'Tis the season for the 12 Days of Aspen celebration! This year's full slate of holiday events are scheduled for Dec. 20-31, 2016. This year, there's a lot of old favorites and new events headlining the celebration. Twelve days full of events means there's plenty to do around town. So how do you know what not to miss during 12 Days of Aspen? This week our blog team breaks down the celebration day by day. Here's this year's full schedule:
2016 SCHEDULE
Below is a daily schedule of events. Schedule subject to change. Please continue to check www.aspenchamber.org for updated listings.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20
The 12 Days of Aspen kicks off with a full slate of events. The Food for Fines to Benefit Lift-Up will take place all day at Pitkin County Library. Each nonperishable item brought in as a dontation will result in $1.00 off of your library fines. Also at the library, look for Dewey, the Library Elf, who will be hiding in a new spot each day. If you can find Dewey six different times, you win a prize. Both events run for all 12 days. For more info on either event, call the library at 970-429-1900 or www.pitcolib.org
From 3-4:30 p.m., enjoy Holiday Gift Making at the St. Regis Resort. Children are invited to create special gifts for their parents in the Aspen Room. It's a kids-only secret workshop. Reservations are recommended. $30 per child for the first gift, $40 for two gifts. Open to the community. 970-429-7373 or www.stregisaspen.com/festive/
Other events on Dec. 20 include:
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | FREE! Holiday Arts & Crafts | Red Brick Center for the Arts
970-429-2777 or https://www.redbrickaspen.com/
10:30 a.m. | FREE! Baby Storytime | Pitkin County Library
Baby Storytime for under 24 months old. "Stay and play" to follow. 970-429-1925 or www.pitcolib.org
2-4 p.m. | FREE! Family Skating Party | CP Burger, Silver Circle Ice Rink (across from Rubey Park)
Free skating and rentals. 970-925-3056 or www.cpburger.com
4-6 p.m. | FREE! Old Fashioned Caroling and Cookie Exchange | Aspen Historical Society, Wheeler/Stallard Museum
Traditional cookie exchange paired with holiday caroling in the museum’s main room. Hot chocolate and toddies will be served. 970-925-3721 or www.aspenhistory.org
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21
The 25th Aspen Film Academy Screening begin with opening night festivities at the Wheeler Opera House. The film series highlights 20 acclaimed films actively campaigning for Academy Award consideration. This popular fixture on Aspen’s holiday calendar is open to the general public. General admission is $20. 970-925-6882 or www.aspenfilm.org
Other events on Dec. 21 include:
10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. | Holiday Preschool Storytime with Jane Jenkins | Pitkin County Library
A half-hour of stories, songs and rhymes for children 3-5 years old at 10:15 a.m. and 2-3 year olds at 11 a.m. 970-429-1952 or www.pitcolib.org
12-4 p.m. | FREE! Visit Santa and his LIVE Reindeer with Hot Chocolate & Cookies | Cooper Ave. Mall
Come visit Santa on the Cooper Avenue Mall. Santa will visit from 1-2 p.m. Aspen Chamber Resort Association. 970-925-1940 or www.aspenchamber.org
2:30-4 p.m. | FREE! Create Your Own Lift Ticket | Aspen Art Museum
Create Your Own Lift Ticket at the Aspen Art Museum. Kids and families are invited to respond to these designs by creating a personal lift ticket with the assistance of AAM educators. 970-925-8050 or www.aspenartmuseum.org
3 & 4:30 p.m. | Design Your Own Gift Wrap | St. Regis Resort
Anderson Ranch hosts this workshop where you can create your own giftwrap. Open to all ages. $10 per person. 970-429-7373 or www.stregisaspen.com/festive/
4 p.m. | FREE! Local Vocals Victorian Carolers | Hotel Jerome, Lobby
Join local carolers in ushering in the holiday season at the Hotel Jerome. Old and new favorites. 970-920-1000 or https://aubergeresorts.com/hoteljerome/
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22
Today is all about St. Nick. First enjoy cookie decorating and a visit from Santa Claus at the Hotel Jerome from 1-3:30 p.m. Then, sign up for a special carriage ride around Aspen with Santa from 3-5:30 p.m. at the St. Regis. Reservations are required for the carriage ride as space is limited. $10 per person. Open to the community. 970-429-7373 or www.stregisaspen.com/festive/
Other events on Dec. 22 include:
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Teddy Bear Story Hour | Aspen Historical Society, Wheeler/Stallard Museum
Hear classic tales from around the globe at Teddy Bear Story Hour. $3 per child. 970-925-3721 or www.aspenhistory.org
3-7 p.m. | 12 Days of Après – ‘Ugly Sweater’ Après | Sky Hotel, 39 Degrees
It's time to break out that ugly holiday sweater for this fun event at 39 Degrees inside the Sky Hotel. 970-925-6760 or http://www.theskyhotel.com/
7 & 9:15 p.m. | Jamie Davis with the James Horowitz Trio “Nat Cole Christmas”| JAS Café at The Cooking School of Aspen
Enjoy a night of jazz standards and blues, featuring Christmas classics by Nat King Cole. 970-920-4996 or https://jazzaspensnowmass.org/
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23
Get into the Christmas spirit with Charles Dicken' A Christmas Carol at 6:30 p.m. at the Wheeler Opera House. The ever-popular classic is full of haunting special effects and heartfelt performances. 970-920-5770 or https://www.wheeleroperahouse.com/
Other events scheduled for Dec. 23 include:
6 p.m. | FREE! Santa’s Fire Truck Sleigh Tour | Aspen Fire Department, downtown
Santa gets a lift through downtown Aspen from the Aspen Fire Department. 970-925-5532 or www.aspenfire.com
7 p.m. & 9:15 p.m. | Jamie Davis with the James Horowitz Trio “Nat Cole Christmas” | JAS Café at The Cooking School of Aspen
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve is all about blessings and family. From 4:45-5 p.m., join Rabbi Mendel Mintz in lighting the Menorah in the lobby at the St. Regis. The Rabbi will recite the traditional blessing over the candles. The event is free an open to the public.
From 6-10 p.m., executive chef Matt Zubrod will prepare a 4-course prix fixe menu at element47 inside The Little Nell Hotel. The menu will include caviar to start, roasted duck for a main entrée, savory sides, and an optional truffle tasting. $247++/guest with a $125 wine pairing option. $47++/child. Reservations recommended: 970-920-6330 or email: element47@thelittlenell.com
Other events on Christmas Eve include:
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Holiday Stocking Decorating | St. Regis Resort, the Aspen Room
Decorate and hang your stocking. Open to the public; reservations recommended. $30 per person. 970-429-7373 or www.stregisaspen.com/festive/
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with The Ten Tenors, Australia's rock stars of opera. The Ten Tenors perform at 6:30 p.m. at the Wheeler Opera House. Enjoy their unique selection of traditional and contemporary seasonal favorites. For tickets and information: 970-920-5770 or www.wheeleroperahouse.com
From 6-10 p.m., enjoy Christmas Dinner at Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell Hotel. The prix fixe menu includes all holiday favorites in a casual, family environment. $95++/guest with a $50 wine pairing option. $35++/child. Reservations: 970-920-6334 or email: ajaxtavern@thelittlenell.com
Other events on Christmas Day:
12-4 p.m. | FREE! 12 Days of Aspen Holiday Giveaway | Aspen Chamber Guest Pavilion on the Cooper Ave. Mall
4:45-5 p.m. | Hanukkah | St. Regis Resort
6-10 p.m. | Christmas Day Dinner | The Little Nell Hotel, element 47
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is offering a free Astronomy Night at Hallam Lake at 7 p.m. Ricky Wojcik will lead a 15-minute lesson covering basic astronomy concepts. He will discuss the Zodiacs, which play an important role in the night sky and in the human calendars of the past and present, the connections with leap years, solstices and seasonal equinox. After the mini lecture, we will gather outside for guided stargazing on the preserve. RSVP required-space limited to 50 people. 970-925-5756 or RSVP at www.aspennature.org
Other events on Dec. 26 include:
Times TBD | 25th Aspen Film Academy Screenings | Wheeler Opera House
ALL DAY | Food for Fines to Benefit Lift-Up | Pitkin County Library
ALL DAY | Find Dewey, the Library Elf | Pitkin County Library
4:45-5 p.m. | Hanukkah | St. Regis Resort
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27
The ACES Holiday Open House will take place from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Hallam Lake in the heart of downtown Aspen. Explore the center, learn about ACES and enjoy the warmth of a small bonfire with good company, in a wonderful setting. The open house will include guided snowshoe tours around the preserve, crafts for kids, hot drinks, wine, snacks and more. 970-925-5756 or RSVP at www.aspennature.org
Other events on Dec. 27 include:
Times TBD: 25th Aspen Film Academy Screenings | Wheeler Opera House
ALL DAY: Food for Fines to Benefit Lift-Up | Pitkin County Library
ALL DAY: Find Dewey, the Library Elf | Pitkin County Library
4:45-5 p.m. Hanukkah | St. Regis Resort
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28
Legendary group The Beach Boys play the Wheeler Opera House at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. The surf sound of the 1960s will be rocking through the Rockies, as the group plays hits like "Good Vibrations," "Barbara Ann" and "I Get Around." For tickets and information: 970-920-5770 or www.wheeleroperahouse.com
Other events on Dec. 28 include:
Times TBD | 25th Aspen Film Academy Screenings | Paepcke Auditorium
ALL DAY | Food for Fines to Benefit Lift-Up | Pitkin County Library
ALL DAY | Find Dewey, the Library Elf | Pitkin County Library
1-3 p.m. | Make Your Own S’mores| Cooper Ave. Mall Fire Pit
FREE! Graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows, yum! Aspen Chamber Resort Association. 970.925.1940 or www.aspenchamber.org
4:45-5 p.m. | Hanukkah | St. Regis Resort
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29
Join Broadway and TV star Adam Trent as he explores a new generation of magic at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Wheeler Opera House. Trent's audience-interactive performances are part magic, part concert, and part standup comedy. Tickets and information: 970.920.5770 or www.wheeleroperahouse.com
Other events on Dec. 29 include:
Times TBD | 25th Aspen Film Academy Screenings | Paepcke Auditorium
ALL DAY | Food for Fines to Benefit Lift-Up | Pitkin County Library
ALL DAY | Find Dewey, the Library Elf | Pitkin County Library
3:30-4:30 p.m. | FREE! Author Jill Sheeley’s Fraser Storytelling, Cookies & Cocoa | Hotel Jerome, Lobby
Enjoy storytime with Aspen favorite Fraser the dog. 970.920.1000 or https://aubergeresorts.com/hoteljerome/
4:45-5 p.m. | Hanukkah | St. Regis Resort
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
Gear up for the Audi Ajax Cup from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Audi Ajax Cup is Aspen’s signature winter event, as skiers compete in teams in a dual Giant Slalom race, fighting it out for the Gorsuch Cup. Each team is paired with a pro skier; this year’s pros include Daron Rahlves, AJ Kitt, Thomas Vonn, Erik Schlopy, Marco Sullivan and Kyle Rassmussen. Free to spectators. Team race entries benefit the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club. 970.205.5107 or https://www.teamavsc.org/
Other events on Dec. 30 include:
Times TBD | 25th Aspen Film Academy Screenings | Paepcke Auditorium
ALL DAY | Food for Fines to Benefit Lift-Up | Pitkin County Library
ALL DAY | Find Dewey, the Library Elf | Pitkin County Library
4:45-5 p.m. | Hanukkah | St. Regis Resort
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31
There's a lot of places to party safely on New Year's Eve. Celebrate from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the St. Regis Resort and enjoy a live DJ, cocktail service, a champagne toast at midnight, and a front-row seat for the Aspen Mountain fireworks at midnight. 970-429-7373 or www.stregisaspen.com/festive/
Two great choices for New Year's Eve dinner are element47 or Ajax Tavern, both at The Little Nell Hotel. From 6-10 p.m. at element47, Executive Chef Matt Zubrod will prepare a sensational 4-course prix fixe menu featuring New American cuisine. $395++/guest.
Reservations: 970-920-6330 or Email: element47@thelittlenell.com.
Over at Ajax Tavern, a special 3-course prix fixe dinner is offered with an early seating if you’d like to be finished by 8:30 p.m. Otherwise, settle in for dinner and fireworks show with the late seating. $250++/guest for each seating. Includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot per person. Reservations: 970-920-6334 or Email: ajaxtavern@thelittlenell.com
From 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., ring in 2017 with bottomless Dom Perignon, Belvedere cocktails and an open bar, along with food stations replenished throughout the night. Electric Violinist Kat V and DJ Lexey will get the crowd on their feet in Chair 9, Josefina Mendez Jazz Trio will perform in element 47’s sleek lounge, and DJ Cyn will spin in the Grand Salon with a live act. Ages 21+. $495++/person. Reserved seating for up to eight guests with private butler service is available for $10,000/group. Tickets available online at www.thelittlenell.com
Other New Year's Eve events include:
ALL DAY | Food for Fines to Benefit Lift-Up | Pitkin County Library
ALL DAY | Find Dewey, the Library Elf | Pitkin County Library
4:45-5 p.m. | Hanukkah | St. Regis Resort
8 p.m. - 12 a.m. | FREE! Bonfire and DJ | Wagner Park
8 p.m. & 12 a.m. | FREE! Fireworks | Over Aspen Mountain