STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK
Sun Valley’s Christmas Eve Ice Show will return this year after a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic. But you’ll need tickets to see it.
The Ice Show has been free since it was launched decades ago as Sun Valley Resort’s gift to the community. But this year the resort will charge $10 per person to limit capacity for the health and safety of staff and guests.
Proceeds from the sale of tickets, which are on sale at www.sunvalley.com, will be donated to The Hunger Coalition and I Have a Dream Foundation, which supports the educational success of underserved children.
“Ticketing the event is a COVID-specific decision as a way to limit capacity of the safety of our employees and guests,” said Jenna Vagias, the resort’s new public relations specialist. “To allow physical distancing we are offering 2,000 tickets, which is roughly half of what we typically see for our Christmas Eve ice show.”
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 5:30. The annual torchlight parade will course down Dollar Mountain immediately following the ice show. And the fireworks, which did take place last year despite the pandemic, will cap the evening.
Both the parade and fireworks can be viewed from Sun Valley Village, the ice rink and the parking lot across from the ice rink. Last year, people viewed the spectacle from the White Clouds trail, as well.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring back this magical tradition on Christmas Eve for our community and support two important local charities in the process” said Pete Sonntag, Sun Valley Resort’s vice president and general manager.
In addition to the Christmas Eve Ice Show, Sun Valley Resort is hosting a number of other Winter Wonderland-related events:
DEC. 4 ….
- A CHRISTMAS SCAVENGER HUNT in Sun Valley Village starts on Saturday Dec. 4, running through the holidays. Pick up a card in the Guest Center and follow the clues to identify specific objects in store windows.
DEC. 11 and 12…
- The Open Air Holiday Market will feature a variety of local artisans, ranging from Narda Pitkethly’s hand-blown glass globes to cake pops made by board members of the Sun Valley Culinary Institute.
The market will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12.
- CHRISTMAS COOKIE DECORATING will take place in the Boiler Room in Sun Valley Village from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Individual cookie kits are available for $19.50.
- The ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY will take place outside the Sun Valley Inn at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Caroling begin at 5:30 p.m. and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be offered, along with a cash bar.
Santa is expected to show up for the occasion. But Sun Valley Resort wants to keep him healthy and safe so he can make his rounds on Christmas Eve. As a result, photos and “Hello’s” must be made from a distance.
DEC. 17 and 18…
- Sun Valley’s CLASSIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT will start at 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday night in the Sun Valley Opera House. It will feature familiar faces like those of John Mauldin and Melodie Taylor-Mauldin who have been involved with the family-friendly concert since its inception. It’s intent is to get everyone in the Christmas spirit with singing, dancing and storytelling.
Tickets are $25, available at the Guest Center in Sun Valley Village or online at https://www.sunvalley.com
- LIVE ICE CARVING DEMONSTRATIONS will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 18 in Sun Valley Village.
- SHOP FOR A CAUSE DAY will take place on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 18 and 19, at Brass Ranch, Pete Lane’s Signatures and the Lodge Gift Shop in Sun Valley Village. A percentage of all purchases on those days will support the Environmental Resource Center (ERC), Girls on the Run-Wood River Valley and 43North, which is working to provide safe housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
DEC. 21-24...
- The SUN VALLEY CAROLERS begin their evening performances, popping up at various venues around Sun Valley Village beginning on Dec. 21 and continuing through Dec. 28. For a detailed schedule, visit https://www.sunvalley.com
- The CHRISTMAS EVE ICE SHOW, TORCHLIGHT PARADE AND FIREWORKS SHOW will start with the ice show at 5:30 p.m. Tickets to the ice show are $10 to limit the number of attendees during the pandemic. They’re available at https://www.sunvalley.com
DEC. 31
- NEW YEAR’S EVE NIGHT SKIING will be offered beginning at 5 p.m. on Dollar Mountain. There’ll be music under the stars and the evening will culminate with fireworks at 9 pm. Tickets are $45 per adult and $35 for children 12 and under.