Written by: Helen Wells
Helen writes for Frias Properties, sharing local insights, seasonal travel inspiration, and expert recommendations to help visitors make the most of their time in Aspen and Snowmass.
Christmas in Aspen is a sensory experience—mornings begin with the hush of fresh snow as you and your family make your way to ski school, the mountain air filled with anticipation for winter activities. Afternoons invite you to warm up with rich hot chocolate, glide across sparkling ice rinks, and gather for festive holiday activities, all surrounded by Aspen’s majestic peaks. Choosing the right mountain, reserving early, and savoring each day together ensures your family’s holiday feels effortless and unforgettable in Aspen Snowmass.
If you're planning a ski school course or want to discover the best events in Aspen Snowmass for families, the following information will tell you what you need to know before reserving your week in Aspen.
In This Blog:
- Which Aspen Mountain Is Best for Kids?
- Aspen Ski School and Childcare Options
- Kids 6 and Under Ski Free
- The 12 Days of Aspen Holiday Celebration
- Aspen's Annual Christmas Tree Lightings
- Family-Friendly Winter Activities Beyond Skiing
- Childcare and Christmas Evening Planning
- What to Reserve and When
- Where to Stay for a Family Christmas in Aspen
- Are You Ready to Reserve Your Family Christmas in Aspen?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Which Aspen Mountain Is Best for Kids?
Choosing the right mountain makes all the difference for your family’s ski holiday.
If your children are beginners and you arrive before Buttermilk Mountain opens, Snowmass Mountain is your best option. Aspen Mountain doesn’t offer beginner slopes, while Snowmass features dedicated learning areas, children’s activities, and family-oriented amenities designed to make your ski holiday easy and enjoyable.
Once Buttermilk opens, your family has access to gentle learning terrain and The Hideout—a beloved children’s learning center that’s long been a favorite among Aspen Snowmass families.
Throughout the holiday season, Snowmass stands out for families—beginner slopes, ski school courses, tubing at Elk Camp, family activities, and slopeside lodging make it one of the most convenient choices for Christmas week.
Aspen Ski School and Childcare Options
Aspen Snowmass offers among the most thorough children's ski courses in Colorado, with programs starting at age 2.5.
Ages 2.5 to 3
Children between the ages of 2.5 and 3 take part in programs offered at The Hideout at Buttermilk or the Treehouse Kids Adventure Center in Snowmass; the programs link childcare with about an hour of instruction on the snow.
Ages 3 and 4
Children who are three or four years old can take part in the ski-only programs available at Snowmass and Buttermilk; the lessons aim to build children's confidence and teach basic skills while also providing an introduction to mountain safety and skiing.
Ages 5 and 6
At Snowmass and Buttermilk, children aged 5 and 6 can take lessons, whereas Aspen Highlands is open to children who meet the required ability level.
Parents planning holiday travel should note:
- Group lessons have a maximum of five participants.
- Reservations are required.
- Helmets are required.
- Holiday lessons fill quickly.
- Lift tickets are included for participating children ages 3 to 6.
Children’s lessons are designed to be fun and confidence-building, helping your child feel at home on the mountain.
For more information, read Frias Properties' guide to Aspen childcare, ski school, and babysitting options.
Kids 6 and Under Ski Free
A holiday advantage that families appreciate is that children ages 6 or younger can ski for free each day during the season at Aspen Snowmass, and this offer has no black out dates.
The advantage holds during the entire season, including the week before Christmas.
People and older children can save money by reserving in advance. If lift tickets are bought at least 30 days in advance, savings of up to 25% are possible, and ski equipment reservations can yield savings of up to 20%.
Before your trip, compare options through Frias Properties' Aspen Snowmass lift ticket page, guide to lift tickets and ski passes, and ski rental delivery service.
The 12 Days of Aspen Holiday Celebration
When the lifts close, downtown Aspen becomes an integral part of the experience.
The Aspen celebration of the 12 Days takes place from December 20 through December 31 and includes several family-oriented activities that make Christmas week so memorable.
Families can typically enjoy a rotating schedule that includes:
- Santa and Mrs. Claus appearances
- Holiday storytelling
- Cookie decorating
- Ornament decorating
- Arts and crafts
- S'mores and hot chocolate
- Family entertainment
- Ice skating opportunities
There are a great many events held in the downtown area, making it easy for families to continue the festive activities after spending the day on the mountain.
As the Aspen Chamber issues the official schedule each year, visitors are advised to consult the most recent calendar before arriving rather than relying on itineraries from previous years.
Aspen's Annual Christmas Tree Lightings
Holiday traditions help transform Aspen into one of Colorado's most memorable Christmas destinations.
One of the longest-standing traditions is the civic tree-lighting ceremony held around the towering 93-foot fir outside the historic Sardy House on Main Street. Traditionally held in early December, the celebration often includes local school bands, caroling, visits from Santa, cookies, and hot chocolate.
Additional annual tree-lighting traditions take place at:
- The Little Nell courtyard
- The St. Regis Aspen Resort courtyard
Since dates may vary from year to year, families should check the schedules before finalizing their plans.
Family-Friendly Winter Activities Beyond Skiing
The most enjoyable family holidays involve doing activities off the slopes.
There are many ways to spend a winter holiday together in Aspen after ski school finishes.
Go Sledding at Aspen Recreation Center
A lesser-known family activity in Aspen is sledding at the area behind the Aspen Recreation Center.
It is a favorite place among local families for sledding.
Go Ice Skating in Aspen
There isn't a winter pastime that feels more festive than skating on ice during Christmas week.
Families can choose from:
- Silver Circle Ice Rink at the base of Aspen Mountain
- Aspen Ice Garden
- Lewis Ice Arena
Silver Circle offers an opportunity to skate outdoors with holiday lights and mountain scenery in the background, while Aspen Ice Garden's and Lewis Ice Arena's indoor facilities provide reliable skating no matter the weather.
Try Snowmass Tubing
Snowmass tubing is one of the favorite activities for families during the holidays.
Located at Elk Camp, the tubing hill features lift-served lanes with a magic carpet ride back to the top. Children love the fast runs, while parents appreciate avoiding the uphill climb after every ride.
Childcare and Christmas Evening Planning
The Treehouse Kids Adventure Center offers convenient childcare and is open to children who are not skiing, allowing parents to spend a few hours on the mountain while the younger members of their family take part in supervised activities.
Christmas Day dining is best planned well in advance, as restaurant reservations fill up months ahead. Many families opt for Aspen’s talented private chefs to create a memorable holiday meal in the comfort of their vacation home—without the rush or crowds.
What to Reserve and When
From Christmas through New Year's is the most competitive travel, that's why planning ahead is so essential.
You should reserve your lessons at the ski school as soon as the holiday reservations open, since they usually sell out before Christmas. If you want the best choice of accommodation, you should plan at least six to nine months, in advance. Reserving your lift tickets 30 days in advance can save up to 25%, and reserving your rental equipment early can save up to 20%.
Before your trip, review Frias Properties' guide on packing for an Aspen winter vacation.
Where to Stay for a Family Christmas in Aspen
Aspen looks different depending on where you wake up.
The right vacation rental goes beyond extra space—it offers a kitchen for Christmas morning breakfasts, bedrooms for everyone to rest well, and easy access to the slopes so your family spends more time together and less time in the car.
Your family can come together, celebrate, and make new holiday memories—honoring old traditions and creating new ones in the comfort of your Aspen home-away-from-home.
When comparing properties, prioritize:
- Enough bedrooms for the entire family
- A full kitchen for holiday meals
- Convenient shuttle access
- Ski-in/ski-out access whenever possible
- Space for grandparents or extended family gatherings
Families who want to stay near downtown holiday activities may prefer Aspen vacation rentals. Those prioritizing beginner skiing often prefer Snowmass vacation rentals.
You can also compare the benefits of each destination and decide whether to stay in Aspen or Snowmass Village.
Are You Ready to Reserve Your Family Christmas in Aspen?
A suitable vacation rental can turn a Christmas trip into a memorable family tradition.
Explore our collection of Aspen vacation rentals, Snowmass vacation rentals, and ski-in/ski-out vacation rentals to find the ideal home for your holiday stay.
If you need help planning your trip, the Frias Concierge team can assist with lift tickets, ski school recommendations, holiday activities, and more, allowing you to spend less time coordinating details and more time enjoying Christmas in Aspen!
Reserve Your Vacation Rental Today
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Aspen at Christmas with kids?
Families have the opportunity to enjoy skiing, take part in the 12 Days of Aspen celebration, go sledding, tube, skate on the ice, see holiday crafts, see Santa, and take part in the annual tree-lighting traditions.
Is Aspen a good choice for families during the winter?
Yes, Aspen Snowmass offers children's ski school programs, childcare, family-friendly skiing terrain, and a range of winter activities in addition to skiing.
Do kids really ski free at Aspen Snowmass?
Correct. All children aged 6 or younger can ski for free throughout the season, including the week before Christmas.
At what age can kids start ski school in Aspen?
Children may start participating in programs at The Hideout in Buttermilk and the Treehouse Kids Adventure Center in Snowmass at age 2.5.
Which Aspen mountain is best for kids?
Buttermilk is Aspen Snowmass's most beginner-friendly mountain. Before it opens, Snowmass is typically the best option for beginner skiers.
Where can you go sledding in Aspen?
Families can enjoy sledding behind the Aspen Recreation Center, one of Aspen's favorite local winter activities.
How far in advance should I reserve Aspen for Christmas week?
Plan to reserve lodging six to nine months in advance and reserve ski school spots as soon as holiday reservations become available.
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