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.
Firebird Theatre’s The Snow Queen
Firebird’s children’s theatre series continues this November with The Snow Queen! Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of friendship and magic gets a Firebird adaptation with some modern humor and wacky characters. This Firelings offering will be written and directed by local teen Jack Lockman under the mentorship of Firebird member Annie Flora. Andersen’s 1844 work The Snow Queen was the very loose inspiration for Disney’s Frozen. In Firebird’s version, however, the inspiration is looser and the silliness is on full display. Based on Andersen’s original version, Firebird’s The Snow Queen follows the young girl Gerda as she seeks to cure her best friend Kay from his sudden strange, rude behavior. To complicate things, the Snow Queen kidnaps Kay, and the only help Gerda can find is a sassy crow. With a cast of local teens and interactive audience bits, this show will have you giggling your way into the Thanksgiving holiday!
When: November 17-19, 2024
Where: Firebird Theatre
More Here: The Snow Queen
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 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and Santa will illuminate the tree at 6:30 pm. For more details or to participate, contact Katie Lew at cooltempsco@gmail.com.
When: Friday, December 6th, 2024 – 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Downtown Gunnison
More Info: HERE
WinterGlow 2024
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.
When: December 7th, 2024 – 5 pm to 8 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.
When: December 7th, 2024 – 4 pm to 6 pm
Where: Crested Butte Museum
More Info: HERE
WCU Holiday Concert Gala
Celebrate the season at our Annual Holiday Gala! This festive event will feature a delightful medley of Western ensembles, showcasing a mix of traditional holiday favorites and unique interpretations. Experience the warmth and joy of live music in a magical atmosphere. Bring your friends and family to share in the holiday spirit—this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!
When: December 10th, 2024 – 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Western Colorado University
More Info: HERE
The Nutcracker! Rated CB
The Crested Butte School of Dance and Center for the Arts will present the 2nd annual Nutcracker [Rated CB] this winter. The classic story will have “CB-style” flair and many types of dance, from ballet and jazz to hip hop and aerial. Preschoolers through adult dancers will perform, making it a true community event. Enjoy a festive lobby experience, and take your photo with a life-size Nutcracker next to the holiday tree. Nutcracker [Rated CB] was 100% sold out in 2023, so be sure to get your tickets early this year.
When: December 13th and 14th, 2024 7 pm to 9 pm.
Where: Center for the Arts Crested Butte
More Here: The Nutcracker! Rated CB
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.
When: December 14th, 2024 – 4 pm to 7 pm
Where: Lodge at Mountaineer Square
More Info: HERE
Crested Butte Holiday Events: Rock on Ice
Renowned ice carving artists from the group ‘Rock on Ice’ return to the base area to ply their skills in celebration of the holiday season. Join us throughout the process for carving demonstrations and to watch the sculpture garden grow. Guests may then enjoy the sculptures in the base area for as long as they last!
When: December TBD – 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Crested Butte Mountain Resort
More Info: HERE
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: December 31st, 2024 – 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Crested Butte Mountain Resort
More Info: HERE