Christmas in Vail 2025: Your Guide to Holiday Events, Snow Activities & Winter Magic

One of Vail's signature holiday traditions is the Kris Kringle Market, a European-inspired open-air market set in the heart of Vail Village. Visitors can browse artisan crafts, handcrafted ornaments, winter treats, and locally made gifts while enjoying the warm glow of holiday décor. It's the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and seasonal delights.

Both Vail Village and Lionshead transform during the holidays, with evergreen arches, garlands, and thousands of sparkling lights. Each year, the community gathers for the official Tree Lighting Ceremony, where carolers, holiday music, and seasonal cheer set the tone for the weeks leading up to Christmas. The atmosphere alone is worth the trip.

Guests don't have to ski to enjoy a quintessential winter activity. Vail offers two beautiful outdoor skating rinks: the rink at Solaris Plaza in Vail Village and the charming rink at Arrabelle Square in Lionshead. Both make for memorable outings, day or night.

Vail's legendary slopes are in full swing by Christmas week, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. For guests who want a break from downhill runs, the Vail Nordic Center features snowshoeing and Nordic skiing with peaceful mountain views. Families also love the snow tubing hills and seasonal mountain activities available on the peaks.

A classic winter experience, horse-drawn sleigh rides offer the ultimate holiday atmosphere. Many sleigh rides include dinner in a warm, rustic setting tucked into the mountains—a perfect memory-maker for families and couples alike.

Throughout December, Vail hosts a variety of holiday-themed activities and cultural experiences. These may include skating shows, art workshops, fun runs like the annual Ugly Sweater Run, and special performances around town. Guests visiting closer to New Year's Eve will also be treated to the iconic Torchlight Parade as skiers glide down Golden Peak with glowing torches, followed by fireworks.

For a quieter afternoon, visitors can explore the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame, a celebration of skiing history and the region's cultural heritage. The nearby Betty Ford Alpine Gardens—blanketed in snow during winter—offers peaceful walking paths and occasional guided snowshoe experiences.

Vail offers an exceptional dining scene during the Christmas season, with everything from elegant holiday dinners to cozy mountain comfort food. Guests can enjoy iconic Vail Village restaurants such as Sweet Basil, Mountain Standard, La Tour, Vintage, Elway's, Lancelot, Russell's Steakhouse, Up the Creek, and the renowned Matsuhisa for upscale Japanese cuisine. 

Families and casual diners will find great options in Lionshead, including Garfinkel's, Bart & Yeti's, The Little Diner, Alpine Pizza Company, and Vail Chophouse. 

For a meal with a view, visitors can head up the mountain to The 10th for refined alpine dining or stop by Wildwood Smokehouse for hearty, scenic comfort food. These spots fill quickly during Christmas week, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.