From tree lightings to Christmas kick-offs, here are the best holiday lights displays to visit in Aspen to celebrate the season.
St Regis Christmas Tree Lighting
The St Regis invites you to its annual tree lighting, featuring music, refreshments, entertainment, and more. The hotel’s 40 foot tree in its fountain courtyard evokes the holiday spirit for the ninth year running, in what is sure to be another long-standing Aspen tradition. Years past have featured performances by the Aspen High School band, a photo booth with Santa Claus himself, holiday cookies, and lots of champagne. No RSVP required, so make it a priority for your holiday checklist. 315 E. Dean Street
Little Nell Christmas Tree Lighting
Kick off the holidays at The Little Nell with their holiday tree lighting celebration. The picturesque, 5-star hotel invites families to their night of holiday cheer, with opportunities to join in singing christmas carols, enjoy some complimentary cookies and cocoa, and rub elbows with Santa Claus. Animal lovers will be delighted to find that the Aspen Animal Shelter will be present again with some “reindeer pups”. This event is complimentary, but reservations are required ahead of time so don’t miss out! 675 E Durant Ave
12 Days of Aspen, Downtown Aspen
In the mood for a stroll under the holiday lights? On the last 12 days of December, stop by downtown Aspen for a scene right out of a postcard. The Aspen Chamber has made sure that Aspenites and holiday visitors alike will be awash in holiday fun, with kid-friendly activities for each day available on their website. For parents who need a little extra holiday cheer, 12 Days of Aprés will be sure to boost your spirits. Clear your calendar from December 20th-31st, because ACRA has got you covered.
Winter on the Mountain Kick-off Party at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Fun abounds this holiday season at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, with this year's Winter on the Mountain Kick-off Party. Visitors are in store for a stunning Christmas display, with one of Western Colorado's largest display of lights featuring approximately 500,000 individual lights (that’s about 35 miles of lights!) Take the scenic tram to the adventure park on top of Iron Mountain, where thrill-seekers can ride a variety of the park’s rides adorned with holiday lights. When you’re done for the day, take a relaxing walk to the park’s musical Christmas Tree or enjoy a s’more at any of the park’s available fire pits. 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, Glenwood Springs
Sardy House Christmas Tree Lighting
Come one, come all to the Sardy House’s 38th annual Christmas Tree lighting. This beloved Aspen tradition sees the Sardy House, one of Aspen’s traditional Victorian homes host an eventful night of caroling and cookies right on Main Street. The Sardy House underwent renovations after selling for nearly 24 million dollars in 2016, but continues to be an integral part of the holiday season in Aspen. The nearly 100 foot tall fir will be lit the first Sunday of December at 6pm, continuing an Aspen tradition into the new year. 128 E Main St
Deck the Walls
Scrambling for stocking stuffers? Stop by Carbondale’s Deck the Walls, which transforms the R2 Gallery into a charming holiday market. Crafts and artwork by local artisans will be available for purchase, making the perfect gift for any homemaker or art fanatic in the Roaring Fork Valley. Years past have featured charming displays of artisanal greeting cards, toys, ceramics, canvases, and stockings. Make the most of the holidays by supporting local artists and shopping local in Carbondale this season. 76 S 4th St
Light Up Carbondale
Santa’s coming to town! Get ready for Light Up Carbondale, the town’s annual event which brings Santa on a route through downtown Carbondale to pick up wish lists. Santa will travel through Carbondale with his sleigh and roaming mailbox to ensure all of the town’s children and adults have a very merry Christmas. Also traveling with Santa will be a group of carolers and elves, so be ready to belt out a Christmas carol or two. On First Friday, stop by downtown Carbondale to pick up a complimentary goodie bag featuring sweets and gifts from local retailers.
Photography by: Photo by Morgane Le Breton/Unsplash
