Discover the winter wonderland of the Springs
Updated: June 26, 2026
Winter in Colorado Springs is the best-kept secret. Okay, not really since we’re telling you all about it – but the sentiment stands!
With 300 days of sunshine, many winter days include mild temperatures, sunny skies and plenty of opportunity for adventure. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.
There’s something magical about staying in a real-life castle among the snow-covered red rocks and mountains. You can do that very thing at Glen Eyrie Castle! In 1871, it was the home of Colorado Springs founder, General William Jackson Palmer. Today, guests can stay overnight in the original, historic castle rooms or lodges on the property. It’s a great year-round spot, but it’s really something to experience in the winter. There is also an on-site high tea experience, offering a cozy activity during your stay.
If you’re visiting around the holidays, The Broadmoor is especially lovely. The decorations, as well as the annual giant gingerbread display, make for an especially festive stay. Plus, they have an annual holiday show with some packages to explore for a good deal on a stay plus tickets.
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Near the holidays, you don’t want to miss dining at Edelweiss German Restaurant! Known for its festive seasonal décor and experiences, the freshly made Holiday Stollen is a local favorite. Be sure to also check out the region’s fondue restaurants – Melting Pot in Downtown Colorado Springs and Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant in Manitou Springs. Both offer cozy, seasonal themed menus to enjoy all winter.
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AM: UTV tour with Great Outdoors Adventures
PM: Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
In the Pikes Peak Region, we’re not shy about getting outdoors all year long! Winter makes for some of the best off-roading. Head out to Pike National Forest with Great Outdoors Adventures for a guided UTV (utility task vehicle) tour, perfect for first-time riders. Enjoy well-cared-for, snowy trails, possible wildlife encounters and views of Pikes Peak.
In the afternoon, head to the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center in Woodland Park. Exhibits include fossils of marine reptiles, pterosaurs and dinosaurs. In the back of the museum is a working paleontology lab. You can watch through the viewing window as people work on fossil restoration and replicas for museums across the globe!
AM: Snowshoeing at Mueller State Park
PM: Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center
PM: Evening lights at Cripple Creek Ice Castles
For day 2, hit the trails on foot! At Mueller State Park, there are plenty of trails ripe for snowshoeing. If there isn’t enough snowfall to warrant snowshoes, you can still enjoy beautiful winter hikes on the same trails.
In the afternoon, head to the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center (CWWC). This sanctuary is one of the very few in the U.S. that has been certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The CWWC is all about education, conservation and preservation. These animals love their habitat, and it’s fun to see them enjoy the snow in the winter. Learn about wolves, coyotes and foxes on your tour. You can even sign up for more immersive experiences to interact one-on-one with the animals! Reservations required.
Once it’s getting dark out, check out the Cripple Creek Ice Castles. At night, the castle lights are illuminated to create a colorful, glowing experience inside the winter wonderland. Since this attraction operates seasonally, make sure to check the calendar ahead of time. The window of operation is typically mid-December through March but varies based on weather.
PM: Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket
PM: Skate in the Park Downtown
PM: Explore Downtown Colorado Springs
For about two weeks in December, you can check out the Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket! Bancroft Park in OCC magically turns into a traditional German Christmas market, complete with wooden vendor huts, a heated tent with a biergarten and opportunities to see Santa!
Keep the winter magic flowing with Skate in the Park at Acacia Park in Downtown Colorado Springs. Typically, this rink is open November through March, weather dependent. You can rent skates and enjoy the beautiful downtown cityscape while circling the rink.
Afterward, explore Downtown Colorado Springs! Grab some hot cocoa from a local shop, dinner at a nearby restaurant, and stick around for a show at one of the local venues.
AM: Tour then tea at Miramont Castle Museum
PM: Relax at Camino Wellness Sanctuary
PM: Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
For your last day in town, brush up on some history at the beautiful Miramont Castle Museum in Manitou Springs! Tour the 30 rooms and various architectural styles, then head to the Queen’s Parlor Tearoom where you can enjoy high tea and lunch. Check the schedule, as sometimes there are fun, themed tea events!
After days of adventure, rest and reset at Camino Wellness Sanctuary. Enjoy a massage then head to the recovery room to use the infrared sauna, cold plunge and shower. You’re never going to want to leave (but we suggest you do because we have one more activity for you afterward).
Now that you’ve reset, you’re ready to head to Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! Electric Safari is ranked one of the best zoo light experiences in the U.S., and you’ll soon see why. Electric Safari runs from early December through New Year’s Day, so plan accordingly. See 85+ light sculptures while sipping hot cocoa, plus a nightly drone show! Santa might also show up, so keep your eyes peeled and be on your best behavior!
If you’re looking for some local happenings to inspire the timing of your trip, check out these fun winter events in the region.
Posted: November 3, 2023
The Best Hidden Gems to Add to Your Winter Calendar
Want to get out and about this winter? Look no further!
November — December
Create warm memories when you spend the holidays in Colorado Springs.
Ring in the New Year in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region.
Posted: December 4, 2023
Enter a frosty wonderland, where the magic of winter comes alive, at Cripple Creek Ice Castles.
January 31, 2026
Watch the most hated of holiday treats fly at this quirky local event.
February 14, 2026
Learn about our majestic state mammal and spot them in their natural habitat.
February 14 — 22, 2026
The Cripple Creek Ice Festival is one of the most exciting times of the year in historic Pikes Peak Region.
February 14, 2026
Fill your bellies, warm your bones and cheer on competitors.
Looking for even more? Check out these resources to plan additional days in the Pikes Peak Region. And don't forget – you can always use our AI chatbot Penny in the bottom righthand corner to further assist you in your trip planning.
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