Any time of year you’re fortunate enough to head to Telluride in the name of vacation fun and adventure, it’s bound to be an unforgettable stay. Here, you can easily access an inviting lineup of events, activities, and attractions in every season that make it simple to tailor your getaway to your personal travel style! That said, there’s just something extra special about coming to Telluride in over the holidays when the fresh powder falls, and the holiday lights adorn businesses, homes, and ski chalets in abundance. When you’re looking for a bit of magic to add to your visit this year, make sure the following holiday events are on your itinerary when you find yourself in Telluride ready to celebrate the season.
The Best Holiday Events in Telluride
While it may not rank as a holiday-specific event for those who are outside of Telluride, ski enthusiasts who are local and visiting the area alike would likely consider opening day at the slopes one of the best holiday season gifts imaginable! This year, Telluride Ski Resort is scheduled to open the slopes to the public starting on November 28, 2025. The mountains are always vibrant and bustling with a start-of-season energy and if you’re looking to get the holiday fun underway early, you can definitely be one of the first to strap on your skis and hit the lifts.
Experience Noel Night with Family and Friends
Not long after ski season kicks off in Telluride, the annual event known as Noel Night comes to town. On December 3, 2025, participants are invited to head to downtown Telluride and check out a long lineup of local restaurants and retailers that will be offering significant holiday savings and discounts on delicious meals to celebrate the official beginning of the holiday season in the mountains. The event typically runs from 5:30 pm until 9:00 pm and also includes the highly anticipated ceremonial lighting of the Ski Tree! Whether you drop by for the festive ambiance or you’re looking to save big on those last-minute holiday gifts, Noel Night is an experience that’s well worth adding to your list.
Check Out the Telluride Arts Holiday Bazaar
For many holiday revelers, this time of year truly begins when they’ve explored their first Christmas market and in Telluride that comes in the form of the Arts Holiday Bazaar each year. This holiday bazaar has been a local tradition in Telluride since 1983 and is hosted in collaboration with the Ah Haa School for the Arts. The setup of the market provides guests with access to three entire floors of holiday fun where they can browse artisan goods, locally crafted wares, tasty treats, ornaments, and more. Students of the Ah Haa School for the Arts are also on hand at the Telluride Arts Holiday Bazaar to demonstrate their creative talents ranging from handmade pottery and jewelry to organic skin care products, gourmet foods, textiles, homemade candles, stained glass work, and beyond. You’ll find the Telluride Arts Holiday Bazaar located at 155 W. Pacific Avenue, and this year, it’s slated to run from December 5 through December 7. On Friday, you’ll want to drop by between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm, and on Saturday the bazaar is open from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm. If you choose to browse the market on Sunday, you can linger between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Book Tickets to a Holiday Show
The holidays are often defined by some great performances taking to local stages and your trip to Telluride this time of year is no exception to the rule. Events will be hosted at the Michael D. Palm Theatre, check back for 2025 shows. Performances are put together by the Telluride Theatre and is an annual tradition locals and visitors alike look forward to enjoying.
Enjoy the Annual Mountain Village Holiday Prelude
A top family-friendly event near Telluride each year during the holidays is the Mountain Village Holiday Prelude. This festive experience is scheduled to run from December 13 to December 14, 2025, and will see Mountain Village transformed once again into a replica of the glittering North Pole much to the delight of those who stop by. Santa will be available for meet-and-greets with the littlest travelers in your crew, and there are holiday craft stands to check out too. Guests are invited to enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate at no cost during their stay and a holiday movie and train ride experience is built into the lineup as well. The twinkling lights are sure to thrill while the free ice skating from noon to 4:00 pm on both days is something you’ll want to take advantage of when you’re here. The event runs from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Saturday and from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Sunday.
Book Your One-of-a-Kind Holiday Getaway to Scenic Telluride Today
Elevate the luxury, comfort, and style of your holiday stay in Telluride when you book your accommodations through Lodging in Telluride this year. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting property options available that keep you close to all the best holiday events in town. Browse our rentals by bedroom here.