Holiday events happening around Snowmass Village
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Wondering what holiday events are going on in Snowmass Village? Plan your festivities now using this list created by Snowmass Tourism.
Holiday merriments
Snowmass Village lights up for the holiday season on Friday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. with the annual Light Up the Night tree lighting ceremony at and around the Snowmass Chapel. Enjoy cocoa, carols, a countdown, and an in-person visit from Santa Claus. Over 40 trees light up the night, making for a stunning picturesque display.
The Collective Snowmass comes alive as Santa’s Village from Dec. 17 through the New Year, complete with nutcrackers, inflatable snowmen, decorative lights, candy canes, art workshops, cookie decorating, crafts, comedy, and more. Guests can take photos and enjoy the festive holiday scene, daily during operating hours.
From Dec. 18 through Dec. 24, the Viceroy Snowmass offers daily activities including holiday crafts and story time, cookie decorating, snowman making, live music, and visits with Santa.
Celebrate Hanukkah at The Collective Snowmass with a large Menorah on display Dec. 25, 2024-January 2, 2025 and a special Menorah Lighting Ceremony with Town of Snowmass Village Mayor Alyssa Shenk on Sunday, Dec. 29 at p.m. The Viceroy Snowmass also features a Menorah Lighting, nightly from Dec. 25-Jan. 2, 2025.
Wintersköl celebration
Wintersköl, a beloved 73-year tradition celebrating “a toast to winter,” debuts new dates and added activities in 2024. Historically held in Aspen in January, Winterskol takes place Dec. 12-15 in Aspen and Snowmass Village. For the full Wintersköl calendar, visit aspenchamber.org/events/winterskol and http://www.gosnwowmass.com/events.
Wintersköl Celebration — Dec. 12
Anderson Ranch Arts Center kicks off the Wintersköl festivities with the annual Holiday Open House on Dec. 12 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Follow candlelit paths through campus, touring the art studios and shopping for original artwork and creatively inspired gifts. The ArtWorks Store will be filled with stocking stuffers and gifts at various price points from this year’s best-selling artists. Complimentary holiday gift wrapping is offered for all purchases. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is appreciated.
Dec. 12 also sees the debut of the inaugural Winter Windows in Snowmass Village. In partnership with Buckhorn Public Arts, Roaring Fork Valley artists and designers are paired with businesses on the Snowmass Mall to create custom illuminated window displays, with 2D and 3D installations that celebrate the winter season and the character of Snowmass. Winter Windows is featured during Wintersköl, Dec. 12-15, with judging and community voting on Dec. 14 during the Winter Intentions Lantern Display and an awards ceremony on Dec. 15 during the Snowmass Retro Party. Winter Windows will remain on the Snowmass Mall through the new year.
Wintersköl in Snowmass — Dec. 13
The Collective Snowmass opens the Game Lounge with free access from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., while Game of Stones takes place on The Rink from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy extended Snowmass S’mores from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Snowmass S’more carts on the Snowmass Mall and in Snowmass Base Village, featuring free hot chocolate and a custom Snowmass Wintersköl giveaway. Explore the Holiday Market from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Snowmass Conference and Events Center, featuring over 20 local artisans and their wares. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures, while enjoying festive cocktails, lively tunes, and supporting local artists. Don’t miss Decemberween, the second annual locals’ Halloween-themed costume party, a la “Nightmare Before Christmas” at the New Belgium Ranger Station from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The party features drink specials, three DJs, giveaways for the best costume, and all-around spooky fun.
Wintersköl in Snowmass — Dec. 14
The Holiday Market is open from noon to 6 p.m. at the Snowmass Conference and Events Center. Extended Snowmass S’mores, enhanced with free hot chocolate and a custom Snowmass Wintersköl giveaway, takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Snowmass S’more carts on the Snowmass Mall and in Snowmass Base Village. During Snowmass S’mores on Friday and Saturday, all are invited to decorate free paper lanterns, part of the Winter Intentions Lantern Display. The Winter Intentions Lantern Display encourages guests to dedicate an intention for the rest of the year, focusing on the winter solstice as a time for reflection and rejuvenation. The lanterns will be displayed on Saturday evening starting at 5:30 p.m. around the Snowmass Mall and in Snowmass Base Village, lighting up town and honoring the darkest time of the year. In addition, the evening features judging and community voting for the Winter Windows. Also taking place on Dec. 14, The Collective Snowmass hosts Open Snow: Winter Snow Forecasting & Finding Powder Days, a free talk in conjunction with the winter weather team from OpenSnow.com from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Collective Hall. Learn about the nuances of mountain weather forecasts and get tips and tricks for finding the best snow conditions this winter!
Wintersköl in Snowmass — Dec. 15
The Holiday Market is open for its final day from noon to 6 p.m. at the Snowmass Conference and Events Center. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. step out for the Snowmass Retro Party at the Viewline Resort Snowmass. An apres-ski celebration of Snowmass’ community character, with a toast to the 57th anniversary of Snowmass Ski Area’s opening day, a retro ski outfit competition, and the awards ceremony for Winter Windows. Retro costumes are encouraged!
Christmas festivities
The Collective Snowmass comes alive with even more merriment in Santa’s Village, Dec. 21-24. Guests can take free photos at a festive photo booth daily. Real reindeer take center stage on Mawita’s deck on Dec. 23, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Santa also comes home to Santa’s Village, while Sensory Santa, in conjunction with Challenge Aspen, and Dog Santa, make an appearance. For the full Santa schedule, visit http://www.gosnowmass.com/events.
Holidays carolers, the Holiday Bell Tones, bring festive cheer to the Snowmass Mall and Base Village, singing crowd favorites, Dec. 21-24 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. For the full schedule of when and where to find the Holiday carolers, visit http://www.gosnowmass.com/events.
On Christmas Eve, guests can attend Christmas Eve Services at the Snowmass Chapel offered at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The 4 p.m. service will be slightly shorter with young children in mind.
On Christmas Day, celebrate Christmas at restaurants and hotels around Snowmass. Special menus abound at The Edge, Aurum Food & Wine Aspen Snowmass, Stark’s Alpine Grill, and more. For additional options, visit http://www.gosnowmass.com/dining.
New Year’s revelries
On New Year’s Eve, guests and locals alike are invited to experience the Torchlight Parade and Fireworks. The Torchlight Parade features skiers and snowboarders making wide turns down the mountain with red flares that illuminate the night sky and snow with a festive glow. The parade begins at 6 p.m. and all are welcome to participate (must be an intermediate skier or above with a valid ski pass or day pass; must sign up online in advance on Dec. 29). Fireworks launch at 10 p.m. to celebrate the New Year.
To ring in 2024 guests can look for a variety of special prix fixe and à la carte menus at restaurants and bars around Snowmass Village. The Lounge at the Limelight Hotel Snowmass is open with no cover from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. with happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring NYE decorations, specials, and the ball drop on the giant projector screen.
The Collective Snowmass hosts a festive, free, family friendly, New Year’s Eve celebration from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. featuring DJ Tenza, party favors, an East Coast ball drop, and a complimentary champagne toast. Aurum Food & Wine Aspen Snowmass features a special three course prix fixe menu for $140 (adults) and $70 (for kids). Stark’s Alpine Grill at the Viewline Resort Snowmass offers an $88 New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu, while the Lobby Bar hosts a New Year’s Eve party with live music, complimentary champagne during the festive NYE countdown, and late-night bites. Stark’s also features New Year’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Edge and Slice Taste of Italy offer prix fixe menus. Rock Island Bar & Grill hosts a party with Rolling Stones cover band, “Emotional Rescue” starting at 10:15 p.m. Tickets go on sale soon with an option to reserve VIP tables. For additional dining options, visit http://www.gosnowmass.com/dining.
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