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Updated: May 23, 2025

Essential Guide to the Festival of Lights Parade

Celebrate winter magic as illuminated floats glide through Downtown Colorado Springs in a dazzling holiday display.

Begin your adventure early with gift shopping, holiday music and family-friendly activities. Grab seasonal treats and warm beverages from the festive food truck village, then secure a prime viewing spot along the Festival of Lights Parade route. Don’t miss any of the excitement – explore our guide for everything you need to fully enjoy this magical celebration!

Pre-Parade Festivities
Tips for Attendees
Plan Your Visit

Event Details

  • Date & Time: December 7, 2024 starting at 5:50 p.m.
  • Location: Downtown Colorado Springs
  • Parade Route: Begins on Tejon St. at Boulder St. and continues South on Tejon to Vermijo Ave.
  • Parking: Street parking fills quickly during the parade but there are several parking garages within a block of the parade route. There will be FREE parking available at the Bijou/Cascade (215 N. Cascade Ave.), Nevada/Colorado (130 S. Nevada Ave.) and Kiowa/Nevada (127 E. Kiowa St.) parking garages.

Pre-Parade Festivities

Holiday Shopping & Entertainment

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Spend the day exploring Downtown Colorado Springs, where local shops are ready to help you find that perfect holiday gift. Enjoy festive tunes from the Colorado Brass and the Soli Deo Gloria Choir as they fill the streets with holiday music, creating a cheerful backdrop for your shopping experience.

Winter Celebration at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Dive into Olympic fun with special meet-and-greets with athletes, indoor curling and artifact demonstrations in the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Hold an Olympic torch, get a behind-the-scenes exhibit tour and meet service puppies from Canine Companions in training!

Festival of Lights Family Fun Day

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Now celebrating over 35 years, Family Fun Day at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum offers live music, arts and crafts and face painting for kids. Don’t miss the free hot chocolate and cookies starting at 4:30 p.m. – a perfect warm-up before the parade.

Tuba Christmas

3:30 p.m.

Make your way to Acacia Park for Tuba Christmas – a lively performance that fills the park with festive, brassy holiday music.

Tips for First-Time Attendees

  • Arrive Early: Arrive earlier in the day to secure parking and enjoy all of the fun activities happening before the parade.
  • Dress Warmly: Winter in Colorado Springs is cold, especially in the evening. Bundle up with layers, hats, gloves, scarves and warm socks to stay comfortable throughout the event.
  • Use Hand Warmers: To keep extra cozy, bring along hand and foot warmers, which can be lifesavers during chilly December weather.
  • Warm Up with Hot Drinks: Consider bringing a thermos of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee to enjoy as you watch the parade. Or, visit one of the food truck villages to warm up with a festive treat.
  • Bring Your Holiday Spirit!: Dress in festive attire, bring some glow sticks or wear a Santa hat to get in the holiday spirit—this is a fun, family-friendly event where holiday cheer is encouraged!

Plan Your Visit to Colorado Springs

Plan your holiday getaway in Colorado Springs and extend your stay beyond the Festival of Lights Parade. Book a room at one of the many cozy and comfortable hotels just steps from the parade route. During your visit, explore all Colorado Springs has to offer including scenic outdoor attractions and fascinating museums. Add even more holiday magic to your trip by experiencing Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s enchanting Electric Safari or exploring the city’s best Christmas light displays.

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