In Steamboat Springs, it’s always the most wonderful time of the year. At Christmas time, the holidays put everyone in an exponentially magical frame of mind. Sip hot cocoa, soak in the twinkling lights, and revel in the holiday spirit all through December on your Steamboat vacation.
Meet Santa Claus
Every Saturday in December, swing by the courthouse lawn to meet Santa Claus! He will be in residence in his Steamboat “house” to greet good boys and girls everywhere and hear their Christmas wishes. On December 14, kick your heels up at the resort for Santa’s visit to the mountain on his trusty steed, led by two renowned local ranchers on their own horses. Meet and greet Santa for a few hours, and then to really get in the spirit, head to the 4pm showing of The Polar Express at Strings Pavilion, where Steamboat Craft Studio will lead letter writing to Santa, just in case you forgot to tell him what’s on your list; then hop back to the resort for the 5:30pm holiday drone show and skate party at Skeeter’s Rink (free skating if you bring your own). If you’re up for a road trip, visit the Colorado Reindeer Ranch in Coalmont and bond with Santa’s most important coworkers (although Santa is not in residence at the ranch).
Enjoy Traditional Holiday Music
The Christmas season kicks off early in Steamboat Springs with the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra on December 6 and 7, a joyful concert featuring holiday favorites with talented professional singers that travel as far as New York City. December 19-21, local dance studio Elevation presents their biannual Nutcracker with the beloved Tchaikovsky tunes featuring their talented young dancers. December 22 caps the holiday lead up with Nashville legend Brent Rowan, headlining a holiday concert on December 22 at Strings Pavilion with a soon to be announced special guest.
Play Outside
Hit the slopes! Steamboat’s favorite place to recreate, Steamboat Ski Area, is the place to be for events, après, and of course, bombing Tomahawk at least once over the trip. The Holiday Balloon Glow at the ski area base will be a sure crowd pleaser, whether you’re 8 or 80. Balloon handlers will illuminate four beautiful balloons at the base - you’ll be close enough to hear the flames.
Don’t forget about the city-run Howelsen Hill ski area, a local gem that is perfect for beginners, families, and anyone who wants to measure their skills against The Face, a double fall line black diamond where Steamboat’s future Olympians train. Not just for alpine skiers, Howelsen Hill offers cross-country trails, a kids sledding hill, and snow tubing (complete with magic carpet instead of walking up the hill).
Shop til you Drop
Continue (or start) your holiday gift shopping by swinging by Holidays in the Rockies, a local artisan gift fair that runs for three Saturdays in December, at the Art Depot on 13th Street. Check out the eclectic shops in town, like Breckenwitch which serves up magic, mystery, and natural and organic skincare; Steamboat Hatter which makes custom hats and hat bands that will truly be original gifts; and FM Light where you can outfit yourself in all the cowboy gear you need and even see the original shop cases that came to town via stagecoach.
Gather for Family Meals
Home to restaurants for all kinds of tastes and price points, there is nothing like a night out to enjoy each other’s company. Book your group dining experience in private or semi-private rooms at Laundry, Salt & Lime, E3 Chophouse, Yampa Valley Kitchen, or Besame. Get everyone involved at 8th Street Steakhouse, a family-friendly eatery where you select your cut of meat and then cook it yourself at the communal grill (with support from the friendly staff) or at Snowbowl, where the onsite gastropub can keep you filled up as you hit strikes. Or even better, plan ahead for the holiday by getting catering: place your breakfast order at Freshies (local tip: do not miss the cinnamon rolls), The Egg, or Drunken Onion. If you want to order in for dinner, Moe’s BBQ offers family meals and Meatbar delivers charcuterie boards so beautiful they might as well be in the MOMA.
Ring in the New Year
The holiday spirit continues over the week until New Year's Day. On December 28, the Jewish community lights the menorah at Steamboat Ski Area to celebrate the Festival of Light, and later in the afternoon Grammy winner Dan and Claudia Zanes headline Holidays Around the World, a singalong for families, at Strings Pavilion. Adults looking for raunchy laughs might check out Steamboat Comedy’s winter series at Schmiggity's; Luke Touma headlines the shows on Friday December 27 and Saturday December 28.
If you’re staying the entire week until New Years, you can’t miss the celebration at the base of the resort. Kicking off the procession this year are five snowcats covered in lights followed by the Snow Sports instructors performing synchronized skiing in the dark with fiery torches in each hand. The parade culminates in a majestic fireworks show, best seen from the resort but seen from locations all over town. 21+ crowd, don’t miss the live music at Schmiggity’s, the press, or Old Town Pub to ring in the new year - craft beer or champagne, your choice.
