Aspen Holiday Events
Picturesque Celebrations from Thanksgiving through Christmas
Aspen Holiday Events 2011
- 2011 Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert – first performance of the season: Friday, November 25, 2011, 6:30–8:00 p.m., Upper Gondola Plaza, Aspen Snowmass.
- 2011 Aspen Winternational Audi FIS Alpine World Cup: Saturday and Sunday, November 26–27, 2011, Aspen Mountain, Aspen/Snowmass.
- 12 Days of Aspen: December 20–31, 2011, throughout downtown Aspen.
- The New Year’s Eve Extravaganza over Aspen Mountain, December 31, 2011, 8:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
There’s nothing more festive than a trip to Aspen, Colorado, for the holidays! Thanksgiving in Aspen is just the beginning of the holiday season. An Aspen Christmas elicits images of reindeer, snow-covered mountains and travelers bundled in blankets and bathed in the soft glow of firelight. These are the makings of a Christmas card motif and the stuff of Aspen holiday getaways. Aspen lets you bring the tradition and romance of the holiday season to life.
Thanksgiving Weekend
The Aspen/Snowmass Resort is home to ongoing winter events of interest to visitors, including national and international ski competitions, live music and, of course, fun on the slopes for those so inclined. Late November marks the start of the holiday season in Aspen, and with it comes the first of several free-of-charge Bud Light Hi-Fi Concerts, as well as the exciting competition known as “Aspen Winternational.”
The first Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert of the winter helps visitors celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend. Held that Friday evening, this concert is one of five annual free performances offered between late November and late March, corresponding with peak travel weekends throughout the winter season.
The Aspen Winternational World Cup competition brings top female skiers from around the globe to Aspen/Snowmass for Thanksgiving weekend. Admission to the competition is free, and visitors are welcome to view the two-day competition from prime seats in the grandstands on Aspen Mountain.
The 12 Days of Aspen
The annual 12 Days of Aspen celebration lasts from December 20 to 31, during which downtown Aspen is a-bustle with activity and alive with holiday cheer. Santa and his reindeer make frequent appearances. Free concerts, carolers in the streets, film festivals, holiday plays and family-friendly events are all on the annual schedule.
Aspen museums, community and recreation centers, local businesses and fire and police stations all open their doors to visitors for children’s story hours, public meet-and-greets with hot chocolate and treats and Christmas crafting sessions for the whole family.
A winter wonderland comes to life in Aspen’s downtown for the 12 Days of Aspen celebration. Enjoy free ice skating, visit Santa and his live reindeer and take in the sights and sounds of the season. Aspen is the perfect place for celebrating the holidays with plenty of free entertainment for all ages.
The annual schedule for the 12 Days of Aspen celebration is released in November each year. To learn more about the events this year, and to plan your holiday activities, visit the official Aspen Chamber of Commerce website.
Aspen New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year in Aspen. Past years’ events have included live music and bonfires at Aspen city parks, Aspen film festival screenings and, of course, fireworks over Aspen Mountain.
Booking Your Accommodations
Celebrate the season with family or friends from the comfort and privacy of your Aspen vacation rental condo, townhome or house. Snuggle up around the fire in the evening, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and watch the sparkling snow falling outside. Whether you’re visiting Aspen for the Thanksgiving weekend, to celebrate Christmas Eve or to ring in the New Year, you’re sure to find a home away from home in a vacation rental.