Emerged into Christmas at this Colorado resort

During the winter and holiday months, it is hard to get the entire family outside. Several years ago, we decided to start doing staycation not only to help our mental welfare. But to help support the local economy.

In years past we have stayed at the Monarch Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk, Brown Palace, and the Hyatt, both in Denver. We love staying in Denver to attend one of the great events at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts on Christmas Eve.

This year we decided to do a holiday staycation over the Thanksgiving weekend at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center by Marriott. We knew a big snowstorm was on its way and that we were going to be stuck inside. So that one night was perfect to do a staycation. See hotel video tour.

This year the Gaylord was presenting their ICE event. Where thousands of pounds of ice were carved into figures and scenes from the movie A Christmas Story.

A Christmas Story theme ice sculpture.Photo byColorado Martini Publishing LLC YouTube

The Gaylord did not let us down. The entire hotel was filled with holiday décor and festive events. Each year an area in the convention center is oozing with holiday ambience. From the Milestone Village to the Ice event. Even Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus can be found. See hotel video tour.

During our stay, the Grand Lodge was being renovated. Which was very disappointing. Because it is one of our favorite reasons for coming to the Gaylord. Since the entire Grand Lodge was sectioned off and closed, it made it a bit crowded and hard to find a place to sit and relax. In addition, the indoor pool area was very crowded but still doable. We decided to wait to dip our toes in pool until 9:00 p.m. Thinking it would be less crowded. We were wrong. There were still lots of people in the pool and Jacuzzis. See hotel video tour.

We do recommend a staycation at the Gaylord and attending their ICE event. But be warned, with the Grand Lodge being closed off, it has lost a lot of it character. It is scheduled to reopen sometime in 2024.

• See hotel video tour
• See ICE video tour
• Get ICE tickets
• Gaylord Winter Events
• Gaylord discounts