Holiday Festivities Spread Cheer

Tenderfoot Mountain with Christmas tree-outlined lights and fireworks exploding above

Soon Salida will transform into a winter wonderland with the return of the community’s beloved holiday traditions.

Holiday Park

In 2020, the Salida Sunrise Rotary Club (SSR) took over managing the beloved Salida tradition of Holiday Park. Starting on Thanksgiving and lasting throughout the holiday season, Riverside Park is transformed into a festive tree-lined pathway where residents and visitors can stroll sidewalks lined with elaborately decorated trees. An organization, business or individual sponsors each tree. All funds raised from these tree adoptions help provide scholarships to Salida High School students and local individuals pursuing higher education. Tree adoption applications will be accepted through Wednesday, November 16, and should be mailed to Salida Sunrise Rotary Club, PO Box 1044, Salida, CO 81201.

Light Up Salida: Holiday Parade

Salida’s holiday parade, hosted by the Salida Business Alliance, will be held the day after Thanksgiving, on November 25. The Nutcracker-themed parade will start on Fifth Street, continue down F Street to Sackett Street, and showcase many local businesses and organizations.

SteamPlant Holiday Open House

Following the Holiday Parade, warm up at the SteamPlant and enjoy refreshments before the lighting of Christmas Mountain.

Christmas Mountain

Salida’s iconic holiday light display, nicknamed Christmas Mountain, will once again shine over Salida throughout the holiday season. This 750-foot-tall Christmas tree, made of more than 4,500 brightly colored LED bulbs, is the largest in Colorado and officially transforms Salida into Christmas Town. It’s been a local tradition and holiday attraction since 1989. 

Festive Fireworks Display

Salida’s Fire Department has scheduled a full fireworks display beginning at 6:00 p.m. following the holiday parade. For safety, Spiral Drive on Tenderfoot Mountain will be closed at the gate to all traffic, including vehicles, bikers and hikers.