There’s something magical about the holidays in Steamboat and the festivities begin as soon as the snow flies. Some of the season’s best celebrations happen well before the holiday crowds arrive. Think twinkling tree lightings, Santa sightings, festive markets, torchlight parades, holiday concerts, and quirky mountain-town traditions that start filling the calendar as soon as December arrives.
So why wait for the busiest weeks of the season? Come early, enjoy quieter slopes, check a few gifts off your list, and soak up plenty of holiday spirit along the way. Consider it your chance to get a head start on Christmas mountain style.
Steamboat kicks off the holidays with a Balloon Glow. View the beauty of four magnificent hot air balloons that will illuminate the Mountain Village from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Spectators can stroll among the standing balloons or watch from the warmth of a slope-side restaurant.
It doesn't get any more cowboy than this! Santa rides into Steamboat Square on horseback. The event starts at 1 p.m. and as soon as Santa arrives, he's available for photos.
