The holiday season is upon us and holiday festivities for those who want to make the most of it are abundant in Colorado Springs. Regardless of age, there is something to entice, entertain and put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Royal Gorge Bridge of Lights
Experience this drive-thru light display from your vehicle. Enjoy this opportunity to drive across America’s Bridge that spans the Royal Gorge. The bridge is decorated with thousands of lights and provides the opportunity to take in the view from the bridge at night. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available for purchase.
- Dates: December 8-11, 15-31. Closed Christmas Day
- Times: 5:30-9:30 p.m.
- Cost: $35 per car if purchased online, $40 per car at the gate, and $30 per car for season pass holders if purchased online.
Christmas Carol Ride with Great Outdoor Adventures
Enjoy a winter sleigh ride of sorts in a Polaris off-road vehicle or Jeep Gladiator. Experience this spiritual trail ride in the Rocky Mountain backcountry.
- Dates: December 16-23. Closed December 21.
- Times: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Cost: Information and tickets are available on the website.
Parade of Lights with Great Outdoor Adventures
This is a guided off-road adventure on Polaris off-road vehicles. Enjoy a beautiful sunset and wildlife settings on a decorated Polaris. Heated vehicles are available.
- Dates: December 26, 27, 29, and 30. January 1, 2, and 3.
- Times: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Cost: Information available on the website.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari
Be amazed by over 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures while celebrating the season with the zoo animals. Take photos with larger-than-life illuminated inflatable animals. Visits with Santa and other activities are available at designated times.
- Dates: December 10-23 and 25. January 1.
- Times, prices, and tickets are available on the website.
Christmas Symphony
Performed at Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, this annual Christmas tradition embraces the holiday season. Enjoy classic Christmas selections such as Gloria and Sleigh Ride, along with cheerful sing-alongs.
- Date: December 18
- Time: 2:30 p.m.
- Cost: Ticket prices vary. Handicapped seating is available. Visit the website for complete information.
Santa Express Train
New this holiday season, experience this festive ride through the Royal Gorge to the North Pole and back. Over 5000 hours of craftsmanship have gone into making this one-of-a-kind locomotive. On this journey children will meet Santa, receive a gift and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Other food and beverages are available for purchase.
- Dates: Now through December 24. December 26-30.
- Times: The train leaves four times daily: 9:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.
- Cost: Tickets and prices are available on the website.
Christmas at the Ranch
Held at Flying W Ranch, this event promises to entertain those of all ages with a western Christmas jubilee. This musical show is performed by the world-renowned Flying W Wranglers.
- Dates: Shows performed four nights a week through December 22.
- Times: Shows at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Cost: Tickets and prices are available on the website.
Skate in the Park
Lace-up those skates and hit the ice at Acacia Park.
- Dates: Now through January 31. Times and other special events are available on the website.
- Cost: $10 per person and includes skate rental. Children 4 and under are free with paying adults. Tickets are available only at the rink and only during the time of the skate session.
Magic of Lights at Pikes Peak International Raceway
With the use of LED technology and digital animations, this drive-thru display will entertain all with a dazzling experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters.
- Dates: Now through January 1.
- Times: 5:30-10 p.m. nightly
- Cost: $25 per vehicle if purchased online. $35 and $40 at the gate depending on the day of the week.
For a full schedule of holiday events and happenings in Colorado Springs, please visit https://www.visitcos.com/events/holidays/christmas.
