During the holiday season, Aspen Snowmass transforms into a winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights adorning the downtown area, festive celebrations, and snowy streets alive with the buzz of holiday shoppers. If you are dreaming of the perfect Rocky Mountain Christmas, Aspen Snowmass is the place to be.
To help you make the most of the season, we’ve gathered a list of our favorite Christmas events and activities in Aspen. Remember that details often evolve as the holidays draw closer, so check official websites for the latest updates.
Activities
Aspen Snowmass is perfect for all seasons, but the holidays bring an unparalleled charm. With a mesmerizing combination of festive celebrations plus the tranquil splendor of snow-capped peaks, Aspen Snowmass is a holiday destination like no other.
Skiing and Riding
If you’re dreaming of carving through knee-deep powder this holiday season, a single lift ticket at Aspen Snowmass will open up more than 5,500 acres of some of the best terrain in North America. This means plenty of opportunities to get in some turns and enjoy epic holiday skiing and riding.
While actual prices for tickets and passes vary from year to year, you can find the most current rates on the Aspen Snowmass Tickets and Passes page. For the best rates, booking at least ten days before arrival is always suggested.
For cross-country ski enthusiasts, the Aspen Cross Country Center has you covered with maps of the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System and its list of groomed trails and tracks. Located just out of town on Hwy 82 at the Aspen Golf Course, the Cross Country Center offers gear rentals, lessons, cross-country ski tours, ski tuning and repair services, and men’s and women’s locker rooms. It’s a great spot to start exploring.
Snow Tubing
Snow tubing is a thrilling and family-friendly activity that adds a fun twist to your winter adventures. The Snowmass Tubing Hill at Elk Camp is the go-to spot for snow tubing in Aspen Snowmass. Multiple lanes are groomed to perfection into The Meadows at Elk Camp for smooth, fast rides and lift service with lighting facilities to illuminate the runs at night during the Ullr Nights festivities.
Ice Skating
A perfect way to enjoy downtown Aspen’s Christmas decorations is to glide around the Silver Circle Ice Rink (right outside CP Burger and just a short walk from the Silver Queen Gondola and Aspen Square). The Silver Circle generally opens in December, and ice skates are available for rent at the rink.
If you prefer the warmth and comfort of skating indoors, the Aspen Ice Garden and Lewis Ice Arena are both open for public skating and special events.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a winter activity perfect for people of all ages to enjoy. Get out and explore the valley with the T-Lazy 7 Ranch’s winter snowmobile tours in the White River National Forest (which includes the Maroon Bells). Rent everything from helmets and boots to extra layers to keep you warm while taking a ride from an experienced and knowledgeable guide. It’s the best way to see more of Aspen’s spectacular winter wonderland up close.
Snowshoe and Ski Tours
During the winter, snowshoe and ski tours are led daily by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) at both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass. ACES partners with Aspen SkiCo and the US Forest Service to offer free educational naturalist tours for children and adults. Check online to buy tickets for your snowshoe and ski tour.
Sleigh Rides
Few holiday experiences can top a festive sleigh ride through Aspen. Aspen Carriage and Sleigh offers horse-drawn carriage and sleigh rides to give you the most iconic Rocky Mountain Christmas experience. Book a reservation early as these spots are highly coveted. Call (970) 925-3394 or email info@aspencarriage.com to make a reservation.
Events
Aspen Snowmass offers a variety of special events to help capture the spirit of the season. Whether it’s catching a holiday performance or enjoying live music on the mountain, the area’s unique alpine charm creates a festive scene that is both vibrant and serene.
Theatre Aspen’s Holiday Cabaret
Celebrate the season with Theatre Aspen’s Holiday Cabaret 2024 performance of A Christmas Carol. This holiday series at the Hotel Jerome features a seated multi-course chef’s dinner followed by a festive 60-minute performance starring the best of Broadway! Enjoy the best of Theatre Aspen while celebrating the season with friends, food, and fabulous entertainment.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Experience the magic of the 2024 holiday season at Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker. Featuring a stellar cast of performers, this production will delight and entertain audiences of all ages with ballet, flamenco, Chinese ribbon dance, circus artists, and more!
Enjoy this magical Aspen tradition and usher in the holidays with friends and loved ones.
Check the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet website for event info and to purchase tickets.
Ullr Nights in Snowmass
The beloved Ullr Nights winter festivities are back for the 2024-2025 season, lighting up Snowmass Mountain during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Named after Ullr, the Norse God of Snow, these celebratory evenings at Elk Camp on Snowmass Mountain turn the mountain into a snowy playground with activities including tubing, rides on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, snow biking, and snowshoeing.
Take a break by the bonfire to toast s’mores or sip on hot chocolate or explore the á la carte dining options available in the Elk Camp Restaurant. Tickets are limited during Christmas week, so secure yours online and enjoy the fun!
Wintersköl
Winterskol, Aspen’s beloved “toast to winter,” features four days of exciting festivities that capture the magic of the season. Highlights include on-mountain activities, concerts, a craft beer fest, Soupsköl™, a torchlight descent down Aspen Mountain, a bonfire, and fireworks. Wintersköl is well-loved by locals as it showcases the charm, adventure, and community spirit that makes winter so special.
Holiday Dining
Aspen’s dining options shine bright during the holiday season, with many venues offering festive menus featuring seasonal ingredients, creative twists on traditional favorites, and expertly paired wines or cocktails.
Whether you are in the mood for hearty comfort food or an upscale ambiance with gourmet cuisine, Aspen has it all. Indulge in multi-course feasts at places like Element 47 at the Little Nell or savor unique Japanese dishes at Matsuhisa Aspen. For a family-style Italian meal, check out local favorite Ajax Tavern or Christmas Eve brunch at St. Regis. Many restaurants also feature live music, roaring fireplaces, and festive decorations that create a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere.
Reservations are highly recommended during the Christmas season and the Aspen Chamber’s Holiday Dining page frequently updates information on availability. Contact restaurants directly for reservation information.
Religious Holiday Services
Aspen offers holiday services for all faiths throughout December. For the latest updates and schedules, visit the Aspen Chamber’s Holiday Religious Services page which is regularly updated as new events are confirmed.
Make It An Aspen Holiday
At Alpine Property, we are dedicated to making your holiday unforgettable. Our vacations combine the comforts of home with luxurious amenities to elevate your stay. Enjoy ski-in/ski-out access, breathtaking mountain views, elegant decor, cozy furnishings, private hot tubs, pools, fully-equipped kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces, and high-speed internet to keep you connected. Light a Christmas tree, cook a holiday meal in the gourmet kitchen, or host your holiday party in one of our condo rentals.
Explore our vacation rentals now to start planning your Aspen Snowmass holiday visit.
