Vail celebrates holidays with many events set for Dec. 11-31

Vail Holidays creates a festive and magical holiday season in an iconic setting, and offers a plethora of events from Dec. 11-31, including the Holiday Tree Lighting on Dec. 15. Vail’s beautiful mountain village with twinkling lights and crisp mountain air is the backdrop for many festive events that will spark the holiday spirit for visitors and locals alike. All events are free unless otherwise noted. Vail Holidays is a collection of classic seasonal events that the whole family can enjoy together.  

Event Schedule

Wednesday, Dec. 11
Holiday Harp Music with Margot Krimmel, Vail Public Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
No instrument expresses seasonal favorites more beautifully than the harp. Margot will perform both traditional and winter-themed compositions.

Thursday, Dec. 12
Santa’s Fireside Holiday Party, Vail Public Library, 5-7:30 p.m.
For children of all ages who believe and wish to visit Santa Claus. We will have arts and crafts available to make the wait time a fun, hands-on experience. Mountain Harmony Acapella will join us, singing a variety of holiday songs.
 
Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 12-15
Vail Snow Days, Vail Mountain
Celebrate the season with Vail Snow Days. This 4-day festival includes live concerts at Ford Park, in-town and on-mountain early season specials, après and after dark parties, a lively expo village and more.

Friday, Dec. 13
Santa & The Babies, Vail Public Library, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Designed for children under three years, Santa and The Babies is a daytime, calm and casual Santa experience. Toys and snacks will be offered to make waiting for your turn with friends and family a playful experience.
 
Saturday, Dec. 14
Holiday Sweater Run, starts and finishes at Bart & Yeti’s, 8:30 a.m.
Showcase your best holiday sweater in a 3-mile race that highlights the beauty of Vail. Prizes will be given to the best-dressed, best beard and more. Fun for all ages. The race offers entertaining stops along the way such as: a cocoa break, snowball throw and more. The race is free with a donation of a food item or a new, unwrapped toy.  Sponsored by The Community Market and Toys for Tots.
 
Sunday, Dec. 15
Holiday Tree Lighting, Slifer Square, Vail Village, 5 p.m.
Town of Vail Holiday Tree Lighting. Join the festivities, including local entertainers, EVHS Jazz band, Dickens Carolers, the Town of Vail Mayor, St. Nick hot cocoa and more.
 
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Eagle Valley Chamber Music Group, Vail Public Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
 
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Dickens Carolers, Vail Public Library, 6 p.m.
Wearing Victorian costumes (many of them made by hand by the singers themselves), this volunteer choral group performs at the Vail Public Library. Please check the calendar at www.vaillibrary.com or call 970-479-2184 for details.
 
Thursday, Dec. 19
Mountain Harmony Acapella, Vail Public Library, 6-7 p.m.
Singing a variety of holiday pieces, Mountain Harmony is sure to catch you up in the spirit of the season. Please check the calendar at www.vaillibrary.com or call 970-479-2184 for details.
 
Friday, Dec. 20
Lantern Painting with Alpine Arts Center, $10 Fee, VRD Community Programming, 2nd Level Lionshead Parking Structure, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Alpine Arts Center will instruct participants on painting your own paper lantern. This lively evening will include complimentary light snacks, holiday music, wine and beer available for purchase while creating your unique lantern. $10 instruction & materials fee, Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Please call or email to make a reservation: info@alpineartscenter.org or 970-926-2732.

Free Preview Ice Skating Exhibition of Champions, Arrabelle Ice Rink, Lionshead Village at 5pm; Solaris Ice Rink, Vail Village at 6:30 p.m.
 
Saturday, Dec. 21
Ice Spectacular, Dobson Ice Arena, 6:30-8 p.m. Watch and enjoy Olympic, International and U.S. National Medalists skate. This is a ticketed event and for tickets and more information visit www.vailskatefest.com

Saturday, Dec. 21 – Sunday, Dec. 22
Skating Clinics & Seminars, Dobson Ice Arena
The two half-day clinics for skaters, coaches and adults will feature an elite coaching staff that will focus on: Jumping techniques; skating skills; off-ice warm up and fitness and injury prevention. For tickets and more information visit www.vailskatefest.com

Sunday, Dec. 22
Lantern Making with Alpine Arts Center, Vail Public Library, 12-3:30 p.m. (arrive no later than 3:00 to make your lantern.) Alpine Arts Center will lead guests of all ages creating festive lanterns to bring to the Holiday Lantern Walk immediately following. Allow yourself 30 minutes to create your lantern. RSVP: meppard@vailgov.com or 970-479-2344. www.artinvail.com
The Art in Public Places paper lantern workshops and Holiday Lantern Walk are generously sponsored by Doe Browning.
 
Holiday Lantern Walk, Slifer Square, Vail Village, 4:00–5:00 p.m. Live Music.
Walk begins at 5:00 p.m.
Art in Public Places invites guests and residents of all ages to enjoy this joyful celebration of light at this free community event. Enjoy festive alpine musical entertainment and hot chocolate from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in anticipation of the arrival of Santa who will lead the short, jolly procession through Vail Village at 5:00 p.m. Now a favorite family holiday tradition, the festive walks ends at the Gore Creek Promenade for the grand opening of the 13th Annual Vail Winterfest Ice Theater.
The Holiday Lantern Walk is generously sponsored by Doe Browning.

Grand Opening Celebration of Vail Winterfest Ice Theater, Gore Creek Promenade, Vail Village, 5:15–10 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 28 – Sunday, Dec. 29
Skating Club of Vail Winter Ice Show
Dobson Ice Arena; www.skateclubvail.com

Tuesday, Dec. 31
Ski Down Torchlight Parade & Fireworks, Golden Peak, 6:15 p.m.
Once you’ve recovered from all the holiday festivities, ring in the New Year – Vail style. Come to Golden Peak to watch the annual Torchlight Parade and fireworks. Watch as ski instructors and Vail locals form a glowing train as they ski down Golden Peak with glowing sticks followed by a fireworks display.
 
For more information on all holiday events and activities, please visit www.vailholidays.com