Travel Blog

Getting into the Holiday Spirit

Happy Holidays from Epic Mountain Express and CME!

December is always a busy time, but if you are spending time in the Rocky Mountains, here are some festivals to get you into the holiday spirit that you won’t want to miss!

Start the holiday season December 7 with the Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas! This family friendly event kicks off at the Breckenridge Arts District lawn for a snowman building competition, followed by a dog parade and joining hundreds of Santas in a race down Main Street. This is finished with Santa lighting up the Plaza and giving kids a chance to tell him what they would like for Christmas.

Keystone Resort is home to the most delicious miniature alpine village you’ll see! This annual favorite is assembled out of 7,000 pounds of chocolate complete with a working gondola, cascading chocolate waterfall and 6-foot white chocolate Christmas tree which is on display beginning December 9.

In its 57th year, the Breckenridge Ullr fest revolves around the Norse God Ullr (pronounced “Oool-er”), to honor and thank him for his gift of snow by adorning Viking hats and partaking in a weeklong party. Plan on bringing your best snow dance from December 11 to 15, and spend your days honoring Ullr on the slopes and the nights at the Fest celebrating Ullr!

Vail is an idyllic place to celebrate the holiday season, the town and mountains come alive with lights, sounds, events and cheer. Vail Snow Days kicks off the celebration December 12; a 4-day festival with evening concerts at Ford Park, festival village at the Mountain Plaza and a Block Party at International Bridge. December continues with annual classics, find handmade toys, ornaments and treats at the Kris Kringle Market on the International Bridge the weekend of the 14th, and finish the weekend at the tree lighting ceremony in Slifer Square in Vail Village.

Downtown Aspen looks more magicalthan usual during the 12 Days of Aspen beginning December 20 with lights, holiday treats, carolers and New Year’s Eve fireworks over the mountain. Get into the spirit and enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker or ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas!

Celebrate the night before Christmas in Copper Mountain with a torchlight parade followed by fireworks over the halfpipe in Center Village. Wear your ugliest sweater for the ugly sweater contest, stay warm sipping hot chocolate and take some photos with Betty the Yeti!

Beaver Creek Extraordinaire presents Cheer; transforms the Village into a winter wonderland from December 21 to January 4 with daily festivities. Enjoy listening to carolers, take in a movie or performance of a classic tale and help illuminate the night at the wishing ceremony.

No matter which resort you plan on visiting this holiday season, let Epic Mountain Express do the driving so you can relax and arrive rested. If you are flying into Denver International Airport, scheduled shared shuttles can deliver you to Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen and Snowmass or take a private vehicle with Premier Mountain Express. Once in town, you’ll discover how easy it is to get around without a car!

Search Blog