YULE DAY
December 6, 2025
Join us for a holly-jolly celebration filled with festive fun! From the Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt to our merry parade and sparkling tree lighting, there’s magic around every corner. Celebrate the season the Ouray way—where joy, laughter, and twinkle lights fill the day!
See below for our full list of festive fun for the whole family!
Schedule of Events for Yule Day
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Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt | 10 am - 4 pm
Get your map from the Ouray Visitor Center to start the hunt around Ouray to find all the elves!
If you complete the hunt, you turn in the map at The Wright Opera House to be entered in to win prizes.
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Yule Tide Bingo (For Adults) 10 am - 4 pm
While the kids are out hunting for the elves, adults can get in on the fun too! Collect your card at the Ouray Visitor Center and for instructions.
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Hot Cocoa Bar | 10 am - 6 pm
For kids and adults, grab a cup of hot cocoa to warm up during this fun day at the Wright Opera House!
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Photos with Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch
Looking to do a meet and greet with Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch? Take a look at the locations below on where they will be and when throughout the Yule Day!
11 am - 12 pm Visitor Center and Hot Springs Pool
12 - 1 pm Cindy Lou Who walking on Main Street
1 - 2 pm Elks Lodge
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Christmas Market | 11 am - 4 pm
Head to Centennial Park (next to the Elks Lodge) to check out the Christmas Market.
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Christmas Tree Festival | 12 -8 pm | The Beaumont Hotel
Come celebrate the 5th annual Christmas Tree Festival! It starts Wednesday December 3 and the final night is Saturday Dec 6th.
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Story Time with Mrs. Claus | 1 - 2pm
Join Mrs. Claus at the Wright Opera House for a story time on this magical night.
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Cookie Decorating & Letters to Santa | 1 - 3 pm
Head to the Wright Opera House to decorate Christmas cookies and Gingerbread people, and to write letters to Santa!
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Craft Time at The Wright Opera House | 3 - 5 pm
At the Wright Opera House, join in with making fun arts, crafts, and ceramics for the holiday season! Voyager, OURAY PEACEJAM, and Lucy Reeder are looking to bring on the Christmas spirit!
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Meet the Mighty Mini-Horses | 4-6 pm
Do you love animals? Especially mini-horses? Then you’re in luck. Stop by Colorado West Jeeps (where the Ouray Chamber is hosting the jeep raffle) from 4:30 - 5:30 pm. Then at the Tree Lighting (Elks Lodge).
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Ouray Chamber's Jeep Raffle | 4:30 - 5:15 pm
Head to the corner of Main Street and 7th Ave to celebrate with the Ouray Chamber! There will be food, mini-horses, the drawing of the Jeep winner, and music to celebrate right before the kick-off of the Yule Day Parade.
4:30-5:30 pm Food & beverages
4:30-5:15 pm Goldie and Moe from Mighty Mini Horse Therapy Program, pats & photos
4:45 pm Grant awards presented to nonprofit recipients
5:00 pm Draw the winning ticket for the 2025 Jeep
5:10 pm Carolers from Ouray Christian Fellowship Church
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Yule Day Parade | 5:30 pm
Line the sidewalks of Main Street to watch the Yule Day parade! The parade will end at the Elks Lodge to kick-off our Tree Lighting Celebration.
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Tree Lighting | 6:15ish (directly after the parade)
Directly after the parade, head up to Centennial Park next to the Elks Lodge for our tree lighting ceremony. There will be a hot chocolate bar and other funtivities.
We will announce the business decoration contest winner. Thank you to the Ouray Chamber and Ouray Main Street Committee for supporting this program. -
Meet Santa Claus
Meet Santa Claus at the Elks Lodge right after the Tree Lighting.
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Reading with Mrs. Claus | 6:45 - 7:15 pm
Join Mrs. Claus at the Wright Opera House for a story time on this magical night.
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Elf Interactive Movie Event | 7 pm
Join the Wright Opera House to watch Elf!
Bonus Activities Happening that Day
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Christmas Tea at The Beaumont
On Saturday, December 6, at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, or 3:00 PM, guests will gather for an afternoon steeped in fine tea, refined delicacies, and timeless holiday elegance. Surrounded by the Beaumont’s historic charm and festive décor, you’ll be transported to a world where sophistication meets Christmas magic.
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Cie Gallery Soft Opening
738 Main Street, get a special preview of the newly remodeled space and stunning artwork by gallery namesake Cie Hoover!
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Goodies at O'Toys
Draw a discount, grab bags, cookies and cocoa!
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Candy Canes at The Mecantile Ouray
Stop by and get a yummy candy cane to take with you.
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10% off at Ouray Mountain Sports
Looking for a great gift for someone who loves the outdoors? Find it at Ouray Mountain Sports and get 10% off.
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Write Letters to Santa at Marmots Açai
Mountie Mcmarmot would love to deliver any letters you write to Santa!
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Open House at Ouray Masonic Lodge
Ouray Masonic Lodge (Located above the Artisan Bakery, accessed through them) will be hosting an open house for all.
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Meet Father Christmas at 1886 Coffee
Father Christmas will be in the coffee shop from 10 am - 5 pm and cookies for kids.
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Goodies at The Blue Pear
The annual Yule Day sale will start at 9 am and end at 6:30 pm. They will have goodie bags, drawings for discounts, and special holiday cheer.
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$1 Mulled Wine at Full Tilt
Full Tilt Saloon will be serving mulled wine for $1 and free hot chocolate and cookies with their full menu. If you are lucky, you may see the Grinch!
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Discounts at Sweet Ouray
Looking for something sweet? In Sweet Ouray you can draw for a discount between 10%-25% off!
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Discounts at The Shaggy Coo
Stop by the Shaggy Coo and get a discount throughout Yule Day.
For Businesses
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Register for the Parade
Join us for the festive Yule Parade and celebrate the season on Main Street!
Event Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Deadline to Register: 11.24.25
Parade Begins: 5:30 PM
Float Line-Up: 4:45 PM
Parade Contact: Melissa Martin – MMartin@CityofOuray.com
Parade entry is free, and registration is not required to participate. However, to be considered for judging and prize awards, you must register in advance.
Prizes for the Top Three Floats:
1st Place – $250 Cash + 4 Annual Hot Springs Membership Passes
2nd Place – $150 Cash + 10 Single-Day Admissions
3rd Place – $100 Cash
Celebrate the holidays, showcase your creativity, and help make this year’s parade unforgettable!
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Register for the Business Decoration Contest
The City of Ouray, Ouray Main Street, and Ouray Chamber invite local businesses to deck the halls, windows, and storefronts for the holidays and compete for prizes in our Best Decorated Business Contest!
Prizes for the Top Three Businesses:
1st Place – $250 Cash + 10 Single-Day Hot Springs Admissions
2nd Place – $150 Cash
3rd Place – $100 Cash
*Thank you to Ouray Main Street Committee for the prize monies
How It Works:
Businesses decorate their windows and/or exterior for the holidays.
Registered businesses will receive a $25 donation from the Ouray Chamber to help with decorations (must register before 11/24/25).
Visitors, residents, and guests can vote for their favorite businesses using QR codes provided by the Ouray Chamber, available on table cards or flyers.
Voting takes place November 27 – December 5, 2025.
Winners will be announced at the Tree Lighting Ceremony and showcased on social media and in the newspaper after.
Registration: Required to be included in the contest and receive the $25 decoration donation.
Show off your holiday creativity, attract visitors, and celebrate the season with our community. Register today and join the festive fun!
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Register for Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
Bring some holiday magic to Ouray this season by joining the Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt for kids!
How to Participate:
Place an elf anywhere in your business (we can supply one if you don’t have one).
Give your elf a fun, festive name.
Receive a window cling to show you’re an official participant.
Sign-Up Deadline: November 24, 2025
This is a fun way to bring families into your business, spread holiday cheer, and be part of a town-wide festive tradition.
Sign up today to make your business a magical stop on the Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt!