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!
Local's Tip: Please feel free to use and reference this tentative events calendar to help plan your trip to Steamboat. See you in the 'Boat!
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!
Sunset Happy Hour
Featuring: The Flat Tops
Date & Time
Dec. 18, 2025
5:00 PM — 9:30 PM
Location
Thunderhead Lodge
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Price
FREE for '25/26 Ikon Pass Holders (Ikon Pass, Ikon Base Pass, and Ikon Base Plus Pass, and Steamboat only passholders)
$30 for non-Pass holders
5 & Older (4 & under complimentary)
Upload: 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Last Download: 9:15pm Promptly
Tickets will be sold onsite via credit card only, no pre-purchase will be available. Sold separately from Scenic Ride tickets.
A can't miss Steamboat activity and one that will bring you back time and again. Take in the view as you ride the Steamboat Gondola to Thunderhead Lodge and enjoy culinary bites, live music, and toast to the sunset while overlooking the Yampa Valley. Fun for the whole family, kids included!
Santa Saddles Up
Celebrate the start of the holiday season in Steamboat
Date & Time
Dec. 20, 2025
1:00 PM — 3:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Stage
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Price
Free
Steamboat is excited to bring back the tradition of the Santa Horseback Procession. Santa will ride into the resort from the Torian Plum Area down the slopes into the heart of Steamboat Square escorted by legendary locals Bob Dapper and Dean Vogelaar. This event happens promptly at 1:00pm and takes just a few minutes so be sure to be here early not to miss it! Immediately following the ride, Santa will be available on the Steamboat Stage to visit with guests and take pictures. Complimentary hot chocolate and cupcakes will be available.
Holiday Drone Show
Spectacular Drone Show to kick-off the Holiday Season!
Date & Time
Dec. 20, 2025
5:30 PM — 6:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Square
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Price
Free
Visit Steamboat resort on December 20th for an unforgettable evening of magic and wonder! The sky will come alive around 5:30pm with a mesmerizing drone show that captures the heart of Steamboat's spirit and the festive holiday season. Watch as lights dance through the air, creating dazzling formations that will leave you in awe. Bring your friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind celebration—it's a night of spectacular sights and unforgettable memories you won't want to miss!
Schedule
Holiday Drone Show- 5:30-6:00pm
Holiday Skate Party – 6:00- 7:30pm
Open for Night Skiing 6:00- 8:30pm
Please Note: Drone shows and all events are weather dependent and for safety reasons will be cancelled in the event of heavy snowfall and or wind.
Saturday Comedy Nights
Comedian: Robbie Bernstein
Date & Time
Dec. 20, 2025
6:00 PM — 9:45 PM
Location
Thunderhead Lodge
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Price
Purchase Tickets HERE!
Take part in a winter evening of big laughs and mountain views. Ride the Steamboat Gondola to Thunderhead Lodge and enjoy live music followed by a full stand-up comedy set from one of Steamboat Comedy's featured comedians. It's a cozy, high-elevation night out — where good company, hearty laughter, and alpine atmosphere come together at 9,000 feet. A full bar and light appetizers will be available throughout the evening.
Evening Schedule
Gondola Upload: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Music Opener: 6:15pm– 7:45pm
Comedy Show: 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Final Gondola Download: 9:45 PM
Robbie "The FIRE" Bernstein is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and self-proclaimed "Great Purveyor of Misinformation." Known for his edgy humor and libertarian political views, Robbie brings a unique blend of comedy and commentary to his performances and podcasts. He's also proudly known as the "King of the Caucs," a title that reflects his irreverent approach to comedy and politics.
Holiday Skate Party
Twirl on skates to your favorite Holiday tunes
Date & Time
Dec. 20, 2025
6:00 PM — 7:30 PM
Location
Skeeter's Rink in Steamboat Square
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Join in on the fun at a festive Holiday Skate Party at Skeeter's Rink, located right at the base of the resort. Delight in the sheer exuberance of the season as you skate beneath the stars. The scene promises to be one of enchantment and fun, making it a must-attend event for all ages. You'll groove to your favorite holiday tunes, and we've got a magical display of lights to amp up the atmosphere.
Hanukkah Lighting at Steamboat Resort
Join the Jewish Community of Steamboat in a celebration of the Festival of Lights
Date & Time
Dec. 21, 2025
12:00 PM — 1:30 PM
Location
Steamboat Stage in Steamboat Square
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Price
Free
Join Rabbi Kolby Morris-Dahary of Har Mishpacha: The Jewish Congregation of Steamboat and Shannon Lukens of Steamboat Radio will be on the Steamboat Stage at the base of the mountain in a celebration of the Festival of Light. Whether you are local or visiting, Jewish or not, you are invited to celebrate in song, treats (jelly donuts), and the ritual of lighting a Hanukkah menorah!
New Year's Eve Light Up Snow Cat Parade and Fireworks
Ring in the New Year the Steamboat Way!
Date & Time
Dec. 31, 2025
5:00 PM — 6:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Price
Free
Celebrate the new year in style! Kick off the evening with a Light Up Snow Cat parade and the Steamboat SnowSports Instructors performing synchronized skiing illuminated only by the light of torches. At the conclusion of the parade, fireworks will light up the sky over the resort to ring in 2026.
New Year's Eve "Dress to Impress" Masquerade Party
Ring in the New Year at 9,000 feet
Date & Time
Dec. 31, 2025 — Jan. 1, 2026
8:00 PM — 12:30 AM
Location
Thunderhead Lodge
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Masks on. Let it snow. Let it sparkle! Celebrate New Year's Eve in style, where mountain elegance meets ski town charm! Ride the gondola to an unforgettable evening high above the valley, surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered peaks. This "Dress to Impress" masquerade invites you to don your finest attire, a dazzling mask, and your best party vibes.Dance the night away to the beats of live DJ's mixing up funk/disco, and 80's / 90's hits with early 2000's and modern pop favorites, creating the perfect energy to welcome 2026.
Ticket price Includes, entry, small bites, masquerade masks, noise makers, a drink ticket and complimentary Champagne toast. Drink ticket is good for Beer, House Wine, Well Cocktail or a Mocktail. Cash Bar Available. 21+ only.
Tickets on sale soon!
MusicFest 2026
Celebrating 40 Years of bring Music to the Mountains
Date & Time
Jan. 5, 2026 — Jan. 10, 2026
4:00 PM — 5:00 PM
January 5th - 10th, 2026, The MusicFest at Steamboat will celebrate an incredible milestone—40 years of music, mountains, and memories. What began as a humble gathering of friends and musicians in 1986 has grown into one of the most iconic and beloved music festivals in the country and the largest group ski trip in the USA. Fans and artists prepare to return once again to the snow-covered peaks of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Buy Tickets HERE!
51st Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill
Part ski race. Part rodeo. Part train wreck.
Date & Time
Jan. 19, 2026
11:00 AM — 4:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Price
Free
It all began over 50 years ago when Billy Kidd, Steamboat's director of skiing, and Larry Mahan, six-time all-around World Champion cowboy, decided to invite a few of the ProRodeo stars to Steamboat for a day of skiing. The cowboys had such a great time that the downhill has become the most popular event of the season with over 100 of the best professional rodeo cowboys competing in the most unique ski rodeo in the country.
Ski Town U.S.A. Olympian Celebration
Steamboat honors our heritage with an Olympian Celebration in Steamboat Square
Date & Time
Jan. 31, 2026
5:00 PM — 6:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Square
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Price
Free
Ahead of the 2026 winter games, Steamboat honors our heritage with an Olympian Celebration in Steamboat Square. A favorite local tradition, this event celebrates previous Olympians, current athletes and the Steamboat community. Join us for a recognition of athletes, thank you videos, a drone show, and the official lighting of the cauldron. Events are followed by a dance party and Olympian meet and greet in the square.
Please Note: Full schedule of events coming soon.
Stay In A Luxe Holiday Home
Find your perfect home with Steamboat Lodging Company!
All our homes are set up with your ultimate comfort in mind. Get an amazing night's sleep on your bed fitted with hotel-style luxury linens, relax in your own plush seating area, or simply step just outside and enjoy the spectacular views of the Yampa Valley... book your stay with us today!
