Arts and Entertainment Agenda, Dec. 5-12

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet ‘The Nutcracker,’ Dec. 5

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet returns in its 35th anniversary year to perform “The Nutcracker” between Dec. 5-7 at Aspen District Theater. The highly-anticipated performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 6; and 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Aspen District Theater, 199 High School Road. Tickets start at $36 and are only available online at aspensantafeballet.com.

‘Light Up the Night,’ Dec. 5

The annual tree lighting ceremony, “Light up the Night,” will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Snowmass Chapel. It’s located at the base of Snowmass Mountain at 5307 Owl Creek Road. The event will include putting holiday lights on more than 40 trees and creating a light tunnel. The event features displays of holiday inflatables, live music, cookies, cocoa, and visits with Santa. For more information, visit gosnowmass.com/event/light-up-the-night.

Chef Biju Thomas Indian Dinner, Dec. 6

Each season for one night only, a three-course curry dinner will run 6-9 p.m. Dec. 6 at Element 47, in The Little Nell. Since 2016, the vibrant dinner has featured “chaat-style creations, community, and charitable living” with a menu inspired by Chef Biju Thomas and his South Indian roots. The event will donate 15% of the proceeds to benefit the Harvest for Hunger Foundation. For 2025, the dinner is $155 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Tickets are available at ChefBijuThomasIndianDinner.

Holiday tree lighting at St. Regis, Dec. 6

The 14th annual tree lighting will take place from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 6 at The St. Regis Aspen Resort. Marking the start of the holiday season, Area General Manager Heather Steenage-Hart and attendees will join in the lighting of a 30-foot holiday tree. Guests are invited to see this year’s handmade gingerbread house, drink hot cocoa, and enjoy holiday treats. It’s free and open to the community.

‘Tree Lighting Celebration’ at The Little Nell, Dec. 7

The Little Nell will host its annual “Tree Lighting Celebration” from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 7, with the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. This community event partners with the Aspen Animal Shelter and The Buddy Program to turn The Little Nell’s Wine Bar and Courtyard into a winter wonderland. Guests can enjoy free cookies, hot chocolate, and apple cider made by the hotel’s pastry chefs. The Aspen High School choir will perform holiday carols, and families can take photos with Santa. For more information, visit aspenanimalshelter.com and buddyprogram.org.

Sardy House annual tree lighting, Dec. 7

The 41st annual Sardy House tree lighting ceremony will take place from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 7, at the historical Sardy House. The Master of Ceremonies for 2025 will be local singer and historian Nina Gabianelli. It’s a festive atmosphere with holiday music, hot chocolate, and cookies. The free event is open to the public and located at 128 E. Main St. 

The music of 123 Andrés, Dec. 9

123 Andrés will take place from 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 9 at The Arts Campus at Willits. Award-winning duo 123 Andrés brings their bilingual musical celebration to the stage, blending vibrant Latin beats with audience participation and holiday spirit. The Grammy and Latin Grammy recipients will perform fan favorites alongside traditional seasonal songs like “El Burrito Sabanero” and other festive melodies. Throughout the show, audiences will help search for “un regalo para Andrés” — a special surprise to bring joy to the performers. The Arts Campus at Willits is located at 400 Robinson St. Tickets range from $15 to $25. For more information, visit tacaw.org/calendar/123-andres.

Olaf visits Hallam Lake, Dec. 10

Come celebrate the winter season with ACES at Hallam Lake from 4-5:30 p.m. Dec. 10 during an enchanting afternoon featuring our beloved seasonal visitor, Olaf the winter elf. This festive gathering includes hot chocolate and holiday spirit as guests listen to tales of Olaf’s adventures, participate in creative winter-themed activities, and venture outdoors into the snowy landscape to assist Olaf in caring for the local wildlife. The event takes place at 100 Puppy Smith St. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit aspennature.org/activity/olaf-visits-hallam-lake.

Gingerbread House Construction, Dec. 10

Gingerbread house building will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 10. This is an opportunity to build a classic gingerbread house or create your favorite festive decoration. Chef Kristi Keasler will lead the session. Decorations will be provided, but attendees can bring their own special candies and treats to design a unique house. Course registration closes at noon on the day of class, located at Colorado Mountain College Aspen Morgridge Teaching Kitchen, 255 Sage Way. The class costs $79. For more information, visit coloradomtn.edu/campuses/aspen/event-calendar/?classic-editor=.

‘Consensual Christmas,’ Dec. 11-12

Consensual Improv, the valley’s pioneering improv team, will offer two “Consensual Christmas” shows at 8 p.m. Dec. 11-12, at The Arts Campus at Willits. For more information and tickets, visit tacaw.org/calendar/a-consensual-christmas.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Viewline Resort, Dec. 12

The Viewline Resort Lighting Ceremony will take place from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 12, with the tree lighting ceremony starting at 5:40 p.m. sharp at the Front Drive at Viewline Resort Snowmass. There will be hot cocoa, fresh-baked cookies, visits with Santa, festive carolers, and a cash bar with festive holiday drinks. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit viewlineresortsnowmass.com/events/tree-lighting-ceremony.

Tamara Susa’s book launch, Dec. 12

Author Tamara Susa will be launching “Four Seasons in Snowmass” from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 12, in the lobby of Viewline Resort in Snowmass. This collection of images is made entirely of photos taken by Susa in Snowmass, with the aim of celebrating “nature, place, and the subtle beauty found in every season.” The event is located at 100 Elbert Lane. For more information, visit gosnowmass.com/event/tamara-susa-book-launch-party.