Christmas in Telluride/Mountain Village

Question

Hello experts! We have been to Telluride one other time (but it was during the pandemic) so we are not familiar with how popular it will be over Christmas this year. We have a planes/condo booked but wanted to start looking at dining places for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Can anyone tell me if generally places are open or not? We loved Alpino Vino and Allreds last time, but not sure how many places will be open during the actual holiday. Thanks for any input! We have travelled to other places in the US and everything is closed!! So just wasn't sure what to expect.

Answer

Telluride and Mountain Village during Christmas are usually quite lively, as the area draws many visitors for skiing, winter activities, and holiday celebrations. Unlike some smaller towns in the U.S. where most businesses close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Telluride tends to have a good number of restaurants and bars that remain open, especially those located within resorts or catering to tourists.

For dining on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it’s highly recommended to make reservations well in advance. Popular spots like Alpino Vino and Allred’s are likely to be busy, as locals and visitors alike favor these venues during the holiday period. Other restaurants may have limited hours or special holiday menus, so calling ahead or checking their websites is essential.

Here are some options and tips:

Alpino Vino: Known for Italian cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. Usually open during Christmas with a set holiday menu; reservations are highly recommended.
Allred’s Restaurant: Offers fine dining with stunning mountain views. Typically open for Christmas, but early booking is necessary.
Brown Dog Pizza: More casual, family-friendly, may offer takeout or dine-in options during holidays.
San Miguel Bar & Grill: Often open on holidays, good for a relaxed meal or drinks after skiing.
Telluride Ski Resort lodges: Many resort lodges have restaurants that operate on holiday schedules; convenient if you’re staying near lifts.

Additional tips:

Make reservations as early as possible—some restaurants allow bookings months in advance for holiday dates.
Expect limited availability for walk-ins, particularly on Christmas Eve and Day.
Check for special holiday menus, which may have fixed pricing or limited options.
Consider alternative dining times, such as early lunch or late dinner, if you cannot secure prime dinner slots.
If your condo has a kitchen, some travelers opt to prepare a special holiday meal at home as a backup.

Overall, while Telluride is busier than many other U.S. towns on Christmas, the festive atmosphere and tourist-focused services mean that you should be able to find dining options, especially with advance planning.

Christmas in Telluride/Mountain Village

More Telluride Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions