There’s something magical about the holidays in the Vail Valley 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.
Vail Village lights up for the holidays at the annual tree lighting celebration at the Children’s Fountain in Vail Village, located on Gore Creek Drive in between Pepi’s and Lancelot. There is live caroling, an appearance by Santa, and more!
This holiday market takes over the streets of Vail with lights, garland, holiday treats, Colorado artisans, as well as multiple entertainment venues with musical entertainment, kids activities, gluhwein and more.
Fun for the entire family, the Ugly Sweater Fun Run is a noncompetitive event that will start and finish at Bart & Yeti’s in Lionshead. Start time is 8:30 a.m. Choose from a 5K or 3K run through Lionshead and Vail Village. Join the celebration afterward at Bart & Yeti’s, with refreshments, raffle prizes, and awards for the best outfits for individuals, teams, kids, and dogs.
Embrace this cherished tradition of meeting with the jolly man himself. Free photos will be available and can be shared with you digitally or printed onsite.
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Frisson, an extraordinary ensemble of 11 musicians at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek Village. The program features beloved seasonal classics, including selections from The Nutcracker Suite, “Winter” from The Four Seasons, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells, White Christmas, a lively Jazz Holiday Suite, All I Want for Christmas Is You, and an audience sing-along of favorite holiday songs.
The true spirit of Christmas lives in this heartwarming production of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek Village.
