Aspen is a premier mountain destination for a magical Christmas experience. The town becomes a sight to behold with windows and storefronts illuminated in twinkling lights and greenery, making it especially festive. The sight of horse-drawn carriages and snow-capped peaks creates an amazing atmosphere to enjoy while sipping hot cocoa by a warm fire. Christmas in Aspen is a holiday experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The town also offers special events at this time that will make locals and visitors feel alive with the holiday spirit.
Aspen Holiday Events
12 DAYS OF ASPEN
Every year from December 20th through December 31st, downtown Aspen becomes a wonderland of activities for people of all ages with the 12 Days of Aspen festival. The Aspen Chamber of Commerce hosts daily events that include: ice skating, sleigh rides, art projects, story hours, caroling, cooking decorating, gingerbread house design, and more! This annual festival is a much-loved community event that helps to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
LIGHTING OF THE ASPEN CHRISTMAS TREE
The annual lighting of the 93-ft fir tree in front of the Sardy House on the first Sunday of December is another popular tradition for Christmas in Aspen. Visitors can listen to Christmas music from the Aspen Middle and High School Bands together with the festive songs of carolers. Count down to the tree lighting white enjoying complimentary cookies and cocoa, plus photo ops with Santa!
THEATRE ASPEN HOLIDAY CABARET
Theatre Aspen’s acclaimed cabaret series is a fantastic way to ring in the holiday. Enjoy the evening starting with a gourmet dinner, followed by a 60-minute musical revue with Broadway, pop, and holiday favorites presented by the Broadway cast.
ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER
For over three decades, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has presented its professional production of The Nutcracker. Boasting a formidable cast of 100 performers, this show features dancers from around the globe in addition to students from the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet School. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this holiday classic.
ASPEN FILM ACADEMY SCREENINGS
This festival showcases award-season hopefuls to cinephiles in the historic Wheeler Opera House and Isis Theatre over the holiday season. Check out critically-acclaimed films as a preview to the upcoming award season.
HANUKKAH EVENTS
Aspen offers events for those celebrating Hanukkah as well. Enjoy latkes and daily public menorah lightings at both St. Regis Aspen and The Hotel Jerome downtown.
Things to Do During Christmas in Aspen
SKI AND SNOWBOARD
With four world-class ski resorts, Aspen offers something for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels and experience. Snowmass is the largest of the resorts with varied terrain for different levels, while Buttermilk is excellent for beginners. Aspen Mountain, or AJAX, offers more challenging runs, and Aspen Highlands is a favorite with locals and boasts the infamous Highlands Bowl. Visit any of the resorts during your Christmas in Aspen.
ICE SKATE
Looking for some off-mountain family fun? Aspen offers indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks to get you in the holiday spirit.
The Silver Circle is located less than a quarter mile from Aspen Mountain and is the town’s only outdoor ice rink. A unique feature of the rink is that it is also run by CP Burger, making it a great place to skate and grab food with friends and family.
If indoor skating is more your cup of tea, then Aspen Ice Garden is an amazing community rink that is home to local figure skating clubs as well as a practice rink to the Aspen Curling Club. In the Aspen Recreation Center, Lewis Ice Arena boasts an official NHL-size rink and the only skating rink that is open year-round.
SLEIGH RIDES
Experience the winter beauty of Christmas in Aspen with a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride. Aspen Carriage and Sleigh offers horse-drawn carriage and sleigh rides to help make your Christmas experience even more magical. Glide through the snow-covered streets in a cozy carriage or sleigh with your loved ones on a festive holiday adventure.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI
Aspen Cross Country Center opens the day after Thanksgiving and offers access to the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System where you can experience the beauty of the trails while getting a great workout. The center is full service with lessons, programs, demo gear, guided tours, and a lounge with snacks and warm drinks.
SHOP
Downtown Aspen is a great place to explore with its abundance of shops and boutiques. Take in the festive decor while strolling through the array of shopping options, and soak in the atmosphere of the charming downtown area. Whether looking for a gift or deciding to splurge on something for yourself, you are sure to find something unique at one of the unique retail options available.
VISIT THE MUSEUM
The Aspen Art Museum is located directly downtown and offers amazing exhibits all year. Check out their website to view their upcoming shows before planning your holiday, and fit time to pay them a visit!
EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY
Aspen is the perfect place for festive dining. With several restaurants offering special Christmas and Hanukkah menus as well as a variety of other holiday-themed events, there’s no shortage of options for dining out during the holiday season. Make this year extra special by exploring Aspen’s diverse culinary scene.
ENJOY SOME LIVE MUSIC
The Belly Up often has some terrific shows around the holiday season. Check out the calendar on their webpage and plan on attending a show at this amazing, intimate venue. Few places are like The Belly Up, and it’s a great time to check out who is coming and squeeze in some time for a visit.
Time to Plan Your Holiday in Aspen
If you are looking to spend some time in Aspen over the holidays and experience the beauty of waking up in Aspen on Christmas morning, Aspen Luxury Rentals is here to help. Come and see why our town is even more magical this time of year!
Our experienced vacation consultants can help you find the perfect Aspen luxury rental for your stay. Reach out to one of our team members and plan your next Christmas in Aspen!