Cheerful tidings! The holidays in Colorado are a wonderful experience, and visiting Colorado Springs highlights one aspect that many residents love about the city: its small-town feel, despite a sprawling population.
As you stroll downtown amid the sparkling lights, crunching on freshly fallen snow while holiday music follows you down the street, the small-town feeling sets in. Pikes Peak can be seen peeking between the buildings on clear nights, the white spines of the mountains set deep in a blanket of stars, and you truly feel as though Santa Claus’ sleigh might cross the great circle of the moon at any moment.
November and December typically mark the wind-down of parade season in Downtown Colorado Springs. Experiencing the magic of the season in Colorado Springs might just be what you need to return that holiday spark to your heart, so take a look at these events to make memories with the whole family.
Festival of Lights Parade
Each December on the first Saturday, Downtown Colorado Springs transforms into a sea of lights for this annual parade, now in its 41st year. It features floats and performances from some of Colorado Springs’ most talented artists and performers, all decked out in their finest light-strung getups.
The Festival of Lights Parade kicks off at 5:50 pm on Tejon Street in downtown. It draws tens of thousands of spectators to see the amazing light displays and holiday parade.
Tejon Street, Colorado Springs | Saturday, December 6, 2025 | coloradospringsfestivaloflights.com
Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of Colorado Springs’ most popular attractions, and come each winter, the grounds receive a holiday makeover that has been dubbed the “Electric Safari”. Bring the kiddos to ogle the lights and animals by night as the zoo comes alive for the season. It’s open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but closed on Christmas Eve.
With over 85 light sculptures and warming fires (unless there are fire restrictions) to keep the chilly night air at bay, the Electric Safari is a holiday adventure and zoo visit packed into one brightly-lit night. Be sure to stop by the new hippo exhibit and habitat, which made its debut just a few months ago. Reserve your tickets, as they go fast for this popular event, and keep in mind that tickets cannot be purchased on-site and must be reserved online ahead of time.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs | December 5, 2025-January 1, 2026 | cmzoo.org/events-programs/special-events/electric-safari
The North Pole, Cascade
Open from mid-May to Christmas Eve, The North Pole — Santa’s Workshop is a fun place to take the family. It’s a Christmas-themed amusement park with games, rides, and activities scattered throughout.
From November on, it’s the peak holiday season, so online reservations are required for peak days, which include weekends in November and December, as well as holiday weeks. Admission is per person for ages 3 years and up.
5050 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade | 719-684-9432 | mid May – December 24, 2025 | northpolecolorado.com
Christmas at The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs always celebrates the holidays, with a lot happening for the Christmas season. Some activities are only open to overnight guests and Golf Club Members staying at the hotel, such as Breakfast with Santa. Others are open to non-overnight guests.
Local and non-overnight guests are asked to visit on these dates, Monday through Thursday:
- Monday, December 1 – Thursday, December 4
- Monday, December 8 – Thursday, December 11
- Monday, December 15 – Thursday, December 18
Here is some of the Christmas programming at The Broadmoor for 2025:
- Gingerbread Display – December 1 – January 1
- 12 Days of Christmas – December 21-January 1
- White Lights Weekend Programming – November 26-30
- Breakfast with Santa – November 29, December 13, December 20
- Special Christmas Menu – December 24-25
- Holiday Brunch – December 25
1 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs | 800-755-5011 | broadmoor.com/christmas
Ice Skating in Acacia Park
Each winter, Acacia Park becomes home to the city’s only outdoor ice skating rink, open for a few months at the height of the snowy season. Bring your family for a stroll downtown, and you might find the kids begging you for a spin around the rink on a chilly winter evening. It’s the perfect way to stay warm when the wind is biting.
If you happen to get too cold while skating, apparel like hats and gloves can be purchased by credit card onsite. There are also skating aids available, so you can bring your small children, but be sure to reserve those ahead of time as well because availability is limited. Reservations are required for the 2-hour ice skate sessions.
Acacia Park, Colorado Springs | mid-November through January | downtowncs.com/event/skate
Nature Hikes with Santa
Looking for some socifun in the sun this winter? Take a look at Nature Hikes with Santa, an event held at Fountain Creek Regional Park each holiday season.
Follow along on this hike that allows children to meet Mr. Claus and listen as he performs “Twas the Night Before Christmas” while they soak in the wonders of nature at this beautiful park. Be sure to click the above link, scroll down to “Nature Hikes with Santa”, and reserve a spot for your children ahead of time, as tickets are quickly selling out for this adorable holiday event.
Fountain Creek Nature Center, Fountain | December 13, 2025, 10-11:30m and 1-2:30pm | parks.elpasoco.com/2025/11/14/nature-hikes-with-santa
Christmas in Magic Town at the Michael Garman Museum
Anyone who has visited Michael Garman’s Magic Town has no doubt fallen in love with the colorful miniatures that this incredibly talented sculptor created. Every winter, these creations come alive even more with the addition of festive holiday decorations festooned around the miniature town, as well as a hand-sculpted Santa visiting the town for his special day.
There’s so much to see at this incredible hidden gem during the year, but Christmas in Magic Town is a special sight to behold. Reserve your tickets in advance and comply with social-distancing guidelines while visiting this fascinating museum in Old Colorado City.
Michael Garman Museum & Gallery, Colorado Springs | early November, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | michaelgarman.com/…
Happy holidays and Merry Christmas! Have a magical time in Colorado Springs.
Best Colorado Christmas Events in 2025