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“This is the 36th year of our holiday torchlight parade tradition, and I think, obviously, that the longevity is a tribute to the fact that it really is pretty spectacular,” boasts Winter Park spokesman Steve Hurlbert. “You’re sitting by a bonfire at the base singing Christmas carols, when all of a sudden you see one hundred skiers and snowboarders coming down the mountain in a serpentine path down Lower Hughes. It takes your breath away, every time, and it’s become one of those things people look forward to and come back for year after year after year. There’s just something about being in the mountains around Christmastime, with snow on the ground and lights in the trees, that puts everyone in the Christmas spirit.”
The celebration begins with Santa getting in a few runs before his big night, then visiting with guests from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Village Gazebo at the base area. Christmas carolers will hold forth there until dusk, when the parade begins its descent from the top of the Zephyr chairlift; fireworks and a lighted snowcat formation will wrap up the show. “We’ll also have non-denominational services at Balcony House and a Catholic Mass at West Portal at 6 p.m.,” promises Hurlbert. “And our holiday dinner at the Lodge at Sunspot is another Winter Park tradition.”
Shmoozing with Santa and parade viewing are free. For dinner reservations, call 970-726-1446; for more information, go to playwinterpark.com.
Wed., Dec. 24, 2014
