the after party, starting at 11:15 am, enjoy Handlebar Tap House brews, axe throwing, delicious food, and the famous “Beer Olympics” fitness games – fun for all, including those just people watching while sipping a delicious brew.
The Nutcracker
Experience the mesmerizing performances of international talent at the historic Avalon Theatre. In this intimate setting, the timeless story of The Nutcracker unfolds in a swirl of shimmering costumes, graceful choreography, and dazzling stage magic — a holiday tradition that enchants audiences year after year. This magical ballet performance takes place on November 28, 2025, at 7:00 pm. The Nutcracker will also be performed at Asteria Theatre on December 23-25, 2025, by the Colorado West Ballet. For more shows to check out this winter season and beyond, including Broadway, check out the events calendar.
Lights, Lights, Lights
Downtown hosts two of the biggest holiday events right on Main Street – the Downtown Tree Lighting on November 22, 2025 and Parade of Lights on December 6, 2025. The Tree Lighting kicks off the holiday season as families and friends gather to count down together while thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the heart of Downtown — a truly magical sight. Two weeks later, the Parade of Lights, a cherished local tradition, fills Main Street with brightly decorated floats, music, and holiday cheer. Grab a cup of hot chocolate from a nearby café (Main Street Bagels is famous for their Polar Express hot chocolate) or pop-up stand and take in the glow — it’s an experience straight out of a Hallmark movie. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Downtown, where lights illuminate the 115 art sculptures and boutique storefronts sparkle with festive displays.
Turkey Trot
The morning of Thanksgiving, you can rally your pals, bribe the family with a coffee from the Human Bean, and take part in the annual Turkey Trot, hosted by the Grand Junction Fire Fighters Foundation. Make sure to snag your registration early, as you’ll need to pick up your packet either the evening before the race, or bright and early on race day. Kids 8 years or younger have the Little Gobbler Kids run, which is a short, free loop where every kiddo gets a prize. Older kids and the adults can enjoy a friendly competition or a casual stroll through Downtown Grand Junction, starting at the Lincoln Park Barn. It’s a wonderful cause and helps Grand Junction area families in need all year long.
Where to Eat in Grand Junction During the Holiday Season
Sip your favorite glass of vino or craft beverage and linger over good food, great company, and lively conversations that capture the warmth of the season.
Devil’s Kitchen
Devil’s Kitchen serves up savory, locally inspired dishes atop the rooftop of Hotel Maverick. Dine on the patio in an insulated see-through igloo and marvel at the sights of Colorado National Monument in the distance, glowing with red rocks underneath the setting sun. Take the chill off with a bowl of Fiery Mesa Chili Verde soup made extra hearty with braised Colorado pork. The Apple Butter Seared Salmon has a heightened flair with saffron rice and fennel-radish salad. Every bite and view make this rooftop retreat a truly unforgettable Colorado dining experience – no matter the season.
Pablo’s Pizza
For a unique twist on a classic, stop into Pablo’s Pizza. There are 28 different pizzas to choose from including the new Judge Jude-Y with a sour cream base, topped with bacon, chicken, and artichokes. For the little ones, the Mac N’ Cheese Pizza is always a hit, red sauce topped with mac n’ cheese. Pablo’s delivers bold flavors in every bite.
626 on Rood
Located in Downtown Grand Junction, 626 on Rood elevates the dining experience with artfully composed, seasonally driven cuisine. With half of the menu devoted to inventive vegetarian offerings, each dish showcases the restaurant’s commitment to balance, flavor, and culinary craftsmanship. The Charcuterie Board can be prepared with vegan-friendly cheeses, organic field roast “sausage,” veggies, and a fresh baguette. For hearty meals, the Pasta Primavera is also vegetarian-friendly, with bucatini pasta, white wine, local vegetables, and grilled eggplant. A standout entree is the Blackened Hawaiian Swordfish with a miso glaze, grilled green tea noodles, Palisade peaches, and tzatziki foam. Settle into fine dining and enjoy an intimate dinner with family or friends.
Citrola’s Italian Grill
Just four minutes from the Grand Junction Regional Airport, Citrola’s Italian Grill brings authentic Italian comfort to the table. Local favorites include the rich Smoked Gouda Sausage Mac & Cheese and the hearty Grand Mesa Calzone — filled with ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, and ricotta mozzarella, named in honor of the nearby Grand Mesa, only 45 minutes from Grand Junction. The kids’ menu is stacked with classics like the Spaghetti & Meatballs, a 10” Pizza, or Cheese Ravioli. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the friendly staff are always accommodating and ready to make you smile.
Outdoor Adventures for Making Traditions
Grand Junction’s mild, high-desert climate makes it easy to enjoy outdoor adventures year-round. With plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures, you can breathe in the fresh air without bundling up. Lace up your sneakers and hit the trails — whether you’re biking, hiking, or simply exploring, the conditions are perfect for getting outside.
Enjoy a winter vacation classic and take to the slopes on the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, open for recreation all year long. Snow starts to build in October and is ready for all sorts of fun by the end of November. You can explore groomed trails on Powderhorn Mountain Resort (estimated opening day is November 21, 2025) or take to backcountry skiing or snowshoeing in the surrounding area, like Mesa Lakes Trail. As sunlight glistens across the snow-covered landscape, sweeping white vistas create a scene as peaceful as it is breathtaking.
Photo by: Myra Gaither
And the fun doesn’t stop on the slopes! Located just past Powderhorn Mountain Resort is the Old Mesa Ski Hill, perfect for sledding down fluffy powder — guaranteed to bring out laughter and smiles from everyone.
When you’re ready to trade in the Mesa snow for Monument trails, head to Colorado National Monument for a scenic hike — or simply enjoy the views from your car if you prefer to keep the heat on blast. Fourteen trails branch off Rim Rock Drive, including favorites like Serpent’s Trail and Liberty Cap Trail. Or take a leisurely drive along the 19 designated overlooks, where panoramic views are just a few steps from your vehicle. When snow lightly blankets the red rock canyons, the vistas become even more enchanting.
If you’re craving a faster pace, just ten minutes from Downtown, the Lunch Loops Trail System offers a thrilling ride for mountain bikers of all skill levels. Be sure the trails are dry before hitting the dirt — then get ready for an adrenaline rush as you take on the jumps, berms, and flowing descents. Gunny Loop, a moderate 7.1-mile trail, rewards riders with sweeping views of the Little Book Cliffs, while Pucker Up and Free Lunch are reserved exclusively for downhill adventures.
For more seasonal adventures in Grand Junction, check out pages 30-31 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.