December at Winter Park is filled with can’t miss events, from the launch of the new Venture Out Fest to old classics like the Torchlight Parade. Here’s our list of top events that you’ll want to make sure are on your calendar this December.
What: Venture Out Fest
When: December 14, 2019, 12:00–5:00 PM
Number one on the don’t miss list is our winter Venture Out Fest, sponsored by The North Face. This is a winter celebration of mountain adventure. Check out dog sledding demonstrations, try your hand at ax throwing, attend an uphill clinic, or demo the latest downhill gear for the 19/20 season.
What: Free Bowregard Concert
When: December 14, 2019
As part of Venture Out Fest, join us for a free concert from 2019 Telluride Bluegrass Winners, Bowregard. The lively Boulder band is known for engaging audiences with a mix of bluegrass, old-time fiddle tunes, and Americana.
What: Fireworks and Family Nights
When: December 14, 2019
Also kicking off on Dec. 14 is our first Fireworks & Family Night. Cozy up at the base with a bonfire and smores bar while you settle in for the evening fireworks show! Don’t miss the first of four of these events throughout the season.
What: Cheers to 80 Years feat. The Railsplitters
When: December 6, 2019, 6:00-9:00 PM
In honor of our 80th anniversary, we are giving cheers from the mountaintops! The Railsplitters, named one of the top ten bluegrass bands by Westward, take to the stage at Sunspot for the Cheers to 80 years party! Not only will your ticket provide access to this intimate concert setting, but you’ll enjoy complimentary food, samples from Patron and a celebration of Mary Jane Ale’s new recipe from Upslope brewing. Buy your tickets now for this mountaintop party!
What: Learn to Ski at America’s Number 1 Ski Resort
When: November 13 – December 13
If you are new to skiing, early season is a great time to learn. December offers a chance to learn for the best price of the season. For only $109, you can learn from the best at the best with everything you need. Book your First Timer’s Lesson and get lift tickets and rentals included.
What: Parry’s Saturday Parade
When: Saturdays, December 21 – March 28, 3:30-5:00 PM
This season, Winter Park is introducing an additional mascot, Parry the snow-safety pup. The kids can join Parry and parade from Ski and Ride School to the Village after they finish their lessons for the day.
What: Torchlight Parade
When: December 24, 5:30-6:00 PM
Join us for Winter Park’s most beloved holiday tradition, the Torchlight Parade! Get here early to grab a warm drink and find a spot around the bonfire at the base. Once the sun goes down, the mountain will glow with hundreds of flares, spectacular fireworks, and Santa himself will make an appearance.
What: Mountaintop Après
When: Thursday-Saturday, December 5 – March 28, 4:00-6:00 PM
Mountaintop Après is back for a second year! Enjoy sunset views from nearly 11,000 feet, plus drink specials and live music from local favorite singer/songwriters! Every night, Thursday through Saturday starting Dec 5, you can enjoy Sunspot’s mountain après scene.
What: Try Dinner at Doc’s
When: Nightly
Doc’s Roadhouse, located at the base of Winter Park, will have a newly refreshed concept, including a completely new menu and new experience with an updated bar area, new culinary equipment, including a new smoker, and new menu items! The new menu focuses on modern twists on BBQ classics and Southern comfort foods, with meats smoked in-house daily. Plus, try craft whiskeys and whiskey sampling flights in a newly refreshed bar area. Stop in and sample the new menu for yourself.
What: Step-On Available at Burton
When: December 14
In early November Burton launched their newest Step-On bindings at their Winter Park location. This innovative technology enables snowboarders to strap in without sitting down, allowing for fast and easy transition from lift to riding. Stop by the Burton shop in the Village during Venture Out Fest to demo the technology and experience it for yourself!
What: Free Photos with Santa
When: December 14, 21, 22 and 24
Santa comes to the Winter Park Village! Come take photos in James & Parry’s and get free prints of your precious memories. Plus, don’t miss the Christmas Eve reading of The Night Before Christmas with Parry the Snow Safety Pup there as well!
What: Holiday Market and Tree Lighting
When: November 30, 12:00-5:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season with a Winter Park tradition. Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to switch from thoughts of Turkey to the most wonderful time of the year with The Holiday Market. Stroll through the village with a warm cup of hot cocoa while the sounds of the holidays fill your ears. Stop at the fire to warm your toes up before watching the tree come to life and light up the whole Village.
December is packed with events and we hope you found a couple that will become new traditions for you and your family. From fireworks to Santa, to the best time to learn how to ski, December is the month to venture out to Winter Park.