Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Vail

Vail unquestionably excels in holiday spirit. This mountainous haven for winter enthusiasts festoons its ski slopes, dining establishments, cobblestone streets, and, naturally, its hotel corridors, with festive splendor. As North America’s premier ski destination, Vail boasts an abundance of holiday cheer. So, strike up the harp, join the choir, and orchestrate a Vail holiday excursion that will fill your cup to overflowing with seasonal joy. Fa, la, la!

Here are eight strategies to relish the Christmas season and the entire holiday experience in and around Vail:

INDULGE IN HAUTE CHOCOLATE

Picture a couple cozily nestled by a crackling fireplace, cradling steaming mugs of hot chocolate. They sport cozy sweaters, long pants, and festive socks.

Speaking of cups, you’ll uncover holiday ecstasy in a cup at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail. This is no ordinary hot cocoa concoction that you whip up with powdered mix and those diminutive, artificial marshmallows at home. This exquisite elixir of cocoa is nothing short of decadent, lavish, and some might even argue, life-altering. “Haute Chocolate” at the Remedy Bar is the perfect remedy following a day spent conquering the slopes.

This luxurious cup of chocolatey delight is prepared with Swiss chocolate (is there any other kind worth mentioning?), marshmallows, and Chantilly cream, and it’s served in a classic French hot-chocolate pot. The process involves churning steamed milk and Valrhona chocolate right at your table. Much like ascending to the summit of a mountain, the pinnacle of this experience is the pièce de résistance – a lattice of dark chocolate crowning the cup, accompanied by house-made marshmallows. After each day of skiing, you’ll find yourself briskly traversing the cobblestone streets to Remedy Bar for your Haute Chocolate fix. Don’t forget to explore an array of decadent desserts at the delightful restaurants that Vail has to offer.

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ILLUMINATE THE HOLIDAYS

Imagine the annual Revely Vail Tree Lighting ceremony taking place at Sunbird Park in Lionshead Village. This long-standing tradition commences the Vail holiday festivities with a dazzling display of lights, uniting both locals and visitors alike. Discover more of Vail’s signature winter events that await your participation.

SHOP FOR THE PERFECT GIFT

Visualize a family of five strolling through the winter wonderland of Vail Village, exiting a shop while two young girls clutch white shopping bags.

Nothing conveys “Happy Holidays” quite like a gift handpicked from one of Vail’s distinctive boutiques and shops. Here, you can find the ideal gift for everyone on your list, whether they’ve been naughty or nice. Hand-crafted cowboy boots from Kemo Sabe for Dad? Check. A Mama Bear necklace adorned with pavé diamonds from The Golden Bear for Mom? Check. Burton snowboards for the kids? Double-check. Explore a comprehensive list of Vail’s shopping establishments.

WELCOME THE NEW YEAR

Envision the New Year’s Eve fireworks illuminating the skies above Vail Village in Colorado, with explosions of brilliant green, pink, and yellow.

An essential Vail holiday tradition, aside from the obligatory photo op at the Christmas trail sign, is the annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade ski-down event, an integral part of Vail Holidays at Golden Peak. Embrace the New Year the Vail way. Typically commencing as the sun sets, both locals and tourists congregate at the base of Golden Peak to witness ski instructors gracefully descending the mountain, their torch lights creating a mesmerizing serpentine display. Following this festive parade, a spectacular fireworks show graces the starry heavens, ushering in the new year with enthusiasm. Explore New Year’s resolutions that you’ll be eager to uphold.

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INDULGE IN CULINARY DELIGHTS

Visualize a couple, wrapped in cozy winter attire, savoring a meal at an après-ski restaurant. The lady holds a glass of red wine, while the gentleman enjoys a forkful of delectable fish.

Starting from Golden Peak, you can conveniently meander along holiday-adorned cobblestone streets to access an array of Vail Village bistros, cafés, and fine dining establishments. Try the rack of caribou for two at the Antler’s Room in Pepi’s, relish Italian truffles at La Bottega, indulge in traditional fondue and raclette (ideal for the entire family) at the Swiss Chalet, or savor dover sole for two, prepared à la meunière and expertly deboned at your tableside at the Left Bank. Splurge and satisfy your inner gourmand with a memorable culinary experience in Vail. Discover tips for an enchanting evening of dining out.

RAISE A TOAST TO THE VAIL HOLIDAY SEASON

Imagine strolling across Vail’s festively adorned covered bridge, pausing to admire the snow-clad boulders beside Gore Creek. On the opposite end of the bridge, the magic truly begins, with a selection of charming establishments including The Red Lion, Shakedown Bar, The George, 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits Bar, Root & Flower, El Segundo, Bully Ranch, and more. Alternatively, head over to the nearby Lionshead Village, where Garfinkel’s and Bart and Yeti’s offer holiday-inspired cocktails slopeside. From casual to chic, New Year’s Eve, and indeed the entire holiday season, are celebrated in style in Vail. Explore Vail’s vibrant nightlife scene.

DANCE IN THE STREETS

Picture a lively après-ski scene at the Vail Chophouse in Lionshead, featuring live music by Phil Long. This provides a fun way to cap off a day on the slopes, followed by an indulgent steak dinner. Phil Long, a longstanding fixture in the Vail après party scene, encourages sing-alongs, takes requests, and provides ceaseless entertainment. Meanwhile, Shakedown Bar in Vail Village hosts live music and showcases some of the finest rock ‘n’ roll performances in the region. Delve into Vail’s après-ski scene.

BECAUSE…IT’S VAIL! Imagine Vail Village cloaked in a serene winter snowfall, with a brilliantly illuminated pine tree standing tall in the center.

Vail outshines even the North Pole, creating an atmosphere akin to being enveloped in your own personal snow globe, replete with an extraordinary array of dining options, shopping opportunities, and outdoor winter adventures that exceed your wildest dreams. There’s simply no more magical destination than Vail for the holidays.

So, what are you waiting for? Are you prepared to swap the customary gift exchange beneath the tree for pristine, untouched powder, breathtaking fireworks, delectable fondue, invigorating ice bars, and the sublime Haute Chocolate? Welcome the new year with a lively spirit, a well-mixed libation, and a few exhilarating descents on Vail Mountain. Admit it – all you desire for Christmas is the enchanting experience of Vail!