Fun Family Christmas Events in Telluride! Like it or not, the Christmas & New Year holiday season is quickly approaching! Despite all of the chaos & stress, once it arrives it’s hard to deny that Christmas in Telluride is truly magical. Once December 25 rolls around, it’s hard not to feel the warm, fuzzy glow of the festive winter season – the smell of the Christmas tree, excited kids anticipating Santa’s arrival, and spending quality time with family & friends.
Christmas lights adorn this cute Victorian house on Colorado Avenue in Telluride.
There are some Christmas events in Telluride to make your holiday season extra special. If you’re visiting Telluride during the month of December, there’s sure to be a Christmas celebration going on somewhere. Below is a list of 10 signature Telluride Christmas events. Whether you’re a new Telluride resident or visiting for the holidays, these events are a fabulous chance to get your kids outside, meet new people, and revel in the Christmas spirit.
1. Noel Night – December 3, 2025 5.30-9 pm
Location: Town of Telluride
This is a great opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done, as well as immerse yourself in Telluride’s festive holiday ambiance. Local retailers and restaurants offer treats, snack, and discounts of up to 40% off. Shop locally for your holiday gifts, and participate in the holiday cheer!
2. Christmas Ski Tree Lighting – December 3rd, 2025
Location: Town of Telluride, Elks Park @ 5 pm
This special event marks the beginning of the holiday season which also coincides with a fun local tradition, Noel Night. The festivities kick off at Elks Park with the traditional lighting of the ski tree, sponsored by the Telluride Ski & Snowboard Club. The Telluride Ski Tree is a 17-foot tall holiday tree made out of old community skis. The evening would not be complete without a bonfire — typically fueled by skis in an attempt to appease Ullr so he blesses us with a white winter — and hot chocolate, which is for everyone.
3. Holiday Arts Bazaar – December 5-7th, 2025
Location: Aha Haa School for Arts, 155 W. Pacific Ave.
The Telluride Arts Holiday Bazaar, established in 1983, is a lively holiday tradition that showcases locally made arts, fine crafts, and artisan foods made in the Telluride region for an ultimate local art shopping experience. This year, the event will be held at the Ah Haa School for the Arts.
4. Young Peoples Theater show – TBD
Location: Sheridan Opera House
The Sheridan Arts Foundation Young People’s Theater presents the elementary school production of Wizard Of Oz at the historic Sheridan Opera House on Friday, December 6 & 7 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, December 8 at 4 p.m.
5. Choral Winter Sing – Friday, December 12th 7:00 p.m. & Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Location: Christ Church, 434 W. Columbia
The Telluride Choral Society presents annual Holiday Choir Concerts, featuring local adults and youth. Sing-along to Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and familiar carols! December 12 & 14th 2025. To be confirmed.
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The Ski Tree lighting & burning in Elks Park is a truly unique Telluride Christmas event.
6. Mountain Village Holiday Prelude – December 13-14, 2025
Location: Mountain Village Core
Mountain Village transforms into the North Pole for the Holiday Prelude celebration which promises holiday movies, train rides, Santa and his workshop, ice skating and holiday surprises around every corner. Children can share a Christmas list with Santa, make holiday crafts with the elves, and enjoy holiday movies with free hot chocolate and popcorn. In addition, free ice skating will be available from noon to 4 on both days. Train rides through Mountain Village’s twinkling lights will also delight children of all ages. Merchants around Mountain Village also extend discounts and specials to customers, along with raffles, giveaways, food and drink specials, and more. Saturday, 1-9pm. Sunday, 1-4pm. Visit townofmountainvillage.com for this year’s schedule of events.
7. TBD – December , 2025
Location: Telluride Palm Theatre
Join the Telluride Theatre for their annual holiday performance. Visit https://www.telluridetheatre.org/ for more info.
8. Holiday Movies in Mountain Village – December 14-25, 2025
Location: Mountain Village, Heritage Plaza (During Holiday Prelude)
Children can share their Christmas List with Santa, make holiday crafts with the elves and enjoy holiday movies with free hot chocolate and popcorn.
9. Telluride Sleighs and Wagons – all winter long
Telluride Sleighs and Wagons offers a trip back to a simpler time with horse-drawn sleigh ride dinners at the historic Aldasoro Ranch. The great grandchildren of pioneering sheep rancher Joaquin Aldasoro serve Farm to Table style cuisine with Basque family recipes. Set in a canvas-sided tent deep in the heart of a spectacular 740-acre family ranch that is otherwise off-limits to the general public. See more detailed information at Telluride Sleighs and Wagons
10. Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade – December 24, 2025 at 6.30 pm
Location: Town of Telluride
The Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade will start at the top of the Gondola and head down into the Town of Telluride. Watch as Telluride Ski & Snowboard School instructors meander down the mountain with torches to light up the mountainside.
Pssst! Santa’s post box is located at the Telluride Post Office. Be sure that letter gets to the North Pole in time.
I hope you find this list of events useful for the upcoming holiday season! For additional information on events in the Telluride area please click on Visit Telluride. For your Telluride lodging needs, call our team at 888-998-6471. Here at Lodging in Telluride, we have a selection of vacation rental condos that are affordable and conveniently located in the town of Telluride. Friendly and attentive service is our hallmark.