The Merriest, Quirkiest and Sparkliest Holiday Traditions and Festivals in the West

"Denver Botanic Gardens does a magical lighting display with carolers, hot cider, hot chocolate, and hot nuts. It's a wonderful way to get us all into the holiday spirit. It's good for all ages," says Celeste M., from Superior, CO. And the city's botanical garden doesn't just host one holiday tradition. It has two: Santa's Village takes place at Chatfield Farms, where kiddos get to meet Santa, have storytime with Mrs. Claus, and drop off letters to Old Sant Nick in a quaint setting. Then, ver at the Gardens' York Street location, the over-the-top Blossoms of Light fest doubles down on the sparkle with immersive displays and thousands of bulbs.

"The Hotel del Coronado decorates from cellar to dome with magnificent trees, garlands, and traditional decorations. Many families go to see the beautiful decorations," says Faith M., from San Diego. "But the hotel also has a special dinner in the ballroom. Before or after dinner, you can go ice skating at the rink on the beach. It's really a special way to celebrate the holidays!"

On the first Saturday in December, before the crush of holiday tourists descends upon the resort town, locals create their own festive scene: 350 residents don Santa suits for a five-block dash down Main Street, followed by a block party. "The Race of the Santas is a social occasion for some and a must-win event for more competitive types," says Andy Harris, who’s run the race each year since its inception in 2011. Afterward, runners and spectators convene for cocoa and caroling song, then applaud the Lighting of Breckenridge, when the real—ahem—Santa arrives, parades through town in a horse-drawn carriage, and flips the switch for thousands of Christmas lights across town.

"My family attends the San Francisco Ballet's production of The Nutcracker every year. It is such a beautiful performance. The costumes change every year, says Danville reader Kimberly B., who's turned the play into a holiday tradition for her family. "We also like to visit Union Square and have tea at the Neiman Marcus restaurant to further enjoy the view." Fun fact: The San Francisco Ballet was the first American company to perform a full version of the iconic show.

Dan C. of Portland says, the city's Holiday Ale Festival, hosted at Pioneer Courthouse Square, is his "favorite event of the holiday season, truly, but then again I am a beer nerd. The festival features dozens of craft beers for tasting, including batches released just for the holidays." Running for four days, the celebration ends with a beer-soaked brunch on Sunday.

A rite of passage for New Mexico locals, the Farolito Walk lines sidewalks in front of historic homes and businesses with luminaries made of small paper bags filled with sand and a candle. Shops host extended hours and sales, while street performers bring the mirth. "On Christmas Eve the city gathers to enjoy the festive lights. We start at the base of Canyon Road at sunset, sip cider while we stroll, and have fun with our neighbors," says Santa Fe reader Mary H.

Rachel P. from Albuquerque says: "The light of 50 lovingly tended fires flickers and dances across an 800-year-old home—in fact, a mountain of homes—built and shared by the people of Taos Pueblo, which itself lies against a backdrop of a 12,000-foot mountain. Songs of praise and gratitude rise above the crowd, as Mary—the Mother—is brought out from the chapel for all to see and adore. On good years, there's snow crunching beneath your feet as you huddle close, sing and laugh with strangers, and bask in hope, and each other. Christmas begins here for me."

"Our new holiday tradition is the Glendale Glitters tree lighting. While one must adjust to mixing saguaro and spruce, it is a disservice to call it a 'tree lighting' when you are counting down to igniting 1.5 million holiday lights: every bit as thrilling as the Times Square ball drop and the weather is always better. The lighting kicks off a month of holiday events which draws us closer together," says Bruce W. of Chula Vista, CA.

For about seven decades, the Winterhaven neighborhood folk have gone all out in decking out their homes. You can take a party bike, hayride, or go on foot to see the holiday splendor. "I love going to see the Christmas lights every year. I love going on a horse-drawn carriage or a hayride through it. It always brings a happy memory," says Julie L. of Milton, FL.

This Seattle-area holiday tradition can be enjoyed from the water or from the shore. "Argosy's Christmas Ship sails to different spots around the Sound. The ship stops near the shore in each community and carolers on board sing as the ship's holiday lights twinkle. For years we and our friends have a tradition of building a bonfire near the beach, drinking hot cocoa, and enjoying the performance when it comes to our area," says Bainbridge Island's Kathy L.

In its 24th year, Magic in the Market brings live music, live reindeer, and handmade stocking stuffers to Seattle's storied market. "We always love visiting Pike Place Market, but December is such a special time there. We bring the kids and take photos with Santa, get hot cider, and stroll the market before watching the grand tree lighting,"says Woodinville, WA, reader Ashleigh B.

"The nonprofit California Living Museum (CALM) puts up this amazing display every holiday with 2 million Christmas lights that drench their property. They have a lot of fun displays wrapped in lights and usually have a youth group put on a play of "A Charlie Brown Christmas." We get a hot chocolate as soon as we arrive and walk around in the crisp air and enjoy the lights," says local Katie B.