LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Join the celebration on the courthouse lawn the night after Thanksgiving for the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Sing carols, visit Santa or just soak up the atmosphere, keeping warm with hot chocolate and cookies. Event is free: Friday, Nov. 28, 6-7 p.m. www.steamboat-chamber.com

MERRY MAIN STREET

Start holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 6, with a light parade, gingerbread hunt and visit to Santa in his traveling North Pole hut. Enter to win downtown dollars by spotting the Elf on the Shelf hidden in a downtown store. Event is free. 5.30–7.30 p.m. www.mainstreetsteamboat.com

TORCHLIGHT PARADES AND FIREWORKS

Coinciding with holidays and special events throughout ski season, skiers illuminate slopes, snaking downhill with torches before fireworks color the night sky. www.steamboat.com

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

From humble beginnings in 1991 as a small community ensemble, the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra has grown into a thriving orchestra with experienced and talented players. Entertainment is coupled by an enriching educational program designed to foster

an appreciation for classical music. Its two annual concerts are a highlight on every winter calendar. The holiday concert on Saturday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., features “Messiah” choruses and Christmas classics. Musicians are joined by the Yampa Valley Singers and children,

two of whom perform with maestro Ernest Richardson for the ever-popular “Sleigh Ride.” The spring concert will be performed in March, date to be announced. Both concerts are held at Strings Music Pavilion. www.steamboatarts.org / 970-879-9008

STEAMBOAT MUSICFEST

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Musicfest brings up-and- coming and legendary Texas and Americana bands to Steamboat Springs. Run by Dickson Productions, this year’s line-up includes Dirty River Boys, Jack Ingram, The Black Lillies, Haley Cole and Bri Bagwell. Monday-Saturday, Jan. 5-10. www.themusicfest.com

STEAMBOAT DANCE THEATRE

One hundred-plus local performers unite each year to produce, choreograph, dance and perform in the Steamboat Dance Theatre’s Annual Concert. Three evening performances plus an afternoon matinee showcase Steamboat’s wealth of artistic talent. The concert benefits local dance scholarships and school outreach programs. Children are free when accompanying a paying adult. Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 26-28. www.steamboatdancetheatre.org

WINTER CARNIVAL

For over a century, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club has hosted the oldest continuing Winter Carnival in the West. Howelsen Hill and Lincoln Avenue become the stage for ski and shovel races, ski jumping contests
and local favorite, skijoring. Watch Steamboat’s high school band marching through town on skis. Saturday’s Night Show is a dazzling mix of torchlight displays led by the legendary Lighted Man and closing with a spectacular fireworks display. Wednesday- Sunday, Feb. 4-8. www.sswsc.org

COWBOY DOWNHILL

Following the National Western Stock Show, this annual favorite is performance comedy for the whole family. Swapping saddles for skis or snowboards, fearless rodeo cowboys take on the challenge of a downhill jump and race gates, then rope a hostess and saddle a horse. Tuesday Jan. 27. www.steamboat.com

SSWSC 102ND WINTER CARNIVAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Wednesday, Feb. 4 – Opening Ceremony

A celebration honoring the Winter Carnival Queen, her Court, the Little Princesses and Grand Marshals.

Friday, Feb. 6 – Sorel Soirée

Don evening wear and Sorel snow boots to this ‘do-not-miss’ event. Cocktails, dinner, live music and dancing inside the huge heated tent with a bonfire outside under the winter stars.

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Street Events

Only in Steamboat are sidewalks decorated with towering snow sculptures, while main street is covered with the snow that city crews usually spend so much time removing. Spectators cheer for ski-
clad youth pulled behind running horses. Don’t miss the skijoring, donkey jump and shovel races.

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Night Show Extravaganza

The highlight of Winter Carnival. Watch the famous Lighted Man ski down Howelsen Hill with pyrotechnics shooting from his suit, ski patrollers jumping through a flaming hoop o the Nordic jumps, torchlight skiers descending the face, and a stunning fireworks show.

Sunday, Feb. 8 – Diamond Hitch Parade

Watch an encore of select street events, followed by a diamond-hitch parade on the snowy streets. Led by the grand marshals, almost every horse, dog, fire truck, skier and child – plus the occasional stray camel – marches in this genuine small-town parade.

A $10 button is available at various outlets; it is required for participation in many events. All proceeds benefit the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. www.sswsc.org / www.steamboat-chamber.com