Holiday Gathering At Mesa Verde National Park Set For December 6

On December 6 luminaria will light Spruce Tree House during the annual holiday open house at Mesa Verde National Park. NPS photo.

A celebration of the season will be held at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado on December 6, when parts of the park will glow under the soft light of luminaria and rangers will lead visitors through Spruce Tree House.

The annual Holiday Open House is set for 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the Chapin Mesa headquarters area. Everyone is invited to join the park staff in this holiday celebration featuring special tours, luminarias, musical entertainment, night sky interpretation and refreshments.

Ranger-guided tours of Spruce Tree House, the third largest cliff dwelling in the park, will be presented at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Spruce Tree House will also be available for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Luminarias will glow along the pathways throughout the headquarters area, a National Historic Landmark District, and along the trail to Spruce Tree House. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum will remain open until 9 p.m. There will be musical entertainment in the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum Auditorium throughout the evening.

The non-profit Mesa Verde Museum Association (MVMA) Museum bookstore will be open highlighting the sale of books, posters, puppets, historic photographs, and great holiday gifts as well as in-store specials. Bring your gift list along to take advantage of this special occasion. Proceeds benefit Mesa Verde National Park.

Attendance at the Open House is free. Refreshments will be provided by ARAMARK at the Spruce Tree Terrace.