Vail Holidays is the perfect place for family celebration this holiday season, as the town and mountain come alive with lights, sounds, events and cheer during the month of December.
The setting is classic with snow drifts on the rooftops of Vail’s Village while the warm glow of lampposts light the streets. Pine garlands, red bows and strings of lights festoon the ice skating rinks and Alpine chalets and – to top it off – we’ve created daily activities and events to help you and your family celebrate the season.
Wednesday, December 19
Dickens Carolers 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Dickens Carolers 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, December 20
Mountain Harmony Acapella 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Vail Public Library 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, December 21
Lantern Painting with Alpine Arts Center 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
2nd Level Lionshead Parking Structure $10 Fee,
VRD Community Programming, 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.
Sunday, December 23
Lantern Making with Alpine Arts Center 1:00-4:00 p.m. (arrive no later than 3:30 to make your lantern.)
Vail Public Library 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.
The Art in Public Places paper lantern workshops and Holiday Lantern Walk are generously sponsored by Doe Browning.
Holiday Lantern Walk
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Live Music. Walk begins at 5:30 p.m.
Slifer Square, Vail Village Art in Public Places invites guests and residents of all ages to enjoy this joyful celebration of light at this free community event. Enjoy live alpine musical entertainment from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in anticipation of the arrival of Santa who will lead the short, jolly procession through Vail Village at 5:30 p.m. Now a favorite family holiday tradition, the festive walks ends at the Gore Creek Promenade for a celebration of film on ice at the Twelfth Annual Vail Winterfest Ice Theater with complimentary hot cocoa.
The Holiday Lantern Walk is generously sponsored by Doe Browning.
Grand Opening Celebration of Vail Winterfest Ice Theater
5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Gore Creek Promenade, Vail Village
Join the merriment celebrating the coolest outdoor ice theater. Lounge in oversized ice thrones while enjoying scenic Gore Creek during the day and film projections in the evening. Art in Public Places’ Vail Winterfest Ice Theater will feature the holiday favorite cartoon “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the opening celebration. Projection begins daily at dusk until 10 p.m. and will be on view until the ice melts.
New Year festivities
Once you’ve recovered from all the holiday festivities, ring in the New Year Vail style December 31:
6:15 p.m. Torchlight Parade.
Come to Golden Peak to watch the annual Torchlight Parade and fireworks at Golden Peak. 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.
