We got some great prices on tix in December (9-12). We fly into (from SFO) Denver and I am not sure where to go from there since it is such a short trip. The travel sites say Aspen is 3 Hours away and Fodorites seem to lean towards 4+ hours. We have done some winter driving, but I don't like cliff hanger driving either (not very romantic!). We are open to any ideas to see Christmas decorations and old style towns as well as may be snow shoeing or something less expensive than skiing. We like to spend a little more on the accomodations for our anniversary (to *** star). Should we be looking at a different city? We are two 50ishers and have interests in architecture, history, and holiday spirit! Thanks for any advice on location and or accomodations.

A long weekend in Denver in December could be fun.
I checked Orbitz for your dates and found three boutique hotels in Denver available (Oxford $171/nt, Hotel Teatro $188/nt and Hotel Monaco $118/nt) also the Grand Hyatt $188/night.
Denver has many nice restaurants and shopping areas. The Cherry Creek Mall and the Cherry Creek North area are always decorated for the holidays. The City and County building has a very colorful (some would say gaudy) holiday lights display.
Georgetown, a historic mining town, is about 30-40 minutes west of Denver on I-70 has its Christmas market the first two weekends in December. Evergreen in the foothills west of Denver has ice skating on its lake as well as a cute downtown with shops and restaurants. Boulder has the Pearl Street Mall--a pedestrian mall--which would be decorated in December.
Denver has a symphony, ballet, theater company, all of which would be presenting holiday productions in December.
The Botanic Gardens usually does Blossoms of Light--the gardens are decorated with thousands of lights--you visit at night.
As to architecture--the new wing of the Art Museum, designed by Daniel Libeskind is opening next month. Michael Graves designed the expansion of the Denver Public Library a few years ago. (The library and museum are within a block of each other.) You can tour the Molly Brown house--a Victorian house that was the home of the unsinkable Molly Brown. Denver has preserved its oldest block of building-Larimer Square-which has lovely boutiques and restaurants.
As to snow shoeing--if you've done this before, I'm sure anyplace you would rent equipment, could give you trail maps etc. If you want someone to take you to a trail and guide you, the prices on the one website I found were not cheap--over $100 for a full day.
Here's a website to get you started http://www.denver.org/

Wow! There looks to be lots to do in Denver! I especially like the ice skating.....Do I take your message to mean Aspen is too far for such a short trip (in your opinion? Thanks..G&K from Napa CA

Aspen is probably 4+ hours driving from December, unless the roads are bad. It's not really a cliff-hanger drive, especially since you won't be going over Independence Pass in December. It's a nice drive, actually. You could stop in Vail for a break, then go through Glenwood Canyon which is pretty, and on to Aspen.

For Christmas, Aspen would be especially nice for an anniversary trip. It would be expensive, though. Look up the Hotel Jerome, for a historic and very classy hotel in the center of town. The Little Nell is the other high-end hotel in town. I suggest you stay in Aspen proper, not Snowmass, since you aren't skiing.

You would have plenty to do, other than ski in Aspen. It's beautiful there. Probably you could find a sleigh ride/dinner package, that sort of thing. It's a nice town to walk in, great restaurants and shops. Also, not as glitzy as people assume, so don't be intimidated by it. (Little Nell might have over-the-top guests.)

You can also fly to Aspen from Denver, or take the train from Denver to Glenwood, which is another 45 minute drive to Aspen by shuttle/bus.

If you want to stay closer to Denver, for Christmas atmosphere I'd recommend Breckenridge, or maybe Georgetown because they are nice Victorian towns.

Or, the poster above gives you good ideas for staying in and near Denver and splurging on a nicer hotel, like the Monaco or Teatro.

Have fun!

...a sleigh ride dinner package! I am sold! That is my kind of trip.the availiability of this kind of experience may just guide me to our destination. (now if only Bing Crosby could seeranade us I would be in heaven. Thanks so much..I will search all those cities and hotels...what a great idea! G

spplejacks, the sleigh ride /dinner combo was wonderful. I did it in Durango, and the night was magical. The sound of sleighbells, runners on the snow and the horses' breath. Fiercely bright starry night above. Good food (choice of steak or chicken). Ours was BYOB - but we didn't know. Check yours to see if you can bring your own bottle of wine.

I did not expect to enjoy snowmobiling much at all. It was a BLAST! That was a trip out of Breckenridge - but a pretty far drive out from Breckenridge.

Almost ski town will offer what you are looking for. Look for good rates. Even check out vrbo rentals. If you choose to stay outside of a ski town, look at Summitt County.

Have fun - and happy anniversary!

PS - Have you ever considered dog-sledding?

Okay, look at this place. Not a bad drive from Denver. A PERFECT winter anniversary getway - especially if you don't ski.

http://www.allairetimbers.com/

Book the Summitt Pass Suite for a very memorable anniversary weekend. Beautiful room, fireplace, spa and deck. Just a great place to be - believe me.

Also, if you want to stay somewhere between Denver and Aspen, try the historic Redstone Inn.

Breckenridge, two hours west of Denver, is a fun winter town, with many non-skiing activities. The Hunt Placer B&B is lovely.

I have to second the suggestion of Breckenridge which is a 2 hour drive from the Denver airport. It is an historic Victorian town that just twinkles with white lights all winter. There is an ice skating rink, lots of trails for snowshoeing, dinner sleigh rides, and horse-drawn carriage rides around town. The Hearthstone and St. Bernard's are 2 of our favorite restaurants.