Santa visits, classic holiday movies, ice skating shows and more this weekend in the Vail Valley
With the holidays approaching there are plenty of things to do to get into the spirit of the season
Discover Vail/Courtesy photo
Smile with Santa in Vail Village
There are more opportunities to meet with Santa at this holiday season. Head to the Kringle Crossing in Vail Village at the International Bridge and Santa will be there on Sunday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Free photos with Santa will be available and can be shared with you digitally or printed onsite. Speaking of photos, all of Kringle Crossing is one big photo op, this miniature village is perfect for grabbing some cute pictures with the kids in a winter wonderland like Vail. Santa will have two more appearances at Kringle Crossing before he takes off on his sleigh on Christmas Eve. Come to Smile with Santa on Monday and Tuesday at 3:30-6:30 p.m. for your last chance to get your wish lists submitted to Santa and the elves at the North Pole. Go to DiscoverVail.com to learn more.
Santa Brunch at Stoke & Rye
On Sunday, dine with the Man in Red at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon. Stoke & Rye is hosting a festive Santa Brunch featuring an extensive buffet of traditional favorites and decadent desserts.
Come dressed in your holiday best and capture the moment with free family photos with Santa between 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Brunch will be served from 7 a.m.–1 p.m. The cost is $69 for adults and $32 for kids ages 5-12. Children under age 5 are free. Advanced reservations are required here.
Classic holiday movies at the Vilar Center
There are so many great holiday flicks and the best way to see them is on the big screen. On Sunday, the Vilar Performing Arts Center will host two different classics, so bring all your family and friends to Beaver Creek.
At 4 p.m. “Santa Clause” will take you on a magical trip filled with mayhem when Tim Allen’s character accidentally finds himself filling in for the guy with the biggest job in the world on Dec. 24. Stick around because at 7 p.m. it’s not the man in red, but the creature in green. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” follows the antics of the Grinch, played by Jim Carrey, and all the folks in Whoville who love Christmas.
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Tickets are $11.30 for kids and $16.95 for adults (fees included in price). Learn more at VilarPAC.org, call 970-845-TIXS or stop by the ticket office in Beaver Creek.
Menorah Lighting
B’nai Vail
The B’nai Vail Congregation invites you to stop by the Covered Bridge in Vail Village to light the menorah each night of Hanukkah from 5-5:30 p.m. For more information, visit BnaiVail.org.
Vail Chabad
On Sunday, Vail Chabad is hosting the Unite for Light at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail for après ski, drinks, holiday refreshments and Hanukkah joy. Visit JewishVail.com to make a reservation, donation or to get more details.
Gingerbread house making
This holiday season, make your own gingerbread house with the guidance of some artistic and crafty professionals. Alpine Arts Center in Edwards and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail are both hosting workshops where you can decorate and bring home your own gingerbread house.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail invites kids to create their own special home from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday. Executive pastry chef Shawna MacDonald will be hosting a hands-on workshop to create gingerbread houses. The houses are pre-assembled and are ready to receive designs that will make them unique. This is a perfect experience for families and each young baker will receive a chef’s hat and apron to feel like a pro. Parents must be present during this workshop. Candy, hot cocoa will be served, adults may also purchase an adult beverage. The cost is $110 for one gingerbread house and supplies and instruction.
Alpine Arts Center
Let the instructor at Alpine Arts Center guide you through decorating your own gingerbread house on Saturday from 1-2:30 p.m. All supplies and extra gingerbread cookies for decorating and eating are included. Wine/beer/champagne can be purchased during the class for ages 21 and up. The class is $55 and you can register at AlpineArtsCenter.org (select Cupcakes and Canvas via the registration link above to sign up). Large groups are welcome, give them a call 970-926-2732.
Elite Skating Exhibition at Arrabelle Ice Rink
If you’re looking to be entertained, check out the short ice skating shows at the Arrabelle Ice Rink on Saturday. The first one takes place from 4:45-5 p.m. and the second show goes from 5:30-5:45 p.m. This week features a dance team and a pair team, offering two different types of skating for spectators. Learn more at DiscoverVail.com. This week’s lineup includes:
- Leah Neset and Artem Markelov (married couple): 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
- Michelle Lee: 4-time US National competitor and member of Team USA
Winter Extravaganza
Speaking of ice, the Eagle Pool & Ice Rink is hosting a Winter Extravaganza from 2-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Celebrate the season in a festive winter wonderland filled with fun activities, performances and seasonal treats. The event costs $5 per person and that includes skate rentals. There will be a Sensory Skate Time from 2-2:30 p.m. for those who prefer minimal noise and no flashing lights. Enjoy visits and photos with holiday characters and Santa. There will also be figure skating performances by Skate Club Vail and hot chocolate and cookie decorating. For more information, go to Mountain Recreation’s Event Page on Facebook.
