Experience the magic of the holiday season in Colorado Springs, where festive events illuminate the city with cheer and excitement. Marvel at the intricate choreography and stunning costumes at The Broadmoor Holiday Show, a grand production that transforms the Broadmoor resort into a winter wonderland. Meanwhile, the Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo lights up the night with over one million twinkling lights, offering both holiday spirit and nocturnal animal encounters.
Downtown Colorado Springs comes alive with the annual Festival of Lights Parade, featuring glowing floats and lively performers. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Colorado Springs offers an array of enchanting holiday experiences to create lasting memories.
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Colorado Springs Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Colorado Springs
- The Broadmoor Holiday Show
- Electric Safari
- Festival of Lights Parade
- White Christmas at the FAC
- Glen Eyrie Castle's Madrigal Banquet
- Pikes Peak Center Holiday Performances
- Winter Wonderland at the Broadmoor
- Holiday Stroll at Old Colorado City
- Rock Ledge Ranch Holly Days
- Holiday Chocolate Festival
Colorado Springs Holiday Light Displays
Electric Safari
What to Expect:
Holiday lights combined with nighttime zoo experience
Description:
Electric Safari illuminates Cheyenne Mountain Zoo with over one million twinkling lights. This unique event combines holiday cheer with nocturnal animal encounters. Visitors can warm up with hot cocoa while observing the zoo's inhabitants after dark. The zoo's location on the mountain provides breathtaking views of Colorado Springs below. Animated light sculptures depict various animals, creating a playful atmosphere. Electric Safari began in 1991 and has since become a beloved local tradition. Bundle up and explore the winding paths, where surprises await around every corner.
Website:
Festival of Lights Parade
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats
Description:
The Festival of Lights Parade brightens downtown Colorado Springs with a procession of glowing floats and performers. This lively event features marching bands, dance troupes, and elaborately decorated vehicles. Spectators line the streets to catch glimpses of the dazzling displays. The parade has been a city tradition since 1984, growing in size and spectacle each year. Intricate light designs adorn each float, creating a moving canvas of color and creativity. You'll feel the excitement in the air as the parade winds its way through the heart of the city.
Website:
Colorado Springs Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Stroll at Old Colorado City
What to Expect:
Historic district transformed into Victorian-era Christmas scene
Description:
Holiday Stroll at Old Colorado City recreates a 19th-century Christmas atmosphere in this historic district. Gaslights and evergreen garlands line the streets, while shopkeepers dress in period attire. Visitors can enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides through the charming neighborhood. Old Colorado City, founded in 1859, was once the capital of the Colorado Territory. Local artisans showcase their crafts in festively decorated shops. The aroma of roasted chestnuts wafts through the air, adding to the nostalgic ambiance. This event captures the spirit of holidays past while supporting local businesses.
Website:
Holiday Stroll at Old Colorado City
Holiday Chocolate Festival
What to Expect:
Celebration dedicated to all things chocolate
Description:
The Holiday Chocolate Festival indulges cocoa lovers with a wide array of sweet treats and demonstrations. This unique event showcases local and regional chocolatiers, bakers, and confectioners. Visitors can sample exotic flavor combinations and watch skilled artisans create intricate chocolate sculptures. The festival pays homage to Colorado's rich history of candy making, which dates back to the late 1800s. Live music and holiday-themed entertainment complement the chocolate-centric activities. You'll discover new ways to incorporate this beloved ingredient into your holiday celebrations.
Website:
Colorado Springs Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans and handmade gifts
Description:
The Colorado Springs Holiday Craft Fair spotlights the region's talented artisans and craftspeople. This bustling marketplace features a diverse array of handcrafted items, from jewelry to home decor. Visitors can chat with creators and learn about their unique processes and inspirations. The fair celebrates Colorado's long tradition of supporting local arts and crafts. Live demonstrations allow you to witness skilled artisans at work. The event's focus on handmade, one-of-a-kind items offers an alternative to mass-produced holiday gifts. You'll discover treasures that reflect the creativity and spirit of the Colorado Springs community.
Website:
Colorado Springs Holiday Craft Fair
Colorado Springs Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Broadmoor Holiday Show
What to Expect:
Lavish production at a historic luxury resort
Description:
The Broadmoor Holiday Show dazzles audiences with its grand scale and professional performers. This extravagant production transforms the elegant Broadmoor resort into a holiday spectacle. Visitors can marvel at the intricate choreography and stunning costumes. The show pays homage to the resort's rich history, which dates back to 1918. Elaborate set pieces transport you to different winter scenes, while talented vocalists belt out both classic and contemporary holiday tunes. The Broadmoor's commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of this polished performance.
Website:
White Christmas at the FAC
What to Expect:
Classic holiday musical in a historic art center
Description:
White Christmas at the Fine Arts Center brings Irving Berlin's beloved musical to life on stage. This heartwarming production showcases talented local performers in a charming tale of love and showbiz. Visitors can admire the FAC's stunning art deco architecture, which dates back to 1936. The show's live orchestra fills the theater with timeless melodies, including the iconic title song. Elaborate costumes and set designs transport audiences to a nostalgic 1950s Vermont inn. The FAC's intimate setting allows for an up-close and personal theatrical experience.
Website:
Glen Eyrie Castle's Madrigal Banquet
What to Expect:
Renaissance-style feast with period entertainment
Description:
Glen Eyrie Castle's Madrigal Banquet transports guests to a 16th-century holiday celebration. This immersive experience features a multi-course feast accompanied by period music and theatrical performances. Visitors can don Renaissance attire to fully embrace the atmosphere. The castle, built in 1871 by Colorado Springs founder General William Jackson Palmer, provides an authentic backdrop for the festivities. Skilled performers serenade diners with madrigals and traditional carols. The banquet's menu showcases historically inspired dishes, offering a taste of Tudor-era cuisine.
Website:
Glen Eyrie Castle's Madrigal Banquet
Pikes Peak Center Holiday Performances
What to Expect:
Diverse lineup of professional holiday shows
Description:
Pikes Peak Center Holiday Performances present a varied array of seasonal entertainment. This premier venue hosts everything from symphony orchestras to contemporary pop artists celebrating the holidays. Visitors can experience world-class acoustics in the center's state-of-the-art auditorium. The center, which opened in 1982, has become a cultural cornerstone of Colorado Springs. Each performance brings its own unique flair to holiday traditions, from classical renditions to modern interpretations. The diverse lineup ensures there's something to suit every musical taste and preference.
Website:
Pikes Peak Center Holiday Performances
Colorado Springs Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonderland at the Broadmoor
What to Expect:
Luxury resort transformed into holiday destination
Description:
Winter Wonderland at The Broadmoor envelops the entire resort in holiday splendor. This comprehensive celebration includes gingerbread house displays, ice skating, and special dining experiences. Visitors can glide across the resort's picturesque ice rink, surrounded by twinkling lights. The Broadmoor's rich history, spanning over a century, adds depth to the seasonal festivities. Elaborate decorations adorn every corner of the property, from the grand lobby to the outdoor spaces. You'll discover holiday-themed activities and surprises throughout the resort, creating a complete winter getaway experience.
Website:
Winter Wonderland at the Broadmoor
Rock Ledge Ranch Holly Days
What to Expect:
Living history Christmas celebration on a historic homestead
Description:
Rock Ledge Ranch Holly Days brings 19th-century holiday traditions to life on this living history site. Costumed interpreters demonstrate period-accurate crafts, cooking, and celebrations across different eras. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities like candle dipping and ornament making. The ranch, which spans four time periods from 1775 to 1907, offers a unique perspective on evolving holiday customs. Blacksmiths forge decorative items in the working shop, while the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air. This immersive experience connects you with the simpler joys of holidays past.
Website:
Nearby Events
Santa's Workshop/North Pole (Cascade)
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed amusement park open year-round
Description:
Santa's Workshop North Pole transports visitors to a whimsical holiday village nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak. This unique amusement park operates year-round, bringing Christmas cheer to every season. Guests can ride vintage attractions, including a Christmas tree ride that spins and lifts riders into the air. The park opened in 1956, inspired by a similar attraction in New York. Costumed elves roam the grounds, adding to the playful atmosphere. The workshop's location offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop for family photos.
Website:
Victorian Christmas at the Miramont Castle (Manitou Springs)
What to Expect:
19th-century holiday experience in a historic castle
Description:
Victorian Christmas at the Miramont Castle immerses visitors in 19th-century holiday traditions. This meticulously restored 1895 castle showcases period-accurate decorations and customs. Guests can explore the castle's 42 rooms, each adorned with authentic Victorian-era ornaments. The event highlights the opulent lifestyle of the castle's original inhabitants, the Francolon family. Volunteers in period costumes demonstrate crafts and games from the era. The castle's unique architecture, blending nine different styles, provides a fascinating backdrop for this historical holiday celebration.
Website:
Victorian Christmas at the Miramont Castle
Christmas at the Royal Gorge Bridge (Cañon City)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration at America's highest suspension bridge
Description:
Christmas at the Royal Gorge Bridge combines breathtaking natural beauty with holiday cheer. This event transforms the iconic bridge and surrounding park into a festive destination. Visitors can walk across the illuminated bridge, suspended 956 feet above the Arkansas River. The Royal Gorge Bridge, built in 1929, adds a sense of history and adventure to the celebration. Holiday-themed attractions and performances entertain guests throughout the park. The crisp mountain air and stunning views create an unforgettable backdrop for seasonal festivities.
Website:
Christmas at the Royal Gorge Bridge