Best Spots For Christmas Lights In Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs does Christmas lights really well. I live in Denver, but I’m down in the Springs regularly in December — the combination of mountain views, historic neighborhoods, and fun holiday events makes it one of my favorite Colorado cities to explore this time of year.

What I love most is how easy it is to turn it into a full night — get dinner, explore a couple of the main areas, and then check out a light event.

Below is a guide to the best Christmas lights in Colorado Springs — from public displays to paid events, plus a few options just outside the city that are still worth the drive.

Public Christmas Lights In Colorado Springs

Old Colorado City

Colorado Springs (Old Colorado City)

Old Colorado City looks especially charming at Christmas. The historic buildings along Colorado Avenue get wrapped in warm white lights, and many storefronts go all-in with their holiday displays. 

It’s a super walkable area, so you can grab dinner, wander the blocks, and pop into a few local shops while you’re out. It’s festive without being overwhelming.

Tip: If you happen to stop by during the day, check out their holiday market and photos with Santa!

Downtown & Acacia Park

Colorado Springs (Downtown)

Downtown Colorado Springs does a nice job with its lights — you get decorated trees, lit-up blocks, and a small-town-meets-city vibe that’s fun to walk through in the evening. 

Acacia Park is one of the main highlights, especially with its holiday skating rink, music, and twinkly trees surrounding the plaza. It’s a super easy stop before or after dinner downtown, and you can cover the whole area in under an hour if you’re just doing a casual stroll.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs (about 15 minutes / 6 miles from Downtown Colorado Springs)

Manitou Springs is always quirky and colorful, and the holidays add an extra layer of charm. Downtown is covered in lights, and the surrounding mountains make the whole area feel tucked away and cozy despite being just minutes from Colorado Springs. 

This is one of my favorite places — grab a hot drink, wander the shops, and enjoy the slower pace compared to downtown Colorado Springs. If you’re pairing activities, this is a great stop before heading to the Cog Railway or any of the big-ticket events.

The Broadmoor

Colorado Springs (Southwest / Cheyenne Mountain Area)

The Broadmoor falls into the “sort of public” category — it’s a private resort, but you’re welcome to visit the property even if you’re not spending the night, and they always go big with their decorations. 

The exterior lights around the property are beautiful, the lobbies are fully decked out, and their giant gingerbread display is genuinely very impressive. 

I usually pair this with dinner or a cocktail at one of their restaurants so you have a reason to linger, wander through the different wings, and soak up the atmosphere. Just expect crowds on December weekends — everyone loves this one, for very good reason.

Colorado Springs Festival Of Lights Parade

Colorado Springs (Downtown)

The Festival of Lights Parade is one of Colorado Springs’ biggest holiday traditions, drawing thousands to Tejon Street every December.

Expect illuminated floats, marching bands, dancers, and plenty of classic small-city holiday cheer. It’s a one-night event, so the crowds can get thick, but the atmosphere is fun and energetic, and downtown feels especially festive when everything is lit up. Arrive early to find parking and a good viewing spot — people start claiming curb space well before the parade begins.

No tickets required — it’s free to attend. The parade is typically held the first weekend in December, find this year’s route details at Festival of Lights.

Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek (about 1 hour / 45 miles from Colorado Springs)

Cripple Creek turns into a perfect little Christmas town in December. The historic buildings get covered in lights, the city runs holiday events, and there’s usually a big community vibe with parades, markets, and decorations throughout the main streets (don’t miss Gold Camp Christmas!). 

Pairing the lights with the mountain drive out there makes the whole experience feel festive. If you want a small-town holiday atmosphere, this one’s worth the trip.

Christmas Light Events In & Near Colorado Springs

Electric Safari – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Colorado Springs (Southwest / Cheyenne Mountain Area)

Electric Safari is one of the most unique holiday events in Colorado because you’re walking through an actual mountainside zoo covered in lights. 

The displays are fun without being over-the-top, and you still get great views of the city lit up below. Certain animals are out in the evenings, which adds to the experience, and the whole thing feels very festive. 

Wear good shoes and bundle up — the zoo is built on a mountainside and you’ll feel it. For more tips, check out Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Tips For Visiting.

How to book: Reserve timed-entry tickets at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. This event sells out, especially on weekends, so book early.

Magic Of Lights – Pikes Peak International Raceway

Fountain (about 20 minutes / 17 miles from Downtown Colorado Springs)

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.

How to book: Purchase vehicle-based tickets online through Magic of Lights.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Manitou Springs (about 15 minutes / 6 miles from Downtown Colorado Springs)

During the holidays, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway adds festive touches to its winter rides — think decorated depot and a cozy, Christmassy atmosphere. You won’t get a dense light display here, but the experience of riding the historic railway through the winter scenery feels special in its own way. 

It’s a good pick if you want something scenic and different from the typical light events. Dress warm — the peak will be dramatically colder than in town.

Also, be sure to check out my Tips For Riding The Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

How to book: Book seats directly at Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

Christmas At The Ranch – Colorado Kids Ranch

Monument (about 25 minutes / 20 miles from Colorado Springs)

Christmas at the Ranch is a family-focused holiday experience up in Monument, and it’s a fun alternative to the typical light walk. The ranch is covered in thousands of lights, and you can visit the farm animals, warm up with hot cocoa by the fire, stroll down Candy Cane Lane, or even fly down their 100-foot roller slides — kids love this part.

The whole place has a charming feel, and it’s an easy, low-stress outing for families with younger children.

How to book: Purchase tickets through Colorado Kids Ranch.

Bridge Of Lights – Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Cañon City (about 1 hour / 50 miles from Colorado Springs)

This one’s a bit of a drive, but absolutely worth it if you want something dramatic. Bridge of Lights is one of the only times visitors are allowed to drive across the Royal Gorge Bridge — it’s normally pedestrian-only — and seeing the canyon lit up at night from your car is a pretty unique experience.

You’re not walking the park, instead the entire route is a slow, scenic drive, but the views are still impressive, especially if you’ve never seen the gorge after dark. It’s an easy add-on to a Cañon City day trip and feels different from any other light event in the area.

How to book: Buy tickets online through Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. This is a drive-through event, so only one ticket per vehicle is needed.

Christmas At Forest Bend

Colorado Springs (North / Black Forest Area)

Christmas at Forest Bend is a beloved local display — a family-run setup with tons of lights, inflatables, themed scenes, and a very wholesome, community vibe.

It’s grown a lot over the years, and now the walkthrough path includes music, photo spots, and little details that make it feel more like a neighborhood tradition than a quick drive-by display. It’s one of those spots people return to every December because it’s simple, cheerful, and genuinely well done.

How to book: Book tickets at Christmas At Forest Bend, advance reservations are recommended.

Franktown Festival Of Lights

Franktown (about 35 minutes / 25 miles from Colorado Springs)

Franktown Festival of Lights is another long-running, family-hosted display that feels both personal and impressively well done. You can drive, park, or walk the trail to see the lights, animated displays, and synchronized shows that run every 20 minutes (tune in on FM 90.7 if you’re in your car).

They’ve also got a lighted walking route with green archways that extends across the street — it’s very impressive.

How to book: the event is free, no tickets required. The family does ask visitors to bring canned goods, non-perishable, or hygiene related items for their Food Drive Donations though. Find more information at Franktown Festival Of Lights.

Trail Of Lights – Chatfield Farms

Littleton (about 1 hour / 55 miles from Colorado Springs)

Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms is one of the Denver Botanic Gardens’ holiday events, and it’s great if you want a nature-forward light walk instead of a dense, city-style display.

You follow a loop through the historic ranch area, past trees wrapped in lights, decorated barns, and open fields lined with glowing shapes.

It’s quieter than Blossoms of Light in Denver and closer to Colorado Springs. If you’re spending the day in the south Denver suburbs, this is an easy add-on.

If you’re looking for more Christmas lights in Denver, check out The Best Christmas Lights In Denver.

How to book: Reserve timed-entry tickets through Denver Botanic Gardens. Weekends and prime hours sell out in advance.

Colorado Springs has so many good Christmas light options that it’s easy to build a whole holiday evening around them, whether you want a big event or a quick, low-key stop. No matter how you plan it, the Springs always delivers a really solid dose of holiday cheer.

I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your outing and have the best time!

Looking for more information? Check out my additional Colorado Springs winter guides below!

More Colorado Springs Winter Guides:

• Christmas In Colorado Springs: Top Things To Do
• 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
• Best Colorado Cities & Hubs For Visitors
• Colorado Travel Guide (everything to know before you go!)
• All Colorado Guides