The holidays season is upon us with lots of local festivities to experience! It is a time of joy and sharing that brings people together, and what better way to embrace the magic of the season than by exploring the array of delightful holiday events in our city during this merry time?

From sparkling tree-lighting ceremonies to enchanting train rides, there is an event perfect for everyone to join in the merriment. Explore our curated list of holiday festivities and create your own magical moments this season! 

40th Annual Festival of Lights Parade - "Sounds of the Season"

Enchant your holiday season this Saturday with the Festival of Lights parade in Downtown Colorado Springs! This dazzling event transforms the streets of Downtown into a radiant spectacle with brightly colored floats, marching bands, and twinkling displays as they come together in a jubilant procession. A beloved tradition for the past 40 years, the parade and the festivities of the day capture the true magic of the season. 

Event Overview:

• Dates and Times: December 9^th 5:50-7:00pm
• Location: Downtown Colorado Springs - Tejon Street. The parade begins at St. Vrain Street and continues along Tejon Street where it ends at Vermijo Street.
  

Things To Do Before the Parade:

• Downtown Shopping: Enjoy some caroling and holiday music performed by the Dickens Carolers and Christmas Brass while you visit the Downtown shops, from 12:00-4:00pm.
• Festive Activities: Stop by the Festival of Lights Open House between 2:00-6:00pm offered by the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (CSPM Annex at 121 S Tejon Street, Suite 100). Fun activities include face painting, musical performances, crafts, and more! Hot chocolate and cookies will be served on the patio from 4:30-6:00pm.
• Museum: You can also visit the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum between 11:00am-4:00pm for meet-and-greets with athletes, artifact demonstrations, guided tours, and your very own chance to hold an Olympic torch!  

Tips for Attending:

• Plan Ahead: Parking is free all day Saturday in the Downtown public parking garages located at Bijou & Cascade, Nevada & Colorado, and Kiowa & Nevada.
• Weather: The weather can unpredictable, it may cold while you're outside enjoying the parade. Be sure to bring extra layers including winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarfs! 

"Skate in the Park" - Acacia Park

Nothing says the holiday season more than an outdoor ice skating rink! Don't miss this fun opportunity to spend some time in the only outdoor ice rink in Colorado Springs.  

Event Overview:

• Dates and Times: Now - January 31^st Session times vary, check the Downtown Colorado Springs Website for specific details.
• Location: Acacia Park Downtown Colorado Springs on the corner of Platte and Tejon
• Special Events:
  • December 15^th  7:00-9:00pm Skate with the Colorado College Tigers! 
  • December 30^th 1:00-3:00pm "Warm Bytes" Theme. First 100 skaters can enjoy a free warm treat

Tips for Attending:

• Tickets: Tickets are $10, includes skates, only available for purchase at the rink. Children 4 and under are Free with a paying adult. First responders and military members receive $1 off. 
• Plan Ahead: The skating rink is available for private parties, be sure to check the website to make sure the date you want to visit is available for public skate.
• Weather: We probably don't need to tell you again... Colorado can be cold this time of year, you know what to do! 

"Electric Safari" at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

"Electric Safari" at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is celebrating it's 33rd year of bringing holiday delights with thousands of sparkling lights, with over 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures, illuminated inflatable animals, interactive activities, and much more! 

Event Overview:

• Dates and Times: December 8^th - January 1^st (Closed Christmas Eve) 5:00-8:30pm
• Location: The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is highest-altitude zoos in the United States, nestled on the side of Cheyenne Mountain with stunning views of the city and Pikes Peak.
• Animal Exhibits: While enjoying the holiday festivities, visitors also have the opportunity to see the zoo's diverse collection of animals. The zoo also incorporates "Keeper Talks" and "Animal Encounters" at specific times during the electric safari, making it a unique opportunity to learn more about your favorite animals and some feeding opportunities.
• Sky Ride: The Sky Ride is a unique experience offering spectacular views of the entire zoo.
• Santa: Santa will visit the Safari Lodge on December 23rd for photo sessions!

Tips for Attending:

• Tickets: Electric Safari is a ticketed event, and tickets need to be purchased online in advance. Check the zoo's official website for ticket pricing and availability.
• Plan Ahead: This can be a popular event, consider arriving early to find parking. 
• Weather: Evenings this time of year can get very cold, and the zoo is at a higher elevation so be prepared for colder temperatures, and be sure to bring layers and winter gear to stay warm.

"Santa Express Train" - Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Have you ever seen the movie "The Polar Express"? Here is an opportunity to experience it live and in person! Join the Royal Gorge Route Railroad with an all new Santa Express train holiday locomotive that leads you on a magical journey through the Royal Gorge to The North Pole and back again. 

Event Overview:

• Dates and Times: Now - December 24^th Departure times vary
• Location: 5050 Pikes Peak Highway Cascade, CO
• Train Ride: Enjoy holiday music, cocoa and cookies, and a very special visit from Santa. 
  

Tips for Attending:

• Tickets: Prices range from $84-$124 per ticket, purchase in advance online
• Plan Ahead: Arrival time is 45 minutes prior to departure, give yourself plenty of time to find parking, collect your tickets, and board the train. Train ride is approximately 1.5 hours. 
• Weather: While it may be warm inside the train be sure to dress appropriately for arrival and departure at the train station. 

With all the twinkling lights, cheerful carols and shared moments, holiday events serve as reminders of the beauty in coming together. Whether you're making memories with a trip to see Santa, marveling at dazzling light displays, or simply relishing the joy in the air, these events create cherished memories that create new holiday traditions. As the season wraps up, let the glow of these experiences linger, carrying the spirit of togetherness and merriment into the year ahead.

Happy Holidays from Walston Group Real Estate!