Top Winter Holiday Events in 2026

Enjoy a 4,675-square-foot real ice rink, located on the west side of Acacia Park. The rink is a collaborative effort between the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services and Downtown Colorado Springs.

Dates: November 13, 2026 - January 2027
Times: Vary
Location: Acacia Park, 115 E Platte Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Cost: $15 per person, includes skate rental | Children 4 and under are FREE with a paying adult

Tickets only available at the rink, at time of session. No online or presale available.

This year, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is introducing the ALL NEW Santa Express Train holiday locomotive, which will lead the train through the Royal Gorge to the North Pole and back. It’s an absolute holiday masterpiece and will delight children of all ages. During the journey, you and your family are welcome to order and enjoy lunch or dinner, as well as your favorites from our full bar, while we make our way through the Royal Gorge to pick up St. Nick. Once the guest of honor boards the train, Santa will greet every child and give each of them a very special gift.

Date: November 19 - December 30, 2026
Times: 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Location: Royal Gorge Route Railroad | 401 Water St., Cañon City, CO 81212
Cost: Varies depending on class. Breakfast, lunch or dinner is offered, and every guest gets cocoa and a cookie.

Butte Theater is set to bring another great holiday production to their stage in Cripple Creek. Grab your tickets for the "Winter Wonderettes," a sequel to the hit classic “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” The play tells the story of a Christmas story that has gone awry when Santa Claus fails to show. To keep the party alive, the Winter Wonderettes decide to showcase their incredible musical talents by performing Christmas favorites, including “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock" and “Run, Rudolph, Run."

Dates: Select dates from November 20 - December 27, 2026
Times: 1 p.m. or 7 p.m. showings on selected dates
Location: Butte Theater, 139 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, Colorado
Cost: Free - $30

Michael Garman’s sculptural theater is transformed into a winter wonderland. Festive holograms welcome you to this hand-sculpted, vintage Americana miniature city.

Date: November 27, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Time: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Michael Garman Museum & Gallery, 2418 W. Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: Adults – $10.00 | Seniors (Ages 55 and up)- $9.00 | Children (Ages 6 to 17) – $6.00 | Children (Ages 5 and under) – Free

Group Rates Available for parties of 10 or more. Discounts available with ID for Military, Students and first responders. Disability discounts also available.

Escape to the warmth of Snowland, Great Wolf Lodge’s annual holiday celebration. Snowland is an immersive winter wonderland filled with special seasonal events, winter activities, crafts, visits with Santa Claus and more. Don’t miss the magic of Great Wolf Lodge in the winter: Book your family’s winter vacation today and enjoy memories to last a lifetime.

Dates: November 29 - December 23, 2026
Times: Varies depending on activity
Location: Great Wolf Lodge, 9494 Federal Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Cost: Varies by package and event

Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only place in Colorado Springs where you can see over 50 acres of one-of-a-kind light sculptures while celebrating the season with the animals at the same time! You’ll also enjoy larger-than-life illuminated inflatable animals, interactive animal experiences, a holiday-safari drone show, the Sky Ride, photos with Santa, hot cocoa and more! Advance time tickets are required for both members and non-members.

Date: December 2, 2026 - January 1, 2027 (CLOSED on December 24th)
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. early entry with zoo membership
Location: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: View ticket information on the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's website.

The Cowboy Christmas Jubilee, set in a festival of twinkling white lights at the stunning, well-lit rock formations at the Flying W Ranch, will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. You will be captivated by a musical show performed by the world-renowned Flying W Wranglers. One of the most talented groups in Flying W history will perform a Western Christmas Jubilee that will make your heart sing, take you back to years gone by, and take you to a Babe in a manger where the redemption of the world began.

The Wranglers captivate and bring joy to all ages. The Flying W Ranch is honored to host you, your family, your business, club or organization and is thankful that you would spend time during this wonderful season at the Ranch.

Dates: December 3 - December 23, 2026
Times: Options for 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Location: Flying W Ranch, 3330 Chuckwagon Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Cost: General Admission $68 and Children 4-12 $33; includes dinner and entertainment. Children 3 and under are Free (must eat off parent's plate).

The Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket will bring the magic of a traditional German Christmas market to Colorado Springs. With charming wooden huts, twinkling lights and a joyous atmosphere, the market will draw visitors from near and far to celebrate the season.

Enjoy authentic German food, drinks and cultural entertainment while you shop.

Dates: December 4—6, 9—13 & 16—23, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Bancroft Park, 2408 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Cost: Free and open to all

Be the adventurous Santa of your winter and book a holiday experience with Great Outdoors Adventures. Enjoy a private off-roading rental or guided tour with a festive Christmas twist in decorated Polaris UTVs or Jeep Gladiators. Share the gift of adventure with loved ones this holiday season and let their smiles warm your heart. Closed Dec 24 - 25.

Tours run during daylight hours, but sunset tours are especially magical — returning after dark lets you enjoy a starlit sky while your UTVs and Jeeps glow with festive lights.

Dates: 2026 Dates TBA
Times: Vary
Location: Jeeps in Woodland Park, CO | UTVs in Westcreek, CO
Cost: Starting at $125 per person, pricing varies

Join Rocky Mountain Food Tours for a holiday-themed progressive dinner featuring four delightful courses in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. This limited-edition seasonal tour will be filled with twinkle lights, delicious dishes from some of our favorite partners and the Christmas spirit!

Dates: 2026 Dates TBA
Time: 2026 Times TBA
Location: Distance 1.5 miles walking. Meet in Downtown Colorado Springs, more details after booking
Cost: Adults $99/ticket | Children (Ages 5 - 12) $79/ticket

Celebrate the season with a magical visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Promenade Shops at Briargate! Guests are invited to enjoy free photos with a donation to support Springs Rescue Mission. Stop by Suite 415, located next to Altar’d State, and warm up with complimentary cocoa and locally baked cookies while supplies last. Bring your holiday spirit and a sock donation to help make a difference in our community.

Dates: 2026 Dates TBA
Time: 2026 Times TBA
Location: The Promenade Shops at Briargate, 1845 Briargate Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: Free

Three little elves are hiding in various local Manitou Springs stores and restaurants, each marked with a sign indicating their number. The elves will change locations weekly, keeping the hunt fresh and exciting. Participants who spot all three elves can enter a weekly drawing to win $25 in Manitou Money by emailing events@manitouchamber.com with the 3 elf photos.

Dates: 2026 Dates TBA
Times: Self-paced
Location: Downtown Manitou Springs
Cost: Free

Get ready to jingle and mingle SantaCon 2026 - it's gonna be a holly jolly good time!

Dates: December 5, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Colorado Springs
Cost: Free - $30.65

Chasing & Cycling Santa

This year, for the holiday season, join the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort for a fun race featuring the jolly man himself. Lace up your shoes and walk or run after Santa Claus in the resort's morning race. And don't forget to bring some extra goodies to donate to the Buffalo Lodge's toy drive. Be sure these gifts are new and unwrapped!

Dates: December 5, 2026
Times: 2026 Time TBA
Location: Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, 2 El Paso Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: Registration for the race is now closed; the toy drive is free for drop-off

Get your blood pumping with the annual Candy Cane Course race. The 5 K and 10 K are family-friendly races that encourage folks to hit the ground running on a cool winter morning in December. If you're feeling a little cooped up thanks to the weather, this is a great opportunity to get outside and keep your body moving!

Date: December 5, 2026
Time: 9am - 12pm
Location: Starting point 2212 Executive Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Join McAllister House Museum for a wonderful Victorian Cream Tea in the carriage house and a tour of the oldest house in Colorado Springs! The Holiday Teas are offered on two separate days in December and there are two seatings available each. Be sure to make your reservations early, as they typically sell out!

Dates: December 5 & 12, 2026
Times: Seats at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Location: McAllister House Museum; 435 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: $45/ticket

Carols, Cocoa and Cocktails

Golden Hour will be spreading the Christmas cheer with weekly holiday celebrations. Head to the Mining Exchange Hotel for a winter cocktail hour, or tasty hot cocoa for a non-alcoholic drink and sing along to Christmas songs, all thanks to Dizzy Charlie's.

Date: Sundays in December
Time: 4pm-6pm
Location: Golden Hour at The Mining Exchange Hotel, 8 S. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO

Christmas Eve Dinner

Make the night before Christmas extra special at our Italian Kitchen. Bring your loved ones, and we'll make it an evening to remember.

Date: December 24, 2026
Time: 2026 Times TBA
Location: The Mining Exchange Hotel, 8 S. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Natale D'Oro: Golden Christmas Dinner

Celebrate the magic of Christmas Italian-style with Natale d’Oro, a festive family-style feast that shines with the warmth and richness of Tuscany. This is a non-ticketed event, but reservations are required. Gather around the table and indulge in a meal designed for sharing, savoring and celebrating together.

Date: December 25, 2026
Time: 3pm - 7:15pm
Location: Oro at the Mining Exchange Hotel, 123 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Make a trip to the Dinosaur Resource Center for a visit with Santa and the Dinosaurs! We will have our craft table available to make an ornament for our Christmas tree as well as one for you. Join us for some Christmas fun!

Date: December 12, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Dinosaur Resource Center, 201 S. Fairview Street, Woodland Park, Colorado 80863
Cost: Included with museum admission.

The Broadmoor's Classic Holiday Show is a family-friendly dinner show filled with seasonal favorites presented in a variety show format, sprinkled with a few surprises. The show stars vocal powerhouse Julie Bradley, Derek Evilsizor, Amy Mushall, and international jazz artist Nelson Rangell

Dates: December 18, 19 and 24, 2026
Time: Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. and entertainment begins at 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Lodging: Packages available with holiday show discount.

Christmas Symphony

Much of the 2026 schedule and program is still to be announced; however, one thing's for sure: the Philharmonic is ready to put on an enchanting holiday performance to celebrate the season. The show is set to showcase the talents of the Choirs of Colorado Springs, Soli Deo Gloria Choir, Bristol Beer Choir, Colorado College Choir, and the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale.

Dates: December 19- 20, 2026
Times: 2pm and 7 pm on December 19 | 2pm on December 20
Location: Pikes Peak Performing Arts Center
Cost: $45.75+ a ticket

Rock Ledge Ranch will be transformed with the sights, sounds and aromas of this traditionally festive season! The evening features St. Nicholas in the Barn, wagon rides, old-time musical entertainment, 1860s Homestead Cabin storytelling, Blacksmith Shop demonstrations, Victorian celebrations in the 1880s Rock Ledge House and Edwardian festivities in the 1907 Orchard House. Purchase those extra special Ranch-made gifts at the General Store! Hot cider, cocoa and other sweet treats will be available at several locations around the Ranch. Visit the Studio to make a special holiday craft.

Date: December 12, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, 3105 Gateway Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Cost: $8 - $12 per person

Join the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center for a special holiday celebration with festivities including breakfast burritos with the wolves. Call to RSVP at 719-687-9742. Full Moon Tours are also available on December 5, 6 and 7.

Date: December 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center; Divide, CO 80814
Cost: 12 and older $40. Kids 11 & under $20

The Broadmoor invites you to enjoy their delightful Christmas Day Brunch at Broadmoor Hall. Indulge in a stunning spread of pastries, seafood, meats, cheeses, eggs every which way, and gorgeous desserts. The annual brunch in Broadmoor Hall, located across the street from Broadmoor Main, offers a festive and mouthwatering buffet that is a must for the holiday season.

Date: Christmas Day, December 25, 2026
Times: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Broadmoor Hall, The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: $145.00+ per Adult, $55.00+ per Child (10 and under)

Frost N' Sip: Cookie Decorating

Danielle from Small Batch Cookies will guide you through the art of transforming ordinary sugar cookies into works of art worthy of the season. Includes cookies, icing, supplies and instruction.

Date: 2026 Date TBA
Time: 2026 Time TBA
Location: Latigo Winery, 11425 Black Forest Rd, Suite 6, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: $60 per person