The Aspen holiday season sparkles, from mountain adventures to festive performances and cozy community traditions. There’s something for everyone. Below is our updated guide to the best of Aspen’s Christmas and winter holiday offerings. As always, event details can shift, so double-check the official event calendars before you go.
12 Days of Aspen (Dec 20–31)
From December 20 to 31, downtown Aspen transforms into a seasonal playground with a full slate of family-friendly experiences and festive gatherings.
What to expect:
- Outdoor ice skating, hot cocoa, s’mores, ornament and cookie decorating, holiday arts & crafts, storytelling hours, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus
- For adults: “12 Days of Après” events and pop-up holiday soirées at local venues
- On New Year’s Eve: fireworks (and sometimes a light show) over Aspen Mountain, often with two fireworks displays (typically at 8 pm and midnight)
The Aspen Chamber & Resort Association releases the day-by-day schedule closer to the season. We’ll share updates as soon as they’re confirmed.
Wintersköl: Aspen’s Winter Kickoff (Dec 12–14, 2025)
Each December, Aspen marks the official start of winter with a lively local festival called Wintersköl.
Expect torchlight descents, snow-sculpture contests, concerts, a craft beer fest, a soup contest (Soupsköl), bonfires, fireworks, and more.
This is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and kick off the holiday spirit before the big December rush.
Lift Up Your Spirits: Skiing & Snowboarding
No Aspen holiday is complete without hitting the slopes.
- Mountain openings: Aspen Snowmass’s opening days (e.g. Silver Queen Gondola) are listed on the Aspen Snowmass events calendar.
- Lift status & ski pass info are best checked via Aspen Snowmass’s Tickets & Passes pages as pricing varies by season.
- Pro tip: booking ~10 days ahead often yields better rates and availability
- Access: Aspen Square is directly across from the Silver Queen Gondola. Free buses from Ruby Park (one block from the hotel) connect to Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk.
- Cross-country & Nordic: The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System (run by the Aspen Cross Country Center) offers groomed trails, gear rentals, lessons, tune-ups, and guided tours just outside of town.
Ice Skating – Indoor & Outdoor
- Silver Circle Ice Rink: located near CP Burger and close to the Silver Queen Gondola, typically opens in December. Skate rental is available onsite.
- Aspen Ice Garden & Lewis Ice Arena: operated by Aspen Parks & Rec, offer indoor public skate sessions and special events.
Check Aspen Recreation’s calendar in December for public skate hours and holiday closures.
Backcountry & Snow Adventures
- Snowmobiling: T-Lazy 7 Ranch offers guided snowmobile tours into the White River National Forest (including near the Maroon Bells). They provide helmets, gear, and experienced guides.
- Snowshoe & ski tours: The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), in partnership with Aspen SkiCo and the USFS, leads educational naturalist tours on both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass. ACES is also celebrating “10 Days of Toklat” at its newly reopened Toklat facility (Dec 21–30) this year.
Ullr Nights in Snowmass
One of the season’s most magical evening events: Ullr Nights returns for 2025–26 on select dates (Dec 26; Jan 2; Feb 13, 20; Mar 13, 20). Hours run 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm.
Atop Snowmass’s Elk Camp:
- Bonfires with optional s’mores (purchased)
- Snow tubing, snow biking, and suspenders
- Gondola rides and a la carte dining available in the Elk Camp Restaurant
- Complimentary activities such as kids’ strider bikes and outdoor games
Tickets range from $13 to $76, depending on age and offerings.
Free bus service connects Aspen Square (via the Ruby Park transit hub) to Snowmass Village.
Snowmass Santa’s Village (Dec 17 – New Year’s Eve)
Over in Snowmass, The Collective transforms into Santa’s Village from December 17 through December 31.
Highlights include:
- Festive light displays, holiday decor, nutcrackers, candy canes
- Cookie decorating and crafts
- Photos with Santa
- On special dates (e.g. December 21–24), expect live carolers, holiday performances, reindeer on Mawita’s deck, and “Sensory Santa / Dog Santa” events
Holiday Tree Lightings & Ceremonies
- Little Nell Tree Lighting: Typically held early in December (often Dec 8, 5–7 pm) with choir performances, Santa appearances, hot cocoa, and cookies.
- Additional lighting events: Some local hotels and Main Street locations hold independent lightings; check Aspen Chamber or hotel websites for their exact dates
Theatre, Ballet & Holiday Performances
- Theatre Aspen Holiday Cabaret: Seasonal musical dining shows held at the Hotel Jerome’s ballroom (e.g., Dec 18–22 in past seasons).
- Aspen Santa Fe Ballet – The Nutcracker: This beloved holiday tradition features a blend of ballet, flamenco, circus performers, and more. Ticketing info is released via the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet website.
- Wheeler Opera House: Hosts a mix of holiday films, comedy, live music, family theater, and seasonal performances. Check Aspen Showtix for the current schedule.
- Retro & film nights during Wintersköl / Aspen Film: Including “Aspen Extreme” screenings and retro ski film series.
Local Art, Museums & Exhibits
- Aspen Art Museum: Contemporary art exhibitions, educational programming, and community events. Rooftop café seating and rotating shows make it worth a stop.
- Hotel Jerome / Red Brick Arts: Past iterations of the 12 Days of Aspen included crafting workshops at these sites.
Dining, Holiday Menus & Festive Feasts
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, many Aspen restaurants release special holiday menus. Reservations are highly recommended.
Restaurants, hotels, and resorts may also host their own holiday buffets, brunches, or prix fixe dinners. Watch for announcements as the season nears.
Religious & Holiday Services
Aspen offers a range of seasonal religious services in December (Christian, interfaith, etc.). The Aspen Chamber updates its “Holiday Religious Services” listing each year; check that page or local church websites closer to your visit.
Getting Around & Staying at Aspen Square
- Location advantage: Aspen Square is just across from the Silver Queen Gondola and a block from the main free bus hub serving all four mountains.
- Concierge support: Our team is happy to help with ski passes, rentals, lesson bookings, restaurant reservations, and event planning.
Final Tip
With so many moving parts and evolving schedules, the best approach is to plan broadly now (resorts, shows, top events) and revisit event pages closer to your stay. Book your stay with us today!
Browse our available rentals and start planning your holiday vacation with us. If you require further assistance, please call (970) 925-1000 or contact our reservations desk at reservations@aspensquarehotel.com.