This free family celebration welcomes the 2026-27 winter season to Keystone's River Run Village with an afternoon of festivities capped by the lighting of the giant River Run tree.
From early afternoon, River Run Village fills with crafts, hot chocolate, and live music centered on Warren Station. Kids can write letters to Santa and meet him in the village, making it a perfect first-of-the-season outing for families.
As the afternoon winds down, the whole village gathers for the ceremonial lighting of the towering River Run tree - a bright, festive moment that officially flips the switch on winter in Keystone.
Timed to Thanksgiving weekend, the Winter Carnival pairs naturally with early-season skiing and riding and the kickoff of Keystone's packed winter events calendar.
Highlights
- Ceremonial lighting of the giant River Run tree (~5:15 p.m.)
- Visits and photos with Santa
- Crafts, hot chocolate, and live music
- Free and family-friendly
- Thanksgiving-weekend season kickoff
How It Runs
Times follow the recent event format and are subject to change — confirm on the official calendar.
Saturday, November 28 SEASON KICKOFF
| 2:00 p.m. | Carnival begins - crafts, hot chocolate, live music at Warren Station |
| Afternoon | Letters to Santa and visits with Santa in the village |
| 5:15 p.m. | Lighting of the River Run tree |
Know Before You Go
- When: Saturday, November 28, 2026, 2:00-5:15 p.m.
- Where: Warren Station and River Run Village, Keystone
- Admission: Free
- Dress warmly - activities are indoor and outdoor
- Arrive before 5:00 p.m. to get a good spot for the tree lighting
Explore more Summit County & Vail Valley events
From festivals and concerts to seasonal celebrations, there is always something happening across the mountains.