News Release

Mesa Verde National Park 2018 Holiday Open House is December 13

Date: November 29, 2018
Contact: Cristy Brown, 970-529-4608

After a summer of dry, hot weather; fires; and smoke-filled skies, we would like to help make new memories at Mesa Verde National Park with our neighbors, our friends, and our local communities. Please join Mesa Verde staff in celebrating our annual Holiday Open House and Luminaria event on Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Attendance to the Holiday Open House is free.
 
Due to popularity and large crowds, past events posed many challenges; so this year, we are trying something new, and we ask for your help and understanding to make this a successful and memorable night.
 
This year’s event will feature refreshments at the Far View Terrace and night sky viewing at the Far View Center balcony, weather depending. After spending time in this area, visitors are encouraged to drive the Mesa Top Loop road to view minimally-lit Mesa Top Loop sites and select visible cliff dwellings. Pathways and parking areas will be illuminated by farolitos, but flashlights and/or headlamps are encouraged. The headquarters area, including the Chapin Mesa Museum and Spruce Tree House, will not be lit this year.
 
Parking is limited along the Mesa Top Loop road. In order for everyone to enjoy the night’s event, please limit your stay at any one location, so others may enjoy the sights. We also request no tripods, as many of the overlooks are small and cannot safely accommodate large numbers of people or equipment at any one time.
 
Please dress warmly and bring flashlights and/or headlamps and your good cheer! This will be a night to enjoy with family and an opportunity to make new memories of these ancient Pueblo villages and homes.
 
No park entrance fee will be charged after 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 13, 2018. The Far View Terrace and Far View Center are located 15 miles into the park and the Mesa Top Loop is located 20 miles into the park. All event activities, including those on the Mesa Top Loop, will conclude at 9:00 pm. 
 
A generous thank you to our park partners, Aramark and the Mesa Verde Museum Association, for providing the night’s treats and helping to make the 2018 Holiday Open House a night to remember!
 

-NPS-