Tree lightings, ice skating shows, fireworks and line dancing: Tricia’s Weekend Picks 11/24/23
Get into the holiday spirit and find some deals this weekend
Beaver Creek holiday happenings
After opening up for its 43rd season on Wednesday, Beaver Creek is keeping the party going with events and activities this weekend. On Friday, come early for free ice skating. Santa is rumored to make an appearance as well. There will be arts and crafts for the kids to create and plenty of artisans will be selling their wares at the Holiday Market. Top off the day with live music, an ice skating show, the tree lighting and fireworks.
Kids of all ages can enjoy the ice rink at Beaver Creek. Ice skate rentals are available if you don’t have your own. The rink is nestled in the heart of Beaver Creek Village, surrounded by boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Keep in mind, Beaver Creek has a Common Consumption Area where those 21 years of age and older may buy an alcoholic beverage from a participating vendor and walk around the village with drink in hand. It’s also fun to sit rink-side at a few of the restaurants like Hooked, Citrea and Blue Moose and watch the skaters.
Take home a memento from your visit to Beaver Creek after making your own hand-painted ornament. The Holiday Craft Workshop will be located in Gore Range Hall, so you can warm up after skiing or skating.
Speaking of crafts there will be a large array of handmade items from local and regional vendors. Think farmer’s market without the produce. Get your holiday shopping done since you’ll find a variety of gift items all in one convenient location. You’ll also be shopping local and supporting the livelihoods of these artists.
Have your lists ready for when the big man in red comes to town. It’s been rumored that Santa Claus will be visiting from the North Pole and chatting with kids about if they have been naughty or nice.
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Stick around for the Ice Skating Spectacular, a show that features top skaters as the sky turns to night. Live music will round out the evening before the main event. The Beaver Creek Tree Lighting Ceremony has been a tradition here since it opened in the early 1980s. Right after the switch is flipped on the holiday tree, turn your eyes to the sky for a fantastic fireworks display. For more details, visit BeaverCreek.com.
Revely Vail Tree Lighting
Revely Vail is a special event that celebrates the beginning of winter in the Vail Valley. It started on Nov. 10, Vail’s Opening Day, and continues through Dec. 6, just before Vail Holidays sets in from Dec. 8 until Jan. 5. So far, there have been silent discos, art workshops, comedy shows, gear sales and outdoor ski movies. This weekend kicks off the holidays with a Tree Lighting Ceremony in Lionshead. On Saturday, make your way to Sunbird Park Playground at 6 p.m. for live music from local favorites, the Fabulous Femmes, a visit from Santa and a message of joy and peace for the holiday season. After the tree is lit, all eyes will turn to the ice rink at Arrabelle, adjacent to the Sunbird Park Playground for a free ice skating show. Watch as figure skating stars like current World Team member and U.S. National medalist Amber Glenn as well as current World Team members and U.S. National medalist and two-time international gold medalists Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea strut their stuff on the ice.
Revely Vail Concerts
Revely Vail will also host a series of Thanksgiving Weekend concerts Friday through Monday. Head over to the International Bridge in Vail Village where a stage has been set up outdoors to house bands, DJs and even a ski movie. And, it’s all free.
Friday:
- Turntable Review
- 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday:
- House Music and Local DJs
- 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- DJ Jadore
- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday:
- The Woods from Nashville, TN
- 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Matchstick Productions presents, “The Stomping Grounds” ski movie
- 6:45 to 8 p.m.
Monday:
- Community Winter Kick-Off Concert
- Dueling Pianos
- 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- For more information, visit DiscoverVail.com and search Events.
Shop Small
For weeks we’ve been bombarded with all sorts of ads for Black Friday, but skip the big box stores and shop small and shop local. Small Business Saturday was started by American Express in 2010 to encourage shopping at small businesses locally during the holidays. By spending money in the Vail Valley, you support the community. Local businesses typically hire locals, contribute to local taxes and reinvest in their own operations. Here are a few places having deals:
Buzz’s Boards – Vail Village
- Black Friday Sale
- 20 to 60% off storewide
714 Home – Edwards
- Plaid Friday Sale
- Wear plaid and get entered to win a 714 Home basket of goodies worth $150.
- 714 Home will take a photo of you in your plaid and let their Instagram followers vote online for the best outfit. Winner receives a $100 gift card from 714 Home.
Habitat ReStore – Gypsum
- Black Friday Sale (and Saturday)
- Save an additional 25% off all donated inventory
Avon Rec Center – Avon
- Black Friday Sale (and Saturday and Sunday)
- Seasonal Membership and Punch Pass Sale
- In-person and online only (no phone sales)
Squash Blossom – Vail Village
- Piercings and Custom Jewelry on Saturday
- View the new collection and custom piercing jewelry from Alex Fitz
- Bubbles, bites and a raffle
Eye Pieces – Locations valley wide
- Black Friday Sale (through Monday, Nov. 27)
- Frames up to 50% off
- Goggle up to 70% off
- All prescription lenses $250 off
Revival Mind – Body – Beauty – Edwards
- Black Friday Sale
- Discounts on all sorts of facial, hair and body services
- 20% off products
Country Western Dance Night
4 Eagle Ranch is hosting another one of its popular Country Western Dance Nights and you’re invited. The historic ranch and events venue is bringing back local favorite, The Walker Williams Band to keep you out on the dance floor this Saturday evening. Come early for the dance instruction from 6 to 7 p.m. The band will play from 7 to 10 p.m.
These events have proven to be popular during the winter and summer. Wear the cowboy boots if you’ve got ’em. The smooth soles will help you scoot around the dance floor like a pro. Line dances and partner dances will fill the large space. Bring your friends and family and no wall flowers at this event, come on out and dance the night away after a day of skiing or snowboarding.
The Walker Williams Band is sure to please. Lead singer, Walker Williams, grew up playing guitar and singing and the award-winning band has opened for acts like Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson, Merle Haggard and more.
Tickets are $20 and $10 for those 15 years old and younger. Plan to stay the whole night, there will be a cash bar and food will be available for purchase. Reservations are not required but if you have any questions, call 970-926-3372.
