With Christmas just around the corner, Steamboat Springs will soon be adorned in lights and festive activities! Enjoy the holiday season in Steamboat with the iconic Santa Saddles Up event, as well as Holiday Drone Shows, skate parties, balloon glows and so much more! Steamboat Springs will also host a Hanukkah celebration and a lighting of the menorah at the Steamboat Stage at the end of December.
Santa Saddles Up
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? December 14th
This iconic Steamboat Springs tradition is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Whether you call Steamboat home or you’re just passing through for the season, you won’t want to miss as Santa Claus rides into Steamboat Square on horseback. Santa will be escorted by beloved locals Bob Dapper and Dean Vogelaar. The festive horseback procession is a short yet magical experience for attendees of all ages. Make sure to arrive early so you don’t miss anything! Once Santa Claus makes his grand entrance, he’ll be available to meet and greet with guests and pose for photos. Whether you’re 6 years old or 80 years old — this is a fun way to greet the holiday season and celebrate all the festivities that go hand in hand with Christmas fun. The Santa Saddles Up event will have complimentary hot chocolate and cupcakes available, so grab your warm drink and a dose of sugar for an afternoon of fun with friends, family, and the local community. The event is scheduled to run from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Afterward, stick around for the crowd-favorite Holiday Drone Show! All outdoor events will be weather-dependent — so as the dates approach, stay up to date using the Steamboat app or the Steamboat Ski Resort’s Instagram stories.
Holiday Drone Show
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? December 14th
Saturday’s festivities don’t end after Santa Saddles Up! Grab your photos with the man of the hour before enjoying what’s sure to be an awe-inspiring drone show. As the sun sets, attendees will be dazzled by the drone show put on by the Steamboat Ski Resort. The holiday drone extravaganza will begin at 5:30 PM, at which point the evening sky will be lit up by mesmerizing lights, colors, and intricate designs and patterns. There is no cost to attend this event, so simply look up to the sky and enjoy this one-of-a-kind celebration! After the drone show, continue the fun at the Holiday Skate Party! Keep in mind that the drone show is weather-dependent, so if the forecast shows heavy snowfall or wind the event may be canceled for safety reasons.
Holiday Skate Party
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? December 14th
Skeeters Ice Rink is excited to host the annual Holiday Skate Party in Steamboat Springs! Families, couples, and individuals of all ages will enjoy skating under the stars with festive holiday music on the speakers, as well as twinkling lights to really set the scene. The atmosphere is unmatched, so lace up your skates, down your cup of hot cocoa, and hit the ice to showcase your best moves! No judgment if you slip a time or two as you get the hang of it. The Skate Party is open from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. For the night owls in Steamboat, Night Skiing will be open from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Skeeters Ice Rink is a relatively new addition to Steamboat Square during the winter season and will remain open daily during the season. The rink is free to the public and there are ski rentals available for $20 per hour if you don’t have your own set of skates. Don’t want to get on the ice yourself but want to enjoy the festive community ambiance? Check out one of the “drink rails” around the rink, where spectators can enjoy a beverage while they watch the skaters!
Yampatika Moonlight Snowshoe Tours
Photo courtesy of Yampatika
Where? TBD
When? December 15th
Experience the magic of the full moon on a guided snowshoe tour with Yampatika! Held monthly during the winter season, this unique outdoor adventure offers a chance to enjoy the beauty of the moonlit wilderness.
Upcoming Dates:
December 15th: 4:30 – 6:30 PM
January 13th: 4:45 – 6:45 PM
February 12th: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
March 14th: 6:45 – 9:45 PM
The cost is $30 per person, including snowshoe rentals. Open to participants aged 18 and up, this adventure begins as the sun sets and leads snowshoers toward the meadow, hoping for clear skies to admire the full moon. The return journey is guided by moonlight, creating a serene and unforgettable experience. Registration is required to receive the location details, which are shared only with confirmed attendees to ensure an intimate and focused experience. Private tours are also available upon request with at least one week’s notice.
Register Here: Yampatika Snowshoe Tour Registration
Don’t miss this chance to embrace the crisp winter nights and the peaceful glow of the full moon!
Holiday Balloon Glow
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? December 21st
This year’s Holiday Balloon Glow will be held on a Saturday from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Four beautiful hot air balloons will illuminate Steamboat Springs, creating a striking visual display against the snowy backdrop. Guests can stroll amongst the glowing balloons, take photos, or simply admire the view from one of the nearby slope-side restaurants. There is no cost to attend this event or to admire the balloons at the Steamboat Ski Resort. Whether you opt to enjoy night skiing or you want to sit back, relax, and sip on a warm beverage — this is a fun way to continue the holiday festivities this December. The Holiday Balloon Glow is weather-dependent. The event may be canceled or modified if there is heavy snowfall or high wind speeds.
Hanukkah Mountain Celebration
Photo courtesy of Har Mishpacha
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? December 28th
Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 25th and continues through January 2nd. Head over to the Steamboat Stage at the end of December from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM to celebrate the Festival of Lights with the Steamboat community. Rabbi Kolby Morris-Dahary of the Jewish Community of Steamboat will be leading a special Hanukkah ceremony. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the lighting of the menorah, enjoy the songs, and indulge in Hanukkah sweet treats such as jelly donuts. Whether you celebrate the holiday or you simply want to learn more about it and enjoy this special time of the year with your neighbors, friends, and fellow Steamboat residents — this is a great way to experience a significant cultural celebration.
Festivities at Strings Music Pavilion this Holiday Season
The Strings Music Pavilion is a renowned 569-seat venue that is one of the region’s best places to enjoy live music and performances. From hosting classical concerts, contemporary artists and orchestral celebrations throughout the year – Strings Music Pavilion is the place to be this holiday season for movie screenings, sing-alongs and acoustic concerts.
The Polar Express
Where? 950 Strings Road
When? December 14th
Want to enjoy a screening of the classic “The Polar Express” film with the family? Catch the Academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis as they bring to life this inspiring adventure based on a beloved children’s book. A doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train journey to the North Pole during the night, where he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime and discovers that wonder never fades for those who believe in it. This is an all-ages event, with tickets starting at $15 for adults, $10 for juniors (ages 6 to 18), and $1 for kids up to the age of 5. The movie kicks off at 4:00 PM! Attendees can reserve their seats in advance, so make sure to grab yours ASAP while they’re still available. Free parking is available onsite.
Brent Rowan and Friends: Acoustic Christmas
Where? 950 Strings Road
When? December 22nd
Snag your tickets to catch Brent Rowan and Friends this Christmas season at the Strings Music Pavilion. Tickets are priced at $75 for this acoustic musical celebration of the holidays. Brent Rowan and his talented guests are excited to revive a musical tradition during this memorable holiday show beloved by many. The show is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Rowan made his mark as a Nashville studio guitarist and record producer and he was nominated nine times for Country Music Association awards. In addition to a whopping 15,000+ recording sessions, Rowan has played on dozens of film soundtracks and recorded with names such as Chris LeDoux, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Olivia Newton-John, Sting, and Neil Diamond! Donors of $500 or more to the 2025 Strings Annual Fund are granted early ticket access. No children under 6 are permitted at the acoustic concert.
Dan and Claudia Zanes Holiday Sing-Along
Photo courtesy of Shaw Entertainment Group
Where? 950 Strings Road
When? December 28th
This unique holiday show for all ages is a musical celebration inspired by the Christmas sing-alongs that Grammy Award-winner Dan Zanes and jazz vocalist / music therapist Claudia Zanes experience every year. The Holiday Sing Along songbook—printed and distributed to the audience members–includes seasonal numbers from a variety of traditions, languages, and locations. Enjoy traditional Christmas favorites, songs from Puerto Rico, Korea, Wales, Tunisia, Haiti, and Washington DC, as well as songs celebrating Hanukkah, Korean New Year, Kwanzaa, and Winter Solstice. Tickets begin at $1 for kids ages 0 to 5, $10 for juniors ages 6 to 18, and $20 for adults.
Happy Holidays, Steamboat Springs!
We hope you’re just as excited about the holiday season as we are! With so many festive activities, traditions, and memories to be made this season, it’s always an exciting time to experience all that Steamboat Springs has to offer.