The sparkling snow is flying, and the ring of jingle bells fills the air — it must be December in Alta! That means it’s time to celebrate and get all kinds of festive at the Peruvian and all throughout Alta. From torchlight parades to musical performances, fireworks and even a make-you-own-marshmallows night, there’s a veritable feast of holiday activities. So hang up those slick skis (at least for a few hours) and see what Santa brought the (naughty and) nice boys and girls spending their holiday in Alta.
1. Make Your Own Marshmallows: They’re all fluffy, sugary goodness, and tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Snows you can learn how to make the perfect ooey-gooey marshmallow. Chef Emily Park of Indulge Eats will lead the class — and don’t worry, hot chocolate will be provided. Yum!
2. Holiday Art Sale: From 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, view (or buy!) the works of 15 local artists and artisans as they showcase their creations at Our Lady of the Snows. A perfect event for anyone who needs to do a little last-minute gift buying …
3. Talia Keys at the Peruvian Bar: After a long, sweaty day on the slopes, head to the our cozy bar on Sunday, Dec. 18, for live music by Talia Keys. Grab a drink with friends, reminisce about the day and get into the groove with Keys’ own brand of soul, funk and rock ’n’ roll. Dancing shoes encouraged.
4. Snowshoe Naturalist Tour: You’ll be walking in a winter wonderland, complete with floppy snowshoes, on Wednesday, Dec. 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Explore aspen groves, play “name that animal print” and learn all about Alta’s rich natural history on this guided tour. Snowshoe rentals are available at the Alta Ski Shop and Alta Sports.
5. Ski with Santa: Jingle jingle! That flash of red to your right might just be jolly old St. Nick! Santa will be skiing the mountain from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Watch for him on the mountain — he loves to say hello to all the good little boys and girls.
6. New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, Fireworks and Bonfire: Ring in the New Year with an extraordinary display of light as you view skiers, torches in hand, gliding down the mountain from 5:15 to 7 p.m. Or, for $10, strap on your own skis and join the parade. And don’t miss the fireworks and bonfire to follow. All proceeds from the evening benefit the Utah Food Bank.