by Kendall Smith

Created on: October 29, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Christmas in Vail, Colorado what could be more wonderful? Just picture yourself surrounded by your loved ones sitting in front of a huge stone fireplace. The glow from the fire is lighting the room and the crackling of the logs is a perfect accompaniment as you watch the snow falling outside. You are sitting there with you cup of hot chocolate thinking that you are glad you didn't stay in a hotel because you would have missed this memorable moment. There is just no way to get that home away from home feeling, especially of you are visiting Vail during the holidays, than to rent one of the area's condos or cabins for your vacation.

December is a month filled with holiday spirit and a lot of lights, The Festival of Lights that is. This annual event is held at the Mormon Temple. This festival runs the entire month of December and is far more than the 450,000 lights that twinkle throughout the 57-acre grounds of the church. It includes a live nativity scene, an exhibition of nativity scenes from all over the world, 16 decorated Christmas trees, Christmas movies and concerts. And estimated 250,000 people drive through the church grounds every year.

Vail kicks off the Ski Season with Snow Daze held December 3 - 9. This event features incredible snow, terrain openings and the largest early season party in North America. Snow Daze is a week long Festival that starts with The Ute Indian's traditional snow dance followed by 7 days and nights of entertainment. You will find daily DJ's at the base areas, on-mountain bands, the celebration of Vail's birthday and snowball eating contests. One of the weeks highlights is headliner bands, Ludacris and The Roots on Saturday December 8

Vail Racquet Club is offering a 2 bedroom condo Snow Daze Lodging Special. Stay in Vail for 4 nights for only $215 Per person, rate based on quad occupancy

All throughout the holiday season you will enjoy this truly magical winter setting. While in Vail guests can participate in the lighting of the town Christmas trees in the villages, view a holiday parade, and listen to the harmonies of Dickensian carolers. Santa Claus will be taking some well deserved breaks from the North Pole to visit children in Vail. Rumor has it he will be putting in several appearances during the month of December.

On December 22nd, Lionshead and Vail Village will light up the holiday season with traditional tree lightings in both villages. Be sure to watch the torchlight ski-down. If you are still in Vail for New Years Eve there will be a fireworks display at Golden Peak.

When Vail is consistently rated the Number 1 ski resort in North America and offers famous powder skiing, 193 trails, 32 lifts all spread out over 7 miles of the most breath taking mountains in the world, why would you spend your holiday ski season anywhere else?

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