25 Festive Things To Do During Christmas In Colorado Springs

Christmas in Colorado Springs sees many festive events and fun activities. From Christmas bars, colorful light displays, and the gorgeous Broadmoor Hotel, there are tons of great things to see here.

Looking for the best things to do in Colorado Springs for Christmas this year? I’ve lived in Colorado most of my life and love visiting the Springs, especially around the holidays.

Read on for the most festive things to do during Christmas in Colorado Springs!

Festive Things To Do During Christmas In Colorado Springs

Skate In The Park At Acacia Park

Ring in the holidays by ice skating the outdoor rink in downtown Colorado Springs.

The ice rink in Acacia Park is open November through January for $15/ person, which includes skate rentals.

This is definitely one of the more popular things to do during the Christmas season, so plan accordingly. Tickets do sell out and are only available in person. 

Even if you don’t want to skate, this is a great spot to people watch with a cup of hot chocolate.

Visit The Broadmoor

The Broadmoor is one of the top hotel resorts in Colorado, and it particularly shines during the holiday season.

See the beautiful holiday decor and Christmas lights throughout this historic hotel, and don’t miss the famous Broadmoor gingerbread display.

The resort has eight restaurants, an award-winning spa, shops, movie theater, and bowling alley. There’s plenty of entertainment to fill a day here.

And yes, non-guests are invited to visit.

Whether or not you lodge here, I highly recommend an afternoon exploring the stunning property, followed by dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants.

North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop

Sitting at the foot of Pikes Peak is the beloved Santa’s Workshop amusement park. 

In Colorado Springs since 1956, this charming park has been capturing the heart of kids for almost 70 years now. 

Here, little ones can visit Santa’s village, Christmas shops, write a letter to Santa, and meet him, of course. All in addition to riding the amusement park rides (for kiddos under 8 only). 

This is one of the best family-friendly activities in Colorado Springs.

If possible, plan to arrive early, this activity is extremely popular during the holiday season.

Afternoon Tea At Glen Eyrie Castle 

A favorite among things to do in Colorado Springs during Christmas? Afternoon tea in a castle.

Glen Eyrie castle was built in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, and the vibes are perfect for the holidays. Afternoon tea takes place in the Castle Music Room, and includes a wide selection of teas. Plus, soups, salads, sandwiches, canapés, and sweets, which change with the season.

This is a popular Christmas tradition for many, and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Not able to snag a reservation? Also check out Holiday Teas At Rock Ledge Ranch or high tea at Miramont Castle Museum.

Festival Of Lights Parade

The Colorado Springs Festival Of Lights is a highly popular annual event held downtown.

The parade brings over 70,000 people to Tejon Street to witness a procession of nearly 100 displays.

Expect colorful lights and decorations, and participants brimming with holiday cheer.

Each year the parade has a different theme, so this is one your entire family will love seeing again and again.

The event is typically held the first Saturday of December.

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Festival of Lights Open House

Those attending the parade, arrive early and check out the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum’s free event, Festival Of Lights Open House.

The museum hosts live music, face painting, crafts, and other family-friendly activities for free before the much anticipated parade.

Their central location on Tejon Street makes it easy to pop in for hot chocolate and cookies before finding your spot to watch the parade.

Electric Safari At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 

Electric Safari At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo dazzles with over 85 light sculptures. The outdoor display allows zoo visitors to admire Christmas lights and animals simultaneously. With over 146 acres in a distinctive mountain setting, this really is one of the more beautiful zoos in the United States.

Additionally, the Sky Ride remains open, and holiday treats, spirits, and hot beverages are available for purchase.

Weekend time slots sell out quickly (this is one of the top holiday events in Colorado Springs!), so plan to visit during the week or purchase tickets well in advance at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. 

For more tips, check out Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Tips For Visiting.

Visit A Holiday Market

Ready for some holiday shopping? 

The local makers, designers, and creators found at holiday markets present a one-stop-shop for all of your gifting needs this holiday season.

In addition to unique gifts, many markets also have live entertainment, holiday music, holiday cocktails, hot cocoa, and savory sweets.

Popular holiday markets in Colorado Springs include:

• Merry & Bright Holiday Market at Kinship Landing
• Commonwheel Artist Co-op Holiday Market
• Cottonwood Holiday Art & Gift Market
• Vintage Market Days
• EaDo Colorado Springs Christkindl Market
• Winterfest Craft Fair
• Colorado Springs Holiday Food and Gift Festival
• Christmas Craft Fair at Cripple Creek’s Gold Camp Christmas (1 hour from Colorado Springs)

Photos With Santa In Old Colorado City 

Just outside downtown, on Colorado Avenue, is the neighborhood of Old Colorado City.

This stretch houses boutique and candy shops, parlors, and restaurants all in 19th century brick buildings. The small district is incredibly charming, especially during the holidays.

Old Colorado City does a ton of events throughout the holiday season like Christmas Stroll, a holiday market, and more.

Among the most popular events is Photos With Santa, which occurs Saturdays and Sundays throughout the holidays. This normally coincides with the holiday market, which is great for unique gifts.

For the full list of special events, keep an eye on their events calendar: Old Colorado City Events.

Santa Express Train Ride At The Royal Gorge 

The train ride through the Royal Gorge is always popular, but especially so during Christmas when they host the Santa Express Train.

Take in beautiful views of the gorge, enjoy food and drinks, and meet Santa.

Santa Claus greets every child and gives them a gift during the train ride, and everyone receives cocoa and cookies.

This Christmas train ride is sure to be a memorable holiday experience for the family.

Bridge Of Lights At The Royal Gorge

Every winter, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park hosts Bridge of Lights, a festive holiday event that transforms the iconic suspension bridge into a glowing walkway high above the Arkansas River.

Stretching more than 1,200 feet across the canyon, the bridge is lined with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a dramatic (and slightly thrilling) Christmas experience you won’t find anywhere else in Colorado.

Unlike past years, the event is no longer drive-through — visitors now walk across the bridge on foot, giving you time to take in the views, snap photos, and enjoy the atmosphere. In addition to the lights, the park typically offers holiday treats, small activities, and seasonal touches that make it feel more like a festive evening outing than a quick stop.

Tickets are required and should be purchased in advance, with timed evening entry on select nights from late November through December. Find tickets at Royal Gorge Bridge.

Christmas At Flying W Ranch 

Flying W Ranch is a historic guest ranch known for Western-style atmosphere, chuckwagon BBQ dinners, plus live music and shows.

The highlight of Christmas At Flying W Ranch is the Cowboy Christmas Jubilee.

It’s a a musical show performed by the world-renowned Flying W Wranglers.

The Cowboy Christmas Jubilee shows do sell out, so be sure to book this one well in advance.

A Colorado Nutcracker At Pikes Peak Center 

See the magical tale of Clara the Nutcracker, with a Colorado twist, live on stage at Pikes Peak Center.

The exciting show is performed with live music and features the Colorado Ballet Society and Colorado Youth Ballet.

A Colorado Nutcracker runs on select dates in December and should be booked well in advance: A Colorado Nutcracker.

Christmas At Forest Bend

Christmas At Forest Bend is an adorable holiday attraction in northern Colorado Springs.

The Black Forest farm goes all out with colorful holiday lights and entertainment for the whole family. Browse gifts in the cozy barn, go for a hay wagon ride through the lights, and let the kids play in the Kid’s Corral.

Tickets include admission, parking, and a token for one drink or s’mores kit.

Advance tickets are recommended.

Magic Of Lights At Pikes Peak International Raceway 

Magic of Lights is a classic drive-through experience, and it’s great if you want something low-effort but still festive. You’ll pass themed light sections, tunnels, and oversized displays, and eventually you end up right on the actual racetrack, which is always a fun experience. 

At the end, there’s a Christmas village with Santa photos, snacks, and drinks — cute and very kid-friendly. 

This is one of the easiest holiday activities logistically, especially if you’re coming from the south side of the Springs.

Tip: For big groups, you can rent a limo or party bus for a drive though, which would be so fun.

For more Christmas light ideas, check out The Best Christmas Lights In Colorado Springs.

Join A Holiday Cooking Class For Christmas

Food is such a big part of the holidays, and sometimes the most memorable evenings are the ones spent actually making something together. A cooking class is a fun way to switch things up — you get a night out with friends or family, you learn a few new skills, and you walk away with dishes you can recreate at home all season long.

The French Kitchen Culinary Center is one of the best spots in Colorado Springs for this. Their instructors are professional chefs, but the classes feel approachable and hands-on, not intimidating.

In December, they offer special seasonal courses for both kids and adults, from baking-focused sessions to full holiday menu workshops. It’s a great option if you want something festive that’s social, interactive, and a little different from the usual holiday activities.

Spend Christmas Day Skiing The Rockies 

Winter is one of the best times of year to find yourself in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. With some of the world’s best skiing just a few hours from the city, a day trip from Colorado Springs is a no brainer.

The nearest ski resorts to Colorado Springs are Monarch Mountain and Ski Cooper. Additionally, Eagle and Summit County resorts like Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone, and Copper are about 3 hours away.

Don’t like skiing? No problem, the mountains offer plenty of activities for everyone. From dog sled rides, snowshoeing, shopping, or relaxing in hot springs, there is truly something for everyone.

Mountain towns like Cripple Creek, Cañon City, Vail, Leadville, Buena Vista, or Breckenridge all have fun winter activities that aren’t skiing.  

Holiday Evening At Rock Ledge Ranch

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is a living history museum located near Garden of the Gods. 

It offers visitors a glimpse into the past by sharing the history and culture of the Pikes Peak Region.

The ranch and historic buildings are in a really beautiful location and offer programs, displays, and events throughout the year.

Holiday Evening At Rock Ledge Ranch, takes place in early December, is among their most popular annual events. The ranch is full of fun activities for this one day event. Go for a wagon ride, enjoy live music, crafts, hot beverages, and holiday lights. It’s a great family-friendly event. 

For information regarding this year’s event, head over to: Holiday Evening At Rock Ledge Ranch.

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree

Cutting down your own Christmas tree is an exciting tradition.

It provides adventure and a fun family (or friend) bonding experience, not to mention a bit of physical exercise.

Many of Colorado’s national forests, such as Pike, Arapahoe, and White River, allow visitors to cut down their own tree. The permit fees are low, however permit availability is limited. Be sure to research dates, rules and locations in advance.

Most permits become available in mid-November.

Note: Persons cutting or removing trees from the national forest without a valid permit are subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment.

Winter Wonderland With The Wolves

Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center hosts Winter Wonderland with the Wolves each December.

Witness the wolves up close and learn about the center’s conservation efforts, while enjoying breakfast during the event.

Winter Wonderland with the Wolves is in Divide, about 40 minutes from Colorado Springs.

Tickets for the event are required.

“Holly & Ivy” Holiday Concert By U.S. Air Force Academy Band

The U.S. Air Force Academy Band presents an annual holiday show, “Holly & Ivy,” at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts.

The concert features six performance teams across various genres such as classical, jazz, country, and pop.

“Holly & Ivy” is usually held across two nights in early or mid December. Tickets are free for the public, but should be secured in advance.

Christmas Unlimited Toy Drive

Wishing to give back to the community this holiday season?

Christmas Unlimited is committed to serving children and their families in the Pikes Peak region with annual programs such as the holiday toy drive.

The organization collects new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations each holiday season. Your donations will help ensure local children have gifts under the Christmas tree this year.

You can find more information at: Christmas Unlimited.

Themed Cocktails At Allusion Cocktail Bar

Allusion is a really fun speakeasy cocktail bar in Colorado Springs with two locations. The bar cycles through themes during the year. Enjoy their delicious cocktails and impressive decor that’ll transport you into a fantasy world.

Stranger Things is the theme for both the Downtown and Powers locations. It’s not as Christmasy as normal, but it’s still very much worth a reservation.

Reservations are recommended.

Visit Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is only 5 miles from Colorado Springs but it feels like a whole different world.

This resort city sits at the base of towering Pikes Peak, giving it the cozy feel of a quaint mountain town. A visit during the holiday season is a must.

Downtown Manitou Springs is jam-packed with art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants, even a charming Christmas store, Christmas In Manitou.

Additionally, the city hosts tons of holiday events throughout December. These include the Manitou Springs Christmas tree lighting, Manitou Springs Parade, window decorations, and New Year’s Eve fireworks.

For a full list of events, head over to Manitou Springs Events.

As you can see, there are so many wonderful things to do during Christmas in Colorado Springs.

I hope you’ve found this helpful, and have a wonderful holiday season.

Any questions? Leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

For more ideas, check out Visit Colorado Springs or my additional guides below.

More Colorado Springs Winter Guides:

• Best Christmas Lights In Colorado Springs
• Winter In Colorado Springs: Top Things To Do
• Garden Of The Gods In Winter: Things To Do & Tips For Visiting
• Pikes Peak Cog Railway Tips & Things To Know
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Tips For Visiting
• All Colorado Springs Guides

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Top Towns For Christmas In Colorado
• Best Winter Destinations In Colorado
• Colorado Travel Guide (everything to know before you go!)
• Best Colorado Cities & Hubs For Visitors
• All Colorado Guides