Steamboat Springs has earned the (perhaps unofficial) title of Christmastown. Most of the winter season, you’ll find the trees downtown adorned with white lights and the storefronts joining in the festivities. Strolling on Lincoln Avenue between 4th and 5th, Santa’s workshop is set up with Santa greeting his fans on the weekends. Across the street from there, the official start of the holiday season begins on the Courthouse lawn with the “Light up the Night” Community Tree Lighting the weekend after Thanksgiving.
A large Christmas Tree adorns the stage in Gondola Square at Steamboat Resort. Guests enjoy their days skiing or snowboarding and anticipating all the wonderful memories that will be made. Don’t forget snowshoeing, sledding, and snow-mobiling! This writer took her first horse-drawn sleigh ride last year because “it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you!”
During the holidays, there is, as always, an amazing selection of dining options. Whether you want to cook and savor at home, or be wowed at a local restaurant, you will be sure to clink your glasses and remember the amazing holiday you spent in Steamboat Springs!
Steamboat Resort hosts several events to commemorate the season. In particular, their Holiday Festival is fun for the whole family, which is usually hosted in the few days before Christmas. At the start of the event, Santa rides in on a horse to meet all the good boys and girls. He is usually accompanied by some reindeer friends. The kids love to participate in the Stocking Scramble, which is essentially trick-or-treating at various establishments at the base area. Parents can enjoy a complimentary champagne toast (don’t forget your ID!) as all the merriment swirls around them. The event concludes with a torchlight parade and fireworks, leading to night skiing.
New Year’s Eve 2019/2020, the resort hosted their first ever New Year’s Eve torchlight parade and fireworks beginning with a snowcat salute. It was brief but very fun event to witness for all! There is also a NYE party at the Steamboat Grand for kids.
You can sense the spirit in the town. The spirit of joy and giving. The spirit of slowing down and spending time with loved ones, enjoying good food and drink, as well as festive parties.
