A&E Agenda: Aspen Chapel Gallery, Summit for Life, and holiday fun
Après Ski Aspen Chapel Gallery hours, from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 14.
Hot chocolate and cookies will be offered. Thirty-four artists have created over 300 pieces of original artwork, prices are $250 or less.
“If you haven’t seen the show, these special après ski shopping times with refreshments would be a perfect time,” Co-director Michael Bonds. “You can pick your artwork, pay for it, and take it home. Shop local at the Aspen Chapel Gallery.”
The show is in partnership with Holiday Baskets. The 41-year-old nonprofit provided gifts and food cards to 300 families, including 1,300 individuals, in 2023. They serve people from Aspen to Glenwood Springs who are referred by local social service agencies.
The Aspen Chapel Gallery is located in the Aspen Chapel, off the roundabout and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please phone gallery Co-directors Tom Ward, 970-925-8367, Bonds, 970-925-6083; Aspen Chapel at 970-925-7184; or visit aspenchapelgallery.org.
Summit For Life, 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aspen Mountain
Chris Klug Foundation invites you to join them and 425 supporters to climb 3,267 vertical feet to the Ajax summit at night. This event will be celebrating its 19th year.
All ages are welcome, and if hiking is not your style but you would like to join in the celebrations, you can always Ride for Life and take a scenic gondola trip to the top. The party will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the base of Aspen Mountain, with the race getting underway at 5 p.m. Athletes can choose to skin, snowshoe, run, or hike to the top, and Kahtoola will be on-site to loan spikes to any racers in need. Once racers reach the top, they will be greeted at the finish line with celebrations, cheer, and their own Summit for Life Medal.
The Little Nell and Midnight Lightning will keep the party going with a delicious dinner and sensational tunes. There will be awards for the top athletes and fundraisers during the evening, as well as the presentation of the 2024 Michael Wells Award given to an inspirational donation and transplantation community member.
Rock Island Oyster Bar and Grill grand opening, Saturday, Snowmass
Rock Island Oyster Bar and Grill is hosting a grand opening party on Saturday. Festivities include all-day happy hour, music by Rodrigo and 8th Street Bus Stop, and a ribbon cutting at 7 p.m.
Annual Sardy House Christmas Tree Lighting, Saturday
Please join Santa and Mrs. Claus to celebrate the 40th Annual Sardy House Tree Lighting. Music from the Aspen Bell Tones and Aspen Noise. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate during the festivities.
The Little Nell: Tree Lighting, 5 p.m. on Sunday
Join the Little Nell on Dec. 8 for the Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, a cherished community tradition that transforms our Wine Bar and Courtyard into a magical winter wonderland. From 5-7 p.m., delight in complimentary freshly baked cookies, rich hot cocoa, and warm apple cider crafted by our pastry chefs while the Aspen High School choir fills the air with beloved carols. Create lasting memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus and embrace the spirit of the season alongside friends and neighbors. Festive beverages will be available for purchase in The Wine Bar.
Old Fashioned Holiday Open House at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, 4-6 p.m. on Monday
Aspen Historical Society invites the community to celebrate the holidays with old-fashioned fun at the annual Holiday Open House from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum. The free event showcases the museum’s nostalgic Victorian-era holiday décor as well as the popular exhibit “Decade by Decade: Aspen Revealed” on the second floor. With caroling led by pianist David Dyer, festive libations, light snacks, and more, it will be a festive and fun night at the museum. Plus, find unique gifts for all ages in the museum gift shop, including special edition 2025 photo calendars while supplies last.
Sarah Girgis is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Aspen Times. She can be reached at 970-429-9151 or sgirgis@aspentimes.com.
