Aspen, Colorado, is a dream destination year-round, but it becomes especially magical during Christmas. Blanketed in snow and lit up with holiday lights, this mountain town combines luxury, charm, and unforgettable holiday experiences. If you’re looking to embrace the Christmas spirit surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, Aspen is the perfect holiday escape. From cozy accommodations and festive events to shopping and outdoor activities, this guide will help you maximize your Aspen Christmas retreat.
Ready to make your holiday dream a reality? Book your flights and car rental to enjoy a magical Christmas in Aspen.
1. Where to Stay: Cozy and Luxurious Accommodations
Choosing the right accommodation can make your Aspen holiday even more enchanting. Here are some top options to consider:
The Little Nell: Look no further than The Little Nell for a luxurious stay. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, this five-star hotel offers ski-in/ski-out access, making it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. The Little Nell is known for its festive holiday decor, heated outdoor pool, and fireplaces that create a warm, cozy atmosphere. The service here is impeccable, with a ski concierge, fine dining options, and a Champagne bar to top off your evenings.
Hotel Jerome: With its historic charm and modern amenities, Hotel Jerome is a beloved Aspen landmark. The hotel’s holiday decor is stunning, transforming the lobby into a cozy Christmas haven. The Jerome’s on-site restaurant, Prospect, serves holiday-inspired dishes that complete the festive experience. After exploring, enjoy amenities like a hot tub, outdoor fire pits, and a relaxing spa.
Aspen Meadows Resort: Located slightly off the main downtown area, Aspen Meadows Resort offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful mountain views. Nestled in a serene, snow-covered landscape, it has a warm, inviting atmosphere. Featuring modern suites, a full-service spa, and proximity to winter trails, it’s a fantastic spot for those looking to relax and rejuvenate.
Each hotel provides a unique Aspen experience with all the holiday charm you could want.
2. Festive Events and Christmas Cheer
Aspen celebrates Christmas with events and traditions that unite the community and fill the town with holiday cheer.
12 Days of Aspen: This signature holiday event offers 12 days of Christmas festivities, including carol singing, holiday concerts, art workshops, and visits from Santa Claus. Each day brings something new, from live music performances to hot cocoa stations around town, making it a delightful way to immerse yourself in Aspen’s Christmas spirit. The event culminates in a grand holiday celebration on Christmas Eve with fireworks over the mountains.
Ice Skating at Silver Circle Rink: Just outside the Silver Circle Ice Rink, you’ll find the perfect spot for ice skating in Aspen. Surrounded by snow-covered trees and holiday lights, it’s a picturesque location for an afternoon of skating. The rink is family-friendly, with rentals available for all ages, making it a wonderful activity to enjoy with loved ones.
Tree Lighting at The Little Nell: One of Aspen’s most beloved traditions is the annual tree lighting ceremony at The Little Nell. Guests gather to see the beautifully decorated tree come to life in a sparkling display of lights. Complimentary hot chocolate, mulled wine, and caroling make the event even more unique, adding a warm, festive touch to a cold winter night.
These events showcase the festive spirit of Aspen, making it a holiday destination filled with joy and wonder.
3. Outdoor Adventures and Winter Sports
Aspen is synonymous with winter sports, and Christmas is the perfect time to experience the thrill of skiing, snowboarding, and other snowy adventures.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Aspen Snowmass: Aspen Snowmass is renowned for its world-class slopes, and during the holiday season, the mountain takes on a festive vibe with beautifully decorated lodges and seasonal music. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Aspen’s variety of trails offers something for everyone. Four mountains—Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk—provide an expansive exploration area, with ski-in/ski-out access from many accommodations.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: If downhill skiing isn’t your style, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are excellent ways to enjoy Aspen’s winter landscape. The Ashcroft Ski Touring Center, located just outside town, offers snowshoe and cross-country trails through stunning snow-covered forests. Guided tours are available, and you’ll have the opportunity to see Aspen’s untouched winter beauty up close.
Snowmobile Tours: For an adventure beyond the slopes, try a snowmobile tour to explore Aspen's stunning high alpine terrain. T-Lazy-7 Ranch offers snowmobile tours through the beautiful Maroon Creek Valley, giving you breathtaking views of the Maroon Bells, some of Colorado’s most iconic peaks. This thrilling experience is an unforgettable way to embrace the snowy wonderland.
Aspen’s outdoor activities offer endless excitement, giving every visitor the chance to experience the mountain magic of Christmas.
Get ready for an adventure-filled holiday and reserve your car rental today to explore Aspen’s beautiful winter trails and scenic routes.
4. Christmas Shopping and Holiday Treats
Aspen’s quaint downtown is the perfect place for holiday shopping, with charming boutiques and specialty stores filled with unique gifts.
Aspen’s Christmas Market: Located in the heart of town, Aspen’s Christmas Market features local vendors selling handcrafted goods, holiday decorations, and seasonal treats. With the scent of fresh pine and mulled wine filling the air, this market is an ideal spot to pick up a few festive souvenirs and experience the holiday charm.
Boutique Shopping on Hyman Avenue: Aspen’s shopping district is filled with luxury boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops, making it easy to find gifts for everyone on your list. From high-end fashion to unique home decor, Hyman Avenue’s boutiques offer a curated selection that’s both stylish and festive.
Sweet Treats at Paradise Bakery: No Christmas trip to Aspen would be complete without a visit to Paradise Bakery. Known for its warm cookies, hot chocolate, and festive holiday decor, this bakery is a cozy spot to break from the cold. Try their peppermint hot chocolate or gingerbread cookies for a seasonal treat that will put you in the Christmas spirit.
Aspen’s shopping scene adds a touch of glamour to your holiday experience, combining luxury with the warmth of a small-town Christmas.
5. Fine Dining and Cozy Cafes
Aspen’s dining scene is impressive year-round, but many restaurants offer special menus and holiday-themed decor during Christmas, making each meal a festive experience.
Element 47 at The Little Nell: Known for its fine dining and elegant atmosphere, Element 47 offers a refined Christmas menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors. Pair your meal with a wine from their extensive cellar, and you’ll have an unforgettable holiday dining experience.
Pine Creek Cookhouse: For a true winter wonderland dining adventure, take a sleigh ride or cross-country ski trip to Pine Creek Cookhouse, nestled in the mountains outside of Aspen. This rustic lodge offers hearty mountain cuisine, with dishes like elk and bison, creating a cozy atmosphere in a picturesque setting. The journey to the restaurant is part of the experience, providing a memorable and scenic route.
French Alpine Bistro: This charming bistro is a local holiday favorite, with its warm ambiance and festive decor. Known for its classic fondue and Alpine dishes, the French Alpine Bistro offers a unique taste of European Christmas traditions, perfect for a cozy holiday meal.
These dining experiences provide a delightful way to celebrate Christmas in Aspen, combining exquisite cuisine with a holiday ambiance.
How to Get to Aspen
Aspen is easily accessible via Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which offers direct flights from several major cities during the holiday season. The airport is conveniently located only a few miles from downtown Aspen, making it easy to get to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can fly into Denver International Airport and enjoy a scenic drive to Aspen; renting a car for this drive will allow you to explore nearby areas and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Make your travel arrangements now for a hassle-free holiday getaway and ensure a magical start to your Aspen Christmas retreat.
Conclusion: Make This Christmas Unforgettable in Aspen
Aspen’s winter wonderland offers the perfect holiday escape, filled with magical events, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable activities. From luxurious accommodations and fine dining to thrilling outdoor adventures, Christmas in Aspen is unique, whether skiing on pristine slopes or savoring hot cocoa by a cozy fire. The charm and beauty of Aspen during the holidays will leave you with lasting memories.
Plan your Christmas retreat in Aspen today by booking your flights and car rental for an enchanting holiday experience like no other.
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