Vail Family Holidaze set to return Dec. 17-25

Vail Mountain officials recently announced the details of Vail Family Holidaze, a high-profile event aimed at enlarging the resort experience for families and children. Slated for Dec. 17-25 and 31, Vail Family Holidaze has grown this year to encompass more family-friendly, holiday activities on Vail Mountain and throughout the Town of Vail.

“Our commitment to Vail Family Holidaze for our event lineup last year was part of our overall belief in events as an appealing offering for our guests and a reason for them to consider and choose Vail for their December holidays,” said Adam Sutner, director of sales and marketing for Vail Mountain. “With our Snow Daze promotion at the start of the month, we feel Vail in December is a compelling choice for our customers.”

Vail Family Holidaze will kick off at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Slifer Plaza in Vail Village. The ceremony will include carolers, cookies, hot chocolate and the lighting of the 50-foot-tall spruce tree in the plaza, marking the beginning of the holiday season in Vail.

Wonder Voice

Vail Family Holidaze continues on Sunday, Dec. 18 with the Jingle Bellz Snowshoe, a fun run on Vail Mountain. There is no cost to participate in the Jingle Bellz Snowshoe. Online registration is set to open on Nov. 29 and can be found at www.vail.com/holidaze.

On Dec. 19 and 20 Vail Family Holidaze will present two holiday concerts, both of which will be complimentary and open to the public. On Monday, Dec. 19 at Solaris Plaza, a cappella group Wonder Voice will perform powerful renditions of holiday favorites and greatest hits from the last 70 years. The Colorado Children's Chorale will take the stage in Solaris Plaza on Tuesday, Dec. 20 for a concert that will feature classic holiday songs as well as other pieces from their extensive repertoire.

Winter Solstice on Ice returns to the ice rink at Solaris Plaza for three performances on Dec. 21-23. Winter Solstice on Ice brings world-class ice skaters, like 2011 World Champion Patrick Chan and 2010 U.S. National Champion Rachel Flatt, to the heart of Vail Village to perform singles, pairs and group programs that are sure to delight parents and children alike. All Winter Solstice on Ice performances are free and open to the public.

Numerous other free, family-friendly events will take place over the course of Vail Family Holidaze, including the new Cadillac Kids Zone activities throughout the Town of Vail, Santa's Workshop, Candy Cane Patrol at mountain base areas, Menorah lightings, Skate with theStars programs and a Kids After Dark Party on Christmas Eve.

Vail Family Holidaze wraps up on New Year's Eve with the Torchlight Parade and fireworks on Golden Peak at 6:15 p.m., the First Night party following the Torchlight Parade and a fireworks display ringing in the New Year at midnight. For more details on these events, please visit www.vail.com/holidaze.

For more information on Vail Holidaze, including a full schedule of events and lodging information, visit www.vail.com/holidaze. For information on all activities in the Town of Vail throughout the holiday season, visit www.vailgov.com.

Vail Family Holidaze is presented by Vail Mountain, Cadillac and Town of Vail.