LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

When December blankets the Rockies, Aspen Snowmass transforms into a luminous winter wonderland. Snow-dusted streets twinkle under festive lights, world-class slopes beckon every level of skier, and the town’s warm, spirited community ensures a season full of enchantment. From iconic traditions to gourmet feasts and unforgettable alpine adventures, Aspen Snowmass is where winter dreams come alive.

A Sparkling Kickoff
The holiday season begins in style at The Little Nell, Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond ski-in/ski-out hotel. On 7 December, the Annual Tree Lighting transforms the Wine Bar and Courtyard into a cozy winter tableau. Guests sip hot chocolate and spiced cider, nibble freshly baked cookies, and enjoy carolers from Aspen High School. Santa makes a festive cameo, and when the tree glows at 5:30 pm, the season officially sparkles to life.

Wintersköl: Aspen’s Alpine Festival
Since 1951, Wintersköl has celebrated the town’s mountain spirit, and from 11–14 December, it returns with torchlight descents, roaring bonfires, fireworks, snow sculptures, and live music across Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Visitors can enjoy early-season skiing, free s’mores at Snowmass, and a curling showdown with ‘Game of Stones.’ It’s a festival that perfectly blends alpine adventure with festive flair.

Culinary Journeys
Aspen Snowmass is a destination for food lovers. The Little Nell offers a refined Christmas Eve and Day menu at MICHELIN Guide–recommended Element 47 or a lively slopeside celebration at Ajax Tavern. For a truly magical outing, the Pine Creek Cookhouse can be reached by horse-drawn sleigh, ski, or snowshoe. Guests explore pristine trails by day or embark on guided night treks beneath a star-strewn sky, culminating in a five-course New Year’s Eve feast in a cosy log cabin—an intimate alpine experience unlike any other.

Shop the Season
Aspen’s boutiques, outdoor retailers, and local shops offer a carefully curated mix of luxury and mountain charm. The Aspen Collection has two convenient downtown locations brimming with gifts, premium outerwear, and unique treasures—perfect for thoughtful, stylish holiday shopping.

Ski Four Mountains in One
Aspen Snowmass offers four mountains on a single pass, catering to every ability. Glide down Aspen Mountain’s iconic runs, explore Aspen Highlands’ challenging terrain, enjoy Buttermilk’s gentle slopes, or take in Snowmass’ wide, scenic pistes. On 30 December, the Audi Ajax Cup showcases professional skiers racing head-to-head in a thrilling dual giant slalom- a spectacle for all.

Ring in 2026
New Year’s Eve sparkles across Aspen Snowmass. The Little Nell hosts its tenth annual New Year’s Eve Party with Dom Pérignon, live performers, and headline DJs, while Limelight Aspen keeps the energy alive with music, seasonal fare, and a welcoming atmosphere. Fireworks light up Aspen Mountain as guests toast marshmallows over bonfires, ice skate beneath twinkling lights, or dance into the night—a magical finale to a mountain-perfect year.

Aspen Snowmass isn’t just a winter destination -it’s an invitation to indulge, explore, and celebrate the season in absolute style.