Experience the Magic of Crested Butte Holiday Events
The holiday season transforms Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley into a winter wonderland. This year, the valley is filled with exciting events for both locals and visitors. Here’s a look at some of our favorite traditional Crested Butte holiday events.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort Opening Day
Crested Butte’s 2025/26 season will get underway at 8:00 am on Wednesday November 26, 2025. Come welcome the winter season with us on November 26. Try to catch First Chair and snag your free Opening Day commemorative poster. Join in our our annual opening day costume contest. Poster giveaway starts at 8:15am! First Chair at 9:00 am.
What: CBMR Opening Day and Costume Contest
When: Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
Where: Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Western Colorado University Holiday Gala Concert
Join Western Colorado University for an annual community-favorite concert presented by the Western Colorado University Music Program, the Holiday Gala!
Featuring a cozy assortment of wintertime selections performed by the Symphonic Band, Concert Choir, and Chamber Orchestra; this program is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
What: Western Colorado University Holiday Gala
When: Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 – 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Center for the Arts Crested Butte
Holiday Musical Extravaganza – Fa La La La La La Ha Ha Ha
Fa la la la la, Ha ha ha ha has been a holiday staple at Seattle’s Unexpected Productions since 2022. Sarah, Christine, and Guy are thrilled to bring this magical, musical, and delightfully unhinged show to Crested Butte.
What: Fa La La La La La Ha Ha Ha
When: Thursday, Dec. 4th, 2025 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Center for The Arts Crested Butte
Gunnison Night of Lights
Kick off the holiday season at Gunnison’s Night of Lights. Watch as Santa lights the Christmas Tree in downtown Gunnison. Vendors will be out from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more details or to participate, contact Katie Lew at cooltempsco@gmail.com.
Gunnison’s Annual Night of Lights is a beloved holiday tradition that brings the community together to kick off the festive season. Held each December in downtown Gunnison, Colorado, this family-friendly event features the ceremonial lighting of the community Christmas tree, transforming Main Street into a twinkling winter wonderland.
What: Gunnison Night of Lights
When: Friday, December 5th, 2025 – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Downtown Gunnison
WinterGlow 2025
The tree lighting ceremony to Crested Butte’s downtown is back and going bigger than last year. An evening of holiday vibes on the 300 block of Elk. Lights. Cookies. Santa. Luminaries. Butte Bucks. Connect with your community. Shop local. And kick off the holidays. Official tree lighting at 6pm at 326 Elk, in front of Ebner & Associates.
What: WinterGlow
When: Saturday, December 6th, 2025 – 4 pm to 6 pm
Where: 300 block of Elk
Meet and Greet with Santa at The Museum
Before the tree lighting at 6pm, bring the whole family for a special Santa Meet and Greet, where kids can share their wishes, snap festive photos, create holiday crafts and experience the joy of the season while parents visit & peruse our full selection of holiday gifts.
What: Meet and Greet w/ Santa at The Museum
When: Saturday, December 6th, 2025 – 4 pm to 7 pm
Where: Crested Butte Museum
The Nutcracker! Rated CB
The Crested Butte School of Dance and Center for the Arts proudly present the 3rd annual Nutcracker [Rated CB], a youth holiday performance! This fresh take on the holiday classic brings a signature CB twist, blending ballet, jazz, hip hop, aerial, and more.
With dancers ranging from preschoolers to adults, it’s a true celebration of community and creativity. Enjoy a festive lobby experience and snap a photo with the life-size Nutcracker by the holiday tree. Last year’s shows sold out completely—don’t miss your chance to join the magic this season!
What: The Nutcracker (Rated CB)
When: Friday & Saturday, December 12th and 13th, 2025 7 pm to 11 pm.
Where: Center for the Arts Crested Butte
Mt. Crested Butte Light Up The Night
Join the Town off Mt Crested Butte for the Annual Light Up The Night on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 4-7 pm at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square. This free family-friendly event features photos with Snow Queen & Santa, tree and menorah lighting, cookie decorating, arts & crafts by Trailhead Children’s Museum, a Dreidel spinning game, hot cocoa bar, face painting, fire spinning performances, and live music.
What: Mt Crested Butte Light Up The Night
When: Saturday, December 13th, 2025 – 4 pm to 7 pm
Where: Lodge at Mountaineer Square
Mr. Sun Plays Ellington’s Nutcracker
Acoustic supergroup Mr. Sun brings a genre-defying holiday performance to Crested Butte. Reimagining Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretation of The Nutcracker Suite, Mr. Sun blends acoustic mastery with inventive improvisation for a fresh take on this timeless classic. This special evening features support from the talented CBCS High School Band
What: Mr. Sun Plays Ellington’s Nutcracker
When: Friday, Dec. 19th, 2025 6:00 pm to 0:00 pm
Where: Center for the Arts Crested Butte
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks
Join us on the Butte 66 deck for the best view of the torchlight parade and fireworks. Plus, Viking Sound Machine will be spinning vinyl from 5pm-8pm. Fireworks and torchlight parade will start at approximately 5:30 pm. Crested Butte’s finest ski and snowboard instructors wind their way down the mountain bearing torches that light up the night – followed by a fireworks show to celebrate the new year.
When: Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 – 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Crested Butte Mountain Resort
More Info: HERE