Traveling to Steamboat Springs over the holidays this year? The holiday spirit is strong in our snowy mountain town and December is one of the best times to visit, take in the sights, enjoy the snow, and simple unwind from the long year behind you. With the addition of festive lights up and down our main streets and sprinkled around the town, our decorations make this place feel like a holiday village.
It is abundantly clear why local’s are quickly swept up in the spirit of things here in Steamboat and why visitors choose to spend their holiday season here, too. Check out this handy list for some of our favorite things to do in December in The ‘Boat!
1. Last-Minute Holiday Shopping
No matter how organized you are, chances are there will still be a necessity for a little last-minute Christmas shopping. Take the free bus downtown and walk around window shopping and enjoy peering in and enjoying the window displays. When you see a place that calls to you, wander inside and feel free to check it out! With our downtown decked out in colorful lights and decorations, your Christmas spirit will slide right back into place with a simple walk about. Everywhere you turn you will see something special. Steamboat is home to a variety of different stores and galleries, so there is always something for everyone!
Local’s Tip: Visit the Jewelry and Fossil Shop of Steamboat Springs, located at 745 Lincoln Avenue, or Moose Mountain Trading Company at 824 Lincoln Avenue.
2. See Santa Saddle Up!
Santa saddles up in Steamboat! This beloved tradition is back this year and Steamboat Resort will be hosting the Santa Horseback Procession. Santa will ride into the resort from the Torian Plum Area right down the slopes into the heart of Steamboat Square escorted by legendary locals Bob Dapper and Dean Vogelaar. This happens promptly when scheduled, and takes just a few minutes, so be sure to be here early not to miss it!
Local’s Tip: Immediately following the ride, Santa will be available on the Steamboat Stage to visit with guests and take pictures. Come snap a shot and enjoy the complimentary hot chocolate and cupcakes . The brand new Skeeters ice rink will also be open for skating if you want to tap a couple laps and enjoy the holiday spirit!
3. NYE Fireworks & Snow Cat Parade
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style in Steamboat! The evening will start with a Light Up Snow Cat parade featuring Steamboat Snow Sports Instructors performing synchronized skiing illuminated only by light of torches. At the conclusion of the parade, fireworks will light up the sky over the resort to ring in 2023. Talk about a blast!
Date & Time
Dec. 31, 2024
5:30 PM — 6:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Price
Free!
4. A Very Steamboat Holiday Festival
The third annual Steamboat Festival is back, and will be held sometime in mid-December. Enjoy the holiday crafts, caroling, and food on Sixth Street from Lincoln to Oak while you take in the holiday spirit of Steamboat. Also, Santa’s workshop will be open and with the help of our local 4H club, where kids can make an ornament or decorate cookies. Grab a mug of cocoa while you browse local artisan goods and find fabulous treasures for Christmas giving.
Local’s Tip: Santa will be in his Study entertaining visitors from 12pm – 4pm in front of the old courthouse. Take a photo, and get your Christmas wish list in before it’s too late!
5. Try A Festive December Happy Hour
Mambo Italiano 4pm – 5:30pm daily
- $3 Drafts and Bottle Beers
- $3 Off Glass Pours of Wine
- 1/2 Price Mambo Specialty Cocktails
- 1/2 Price Dine-in Pizza
- $2 Appetizers
The Press 3pm – 5pm daily
- $5 Rebel Creek Mules
- $5 Wells
- $1 Off all Draft and Wine
6. Take A Sleigh Ride Through The Snow
Horse-drawn sleigh rides are such a popular event at Christmas that they even made a song about them, and if you have never tried one, your Christmas adventure in Steamboat Springs is the perfect time to change that! Locations such as Bar Lazy L Ranch or Haymaker offer sleigh rides throughout the winter months and over the holiday season.
7. Stay In A Luxe Holiday Home
At the Steamboat Lodging Company, we aim to keep the Christmas spirit alive, even while you’re away from home. After a day of holiday-themed delights, there is nothing better than luxe accommodations like those found at the Steamboat Lodging Company. All homes are set up with your ultimate comfort in mind. Get an amazing night’s sleep on your bed fitted with deluxe linens, relax in your seating area, or simply step just outside and enjoy the spectacular views of the Yampa Valley… book your stay with us today!
