Flickering shadows dancing on the walls of Spruce Tree House at Mesa Verde National Park will help usher in the holidays at the park in southwestern Colorado early next month.

On Thursday, December 8, the park staff will host their 2011 Annual Holiday Open House from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the Chapin Mesa headquarters area.

All are invited to join the park staff in this holiday celebration featuring special tours, luminarias, musical entertainment, and refreshments.  The regularly scheduled ranger-guided tours of Spruce Tree House, the third largest cliff dwelling in the park, will be presented at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.  Special evening tours will be offered at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Spruce Tree House is also available for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Luminarias will glow along the pathways throughout the headquarters area, a National Historic Landmark District, and along the trail to Spruce Tree House.  Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum will remain open until 9 p.m. There will be musical entertainment in the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum Auditorium throughout the evening. The schedule of performances is as follows:

Chapin Mesa Auditorium

5:00 p.m.  – 5:30 p.m.          William Yazzie – Traditional Native American flute and drum

5:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.           The Ear Buds – Acoustical instrumentals and ballads

6:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.           The Four Corners Community Band – Variety

7:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.           Vixen – Contemporary folk rock

Chief Ranger’s Office Balcony

5:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.            Silver Echoes Flute Choir – Holiday 

6:40 p.m. – 7:40 p.m.            William Yazzie – Traditional Native American flute and drum

Spruce Tree House

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.             Fort Lewis College Bala Sinem Choir – Traditional Native American drum and chant

7:45 p.m. -8:15 p.m.              William Yazzie – Traditional Native American flute and drum

The non-profit Mesa Verde Museum Association (MVMA) Museum bookstore will be open highlighting the sale of books, posters, puppets, historic photographs, and great holiday gifts as well as in-store specials.  Bring your gift list along to take advantage of this special occasion. Proceeds benefit Mesa Verde National Park.

Attendance at the Open House is free.  Refreshments will be provided by ARAMARK at the Spruce Tree Terrace.

No park entrance fee will be charged after 4 p.m. on Decmeber 8.