Telluride and Real Estate Blog

Holiday Prelude this Weekend

Article by Ellen Metrick, Telluride Daily Planet contributor 

Free ice skating takes place at the rink in Reflection Plaza both Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, during Holiday Prelude from 12-4 p.m. An ice skating exhibition is Saturday from 4:15-5 p.m. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Mountain Village Owners Association/ Michael Mowery)

Board the Polar Express gondola cars at Oak Plaza in Telluride next weekend to glide into the North Pole at Mountain Village for train rides, elves, carolers and Santa, just a few of the elements that make the grand lead-up to the winter season at Mountain Village Holiday Prelude, Dec. 14 and 15 in the Village Core.

“This is a family friendly event for all ages,” said Joni Tinker, Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association (TMVOA) administrative assistant and one of the organizers.

The weekend is a collaboration of TMVOA, the Town of Mountain Village, Madeline Hotel and Residences, and Telluride Ski and Golf and local merchants.

From noon to 4 p.m. both days the Polar Express will run from Telluride to Mountain Village, and during those hours the holiday play opportunities will be abundant.

New this year is “larger than life light displays, a lot of really cool lights,” Tinker said.

In addition to a 12’x12’ Christmas star, there will also be gigantic snowflakes, lit arcs to walk through, and a lit picture frame for photo opportunities.

“The Town of Mountain Village does a fabulous job decorating the gigantic Christmas tree and other trees around the village, and we’re adding to that with these light displays,” Tinker said.

Of course, the photo op with Santa is de rigueur for the season. Santa and elves will be stationed in Heritage Plaza to listen to wishes and pose for photos.

Those who visit Santa will receive a goody bag which includes a map for a scavenger hunt that leads to prizes.

TJ Smith will host Telluride Photo Booth where those who really want to get into the spirit can don props and choose from a wide range of take-home photo options that include moving and still pictures, Tinker explained.

While it’s not new, the train was missing last year and returns this year, to the delight of many.

“We definitely heard about it being absent last year,” Tinker said. “We’re glad to have it back.”

While the train whistle tends to call to the younger set, parents and others are welcome to ride as well, Tinker said.

And what would a winter day be without ice skating? From noon to 4 p.m. both days, Reflection Plaza is open for free skating, and on Saturday, from 4:15-5 p.m., Telluride Figure Skating Club will dazzle with their annual ice show.

“The skaters are amazing,” Tinker said. “From super littles up to high schoolers who have been skating for years, this is a wonderful show.”

And, to “add that extra holiday feel,” Tinker said, the Roving Christmas Carolers will be out in force from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

“This will be our third year singing at the Holiday Prelude, and there is a lot of life in the weekend — it’s somewhat electric up there,” said Telluride Choral Society Director Hal Adler.

He will be joined by five other singers to bring cheer to the afternoon.

The carolers walk around, find choice spots, and sing, Adler explained.

“If a store is bumping with activity, we might step in there. We might sing on the stage, in the Madeline or Franz Klammer lobby … If you see a group of six people with red Santa hats who look like they are on a mission, that’s us. We are unmistakable.”

Adler said they’ll take requests, and revelers young and not-so-young do sometimes join in the singing. They have around 20 carols prepared to share.

“It’s a delight,” Adler said.

Saturday’s activities end with caroling and tree lighting from 6-6:15 p.m., and a skate party with DJ’d music from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Santa, free skating, train rides, Telluride Photo Booth, the scavenger hunt, and drink and dinner specials will be happening both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

And, of course, shops will be open all weekend, offering special deals along with cheer. Participating merchants include Tracks Cafe and Bar, Christy Sports Snowboard shop, Heritage Apparel, Wagner Custom Skis, Citizens State Bank and Lucchese Boot Maker.

Following the prelude weekend, TMVOA and the town will be hosting more holiday events. Watch for ice sculpting demos, a magic show, two torchlight parades and New Year's fireworks and concert.

More information is available online at telluride.com/event/mountain-village-holiday-prelude/.

To read the full Telluride Daily Planet article please click the following link.