Sofi Tukker, Olympic ice skaters, Santa and sales at local boutiques this weekend

Sofi Tukker in Vail

Big news for EDM fans, Grammy-nominated duo Sofi Tukker will take the stage on Saturday. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6:30 p.m. This is an 18-plus show and valid identification must be shown upon entry. The Vail Valley Foundation, Discover Vail, AEG Presents and Vail Resorts are coming together to bring this ultimate alpine EDM experience to the mountains. The concert will take place at Ford Park. Parking is available in the Vail Village and Lionshead Parking structures, which is free after 3 p.m. but overnight parking is not allowed. Go to GRFAVail.com for more details.

In addition to the evening performance, there’s a bonus performance for free from 12-2 p.m. on Saturday at the Eagle’s Nest Rooftop. Starting at 9 a.m. the morning of the show, 400 free wrist bands will be given out on a first come first serve basis. Epic Pass holders have a dedicated stash of these wrist bands but get there early to ensure you get one. Wristband pickup will be east of Lionshead ticket office, near the walking path. Do be aware to access Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19) you will need a lift ticket, scenic ticket or Epic Pass to get up there. Get more info at Vail.com.

Stop by Avanti Vail at the base of Golden Peak right near Ford Park for the Sofi Tukker pre-party starting at 3 p.m. and get the dance party started early with DJ Chiilla. Add some flair to you hair for the show by stopping by the hair tinsel station by Frankie Styles, and there will also be a piercing station by Piercings by Jill. Grab a drink at the first of many après ski parties hosted by Avanti Vail this winter. Starting Friday, this base mountain location will host DJ sets each Friday and Saturday from 2-5 p.m. for the season (with a few blackout dates due to private events). A list of DJs and vendors will pop in along with drink specials each weekend. On Sunday, don’t forget that you can keep up with your favorite pro football teams at Avanti Vail where they have the NFL Sunday Ticket. Learn more at AvantiFAndB.com.

Kris Kringle Market in Vail Village

The magic of the season returns with the Kris Kringle Market taking over the streets of Vail this weekend. Sip warm mulled wine and hot cocoa while checking out a variety of vendor booths offering handcrafted gifts, artisan goods, holiday décor and treats for the season. Take a look at the over 60 vendors listed on the website. You may recognize some from the Vail Farmers Market & Art Show, the popular market that takes place on Sundays during the summer. The Kris Kringle Market will be open Thursday through Sunday. Go to VailFarmersMarket.com for more details.

Free Ice Skating Shows at Arrabelle

This Saturday brings another installment of the Free Ice Skating Shows presented by Discover Vail. These weekly performances brings in different world-class skaters in to dazzle audiences. This week’s skaters include: 

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• Gabrielle Daleman: 2-time Canadian Champion, World Bronze medalist, 2-time Olympian and Olympic Team Gold medalist
• Leah Neset and Artem Markelov: Team USA, 3-time US National Junior Dance Champions, 2024 Junior Grand Prix Champions and 2024 World Junior Champions
• Jordan Moeller: Former Team USA member, current works for the United States Olympic/Paralympic Training Center and will be attending the 2026 Italy Olympic Games helping Team USA
• Naomi Williams and Lachlan Lewer: Team USA, World Junior medalists, and US National Junior medalists

These performances are 15 minutes in length and run from 4:45-5 p.m. and 5:30-5:45 p.m. at the Arrabelle Ice Rink. For more information, go to DiscoverVail.com.

Smile with Santa in Vail Village

Take the kids to see Santa at the Kringle Crossing on the International Bridge in Vail Village on Sunday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Free photos will be available and can be shared digitally or printed on location. Go to DiscoverVail.com for more info and more dates coming up in case you miss Joly Old St. Nick this time.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party in Lookout Bar

Head to the top of Avon for unique views and a festive après ski holiday party celebrating the most outrageous holiday sweaters. The Lookout Bar is perched over Avon with great views of the Eagle River, Beaver Creek and Game Creek on Vail Mountain. Best (or worst!) sweater gets a $150 Lookout gift card. The winner will be announced at 7 p.m. but the party will be hosted between 3 p.m.–9 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Go to OpenTable.com to reserve your spot.

Ugly Sweater Fun Run

You probably have a few crazy-looking holiday sweaters in your closet, so why not wear one and take part in the annual Ugly Sweater Fun Run on Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. This event has become quite the tradition with people of all ages signing up to stroll or swiftly maneuver the streets and paths of Lionshead in either the 5K or 3K. The Fun Run starts and finishes at Bart & Yeti’s in Lionshead. Santa Claus will lead runners through town on his fat bike. After the race, join other racers at Bart & Yeti’s for free burritos, breakfast beer, hot chocolate and goodies that will be raffled off.

The Ugly Sweater Fun Run is hosted by the Vail Recreation District and is a food drive for The Community Market and local toy drives led by Edward Jones in Eagle. Entry cost is $9 with a donation of food or a new, unwrapped toy for our charitable partners. All entry fees go to our charitable partners cash donations will be accepted on race day too! If you don’t want to run but would still like to donate food or toys, you can drop off your item at the start/finish area from 8 to 11 a.m. on race day.

Prizes will be awarded at the after-party for the best outfits (adults, kids, dogs and teams) and the biggest donations. Sign up in advance at Register.VailRec.com under Community Races.Online registration closes at 8 p.m. on Dec 13. Day-of registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at Bart & Yeti’s. Find more details at VailRec.com/Vail-Ugly-Sweater-Fun-Run.

Shop local

714 Home is teaming up with Vail Candle Company and Suzy Sweets to help you out with not only your gifts but sweets this holiday season. Candles, home décor, accessories, baked goods and specialty food products will be available. 714 is located between Sato Sushi and Craftsman in Edwards.

LA Studio across from Bender’z Burgers in Edwards is hosting a Sip & Shop on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy some holiday cheer and 10% off storewide.

The Home Outpost in Gypsum is helping you do your shopping by hosting a holiday party with music, small bites, drinks and family photos with Santa. There will also be a 10% discount storewide all day long. Come on Saturday for the holiday cheer from 3-6 p.m. in Gypsum near Costco and Gypsum Ace Hardware.