Hooray for Aspen Highlands (Bowl included!) and Buttermilk opening up this weekend, along with plenty of powder in sight. Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs opened Friday, kicking off its 50th Anniversary with special events through the season. Off the slopes, get into the spirit with festive favorites on stage and more tree-lighting festivities in Aspen and Snowmass. Cheers to a happy holiday season ahead!

Friday, December 9

Steve Vai Passion and Warfare 25th Anniversary Tour
9:30 p.m., Belly Up Aspen
Catch the three-time Grammy winner and former stunt guitarist for Frank Zappa on this stop of his milestone tour. 
From $38
Tickets: bellyupaspen.com 

Dance Initiative Movie Night: Pina
6:30 p.m., The Launchpad, Carbondale
Catch the award-winning feature-length documentary about the late choreographer, created by Wim Wenders with the collaboration of the Tanztheater Wuppertal. The film takes the audience on a sensual, visually stunning journey of discovery into a new dimension: straight onto the stage with the legendary work of Pina Bausch. Hot cider provided, but BYOP (bring your own popcorn!).
Free
Info: danceinitiative.org

It’s a Wonderful Life
7 p.m., Aspen Community Church
The Hudson Reed Ensemble presents Frank Capra’s holiday classic in the format of an old-time radio broadcast with live actors. The uplifting story of the multiple lives changed by one man’s generosity will warm the chill right out of you.
Free
Info: hudsonreedensemble.org 

The Last Romance 
7:30 p.m., Thunder River Theatre Company, Carbondale
This production of Joe DiPietro’s bittersweet comedy about courtship in the twilight years (he also wrote the musicals Memphis and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) is directed by longtime Aspen theater veteran Mike Monroney. (Playing weekends through December 24).
$30
Tickets: thunderrivertheatre.com

Stage of Life Theatre Company Presents Elf
7 p.m., Third Street Center, Carbondale 
Based on the 2003 movie starring Will Ferrell, SoL brings this charming tale to life with an all-local cast ranging in age from 7 to 13.
$15 (adults), $10 (kids under 12)
Tickets: soltheatrecompany.org

Saturday, December 10

10th Annual Sawliday Holiday Art Sale
2 p.m.–7 p.m., S.A.W., Carbondale
Shop this themed group art show featuring fresh, handmade works in support of the collective studio space. A canned food drive will benefit the local food bank LiftUp and Standing Rock.
Free
Info: sawcarbondale.com 

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Presents The Nutcracker 
2 p.m. & 5 p.m., Aspen District Theatre
A favorite holiday tradition, company dancers and guest artists join with the ballet school’s students to present Tchaikovsky’s beloved classic. The performance combines classical ballet with flamenco, aerial acrobatics, and circus artists for a truly magical experience. 
From $25
Tickets: aspensantafeballet.com

Chair 9 Opening Party
4:30 p.m., The Little Nell
Celebrate the return of aprés-ski season at the official reopening of Chair 9 with DJ Mayfly spinning, ski movies rolling, and drink specials flowing. Don’t forget to pull your best vintage skiwear out of the closet for a chance to win gift certificates and swag at the annual costume contest (6 p.m. sharp).
Free
Info: thelittlenell.com

Light Up the Night & Handel’s Messiah 
5:30 p.m., Snowmass Chapel
Snowmass Village’s annual tree-lighting ceremony sets the stage for a beautiful season with a bonfire, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookies, hot cocoa, carols, and holiday cheer. A tradition since 1977, the Aspen Choral Society will also present the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah featuring a community chorus, soloists, and chamber orchestra directed by Paul Dankers and featuring Julian Hallmark.
Free
Info: snowmasschapel.org

It’s a Wonderful Life
7 p.m., Aspen Community Church
The Hudson Reed Ensemble presents Frank Capra’s holiday classic in the format of an old-time radio broadcast with live actors. The uplifting story of the multiple lives changed by one man’s generosity will warm the chill right out of you.
Free
Info: www.hudsonreedensemble.org

Stage of Life Theatre Company Presents Elf
7 p.m., Third Street Center, Carbondale 
Based on the 2003 movie starring Will Ferrell, SoL brings this charming tale to life with an all-local cast ranging in age from 7 to 13.
$15 (adults), $10 (kids under 12)
Tickets: soltheatrecompany.org

The Last Romance
7:30 p.m., Thunder River Theatre Company, Carbondale
This production of Joe DiPietro’s bittersweet comedy about courtship in the twilight years (he also wrote the musicals Memphis and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) is directed by longtime Aspen theater veteran Mike Monroney. (Playing weekends through December 24).
$30
Tickets: thunderrivertheatre.com

The Wood Brothers
9:3o p.m., Belly Up Aspen
Don't miss this trio of soulful folk, on tour with their latest album, Paradise, and special guest Ben Sollee. 
$20
Tickets: bellyupaspen.com

Sunday, December 11

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Presents The Nutcracker 
1 p.m. & 5 p.m., Aspen District Theatre
A favorite holiday tradition, company dancers and guest artists join with the ballet school’s students to present Tchaikovsky’s beloved classic. The performance combines classical ballet with flamenco, aerial acrobatics, and circus artists for a truly magical experience. 
From $25
Tickets: aspensantafeballet.com

Stage of Life Theatre Company Presents Elf
2 p.m., Third Street Center, Carbondale 
Based on the 2003 movie starring Will Ferrell, SoL brings this charming tale to life with an all-local cast ranging in age from 7 to 13.
$15 (adults), $10 (kids under 12)
Tickets: soltheatrecompany.org

Christmas Tree Lighting
5 p.m., The Little Nell
Usher in the holiday season at this family-friendly event, open to all guests and community members, with complimentary cocoa and cookies, caroling, and photos with Santa Claus. "Reindeers" (a.k.a. puppies) from the Aspen Animal Shelter will also fly in just for the night, which is also a drive for the Aspen Homeless Shelter, so bring socks or sleeping bags to donate.
Free
Info: thelittlenell.com

It’s a Wonderful Life
5:30 p.m., Basalt Library
The Hudson Reed Ensemble presents Frank Capra’s holiday classic in the format of an old-time radio broadcast with live actors. The uplifting story of the multiple lives changed by one man’s generosity will warm the chill right out of you.
Free
Info: hudsonreedensemble.org