With Thanksgiving now in the rearview mirror, we are firmly entrenched in that magical time of year, the holiday season. Luckily for area residents, there is a wide range of local holiday traditions that can become part of your yearly celebrations.
Outdoor Fun
Colorado Springs is very a much a city that likes to get people outdoors, and this is true even during the holidays. Bundle up and check out some of the entertaining and memorable opportunities.
Have you ever wanted to go skating outdoors in the wintertime? Your best bet is to get to Acacia Park downtown and hit the ice! At $10 a person, with children under 4 being free, this is an affordable but memorable opportunity for families.
If skating is not your thing, you can also take your family to the North Pole. Open year-round, this Christmas-themed amusement park has something for everyone and has a magical feel about it due to being tucked away in the mountains west of Colorado Springs. There are rides for all ages, plenty of shops that specialize in everything from glass blowing to handmade toys to customized ornaments, magic shows, and more (including Santa himself!). The park has recently begun taking reservations online and they are running a discounted admission price of $20 a person, with children under 2 gaining free admission.
Are parades more your speed? Make sure to check out the 2021 Festival of Lights parade in Downtown Colorado Springs on Saturday, Dec. 4! As with many activities, the parade was not held last year due to COVID-19, so it will be back in full swing this season. The parade is merry and bright, with holiday music, festive floats and more. Grab some hot chocolate, bundle up and arrive early for a good view of this Colorado Springs institution! The parade kicks off at 5:50 p.m. near St. Vrain Street, heading toward Vermijo Street down Tejon Avenue.
Classic Traditions
Are you more into local history? Check out the Rockledge Ranch’s various holiday offerings. Nestled next to stunning Garden of the Gods, this living history ranch offers a chance to learn and experience various past holiday traditions in a lively and festive atmosphere. There is a Holiday Tea and Tour held in the 1907 Orchard house and offered several times a week at 1 p.m. (they started Dec. 1), where one can enjoy a classic English tea ceremony and learn about Edwardian history and etiquette. Reservations are required and the cost is $49 a seat.
For a more family-friendly option, consider the Holiday Evening being held on Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 4 p.m. This event includes lantern tours of the 1860s Homestead cabin, as well as barn dancing, a visit from Santa, demonstrations from the blacksmith shop, Victorian Christmas celebrations, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and plenty of gifts made by hand on the ranch at the General Store. The cost of the event is covered by general admission at $8 for adults, $4 for children under 17 and free for children 5 and younger.
Another ranch that celebrates the holidays in a fun way is the Flying W Ranch, located in the northwest corner of Colorado Springs. From Dec. 3-22, they host a Cowboy Christmas Jubilee, which includes a hearty western-style dinner and a holiday performance by the Flying W Wranglers. General admission runs at $65 a person, with children 4-12 at $35 and children under 4 free. The ranch is worth exploring, with plenty of old-western demonstrations on different trades and crafts, ranch animals to visit and learn about, and beautiful scenery and trails.
If the temperature drops and you find yourself craving something warm to drink, another tradition to check out would be at Glen Eyrie Castle for their Yule Tea ceremonies. These are held five times a week from late November through the month of December at the beautiful Glen Eyrie Castle, located just north of Garden of the Gods. At these ceremonies, tea and handmade holiday treats can be enjoyed in an intimate, classic setting. Reservations are required with a maximum party size of six, and the cost to attend is $36 per person.
Aside from its famous tea ceremonies, the Castle also hosts a Madrigal Banquet , which includes a four-course meal and holiday music all delivered 16th-century style, with an optional overnight stay. Most of these performances are sold out, but there are still some openings toward the end of December. Prices vary depending on options chosen for the meal and lodging. The castle also hosts a holiday Acoustic Eidolon on Dec. 12 and 29 and a New Year’s Eve Gala.
Something Different
Prefer to walk on the wild side during the holidays? A fun tradition in the area is to visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari. Running on weekends from Dec. 3-Jan. 1, this experience allows guests to enter the zoo at night and explore over 60 creative light and inflatable displays, as well as learning about some animal’s nocturnal behavior. Grab a warm coat and a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the displays, roast some s’mores, or even ride on the Sky Ride!
Children will delight in seeing Santa through the weekends of the 3 to the 23, and they can even participate in a Secret Santa program to benefit the zoo’s furry, scaled, and feathered residents. It will cost adults $19.75 to enter, children ages 3-11 are $15.75 and children 2 and under cost 75 cents.
No matter your preferences, budget or the weather, there are plenty of traditions in the area that will be a welcome addition to your holiday celebrations. Feel free to share some of your favorites that are not on the list. And if your holiday shopping isn’t finished yet, check out the community craft fairs.
