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From Beanie Babies to Labubus, it’s clear that giving the perfect gift is a moving target—and most of the presents under the tree will be old news by next year. What does stand the test of time is a good ol’ family outing.
So, give your loved ones the gift of fresh air and fresh powder this month—and maybe add on tickets to one of the events below, from holiday drinks at Avon’s Lookout Bar (make sure you check out the Ugly Sweater bash) to a jazzy Nutcracker performance in Crested Butte.
Read More: Fun Things to Do in Denver This Week
Jump Ahead:
Aspen
Wintersköl
This festival began in 1951 as a way to promote tourism to Aspen during its quieter winter weeks. Although the iconic mountain town isn’t lacking for visitors any longer, this fest has remained an annual tradition. Over four days, locals and travelers will convene to honor Aspen’s heritage by raising a pint at the Wintersköl Beer Festival, sampling locally made stews at Soupsköl, challenging friends to a curling competition, and connecting with community members at a parade and bonfire. Dec. 11–14; times vary; free, some events ticketed
Crested Butte
Mr. Sun Plays Ellington’s Nutcracker
If you’ve seen the classic Nutcracker a million times, consider catching this jazzy take on the tradition. A quartet including fiddler Darol Anger, guitarist Grant Gordy, bassist Aidan O’Donnell, and mandolinist Joe Walsh will perform Duke Ellington’s rendition of the Nutcracker Suite alongside the CBCS String Band. Arrive early to get a bite to eat from Mount Kaz. Dec. 19; 7 p.m.; $30–$40
Estes Park
Sleigh the Games
Is your family the type that gets competitive about everything from backyard Thanksgiving football tilts to gingerbread-house-making competitions? If yes, this brand-new event in Estes Park is the perfect venue to show up your siblings. Throughout the weekend, sign up for challenges such as a four-mile and one-mile race, yule-log hoisting, sled pulling, and more. If even Fido is a fierce competitor, sign your pup up for the costume competition. Dec. 12–14; Friday 6 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; starting at $46 per person, spectator tickets $24, register here
Steamboat Springs
Western BBQ
Live out all your Yellowstone dreams at this lively dinner-and-dancing series. Fuel up with a buffet of smoked meats and traditional sides, then put on your cowboy boots for an evening of two-step and line dancing accompanied by a live band and instructor. Dec. 18–March 20; dinner times vary, make a reservation here; $90 for adults, $64 for kids
Summit County
Wassail Days
Ever wondered what the heck they’re talking about in “Here We Come A-Wassailing”? Well, give this old tradition a go yourself in Frisco. Local businesses will serve up their own special version of this English hot cider. Try at least 12 and redeem a free commemorative mug at the Frisco visitor center. Throughout the week, there will also be free holiday gift-wrapping and Santa visits at the Historic Frisco Park. Through Dec. 7; times vary; free
Breckenridge Arts District Winter Weekend
Whether you’re trying to complete some holiday shopping or you’re just looking to kill a few hours with the kids, this weekendlong arts celebration in Breck is the place to be. Stop by the market for handmade gifts from artists like Kiki Diaz-Davis (jewelry, hats, and more) and Yana Faber (mandalas, art prints). Even if you’re not in the market for presents, stop by the impossibly cute “Jingle Paws” dog runway show, Santa dance-off (where costumed Clauses perform one-minute dance routines), gingerbread-house-making contests, and more. Dec. 5–6; event times vary; free
Ullr Fest
No, you’re not in Valhalla—though the copious amounts of Viking hats, snowy scenery, and endless ale could fool you. This fest honoring the Norse god of snow takes place in Breckenridge each year in the hopes of ushering in a ski season blessed with plentiful powder—and, boy, do we need it. Day one kicks off with the crowning of the Ullr King and Queen and (another) attempt to break the world record for longest shotski (1,410 people), plus the community-beloved parade and bonfire. Stick around for Friday and Saturday to partake in an ice-skating party and live music. Dec. 18–20; event times vary; free attendance
Vail and Beaver Creek
Vail Après
Whether you’re still mastering your pizza or you spent your day on double black diamonds, everyone’s back on equal footing at aprés. For two months, Vail is hosting weekly silent discos where you select your own tunes, outdoor ice-skating shows featuring international performers, and holiday festivities like a Kris Kringle market and a tree-lighting event. Through Jan. 4; times vary; most events free
Miracle Bar at Lookout Bar
Fireball shooters might keep your insides toasty on the slopes, but after you lose the ski boots, we suggest you quench your thirst at this seasonal bar. The Westin Riverfront’s Lookout Bar is partnering with Christmas pop-up franchise Miracle for this collaboration, where revelers can order themed drinks such as a Christmapolitan or a Dancing Sugarplums with gin, plum wine, nutmeg, and more. This month, be sure to stop by for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on December 13 (wearer of the ugliest sweater receives a $150 gift card) and a holiday cocktail-mixing class on December 17. Through Dec. 30; daily 2–9 p.m.; prices vary, reservations required
Stifel Birds of Prey Cup
Even if you prefer to stick to the green pistes, there’s plenty to keep you occupied at this world-class ski competition. Listen to live music from bands like Touch of Trey and the Red Not Chili Peppers; settle in for a viewing of Warren Miller’s Sno-ciety; swig craft beer at a multibrewery tasting event; meet the avalanche dogs and (snow)cats that help keep Beaver Creek running; and, of course, watch the giant slalom showdowns. Dec. 4–7; times vary; many events free, some events ticketed
Santa Brunch at Stoke & Rye
If you wished for fewer cooking duties this holiday season, Stoke & Rye has delivered. The Vail Valley grill is offering this bountiful holiday buffet, during which families can snap photos with Jolly Old Saint Nick, listen to classic holiday tunes, and dig into brunch specials and holiday desserts. Dec. 21; 7 a.m.–1 p.m.; $89 for adults, $42 for kids
Winter Park
Winter Park Express Ski Train
This seasonal Amtrak offering is so popular that it’s opening a month earlier this year. The Winter Park Express, also known as the “ski train,” takes passengers from Denver Union Station straight to the resort. During the two-hour-long ride, families can enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Moffat Tunnel—all while circumventing the blood-pressure-spiking I-70 traffic. (Bonus: Skis ride for free.) Dec. 19–March 31; times vary, check schedule; starting at $9
Deck the Slopes
Reindeer. Ample hot cocoa and cookies. Thousands of twinkling lights. No, you’re not in the North Pole, but Winter Park Resort at this time of year is the next best thing. The resort’s holiday programming includes a meet and greet with live reindeer, holiday drone shows, and a showstopping parade (December 24) that takes place slopeside and includes more than 100 skiers lighting up the night with flares and fireworks. Tip: The Torchlight Parade is best watched at the base of the mountain with a hot cocoa in hand. Through Dec. 31; times vary; free
