1. Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree – Pike National Forest
- Dates: Mid-Nov through Dec (varies by snowfall)
- Cost: ~$20 tree permit
- Bonus: 4th Graders get a FREE Christmas tree permit through the Every Kid Outdoors Pass!
- Best For: Families, memory-making, outdoorsy types
- Photo Op: hauling the tree on sled, tree-cut with snow in background
- Tip: Bring a hand saw, rope, waterproof boots, and hot chocolate.
2. Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade – Downtown
- Date: First or second Saturday in December
- Cost: Free
- Best For: All ages
- Photo Op: glowing parade floats, kids waving, downtown lights
- Tip: Get there early and bring blankets!
3. Cripple Creek Ice Festival
- Date: February (winter but still holiday-feeling)
- Details: Ice sculptures, carving demos, slides, and themed displays
- Photo Op: Kids posing inside an ice tunnel or next to sculpture
- Tip: Plan for cold wind — dress warm!
4. Skate in the Park – Acacia Park
- Dates: Mid-Nov through Jan
- Cost: ~$13 including skates
- Photo Op: twinkle lights reflecting on the ice, couples skating, family framed by downtown lights
- Tip: Weekdays = less crowds.
5. Electric Safari – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Dates: December evenings
- Cost: Ticketed
- Photo Op: The giraffes under lights + glowing tunnel walkway
- Tip: Book early — it sells out fast.
🎅 Holiday Events & Shows
6. Santa Express Train – Royal Gorge
- Train ride with cocoa, cookies, and Santa.
- Photo Op: matching PJs on the train windows overlooking the gorge.
7. A Christmas Carol or Nutcracker Performance
- Available at: ENT Center for the Arts, Colorado Ballet Society, and local theaters
- Photo Op: playbill or lobby Christmas tree moment.
8. Christmas at Glen Eyrie Castle
- Details: Holiday teas, tours, and themed dinners
- Photo Op: “castle Christmas” balcony shot
9. Christmas Light Up the Parkway – Monument / Tri-Lakes
- Walkable Christmas lights, activities, and sometimes carriage rides
- Photo Op: kids under archway lights with cocoa.
🎁 Holiday Markets + Festive Experiences
10. Old Colorado City Christmas Stroll + Christkindl Market
- European-style marketplace with treats and handmade gifts
- Photo Op: wooden vendor booths and German treats.
11. Downtown Holiday Window Walk + Carriage Rides
- Doing this after dinner downtown makes an easy date night
- Photo Op: carriage horses under the city lights.
12. Parker / Castle Rock Holiday Extravaganza (Short Drive)
- Ice skating, holiday shopping, Santa visits, events
- Photo Op: giant tree in Castle Rock square.
🧊 Snow + Outdoor Adventures
13. Mueller State Park Winter Hikes
- Bonus: Every Kid Outdoors Pass = free entry for 4th graders!
- Photo Op: family snow-covered pine trail pic
- Tip: Bring Yaktrax/gloves.
14. Snow Tubing in Woodland Park or Frisco (Day Trip)
- Not technically in COS, but worth the mini road trip.
- Photo Op: GoPro or slow-mo of tubing run.
Join The Discussion