Estes yule fun
Estes Park’s “Catch the Glow” celebration features Santa Claus, Dickens carolers, hayrides and and the 24th annual evening holiday parade, where all the floats are decorated for the season. The parade typically attracts up to 25,000 spectators. Festivities begin at noon Nov. 23 with strolling carolers, free pony rides, hay-wagon rides and visits with Santa. One highlight of the 5:30 p.m. parade will be the “Estes Park Queen,” with jazz musicians playing favorite Christmas carols from their stage on a rolling paddleboat. For information, call 970-577-9900, 800-443-7837 or visit .
Holday art tour
The Monte Vista Holiday Festival Art Tour will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 in Monte Vista. The tour will consist of 10 gallery stops connected by shuttle service throughout the town, intermingled with holiday activities. The Alamosa Bus Company will provide shuttle service from Alamosa and Del Norte and between tour stops at 30-minute intervals. For information, visit or ..
Cinder Bear train
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad announces the Cinder Bear Christmas Express, with service out of Chama, N.M., and Antonito this December. There will be three train departures each day. Train departures from Chama on Dec. 1 will be at 9:20 and 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. On Dec. 8, departures from Antonito will be at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Onboard the Cinder Bear Christmas Express, passengers will enjoy storytelling, Christmas caroling, hot chocolate, a visit from Santa and Cinder Bear, who will give out candy. Make reservations by calling 888-286-2737 or visit . Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children age 15 and younger. Children under 2 ride for free.
Female writers retreat
“Writing the Sacred: A Women’s Contemplative Retreat” will be Jan. 2-6 at St. Benedict’s Monastery in Old Snowmass. Writers will work together and alone on poetry or prose and discuss readings of ancient and modern literature inspired by the feminine sacred. Attendees can also meet with resident monks, attend vespers or Mass, and ski or hike on monastery grounds. Yoga sessions are available afternoons and evenings with Susan Crosby of Yoga West. Meals and lodging are included. For information, visit . or call Sandy Dorr at 970-257-1498. To register contact Carol DiMarcello at coc@sopris.net or 970-927-9376. Registration deadline is Nov. 29. Monastery lodging is $150. Retreat and meals are $325 ($300 by Nov. 22).
Compiled by Andrea Labak and Dane Strom
