Here's your perfect guide to holiday fun in Colorado Springs! Find all the top festive activities and events with us. Whether you're exploring Colorado Springs for the first time or rediscovering it, our guide has all the holiday essentials.
Popular Events: Step aboard the Polar Express Train Ride for a whimsical journey that captures the magic of the season. With enchanting scenery and delightful surprises along the way, families can immerse themselves in a holiday classic. The Nutcracker is another favorite, featuring breathtaking performances that bring this beloved ballet to life. And the Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a stunning display of holiday lights set against beautifully landscaped gardens. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Colorado Springs
- Denver Christkindlmarket (Denver)
- Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light (Denver)
- The Nutcracker
- Polar Express Train Ride (Durango)
- A Christmas Carol (Denver)
- Holidays at the Colorado Symphony (Denver)
- Camp Christmas (Denver)
- Winter Wanderland (Denver)
- Festival of Lights Parade
- Christmas at the Flying W Ranch
See these and even more events listed below!
Colorado Springs Holiday Light Displays
Festival of Lights Parade
What to Expect:
Over 100 floats with captivating lights and decorations.
Description:
The Festival of Lights Parade is a cherished holiday tradition in the Pikes Peak region, featuring nearly 100 captivating floats adorned with lights and decorations. It brings joy to tens of thousands of people on Tejon Street in Downtown Colorado Springs every holiday season.
Where: Colorado Springs | More Info: Festival of Lights Parade
The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas
What to Expect:
Hundreds of Santas racing down historic Main Street.
Description:
Hundreds of Santa look-alikes run down Main Street in Breckenridge, transforming the town into a vibrant holiday scene with over 250,000 LED lights.
Where: Breckenridge | More Info: The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas
Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
What to Expect:
Immersive, luminous displays highlighting plant collections.
Description:
Denver Botanic Gardens' Blossoms of Light is a spectacular holiday light display featuring a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight the gardens' plant collections. The event is a cherished holiday tradition, consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, and aligns with sustainability values by using LED lights.
Where: Denver | More Info: Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
Winter Wanderland
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with 1 million lights and live performances.
Description:
Cherry Creek North's Winter Wanderland is a collection of free outdoor events featuring over 1 million twinkling lights wrapping more than 600 trees, live music, and complimentary treats. The event includes various activities such as the KOSI 101.1 Christmas Button Push, the Million Light Plug-In, the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, and more.
Where: Denver | More Info: Winter Wanderland
Luminova Holidays
What to Expect:
Immersive light displays with interactive activities.
Description:
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens features over 4 million dazzling lights, rides on featured attractions, visits with Santa Claus, and immersive light displays including a 65 ft. Christmas tree and 25 ft. snowman that never melts.
Where: Denver | More Info: Luminova Holidays
Colorado Springs Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Arts Bazaar
What to Expect:
Features handmade goods from local artists and artisans.
Description:
The Holiday Arts Bazaar is a three-day event showcasing a wide variety of fine crafts, including artisan jewelry, organic body products, gourmet food, ceramics, and clothing, all made by hand. It is a lively holiday tradition hosted by Telluride Arts in collaboration with Ah Haa School for the Arts.
Where: Telluride | More Info: Holiday Arts Bazaar
Evergreen Winterfest
What to Expect:
Celebration of local artisanal talent with a holiday craft station and face painting booth.
Description:
Evergreen Winterfest is a free community event featuring an artisan gift market, holiday festival, and live music. It includes activities like a holiday craft station, face painting booth, and food trucks. The event supports local artisans and small businesses, offering a variety of handcrafted items for all ages.
Where: Evergreen | More Info: Evergreen Winterfest
Denver Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
Interactive Kinder Wunderland play area with age-appropriate games and activities.
Description:
The Denver Christkindlmarket is an authentic German-style holiday market at Civic Center Park, featuring local and European craft and food vendors, entertainers, and a festive atmosphere.
Where: Denver | More Info: Denver Christkindlmarket
Holidays at Outlets at Castle Rock
What to Expect:
Extended shopping hours with special deals and holiday activities.
Description:
Holidays at Outlets at Castle Rock features extended shopping hours, special deals, and holiday activities like Santa House and Santa Cares for children with special needs.
Where: Castle Rock | More Info: Holidays at Outlets at Castle Rock
Colorado Springs Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at the Flying W Ranch
What to Expect:
Live musical performance by the world-renowned Flying W Wranglers.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the Flying W Ranch with a festive Christmas Chuckwagon Supper Show featuring the world-renowned Flying W Wranglers. Enjoy a delicious meal of smoked center-cut Angus strip steak and smoked Berbere chicken, accompanied by the Wranglers' festive music and clean humor.
Where: Colorado Springs | More Info: Christmas at the Flying W Ranch
Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Immersive theatrical re-creation of the classic holiday story.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride is a holiday event where passengers embark on a vintage steam train to the North Pole, enjoying hot chocolate, a reading of the Polar Express book, and an incredible light show set to holiday music. Santa visits each coach to hand out the first gift of Christmas to each passenger.
Where: Durango | More Info: Polar Express Train Ride
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet by Tchaikovsky, featuring Oklahoma City Ballet and Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, conducted by Thomas Wilson. This classic performance brings the holiday season to life with its captivating music and elaborate sets.
Where: Colorado Springs | More Info: The Nutcracker
Madrigal Banquet
What to Expect:
Formal, 16th century-style banquet with a 4-course dinner and performance.
Description:
The Madrigal Banquet at Glen Eyrie Castle is a 16th century-style holiday event featuring a 4-course dinner and performance. Enjoy music, dancing, and humor in the grandeur of the Great Hall, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: Colorado Springs | More Info: Madrigal Banquet
Camp Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with Santa visits and craft cocktails.
Description:
Camp Christmas at Stanley Marketplace is a 15,000-square-foot, 360-degree kaleidoscope of yuletide cheer featuring surreal mashups of nostalgic scenes, playful pun trees, and opportunities to visit Santa and sample craft cocktails.
Where: Denver | More Info: Camp Christmas
Holidays at the Colorado Symphony
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performances of holiday classics and film scores.
Description:
The Colorado Symphony presents a variety of holiday-themed concerts and events, featuring classical music, beloved film scores, and special performances by renowned artists.
Where: Denver | More Info: Holidays at the Colorado Symphony
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
30th anniversary production with ASL interpretation, audio description, and open captioning.
Description:
A joyous and opulent musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, tracing Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption.
Where: Denver | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Christmas Day Brunch at The Broadmoor
What to Expect:
Extensive holiday buffet with seasonal favorites.
Description:
The Christmas Day Brunch at The Broadmoor offers a decadently indulgent buffet with a famously extensive menu, perfect for celebrating with family and friends.
Where: Colorado Springs | More Info: Christmas Day Brunch at The Broadmoor
Christmas Banquet at The Castle
What to Expect:
Formal, interactive 16th century-style banquet with live music and dancing.
Description:
The Madrigal Banquet at Glen Eyrie Castle is a 16th century-style holiday event featuring a 4-course dinner and live performance. Guests enjoy music, dancing, and humor in the grandeur of the Great Hall, celebrating 35 years of this Colorado classic.
Where: Colorado Springs | More Info: Christmas Banquet at The Castle
Colorado Springs Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Lights & Bites Seasonal Food Tour
What to Expect:
Seasonal food tour with local flavors and drinks.
Description:
Explore the culinary delights of Colorado Springs during the Holiday Lights & Bites Seasonal Food Tour. Savor local flavors and drinks while strolling through the city's vibrant downtown area, discovering hidden gems and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Where: Colorado Springs | More Info: Holiday Lights & Bites Seasonal Food Tour
Christmas in the Gold Camps
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed Christmas float decorations.
Description:
The Gold Camp Victorian Society's Christmas Parade in Cripple Creek features members decorating floats and wearing Victorian Christmas attire, promoting social interaction and festive spirit.
Where: Cripple Creek | More Info: Christmas in the Gold Camps
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
What to Expect:
Ski instructors descending the mountain with torches.
Description:
The Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Telluride Ski Resort features Ski & Snowboard School instructors descending the mountain with torches, creating a spectacular display of light and movement. Local carolers set the holiday mood, and complimentary cookies and hot chocolate are available. Santa makes an appearance for photos at the end of the parade.
Where: Telluride | More Info: Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
Downtown Denver Rink
What to Expect:
Free ice skating for all ages.
Description:
The Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park offers free ice skating from November to February, with special events and skate rentals available. It is conveniently located along the 16th Street Mall, providing a fun winter activity for all.
Where: Denver | More Info: Downtown Denver Rink
Posada Pairing Dinner at Atrevida Beer Co.
What to Expect:
Expertly paired Mexican cuisine with craft beer.
Description:
Savor a 5-course culinary journey inspired by Mexico at Atrevida Beer Co., where each dish is expertly paired with craft beer.
Where: Colorado Springs | More Info: Posada Pairing Dinner at Atrevida Beer Co.
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Security-Widefield (8 miles)
- Fountain (12 miles)
- Pueblo West (34 miles)
- Castle Rock (37 miles)
- Pueblo (42 miles)