Holiday getaways: there's only so much eggnog you can sip by the fireplace before you want to pack the family in the car and take a real Colorado vacation.

• Author: Cote, Maria
• Position: [holiday] GETAWAYS

Sure, there's nothing like home for the holidays. Nothing like a calendar crammed with social gatherings after that parade of company Christmas parties. Nothing like weeks spent buying and wrapping (or conniving someone to do that for you). Nothing like a constant barrage of visitors who can't wait to fly into Colorado.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

So perhaps, sometime between when the first Thanksgiving relative flies out, and the last one lands at your doorstep on Christmas Eve, you should take a little time to think about taking a day or two, or, heck a week, to relax.

This list of holiday hotels and resorts is by no means inclusive. You'll discover places that will pamper you everywhere from Pueblo to Telluride. But we pulled a handful known-to-be festive spots for families and couples. Go ahead: Indulge yourselves.

The Broadmoor Hotel and Resort

1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs

(719) 577-5775

www.broadmoor.com

Head to the Broadmoor anytime through the new year, and you'll notice something very familiar. You'll feel like you're truly home for the holidays.

"Everything we do from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day is about extending the holiday tradition," says Allison Scott, director of communications for the Broadmoor. "It's our family--which means as many as 1,900 employees--opening our house to other families."

The decorations at the Broadmoor are both elegant and homey. "We have pros come in to decorate some of it, but our 'family' really adds to that decor," Scott says.

The holiday scene: A Classic Broadmoor Christmas takes place Dec. 17, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24. The holiday show features the Broadmoor Pops Band, as well as dancing and singing. Check the resort for special room rates. The emphasis at the Broadmoor in December is on family fun, including breakfast with Santa and a gingerbread wonderland.

Viceroy Snowmass

130 Wood Road, Snowmass Village

(888) 622-4567

www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/snowmass

If your ideal holiday vacation includes skiing, head out to this ski-in/ski-out resort. While you're only minutes from Aspen, a family could comfortably spend a week right at Viceroy, enjoying yoga classes, a spa, cross-country skiing and several fine dining options. One thing is for sure: If you choose to celebrate the holidays at Viceroy Snowmass, you'd better bring along gifts wrapped in recycled paper. This destination is one of very few that has received Silver certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This...