What Are Your Big Plans for the Weekend?

Winter has finally come to Colorado and already your options are opening up. Now that Black Friday shopping and Cyber Monday are out of the way, how about finding yourself in a place up in the mountains that is really out of the way? No, we aren’t talking about Vail, Estes, or some overhyped ski town. Come to where the true spirit of Colorado lives on.

Spend the weekend before the holidays in North Park!

Small town fun and holiday cheer await in the northern Colorado region known as North Park. At the center of this breathtaking mountain valley, you’ll find the hub of the area, Walden, CO. For the next few weeks, Walden comes alive with holiday cheer as we approach the Christmas holiday.

What’s going on?

For the next two weekends there’s plenty of things to do to add magic to your holidays. The first weekend of December is just the beginning of the countdown to Christmas.

See a Show!

North Park Pioneer Players Presents: “‘Wait Til the Sun Shines, Nellie’ or ‘So Long, Snivelheart!!’ An Old West Melodrama” at the Community Church in Walden, CO on December 6th. Showtimes will be at 4pm and 7pm. Tickets are $20. Call 970-819-5424 for more information.

Christmas Tree Cutting

Starting off with the annual Christmas Tree Cutting event at the Colorado State Forest State Park in Gould, CO on HWY 14. Dec 6-7 from 9am to 2pm, you can cut your own tree for just $10 per tree (limit 5 trees, please). Stop by the Moose Visitor Center to get your map to the cutting area. Cash and check payments only. Be sure to bring tie-downs and a hot beverage and snacks for the drive. The scenery around Gould is incredible too, so you might want to bring your camera.

What else to do in Gould, CO?

Just over Cameron Pass from Poudre Canyon, you’ll discover Gould, CO. A mountain village with an interesting history of logging camps, mining, WW2 POW camp, and now the entrance to the only State Forest in Colorado with thousands of acres of hiking, skiing, and snowmobile trails to enjoy throughout the winter.

Where to Eat in Gould

Stop by the Howling Coyote Mexican Restaurant for Chihuahan inspired dishes from grilled beef to seafood. The atmosphere is mountain dining at its best, with the menu to match! Howling Coyote Mexican Restaurant at 55278 state highway 14 Walden, CO

Call: (970) 723-4025 and check out their Facebook to find out more.

Stay the weekend

The Gould area has some of North Park’s most unique places to stay in Jackson County. So when you are cutting your Christmas tree, stay a couple days for the full mountain experience.

Yonder Yurts

Throughout the State Forest State Park, you’ll find these semi-permanent tent structures inspired by the homes of nomadic peoples of the Mongolian steppes. Yonder Yurts offers the best glamping experience in the Colorado high country, with clean weather-hardy accommodations, wood burning stoves for heat, and easy access to some of the most beautiful mountain scenery you’ll ever see.

Powderhorn Cabins

The Powderhorn Cabins are continuing a tradition of rustic cabins, RV parking with hookups, and even a pavilion for you and your group to hang out with other guests. Cabins include woodburning stoves, electricity, and even refrigerators, some with kitchenettes and plenty of room for large groups.

The Big Holiday Weekend in Walden

Plan your visit to the biggest weekend of the holiday season in Walden, CO. On the weekend of December 12-14, the town will be alive with the holiday spirit.

A North Park Christmas

When: All weekend long!

Where: Main Street, Walden, CO

Main Street of Walden will be ablaze with Christmas lights and good cheer on these cold winter days and nights with A North Park Christmas. Immerse yourself in the season, from Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen to the Grinch Shop, fun and games at the historic Elkhorn, and a photo-op with Santa himself at the Park Theatre. Under the glow of the Christmas light display, you can catch up with old friends, listen to live music, and even shop for holiday decor and festive gifts all along Main Street in Walden, CO. Check it out from December 12-14th.

2025 Christmas Market

When: Dec 12th 3-6pm and Dec 13th 10-4pm

Where: Wattenberg Center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, north of Walden, CO near the airport.

At the 2025 Christmas Market, you’ll find the best place for last minute gifts in Walden. This holiday craft festival brings together local artisans and mom and pop businesses for one-of-a-kind gifts you will not find anywhere else. 

• Glass art
• Handmade soaps and lotions
• Pop-up shops with fashion accessories
• Handmade jewelry
• Bladesmithing
• Pet accessories
• Great food
• So much more!

North Park Pioneer Players

When: 4pm and 7pm; December 13th

Where: Community Church on the corner of 5th Street and McKinley in Walden, CO

The closing shows of the year! The North Park Pioneer Players will be performing “‘Wait Til the Sun Shines, Nellie’ or ‘So Long, Snivelheart!!’ An Old West Melodrama” at the Community Church in Walden, CO. Admission is $20. Call 970-819-5424 for more information.

Live Reindeer! 

When: Dec 12

Where: Caribou Crossing Motel, Walden, CO

Check out the live reindeer courtesy of the Colorado Reindeer Ranch at the newly renovated Caribou Crossing Motel. Also enjoy some of their crazy Christmas decorations for the season.

Brunch with Santa

When: Sunday, December 14th 10am-1pm

Where: Jerelin Wattenberg Event Center, Jackson County Fairgrounds, Walden, CO

Your last chance to tell Santa your Christmas list! Information on Brunch With Santa:  Walden Events LLC presents the 2025 North Park Brunch with Santa. Guests will get to enjoy a pancake brunch, photos with Santa, real reindeer, face painting for the kids and more! 

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry this Christmas!

While you are in town, you are going to want to have somewhere to eat, sleep, and shop. There are plenty of options for places to stay you can find here. Check out the Businesses link for a full list, but here are some recommendations.

Where to Eat

On your visit you are going to want to know the best places to eat in Walden, CO. Here’s a list of top places to add to your list!

Rita’s Cafe

For the top rated breakfast and lunch place in Walden, stop by Rita’s Cafe on the north end of Walden, CO. Check out their Facebook for menu and hours on your visit.

Mis Tres Reyes

Walden’s newest restaurant, this seafood, Mexican, and burger eatery can be found on the corner of 5th and Main Street. Find them on Facebook for more information.

River Rock Cafe

An old local favorite, the River Rock is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all week long. It cannot be beat for atmosphere and ambience with its callback to alpine lodges and rustic charm. See what they have waiting for you here. 

The Stockman Bar and Grill

Where’s the best place to hang out with all of your new friends in North Park? It’s always got to be the Stockman! The longest standing watering hole in Jackson County, the Stockman has just celebrated 40 years of ownership by the same family, but its history goes back even further, from the memories locals share about the place to its historical mahogany bar. Stop by for an adult beverage, dinner specials, and live music! Friend the Stockman on Facebook and don’t forget to stop by for some libations to warm your bones on a cold winter night.

What to expect on your visit

This is the old Colorado, back before corporate ski towns and tourist traps claimed the charm and character of so many mountain towns. In December the weather is cold, and the roads can be treacherous, but you should be fine if you take it slow and enjoy the drive. Dress for the winter weather and enjoy the local color as you walk around town. Be safe out there on the roads and remember that cell phone coverage can be sporadic, especially during winter weather conditions. It’s not a race, so take your time to get here safely. 

A New Holiday Experience

When other mountain towns are choked with traffic and crowds, the sleepy town of Walden offers a getaway from the busy resort towns and tourists. It’s a throwback to a simpler time, where you can discover your very own Christmas village in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Leave your expectations at home and return with ideas for new traditions you’ll want to carry on every holiday season to come.