Plan a getaway with loved ones this Christmas to a four-seasons wonderland resort town like no other. See the breathtaking winter landscape, Colorado style. The Centennial State is dotted with many of these cozy mountain towns that offer plenty of activities, attractions, and more. If this sounds like just what you need for your Christmas getaway, point your compass, and pack your bags for a stay in beautiful Telluride.
Christmas Activities in Telluride
Take a break from the stress of preparing the holiday meal at home. Several area restaurants are serving up the traditional meal. Contact your restaurant of choice for details like dates, times, and pick up or delivery options. If you simply must prepare and serve a family meal, turn to your vacation rental’s fully equipped kitchen featuring with most of the basics on hand for creating and serving the delicious meal. Our rentals are just moments from grocery stores stocked with all the trimmings for your holiday meal.
Christmas Services
If you wish to attend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day religious services, there are many local places of worship to host you. Choose the one that suits you best and contact them for dates, times, and locations of services.
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
Celebrate Christmas in a way only a ski resort town can. Every year, instructors from the Telluride Ski & Snowboard School light up the slopes. The parade starts at the top of the Gondola and meanders down into the Mountain Village core. For the best view, head to the area around the base of Lift 4. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
Sheridan Arts Foundation Holiday Concert Series
The Sheridan Arts Foundation knows how to celebrate the holidays. This year, they present a five-night series of world class entertainment at the historic Sheridan Opera House in Telluride. Shows are nightly December 27th-31st, including a New Year’s Eve Gala to ring in 2024. This year’s performers include Jewel, Ozomatli, and the Motortown All-Stars, presenting timeless Motown classics performed by members of The Contours, The Miracles, and former members of The Temptations.
Gondola Rides
The free gondola provides a 13-minute ride full of the beautiful scenery of Telluride from over 10,500 feet. Access hiking and biking trails, as well as skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Load yourself and your gear onto the gondola in Telluride or nearby Mountain Village. Ride all the way to the top or stop at the midpoint – Station San Sophia – for access to the hiking trails. Operating hours are daily, 6:30 a.m. – midnight.
Winter Sports
Telluride in the winter is all about winter sports. The Telluride Ski Resort has some of the best slopes in the area, with runs appropriate for beginners all the way up to the most advanced skiers. Experts looking for some different ski experiences may want to explore the backcountry, or helicopter skiing – where you jump from a helicopter and ski your way down the mountain. Other interesting winter and Christmastime activities include cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice skating, ice climbing, or the relaxation of a sleigh ride.
Fat Tire Mountain Biking
The San Juan mountains that surround Telluride provide a variety of terrain for a unique riding experience. For more advanced bikers, explore challenging trails that lead down old mining roads, through basins, and high above the box canyon. Longer, more difficult trails join moderate skill level trails linking former railroad tracks throughout the valley and further west, or if you’re just starting out there are trails fit for you, too. If you’re not yet ready for the various elevation changes and thinner air of the mountain trails, stick closer to town at the Telluride Bike Park at the Telluride Ski Resort. For those looking to venture out on the trails, access them from the gondola’s San Sophia Station.
Historic Telluride
If you’re looking for an attraction to explore without packing up and heading out, you’ll be glad you chose Telluride. The town itself is an attraction to be explored this Christmas! Wander historic Telluride, designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964 due to its significant role in the history and development of the American West. Begin your exploration with a stop at the town museum to learn about the town’s evolution from Ute tribe summer camp, to mining camp, to boom town, and finally the ski mecca you may be enjoying on your Christmas vacation. Shop in stores and boutiques, many of which are housed in some of the town’s original buildings that date back to the 1800s.
Celebrate Christmas in Telluride
For the best experience throughout your Telluride Christmas adventure, make sure the first thing on your to-do list is booking a vacation rental home with Accommodations in Telluride. Choose a cozy 1-bedroom for a solo or sweetheart getaway, all the way up to a 6-bedroom home for a large family or group reunion filled with Christmas cheer. Prepare soul-warming, delicious meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Stretch out in an open living space after a day of Telluride activities, or retreat to a private bedroom for some well-deserved rest before another day of Telluride fun and excitement. Contact us today and reserve your Christmas vacation home in Telluride!
