Posted: November 30, 2018

Where to See Santa in COS This Holiday Season

Mr. Claus and his merry entourage are easily spotted in the Pikes Peak Region.

Nestled just inside the snow-capped Rocky Mountains of Colorado sits the magical place known to children around the world as The North Pole – Santa’s Workshop. While many believe its coordinates are somewhere in Antarctica, Mr. Claus prefers to gaze upon the wonder of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain from home base in Cascade, CO, just outside Colorado Springs. Whether tinkering away on toys, riding a scenic train or visiting with the animals of America’s only mountain zoo, there are places to spot the jolly spirit of the big guy in and around this majestic mountain region. Explore the different ways and places where you can interact with old Saint Nick this holiday season.

1. Track Santa with NORAD

Having trouble finding Mr. Claus? Enlist the help of North American Aerospace Defense Command, also known as NORAD, to track Santa’s travels. Buried deep inside Colorado Springs’ Cheyenne Mountain, NORAD spends its off time from an aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning in the defense of North America, following Santa and his sleigh. The countdown to the big night has already begun.

2. Visit Santa – at The North Pole

When: Visit Santa through 4pm on Christmas Eve

Advanced timed reservations required to enter the North Pole. Click the link below for more details.

Visitors can make a trip to Santa’s Workshop, also known as The North Pole. This Christmas-themed family amusement park has something for the entire family. Santa’s helpers will be glad to take a digital picture with you at a safe social distance.

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3. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad Santa Express Train

When: Through December 30th

Tickets are selling out fast! Book online in the link below.

Climb aboard for a journey to the North Pole and meet Santa Claus himself. The Santa Express Train is a winter wonderland, where children of all ages gather to make memories you’ll treasure year after year. Holiday cheer abounds aboard the train. The Santa Express is a winter wonderland decorated in holiday style. Children are encouraged to wear cozy pajamas while they sip cocoa and listen to holiday stories read by Santa’s elves. Large glass windows allow passengers to enjoy the beauty of the Royal Gorge on the way to The North Pole, fittingly decorated like a true Christmas town. Check dates for value pricing departures.

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4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari

When: December 3-5, 10-23, 25-January 1, 2022 (Santa will only be available through December 23, after that, he'll be a bit busy!)
- Member Early Entry Hour with advance timed ticket: 4-5pm
- General admission with advance timed ticket: 5-7:30pm
- Event ends at 8:30pm

Tickets available ONLINE ONLY; no walk-up tickets available.

‘Tis the season for lights, animals and holiday cheer at America's only mountain zoo. Take in the nearly one million sparkling lights illuminating the night, then stop in and see Santa. Select animal exhibits are open during the event. Warming fires throughout the Zoo offer a reprieve from the chill (tentative per current fire restrictions), as do select indoor animal exhibits that remain open at limited capacity during the event. Top off this astounding display by gazing out at the city’s lights and watch all of Colorado Springs sparkle.

Santa will see visitors in Safari Lodge nightly through Dec. 23. Santa is available for visits from 4 to 8:30pm.

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5. Santa's Cabin in Old Colorado City

When: Saturdays and Sundays through December 19

Bring the whole family for photos with Santa! Jolly ol' Saint Nick will be greeting folks with Christmas cheer every Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving through Dec 19th.

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