Steamboat Springs, Colorado, truly comes alive during the holiday season. Snow-capped mountains, twinkling lights, and the crisp winter air set the perfect backdrop for festive celebrations. From family-friendly activities to unique local traditions, the town offers a wide variety of events that bring the community together and create unforgettable memories for visitors. Whether you’re gliding across the ice, watching dazzling fireworks, or enjoying a cozy holiday concert, Steamboat provides the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and seasonal cheer.
This charming mountain town doesn’t just offer picturesque scenery – it also hosts an array of exciting holiday events designed to entertain all ages. Visitors can experience everything from magical light displays and drone shows to festive parades and musical performances. With so much to see and do, planning ahead ensures you make the most of your holiday getaway. Get ready to immerse yourself in the warmth, wonder, and festive spirit that make Steamboat Springs a must-visit destination each winter.
Holiday Card Making Workshop
Where? Wildhorse Cinema + Arts, 655 Marketplace Plaza
When? November 13th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. & November 22nd, 6-7 p.m.
Get crafty this holiday season at the Holly Holiday Card Making Workshop! Hosted by Steamboat Craft Studio, this event invites you to create your own festive holiday cards in a relaxed, fun setting. This year features two different designs, the “Winter Wishes” card and the “Holy Holiday” card. The “Winter Wishes” card will be made on November 13th, and participants will get to design a serene, snowflake-themed card that captures the quiet beauty of winter – perfect for sending warm wishes on cold days. The “Holly Holiday” card will be created on November 22nd and will showcase classic holiday elements like holly leaves, bright red berries, and a cheerful festive wreath, a timeless symbol of the season.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this workshop is designed for everyone. Each session provides step-by-step guidance, allowing you to craft a beautiful card with confidence – no prior artistic experience required. If you’re feeling creative, you can also set aside the template and design your own unique holiday card using a wide range of supplies, including markers, stamps, stencils, and decorative paper. It’s a perfect opportunity to let your imagination shine while creating meaningful cards for loved ones. Spaces are limited, so please register in advance.
Steamboat Springs Turkey Trot
Where? Steamboat Springs High School, 45 Maple St
When? November 27th, 9:30 a.m.
Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with one of Steamboat’s most beloved holiday traditions – the Steamboat Springs Turkey Trot. This annual community event welcomes runners, walkers, and families to lace up their sneakers and hit the scenic streets of Steamboat before the big feast. The course starts and ends at Steamboat Springs High School, winding through picturesque neighborhoods and offering stunning views of the Yampa Valley’s snow-dusted peaks. Whether you’re a competitive runner aiming for a personal best or simply out for some fresh air before the pumpkin pie, this fun run is a festive way to start the day.
More than just a race, the Turkey Trot embodies the spirit of the season – community, gratitude, and giving back. Participants often don festive turkey hats and colorful costumes, adding to the lighthearted, family-friendly atmosphere. Proceeds from the event support local causes, making every step count toward helping the Steamboat community. With the crisp mountain air, cheerful camaraderie, and post-run holiday spirit, the Steamboat Springs Turkey Trot is the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving in true Steamboat style.
Finding Christmas: Home for the Holidays
Where? Strings Music Festival, 950 Strings Rd
When? December 5th & 6th
Celebrate the season with Finding Christmas: Home for the Holidays, a heartwarming concert presented by the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra at the Strings Music Festival. This festive performance captures the joy, connection, and wonder of the holidays through timeless melodies and symphonic magic, creating an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
From the first snowfall to cherished traditions, the concert invites you to reflect on the meaning of home – where music fills the air, laughter echoes, and memories are made. Tickets start at $34.50 for adults and $17.25 for students, making it a perfect way to share the holiday spirit with friends and family. Wherever home is for you, let the music bring you there this holiday season.
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
Where? St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 846 Oak St
When? December 11th & 12th, 6:30-8:15 p.m.
Step back in time to the Western Front during Christmas 1914 with All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, written by Peter Rothstein. Amid the violence of World War I, a remarkable moment of peace unfolded: a German soldier stepped into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night), sparking an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and shared humanity.
This a cappella vocal theater production, presented by Opera Steamboat with vocal arrangements by Erik Litche and Timothy C. Takach, brings the true story of the Christmas Truce to life through the words and songs of the men who experienced it. Audiences are transported to that historic night, witnessing the power of music and connection in the midst of conflict. It’s an unforgettable holiday experience that honors peace, remembrance, and the enduring spirit of the season.
Tickets and registration details are available at the venue or online – reserve your spot early to be part of this moving performance.
The Nutcracker Presented By Canyon Concert Ballet
Where? Strings Music Festival, 950 Strings Rd
When? December 12th & 13th
For the first time ever, Canyon Concert Ballet brings its acclaimed production of The Nutcracker to Steamboat Springs. Follow young Clara on her magical journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, brought to life with breathtaking choreography, dazzling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. This cherished holiday tradition is perfect for families, first-time ballet-goers, and seasoned patrons alike.
Tickets start at $46 for adults and $35 for children (ages 0-18), making it a memorable holiday experience for the whole family. Don’t miss this limited engagement in Steamboat Springs – celebrate the magic of the season as The Nutcracker enchants audiences of all ages.
Family Movie Night: Elf
Where? Wildhorse Cinema + Arts, 655 Marketplace Plaza
When? December 18th, 5:30-10 p.m.
Get ready for a night of laughter and holiday cheer at Family Movie Night: Elf, hosted by Ferguson Home and Electrolux at Wildhorse Cinema + Arts. This cozy, family-friendly evening celebrates the season with a private screening of the beloved holiday classic Elf, starring Will Ferrell as everyone’s favorite oversized elf spreading Christmas joy.
Guests will enjoy complimentary concessions, drinks, and festive giveaways, along with plenty of surprises throughout the night. It’s a fun-filled event that’s perfect for families, friends, and kids of all ages. Admission is free with RSVP, but space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early for this heartwarming holiday movie experience.
Santa Saddles Up
Where? Steamboat Stage, 2305 Mt Werner Cir
When? December 20th, 1-3 p.m.
Steamboat Springs is bringing back the beloved tradition of the Santa Horseback Procession with Santa Saddles Up. Santa will make a grand entrance riding down the slopes from the Torian Plum Area into the heart of Steamboat Square, escorted by legendary locals Bob Dapper and Dean Vogelaar. The procession begins promptly at 1 p.m. and lasts just a few minutes, so arriving early ensures you don’t miss this magical moment.
Immediately following the ride, Santa will be available on the Steamboat Stage to greet guests, take photos, and share holiday cheer. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cupcakes while visiting with Santa, making it a festive experience for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday celebrations in Steamboat.
Holiday Drone Show
Where? Steamboat Stage, 2305 Mt Werner Cir
When? December 20th, 5:30 p.m.
Watch the night sky come alive at Steamboat’s Holiday Drone Show. This dazzling event features a synchronized display of drones that light up the evening with stunning formations and festive patterns, creating a magical holiday spectacle for all ages. It’s a unique way to kick off the holiday celebrations in Steamboat Springs.
Perfect for families, friends, and visitors of all ages, the Holiday Drone Show combines technology, creativity, and seasonal cheer. Arrive early to secure a great viewing spot and enjoy this unforgettable, sky-high display of holiday magic just before heading to the evening festivities.
Holiday Skate Party
Where? Skeeter’s Skate Rentals, 2305 Mt Werner Cir
When? December 20th, 6 p.m.
Get ready to twirl, glide, and spin at Steamboat’s Holiday Skate Party. Hosted by the Steamboat Ski Resort, this festive event invites families and friends of all ages to enjoy the joy of skating to favorite holiday tunes. The rink will be buzzing with seasonal cheer, lights, and laughter, making it a perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit.
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or stepping on the ice for the first time, the Holiday Skate Party offers a fun and festive experience for everyone. Warm up with seasonal music, soak in the sparkling atmosphere, and create lasting memories with loved ones as you celebrate the season on the ice.
8 Nights of Shred: Hanukkah Lighting at Steamboat Resort
Where? Steamboat Stage, 2305 Mt Werner Cir
When? December 21st, 12-1:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Festival of Light at 8 Nights of Shred: Hanukkah Lighting on the Steamboat Stage. Join Rabbi Kolby Morris-Dahary of Har Mishpacha: The Jewish Congregation of Steamboat and Shannon Lukens of Steamboat Radio for a joyful celebration featuring the lighting of a Hanukkah menorah, festive songs, and delicious treats, including traditional jelly donuts.
This event welcomes locals and visitors of all backgrounds to experience the warmth and joy of Hanukkah in a festive mountain setting. Gather with friends and family at the base of the slopes to honor the holiday’s traditions, share in the fun, and celebrate the spirit of light and togetherness.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Light Up Snow Cat Parade
Where? Steamboat Ski Resort, 2305 Mt Werner Cir
When? December 31st, 5-6 p.m.
Ring in the New Year in true Steamboat style with the New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Light Up Snow Cat Parade. This dazzling celebration at Steamboat Ski Resort lights up the slopes with illuminated snowcats, synchronized torchlight skiing, and a breathtaking fireworks display. As the sun sets over Mount Werner, the mountain comes alive with vibrant colors and shimmering lights, creating a magical atmosphere that captures the excitement of a new year in the Rockies.
Families, locals, and visitors alike gather at the base area to watch the spectacle unfold, sipping hot cocoa and soaking in the festive energy. The Light Up Snow Cat Parade showcases Steamboat’s mountain spirit, combining winter adventure with holiday cheer, while the fireworks display provides a sparkling finale to an unforgettable night. Bundle up, arrive early for the best viewing spot, and toast to new beginnings under the Steamboat sky.
New Year’s Eve Dress to Impress Masquerade Party
Where? Thunderhead Lodge, 2305 Mt Werner Cir
When? December 31st-January 1st
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 in elegance and with excitement at the New Year’s Eve Dress to Impress Masquerade Party. Ride the gondola up to Thunderhead Lodge for an unforgettable evening high above the valley, surrounded by stunning snow-covered peaks and sparkling winter skies. This elegant yet lively celebration blends mountain sophistication with ski town charm, inviting guests to don their finest attire, dazzling masks, and festive spirit for a night of pure magic.
Dance the night away to live DJs spinning a vibrant mix of funk, disco, and throwback hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s, along with today’s top pop favorites. Tickets include entry, small bites, masquerade masks, noise makers, a drink ticket, and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. A cash bar will also be available for those who want to keep the celebration going. This 21+ event promises a night of glitz, music, and mountain sparkle as Steamboat welcomes the new year in unforgettable fashion.
A Season of Magic in the Mountains
From festive light shows and joyful concerts to family-friendly fun and elegant celebrations, Steamboat Springs shines brighter than ever during the holiday season. Whether you’re crafting cards, gliding across the ice, or counting down to midnight under the stars, each event captures the warmth and wonder that make this mountain town so special. No matter how you choose to celebrate, the holidays in Steamboat promise memories that will sparkle long after the snow melts.