Minturn is a historic gem, located in the Colorado mountains just minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek. To celebrate the holiday season and Minturn’s 115th year, the town is presenting a festive lineup of entertainment and activities from December 1-15, 2019. The 15 Days of Minturn celebration offers daily events, music, markets, local adventures and gatherings in the quaint mountain town.

“As one of the oldest towns in Eagle County, we felt it was important to recognize and celebrate our anniversary. Although the town started to form in the 1800s, Minturn was officially incorporated in 1904,” says Cindy Krieg, special events director. “The Town of Minturn is rich in history, and it’s a part of what makes us unique, and gives the feel of a true, Colorado mountain town. Since the anniversary is just prior to the holidays, we thought it appropriate to celebrate the holiday and our anniversary together. We are very excited to bring these events to our community and celebrate with both locals and visitors alike.”

Kick off the month on Sunday, December 1 at Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea from 4 to 6 p.m. The 15 Days of Minturn Kickoff Party, presented by Vail Jazz Foundation and the Town of Minturn, will bring together the community with live jazz performed by the Kathy Morrow Trio. The event will also feature an art exhibit by the Vail Valley Art Guild.

On Friday, December 6 there are several events to choose from, or you can include them all. From 5:30 to 8 p.m., join the Vail Valley Art Guild for the December First Friday Exhibition Reception at the Minturn Community Fund, located at 291 Main Street in Minturn. Come out to meet the artists and see their work in the mediums of photography, painting, ceramics and more. Wine and snacks will be served.

Also on Friday, December 6, Monkshood Cellars is hosting Wine and Fine Jewels from 4 to 8 p.m. Local jewelry maker Paulina Dean will be showcasing her work while Monkshood will be pouring some of its newly released fermentations.

The annual Town Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, December 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Downtown Minturn (Main St. and Toledo). This will be a traditional small-town tree lighting celebration for both locals and visitors. Kid’s trivia and prizes, a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” free hot cocoa, music and more.

And don’t miss the Winter Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14 — it’s truly one of Minturn’s most celebrated gatherings of the season. In addition to a wide variety of vendors and holiday gift options, the market will feature carolers, Santa, s’mores and and more.

Also during the Market on the 14th, the Eagle County Historical Society will be offering historical walking tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Across the street from the Market, visit Anahata Yoga for Self-Care Saturdays on both December 7 and December 14. Pop on in for a class and pickup something extra for yourself.

Sunday, December 8, Send It Sundays at the Minturn Saloon will begin at 3 p.m.

Throughout the month, locals and town guests are encouraged to explore Meadow Mountain on snowshoes and Maloit Park on snowshoes or cross country skis. These beautiful natural areas sit on the edges of Minturn and truly represent the beauty of the mountains in the winter.

Meadow Mountain and Maloit Park long been a popular spot for winter recreationists. Both are very accessible and uniquely remote. On Meadow Mountain, once you get beyond the first bend in the trail and if you have the time and the stamina to make it to the top, you will be rewarded by amazing panorama views of the Gore Range and a spectacular vantage point of Battle Mountain and the Town of Minturn.

Go caroling with the Minturn Community Fund on Thursday, December 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Carolers will meet at 5:30 p.m. at Minturn Community Fund (291 Main Street in Minturn) Hot cocoa will be provided — bring your own thermos and headlamp, and be sure to dress warm!

On Friday, December 13, head to Revival Photographic for a 1900s-inspired Tintype Portrait Party. Bring your best 1900s gear: tophats, snapcaps, feathercaps, think Prohibition era.

In the spirit of a grand finale weekend, an Outdoor Winter Concert in Downtown Minturn will follow the Winter Market on Saturday, December 14 (from 3-5 p.m.). The bluegrass show, presented the Town of Minturn and Crazy Mountain Brewery, will feature the Blue Canyon Boys, a high-energy Colorado quartet. Wine by Monkshood Cellars will be available, and food by Baked and Loaded. This is a free show, with food and beverage proceeds benefiting the Minturn Community Fund’s community programs.

Lastly, on Sunday, December 15, raise a glass to the Town of Minturn at the Community Dinner, being held at Town Hall from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The December dinner will feature a holiday theme, and the main course is being sponsored by Sunrise Minturn.

And of course, also on Sunday, December 15 (and every Sunday in the winter, at 3 p.m.), join the Minturn Saloon and Crazy Mountain Brewery for Send it Sundays. 

For more information visit www.minturn.org/15days.