Christmas in Vail, Colorado offers plenty of opportunities for fun–whether you’re hoping for skiing and snowboarding fun or you’re more interested in the wide range of fun winter activities that this amazing area has to offer.
How Do You Fly Into Vail?
Vail, Colorado is conveniently serviced by two airports. Eagle Regional Airport is located about 30 miles west of Vail, while Denver International Airport is located about 120 miles east of Vail. It can be easier to get a flight into Denver International Airport.
If you need to charter a private jet–including a private jet from Denver International Airport to Eagle Regional Airport, where you’ll have a much shorter drive to get to Vail–you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,200 to $10,000 per billable flight hour.
Several airlines fly into the Vail area, including:
- Delta
- American
- United
Need a private jet? Mayo Aviation can help you get to Vail for the holidays in style.
What Can You Do in Vail Over the Holidays?
Skiing. Snowboarding. Fun in the snow. Those are often the top ideas that come to mind when you think of spending Christmas in Vail, Colorado. However, Vail offers a number of other activities that could help brighten up your holiday season and have you eagerly anticipating adding it to your Christmas wish list every year!
1. Head out for some last-minute shopping.
At Lionshead and Vail Village, you’ll find hundreds of stores, complete with everything from outdoor gear (which could be a plus if you didn’t pack everything you need for a fun day of playing in the snow!) to children’s boutiques, cocktail dresses, and more. On these gorgeous cobblestone streets, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into a peaceful wonderland. Enjoy walking through art galleries, checking out Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shops, or explore the wide array of jewelry stores, gift shops, home decor, and more.
2. Take a sleigh ride.
A holiday sleigh ride is the perfect way to ring in the season. While it might not quite be “dashing through the snow,” you’ll find that a romantic sleigh ride–or a fun-filled ride with the entire family–is a great way to spend some amazing holiday hours together. If going for a sleigh ride isn’t your thing, you might also enjoy going for a dog sled ride, where you’ll get to dash across the snow behind a team of highly-trained dogs.
3. Do some winter fishing.
Bundle up and enjoy winter fishing in the rivers, lakes, and streams of Vail. Both ice fishing and fly-fishing are incredibly popular experiences. You can go out on your own or hire a guide to help you find some of the best areas.
4. Enjoy the Magic of Lights.
There’s nothing quite like twinkling holiday lights to help ring in the holiday season and make it a little brighter, and the Magic of Lights is sure to do exactly that. Set in Ford Park Lower Bench and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, this half-mile loop offers plenty of opportunities to take in gorgeous light effects and enjoy a winter wonderland. Take a walk with your family or enjoy time with someone special: there’s sure to be something that catches your eye!
5. Check out amazing Vail holiday celebration opportunities.
Nowhere does the holidays quite like Vail--and this year could be your year to enjoy those events with friends and family. On December 18, 23, and 26, you can take in outdoor ice shows. December 19-30 will see the Illuminated Ice Installation. The tree lighting takes place in Vail Village on Sunday, December 12–and on December 11, you can grab your favorite ugly sweater and go for an Ugly Sweater 5K in support of local charities. If you’re still in Vail on New Year’s Eve, don’t forget to take in the fireworks for a display that you’re sure to remember for years to come.
Are you planning a holiday trip to Vail this year? If you’re looking for a winter wonderland with plenty of activities for everyone, Vail could be the perfect plan. Book your travel early so that you can be sure your plans are locked in securely.