Christmas in Aspen as well as New Years Eve in the area is one of the most incredible times to visit this Colorado ski resort town.
Twinkling lights, giant red bows and wreaths, snow flurries blowing across the town, skiers all around the town, holiday shopping on Main Street…
It’s the most charming winter scene ever!
But here’s the fun part: Aspen Christmas decorations stay lit even after the holiday season well into February!
Aspen is a Christmas town all winter long and looks really beautiful even for Valentine’s Day.
Here is an ultimate guide to spending Christmas in Aspen, Colorado.
Also Read: 26 Best Things to do in Aspen, Colorado
Best Thing to do for Christmas in Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, located in the Roaring Fork Valley, is the epitome of White Christmas.
It is also famous for billionaires coming in for Christmas and larger than life holiday celebrations.
Plus add in the 4 ski mountains and you’ve got a lot of skiing and snowboarding to look forward to.
The charming town also has plenty of off-slope activities for all ages’ most of them are organized by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association.
Here are the best things to do in Aspen, Colorado for Christmas.
Attend the Tree Lighting at the Little Nell
The Little Nell is one of Aspen’s most luxurious hotels and they have a grand tree lighting ceremony every year.
This annual event is open to the public, so if you’re not staying at The Little Nell, don’t miss out on this festive tradition.
Enjoy live music, hot chocolate, cookies and roasted chestnuts as you watch the massive Christmas tree light up the night sky.
Enjoy the 12 Days of Aspen Christmas Festival
The 12 Days of Aspen Christmas festival is a signature event held in Aspen, Colorado annually from December 20th through to the end of the year on December 31st.
This event transforms the city into a vibrant Christmas hub filled with festive cheer.
The festival features a host of varied activities such as ice skating performances, holiday treats cooking classes, and Santa’s workshop—where kids can interact with Santa himself.
The streets come alive with Christmas carolers spreading the yuletide spirit with their harmonious songs.
This festival ensures an unforgettable holiday experience in Aspen, Colorado.
Attend Christmas Eve service at the Aspen Chapel
The Aspen Chapel is an iconic place of worship that has become a favorite for visitors and locals.
The church was built in 1902, and it’s a beautiful structure located at the base of Red Mountain overlooking Aspen.
It is open for three services on Christmas Eve.
This is a special time to experience the chapel’s warmth and spiritual energy.
Enjoy traditional Christmas hymns sung by the children’s choir as you gaze upon the magnificent Christmas tree.
Many other churches in Aspen also offer service for Christmas eve as well as Christmas Day.
This is a beautiful way to connect with the true meaning of Christmas in Aspen, Colorado.
Take a stroll in Snowmass Village
The Snowmass Village is a great place to experience the true spirit of Christmas.
It is adorned with lights and decorations, giving visitors a feeling of walking in a winter wonderland.
You can also take part in various activities like ice skating, sleigh rides, holiday concerts, and more.
Don’t forget to visit the Santa’s Workshop at The Treehouse for some festive fun with the kids.
Go skiing on Aspen Mountain
Aspen is known for its four ski mountains, and what better way to spend Christmas day than on the slopes.
The snow covered mountain runs coupled with clear blue skies makes for an unforgettable skiing experience.
Plus, Aspen Mountain has a special Christmas Day tradition where Santa Claus hits the slopes and hands out candy canes to skiers and snowboarders.
What could be more magical than that?
If you are a beginner, you can also take lessons at the Buttermilk ski school.
Mail Letters to Santa at Hotel Jerome
Hotel Jerome, a historic hotel in Aspen, has a Santa mailbox where kids can drop off their letters to the North Pole.
Sending a letter to Santa at Hotel Jerome allows children to share their Christmas wishes directly with the North Pole, adding to the holiday excitement.
It’s a lovely way to keep the magic of Christmas alive and spark joy in the eyes of the little ones.
Hotel Jerome also has plenty of other festive activities during the Christmas season including Santa’s Workshop, Hanukah candle lighting, and Christmas feast.
See a holiday movie at the Wheeler Opera House
The Wheeler Opera House in Aspen hosts a variety of holiday movies throughout the month of December.
It is an affordable and low-key option for families looking to spend some quality time together during the holiday season.
The screenings include classic Christmas movies as well as newer releases, making it a great activity for all ages.
Be sure to check the schedule ahead of time and grab a cup of hot cocoa while enjoying the movie.
Visit a concert or a show
Aspen hosts many concerts and shows during the holiday season.
From classical music performances at the Aspen Music Festival, to fun musicals at the Aspen Community Theatre, there are plenty of options for entertainment.
The renowned Jazz Aspen Snowmass also hosts special jazz concerts during this time, featuring world-class musicians.
Attending a concert or show is a great way to get into the holiday spirit while enjoying some fantastic performances.
Experience the Torchlight Parade on New Years Eve
On New Years Eve, thousands of skiers and snowboarders gather on Snowmass Mountain slopes to participate in the famous Torchlight Parade.
This annual tradition is a sight to behold as glowing red lights make their way down Fanny Hill, creating a magical atmosphere.
The parade begins at 6 pm; you can watch it from Snowmass Base Village.
Afterwards, enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa while watching the spectacular fireworks display at 10 pm.
Don’t forget to bring your camera for some fantastic holiday photos and to ring in the New Year.
Go Ice Skating at The St. Regis Aspen Resort
The outdoor ice skating rink at The St. Regis Aspen Resort is a must-visit during Christmas in Aspen.
The Silver Circle Ice Rink features rentals as well as opportunities to skate with Santa’s elves.
This stunning setting, with views of the mountains and a cozy fire pit, is perfect for a romantic evening or a fun family outing.
Enjoy skating with your loved ones on the ice rink while sipping on hot chocolate and listening to Christmas carols.
Another excellent place to enjoy ice skating in downtown Aspen is the Aspen Ice Garden rink.
Shop at the Local Holiday Markets
Aspen has many local holiday markets throughout the month of December.
These markets are filled with unique gifts, decorations, and delicious treats.
With plenty of locally made items to choose from, these markets are a great place to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for your loved ones.
Dine at a Festive Restaurant
Aspen is known for its world-class dining, and during Christmas, many restaurants offer special holiday menus.
Some of the most popular ones include Element 47, Elk Camp Restaurant, and Ajax Tavern.
Element 47 at The Little Nell offers a four-course Christmas dinner featuring festive dishes like roasted turkey and pumpkin pie.
Ajax Tavern hosts an annual New Years Eve party with delicious food, live music, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Elk Camp is located at Snowmass Ski Resort and has a special holiday menu as well as live music and entertainment for families to enjoy.
Celebrate the holidays in style by enjoying lavish Christmas dinners at one of Aspen’s top restaurants.
Watch a game of Snow Polo
Aspen’s Rio Grande Park hosts the World Snow Polo Championship in December with high-caliber players from different countries.
This tournament features exciting matches of the fast-paced game, where you can watch teams compete against each other on horseback as they hit a ball into goalposts using mallets.
It’s an exhilarating experience that combines sports and elegance, all while surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
Tickets sell out in advance, so be sure to get yours in time.
Also Read: 8 Best Places for Horse Riding in Colorado
Watch the Audi Ajax Cup race at Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands hosts the annual Audi Ajax Cup, a competitive and thrilling ski race that marks the start of Aspen’s winter season.
This event sees some of the best skiers racing down the slopes in a quest for ultimate glory.
Not only does this race provide an exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill, it also raises funds for the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, a local non-profit.
Be amazed at Snowmass Luminescence
Snowmass Luminescence, an immersive light installation, is a key attraction of Snowmass tourism during the winter season.
Placed strategically between Base Village and Snowmass Mall, this striking display transforms the ski resort into a winter wonderland after dark.
Visitors can follow the lit trail through the village to view the spectacle.
The enchanting display of lights and music is both mesmerizing and enchanting.
It provides a unique night-time experience that illuminates the beauty of the Colorado mountains.
With Snowmass Luminescence, the Aspen area extends its appeal beyond skiing and snowboarding.
Attend Ullr Nights on Snowmass
Named after Ullr, the Norse god of snow, Ullr Nights at Snowmass are a delightful evening celebration that transforms Snowmass Mountain into an exciting playground of wintry fun.
Held every Friday during winter, Ullr Nights is designed to entertain the whole family.
The event features engaging on-mountain activities such as snow biking, snowtubing, and riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.
Food and drink, including mountain-style cuisine and hot chocolate, are available at the Elk Camp Restaurant.
You can take the Elk Camp gondola to reach the event.
See the TV Special ‘Christmas in Aspen’
Christmas in Aspen out of your budget? Like armchair travel better than actually venturing out in freezing temperatures?
‘Christmas in Aspen’ is a famous TV special that celebrates all the fun and beauty of Christmas in Aspen, Colorado.
The special came out in 1988.
It is hosted by John Denver and features various famous musicians and celebrities, including Anne Murray and the Dirt Band.
This show is a great way to experience the magic of Christmas in Aspen from the comfort of your own home.
Snowshoe the trails around Aspen
Snowshoeing around Aspen provides a unique approach to experiencing its stunning winter landscapes.
Trails like the Castle Creek Road route to Ashcroft Ghost Town or the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail offer diverse terrains.
Maroon Bells, mostly frozen in winter, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the latter. Richmond Ridge, accessible via the Aspen Mountain gondola, presents another option for more experienced snowshoers.
These trails, blanketed in snow, reveal Aspen’s true winter charm.
The experience of treading through these paths, with each step crunching in the snow and crisp air filling your lungs, is an exhilarating way to explore Aspen’s wilderness.
Also Read: 18 Best Winter Hikes in Colorado
Where to Stay in Aspen for Christmas
Aspen has a wide range of accommodations to choose from for the festive holiday season.
Go for luxurious resorts and hotels or book one of the cozy cabins nestled in the mountains.
If you’re looking for a classic Christmas feel, check out The Little Nell or The St. Regis Aspen Resort.
For those on a budget, there are plenty of affordable options such as the Limelight Hotel or The Snow Queen Lodge.
No matter where you stay, you’ll be sure to experience the warm hospitality and festive atmosphere that makes Aspen a top destination for Christmas.
Tips to plan your Aspen Christmas trip
Aspen, Colorado Christmas vacation is magical but expensive!
If you’re booking a trip through the thick of the holidays – between 22nd December to 3rd January – you should be prepared to spend quite a bit.
There’s a real fear on many families being prices out of an Aspen holiday but there are ways to get around it.
Look for places to stay out of proper downtown; several provide shuttles to nearby ski resorts.
Book your trip well in advance for the best deals.
Also plan your trip later in the winter season to save on lodging expenses.
You can also keep costs low by budgeting for meals and getting groceries for cooking, if you have access to a kitchen.
Plan a road trip vs flying into Aspen airport to save both money and time.
Dress warmly and in layers as temperatures can drop below freezing.
Aspen Colorado Christmas is truly magical with its charming town, festive decorations, and fun-filled activities.
From skiing on the mountains to attending concerts and shows, there’s something for everyone during this special time of year.
Take a stroll in Aspen Red Mountain, one of the most expansive neighborhoods in Aspen.
Enjoy the cheerful lights on Main Street. Have the most wonderful time in the cold and snowy winter wonderland of Aspen on your Christmas trip.
Are you planning on visiting Aspen, Colorado for Christmas this year?
What are your favorite Christmas things to do in Aspen, Colorado? Let us know below.