Celebrate the Holidays: Christmas in Vail
Christmas in Vail is more than just a holiday—it’s an enchanting winter wonderland that brings the magic of the season to life. Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Vail turns into a snow-covered paradise, offering festive events, family activities, and incredible skiing experiences.
1. HAUTE CHOCOLATE, ANYONE?
Speaking of cups, you’ll find holiday bliss in a cup at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail. This is not any regular cup of hot chocolate like the powdered mix you make at home with the faux mini marshmallows. This exquisite cup of cocoa is decadent, rich and some might say “life altering.” “Haute Chocolate” at the Remedy Bar is just the prescription following a long day on the slopes.
This luxe cup of chocolatey warmth is made with Swiss chocolate (is there any other kind?), marshmallow and Chantilly cream. It is served in a traditional French hot-chocolate pot. The steamed milk and Valrhona chocolate are churned right next to your table. Much like skiing the summit, what is on top of the cup is the best — a dark-chocolate lattice and homemade marshmallows. You will find yourself fast walking the cobblestone streets to Remedy Bar to get your Haute Chocolate fix after each ski day.
2. LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS
The annual Vail Après Tree Lighting happens at the Sunbird Park in Lionshead Village in late November. The magic continues with Kringle Crossing, Smile with Santa and more into Vail Holidays. This long-standing tradition of a torchlight ski down and fireworks completes the year with sparkling lights, bringing together locals and visitors alike.
3. SHOP FOR THE PERFECT GIFT
Nothing says, “Happy Holidays,” like a gift from one of Vail’s unique shops and boutiques. Here you can shop for everyone on your list, naughty or nice. Hand-tooled cowboy boots from Kemo Sabe for Dad? Check. A pavé diamond Mama Bear necklace from The Golden Bear for Mom? Check. Burton snowboards for the kids? Check. Check.
4. RING IN THE NEW YEAR
A quintessential Vail holiday activity — aside from the popular photo opportunity at the Christmas trail sign — is the annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade ski-down event that’s part of Vail Holidays at Golden Peak. Ring in the New Year, Vail style. Usually starting as the sun sets, locals and tourists alike gather at the base of Golden Peak to watch ski instructors ski down with torch lights in a serpentine configuration. After this festive parade, a fireworks display brightens the starry sky and welcomes the new year with gusto.
5. Eat, Drink & Be Merry
From Golden Peak, there is easy access to walk along holiday-decorated cobblestone streets over to the plethora of Vail Village bistros, cafes and fine-dining spots. Try rack of caribou for two in the Antler’s Room at Pepi’s, Italian truffles at La Bottega, traditional fondue and raclette (fun for the whole family) at the Swiss Chalet, and dover sole for two prepared à la meuniere and deboned tableside at the Left Bank. Splurge and satisfy your inner gourmand with an unforgettable meal in Vail.
6. TOAST THE VAIL HOLIDAY SEASON
Stroll across Vail’s festively lit covered bridge and stop to gaze at the puffy, snow-covered boulders on Gore Creek. On the other side of the bridge, the magic begins at The Red Lion, Shakedown Bar, The George, 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits Bar, Root & Flower, El Segundo, Bully Ranch and more. Or head over to nearby Lionshead Village where Garfinkel’s and Bart and Yeti’s serve holiday cocktails slopeside. From casual to trendy, New Year’s Eve — really, the whole holiday season — is done right in Vail.
7. DANCING IN THE STREETS
Live music with Phil Long at the Vail Chophouse in Lionshead is a fun après-ski option followed by a sumptuous steak dinner. Phil has been a fixture in the Vail après party scene for decades and encourages sing-a-longs, requests and nonstop entertainment. Shakedown Bar in Vail Village features live music and has the best live rock ‘n’ roll shows in the valley.
8. BECAUSE … IT’S VAIL!
The North Pole has nothing on Vail — it’s like being in your own personal snow globe surrounded by the most amazing dining, shopping and outdoor winter fun you could ever dream of. There’s nothing more magical than Vail for the holidays.
So, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to swap presents under the tree for untracked powder, fireworks, fondue, ice bars and Haute Chocolate? Ring in the new year with a shake and a stir and a few turns on Vail Mountain. Admit it — all you want for Christmas is Vail!
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