Steamboat’s Light the Night Celebration Balloon Glow & Fireworks!
Join us for an evening of sensory delight. View the beauty of magnificent hot air balloons up close that will illuminate the Mountain Village from 5:30-6:30pm. Spectators can stroll among the standing balloons or watch from the warmth of a slope side eatery. Timber & Torch will be open to warm up and enjoy dinner and drinks. The grand finale is the Fireworks and Torchlight Parade. Get ready for the Steamboat Light the Night Celebration, it is going to be a blast.
The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, one of the largest and oldest winter sports clubs in the U.S., hosts the 113th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, the oldest continuing Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi. For several days, the entire town is given over to racing, ski jumping, a parade featuring Steamboat’s skiing high school band (the only one in the United States), the famous ski jöring events down Lincoln Avenue, and the spectacular night show featuring the legendary Lighted Man and fireworks display where you can see one of the largest fireworks in the country! See schedule of events here: https://www.sswsc.org/events/winter-carnival
Ahead of the 2026 winter games, Steamboat honors our heritage with an Olympian Celebration in Steamboat Square. A favorite local tradition, this event celebrates previous Olympians, current athletes and the Steamboat community. Join us for a recognition of athletes, thank you videos, a drone show, and the official lighting of the cauldron. Events are followed by a dance party and Olympian meet and greet in the square.
It all began over 50 years ago when Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s director of skiing, and Larry Mahan, six-time all-around World Champion cowboy, decided to invite a few of the ProRodeo stars to Steamboat for a day of skiing. The cowboys had such a great time that the downhill has become the most popular event of the season with over 100 of the best professional rodeo cowboys competing in the most unique ski rodeo in the country.
The Cowboy Downhill is an annual ski rodeo in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where professional rodeo cowboys swap their saddles for skis to compete in a unique race. The event includes a timed dual slalom race where competitors ski through gates, jump, lasso a person, saddle a horse, and cross the finish line, followed by a chaotic “Stampede” free-for-all race. It’s held in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show and combines the town’s ski culture with its Western heritage.
Celebrate the new year in style! Kick off the evening with a Light Up Snow Cat parade and the Steamboat SnowSports Instructors performing synchronized skiing illuminated only by the light of torches. At the conclusion of the parade, fireworks will light up the sky over the resort to ring in 2026!
Join Rabbi Kolby Morris-Dahary of Har Mishpacha: The Jewish Congregation of Steamboat and Shannon Lukens of Steamboat Radio will be on the Steamboat Stage at the base of the mountain in a celebration of the Festival of Light. Whether you are local or visiting, Jewish or not, you are invited to celebrate with us in song, treats (jelly donuts), and the ritual of lighting a Hanukkah menorah! Happy Hanukkah from The Jewish Community of Steamboat!
Join us at Steamboat Resort for an unforgettable evening of magic and wonder! As the sun sets on the sky will come alive around 5:30 PM with a mesmerizing drone show that captures the heart of Steamboat’s spirit and the festive holiday season. Watch as lights dance through the air, creating dazzling formations that will leave you in awe. Bring your friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind celebration—it’s a night of spectacular sights and unforgettable memories you won’t want to miss!
Holiday Drone Show- 5:30-6:00pm
Holiday Skate Party – 6:00- 7:30pm
Open for Night Skiing 6:00- 8:30pm
IMPORTANT: Please note, drone shows and all events are weather dependent and for safety reasons will be cancelled in the event of heavy snowfall and or wind.
See Santa Saddle Up, Steamboat is excited to bring back the tradition of the Santa Horseback Procession. Santa will ride into the resort from the Torian Plum Area down the slopes into the heart of Steamboat Square escorted by legendary locals Bob Dapper and Dean Vogelaar. This happens promptly at 1pm and takes just a few minutes so be sure to be here early not to miss it. Immediately following the ride Santa will be available on the Steamboat Stage to visit with guests and take pictures. Complimentary hot chocolate and cupcakes will be available.
Join us at the base of the mountain for a breathtaking Balloon Glow event! Five magnificent hot air balloons will inflate and illuminate the evening sky with their vibrant colors. Guests will have the unique opportunity to walk among the balloons, engage with the pilots, and learn about the fascinating world of hot air ballooning. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a great week of competitive sports with the Visa Big Air event. This event is weather dependent Hot Air Balloons are very susceptible to snow and wind.
Kick off the 2025/26 winter season in true Steamboat style with our legendary Opening Day Celebration on Friday November 22, 2025. Festivities start at 7:30am | Lifts open at 8:30am
What’s in store:
– Be one of the first 100 on the mountain and score a limited-edition Opening Day tee designed by Ohana, plus a cozy pair of Smartwool socks.
– Enjoy complimentary Powder Day donuts while supplies last.
– Join the countdown and help us ring in the season with the iconic Champagne Powder® Snow Bell.
– On-mountain prizes will be stashed around the slopes — follow @SteamboatResort on Instagram for clues and the chance to score exclusive Ohana gear, Smartwool goodies, and more.
