If you’ve ever stayed at Aspenwood House during the holidays - enjoying our forest‑cut Christmas tree glowing inside and the outside lights twinkling against the winter sky - you’ve already experienced one of our favorite Colorado traditions. And yes, we keep those lights shining in January on purpose.
A Colorado Tradition We’re Proud to Honor
Across Colorado, it’s perfectly normal (and encouraged!) to leave holiday lights shining well past New Year’s. This custom goes back nearly a century and is tied to one of the state’s most iconic events: the National Western Stock Show. For generations, Coloradans have kept their lights glowing through the end of the Stock Show as a way to welcome visitors, celebrate our Western heritage, and brighten the darkest stretch of winter. At Aspenwood House, it’s our way of staying connected to traditions.
A Warm Welcome for Every Guest
Aspenwood House was designed to feel like a true retreat - warm, festive and inviting to make winter feel magical. It also carries a special nod to our family’s Colorado roots with just a hint of our Swiss heritage woven in (though we’ve traded the traditional candles for twinkling electric lights). The National Western Stock Show is a celebration of Colorado’s history and the spirit that shaped this state. By keeping our lights shining until the Stock Show wraps up, Aspenwood House joins thousands of homes and businesses across Colorado in honoring that heritage. It connects us to a tradition stretching back to the 1920s when Denver first kept its holiday lights glowing to welcome ranchers, families and visitors from across the country.
Keeping the Magic Alive a Little Longer
At Aspenwood House, we’ve reduced skyglow around the property to help protect wildlife’s natural behaviors (migration, foraging, breeding) but we intentionally keep soft, warm lights up a little longer because they bring comfort during the darkest stretch of winter. Paired with simple winter rituals like fresh mountain air, a walk along the river, a good meal in town or time spent with the people you love is our way of keeping Aspenwood House feeling bright and inviting all season long. Winter in the Rockies is magical and we believe the season deserves to be celebrated. not rushed, so don’t be surprised to see around here, the lights stay on until the National Western Stock Show says it’s time to take them down. After all, it’s tradition!