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My Favorite Holiday Events: Christmas at Gaylord Rockies Resort

By Christen Reiner, Macaroni Kid Lakewood-Littleton & Macaroni Kid Denver Editor and Publisher December 10, 2020

CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD ROCKIES

November 20, 2020 – January 3, 2021

6700 North Rockies Boulevard | Aurora, CO

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9 hours.

That is how long my family spent immersed the absolutely stunning Christmas wonderland at Christmas at Gaylord Rockies Resort. 

You probably won't believe me, but every moment was delightful. (I couldn't believe it myself!) The activities at Gaylord were so well done that each one was a new adventure for my kids, and they never had an opportunity to even think about melting down.

IT'S MY FAVORITE BECAUSE...

Gaylord is BEAUTIFUL. It's HUGE. And it's less than an hour away! There were so many things to do, at every price range, and everything was awesome. Being at Gaylord actually felt like a mini vacation! Not everyone will be able to spend 9 hours there, but it's possible to make a day of it with any budget, for any age group. 

MOM TIPS:

  • Dress in layers! There are indoor activities AND outdoor activities, and it can be pretty chilly outside. ICE! provides parkas to use while exploring Rudolph's world, but you will definitely need jackets, gloves, hats, and maybe even snowpants when you head outside.
  • Go between meals. There are plenty of dining options at Gaylord, but eating before you arrive will help save your funds for the activities.
  • Bring a stroller or wagon for your little ones. As I mentioned, Gaylord is HUGE, and depending on the activities you choose, you may have to walk a bit.
  • Book online and plan your day before you go! Some activities will sell out, and having a plan will help your time at the Gaylord go more smoothly AND be more enjoyable for everyone. Plus, you can take advantage of the package discounts that are offered.
  • Times must be reserved for most activities to allow for social distancing... be sure to visit 
  • FYI: There is a fee for parking at the resort.

SAVE 20% on I Love Christmas when you book using the code MACKID



2020 COVID PROTOCOLS

I was impressed by Gaylord's commitment to keeping their guests healthy and safe. Here's what we saw happening while we were there:

  • Masks required inside and outside
  • Signage ensuring Social Distancing
  • Extra staff to help guide guests to maintain social distancing
  • Reduced furniture, occupancy, and seating capacities throughout the hotel and at each activity
  • Thorough cleaning between rides
  • Extra custodial staff in all areas of the hotel
  • Limited and distanced seating at restaurants
  • Times must be reserved for most activities to allow for social distancing


SAVE 20% on I Love Christmas when you book using the code MACKID


Whether you are on a budget, or prefer to go all out for the day, you can find your Christmas fun at Christmas at Gaylord Rockies Resort. We've assembled some sample itineraries that might help you plan your visit. 

BUDGET MINDED FUN

πŸŽ„ Light! at Gaylord Rockies Resort - FREE!

Follow the trail of lights on foot or check them out from inside the resort...either way, they are gorgeous!

πŸŽ„ Christmas Traditions with Mrs. Claus - $12.99 per person

Cookies, Milk, Singing, Stories, Mrs. Claus, AND an Elf? What could be better? A welcome treat for the family in an adorable setting.

πŸŽ„ Merry Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt - $9.99 per person

Explore the entire hotel to complete the hunt, and earn a special prize for your efforts! We loved the adventure!

πŸŽ„ Snow Merry-Go-Round - $5.99 per person per ride

Hop on a tube and go for a spin. Perfect for all ages!


AFFORDABLE HOLIDAY CHEER

πŸŽ„ i ❀️ Christmas Movies! - From $13.99 child/$24.99 adult

If you are Christmas movie fans like my family is, you will not want to miss this magical journey that takes you right into over 13 scenes from the iconic ones like ELF™οΈ, A CHRISTMAS STORY™οΈ, and THE POLAR EXPRESS™οΈ. I could have spent all day in there, admiring all of the movie sets!

πŸŽ„ Glacier Point Ice Skating or Tubing - From $15.99/$17.99 per person

Enjoy unlimited skating or tubing for the day! My kids LOVED the skating, and tubing was a blast... all the fun without getting snowy!

πŸŽ„ Visit Santa Claus! - FREE!

Meet the jolliest of the elves while you are at Gaylord! (No personal photos allowed, and photos are an extra charge.)

πŸŽ„ Ice Bumper Cars - $10.99 per person per ride

If you want to laugh hysterically while chasing your friends or family, this is the ride for you. 

πŸŽ„ Light! at Gaylord Rockies Resort - FREE!

Follow the trail of lights on foot or check them out from inside the resort...either way, they are gorgeous!


ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

πŸŽ„ i ❀️ Christmas Movies! - From $13.99 child/$24.99 adult

If you are Christmas movie fans like my family is, you will not want to miss this magical journey that takes you right into over 13 scenes from the iconic ones like ELF™οΈ, A CHRISTMAS STORY™οΈ, and THE POLAR EXPRESS™οΈ. I could have spent all day in there, admiring all of the movie sets!

πŸŽ„ Glacier Point Ice Skating or Tubing - From $15.99/$17.99 per person

Enjoy unlimited skating or tubing for the day! My kids LOVED the skating, and tubing was a blast... all the fun without getting snowy!

πŸŽ„ Gingerbread Decorating Corner - Gingerbread Family Kit - $24.99, Ugly Sweater Kit - $19.99, Gingerbread House Kit - $29.99

The perfect sit-down break for the family. You'll have everything you need to design a one of a kind holiday house! I highly recommend doing this activity last or bringing your masterpiece to the car when you finish!

πŸŽ„ Brunch with Charlie Brown and Friends - $19.99 per Child / $32.99 per Adult

Visit with the Peanuts Gang wile enjoying a delicious meal at this one of a kind experienece!

πŸŽ„ Visit Santa Claus! - Photo Packages from $35.00

Meet the jolliest of the elves while you are at Gaylord! (Must purchase a photo package and reserve a time to visit. No personal photos allowed.)

πŸŽ„ Sugary Sweet Storytime - $15.99 per person

The Sugarplum Fairy herself takes you on an adventure in the world of The Nutcracker, where you end the journey with a super tasty Sugarplum Hot Chocolate in a festive souvenir mug.

πŸŽ„ Light! at Gaylord Rockies Resort - FREE!

Follow the trail of lights on foot or check them out from inside the resort...either way, they are gorgeous!


Keep in mind that these are just suggestions! There are so many options that creating your own custom itinerary is pretty easy. Prices vary by attraction. Save up to 40% by combining activities during your visit.



Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
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Disclaimer: My family received complimentary admission to activities at Christmas at Gaylord Rockies Resort. All opinions are my own and that of my family!