Here are the spots all over the state that will make your holidays brighter

By Jay McKinney

Those looking for something unusual and off the beaten path for holiday entertainment can rest easy. There are choices throughout the state. Forget Santa at the mall. Visit some authentic venues that might even get you out on a winter road trip.

Breckenridge

Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas

Dec. 4

Few mountain towns celebrate Christmas as well as Breckenridge. The holiday festivities officially kick off on Dec. 4 with the Race of the Santas, where hundreds of people dressed as Santa gather in the town and run down Main Street in a .75 mile sprint. After the race, nearly 250,000 LED Christmas lights will illuminate the town in the Lighting of Breckenridge as people party through the night and embrace the Christmas spirit. Other events will include the Holiday Dog Parade, Moose March and countdown to the tree lighting with Santa Claus.

Colorado Springs

The North Pole & Santa’s Workshop

It might not be the North Pole geographically but visiting the small amusement park just outside of Colorado Springs is an entertaining day trip that every Colorado family must take. The mountain park will put a huge smile on every kids’ face. Open from the end of May through Christmas Eve, the North Pole features multiple rides, magic shows and of course, the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Starting on Nov. 1, visitors must make a reservation to visit this iconic Colorado Christmas destination.

Lakewood

DCPA’s Camp Christmas - Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park

Through Jan. 2

Camp Christmas takes the holiday spirit and pairs it with the imaginative vision of Colorado-based artist Lonnie Hanzon. The extensive display of lights, decorations and music captures and holds the attention of visitors as they wander through the six-acre property that makes up the camp. Enjoy a free audio tour, collect virtual Merry Badges and learn jolly jokes at the 23 pun trees, all while sipping a seasonal cocktail or hot cocoa.

Pueblo

Mistletoe Market located in Old Towne Carriage House

Dec. 10-12

The third annual Mistletoe Market will take place in Pueblo’s Old Towne Carriage House starting Friday Dec. 10 and run through the weekend until Dec. 12. This free event will provide visitors a chance to do some last-minute Christmas shopping thanks to more than 30 vendors. The market will also feature a coffee and pastry bar and there will be Christmas cocktails served as well.

Denver

Christmas Sweater 5K

Dec. 19

Everybody loves to show off their Christmas sweaters (ugly or not) and the Washington Park 5K is the perfect opportunity to do so. The event will cost $35 to enter and will take place on the morning of Dec. 19. Sun or snow, the event will occur so prepare accordingly and layer up under that Christmas sweater if needed. A virtual 5K is also an option and participants will receive a race shirt, medal and bib in the mail.

Salida

Christmas Mountain

The town of Salida raises the bar for Christmas spirit each year by lighting up a massive tree that everyone can enjoy. The tradition started in 1989 and marked the first lighting of the 750-foot-tall Christmas tree illuminating the town’s famous Tenderfoot Mountain with a giant “S '' on it. The light display offers an impressive view from downtown Salida.