The Season of Sparkle: A Colorado Springs Holiday Guide
Things to Do Iris Burton November 10, 2026
Things to Do Iris Burton November 10, 2026
Colorado Springs does that moment beautifully, with Pikes Peak glowing pink at sunset and a downtown that smells like cocoa and pine. The holidays here are not just dates on a calendar. They are the hot chocolate you sip with cold hands, the kids pressing their noses to a window full of lights, and the neighbors who wave from across the rink.
This season goes by faster than any other, and it is the one we remember most. This guide is here to help you slow down, say yes to a few traditions, and make this one count. Here is your cheat sheet to cozy bites, local shops, family favorites, and a warm place to stay.
Pick Your Holiday |
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Nothing says holidays like a warm mug in cold hands. These local spots make December taste better, from fireside coffee to festive brunches. My favorite plan is a drink at Kinship Landing and a lap around the rink at Acacia Park, since everything is just a few downtown blocks apart.
📍 Where: 401 N. Tejon St, downtown (also 115 S. 25th St, Old Colorado City)
🚒 Getting there: Downtown, a short walk from Acacia Park and the Tejon Street shops.
✨ Why it feels like the holidays: Seasonal drinks like a caramel apple chai, an indoor fireplace, and patio fire pits.
📍 Where: 415 S. Nevada Ave, downtown
🚒 Getting there: Just south of downtown, an easy stop after the shops on Tejon.
✨ Why it feels like the holidays: A boutique hotel café with grain bowls, handpies, cocktails and mocktails. Cozy for a cold afternoon.
📍 Where: 109 N. Tejon St, downtown
🚒 Getting there: On Tejon Street, steps from Acacia Park and the skating rink.
✨ Why it feels like the holidays: Handmade truffles, tarts and macarons make a pretty treat box or a host gift
📍 Where: 8989 N. Gate Blvd (listed as Northgate Blvd), near the Air Force Academy
🚒 Getting there: North side, close to I-25 at the North Gate exit.
✨ Why it feels like the holidays: Thanksgiving brunch on Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A Christmas Day brunch ran last year, so watch for 2026 details.
📍 Where: 8 S. Nevada Ave, downtown
🚒 Getting there: Downtown, near the Colorado College side of town.
✨ Why it feels like the holidays: Carols, Cocoa and Cocktails on Sundays Dec. 6 to 27, 4 to 6 p.m. Christmas Eve dinner on Dec. 24 and the Natale d’Oro Christmas dinner on Dec. 25.
Shopping local keeps the holiday spirit right in the neighborhood. You will find a market full of makers, evenings when the shops stay open late, and a gift for everyone on your list. Make an afternoon of it by browsing Colorado Avenue, then wander over to Bancroft Park to see what is happening at the market.
📍 Where: Bancroft Park, 2408 W. Colorado Ave
📅 2026 dates: Dec. 4 to 6, Dec. 9 to 13, and Dec. 16 to 23, noon to 8 p.m.
✨ Good to know: A German style outdoor market. Free to enter.
📍 Where: Colorado Avenue, Old Colorado City
📅 2026 date: Saturday, Nov. 28, 4 to 7 p.m.
✨ Good to know: Live reindeer, fire pits with hot cocoa, Dickens carolers, shop specials, and free parking. Santa is at Bancroft Park from noon.
📍 Where: Colorado Avenue, Old Colorado City
📅 2026 date: Friday, Dec. 4, 5 to 8 p.m.
✨ Good to know: A relaxed evening of galleries and shops.
📍 Where: Downtown Manitou Springs
📅 2026 date: Saturday, Nov. 28
✨ Good to know: Tree lighting with Santa at the Town Clock on Nov. 25, 5 to 7 p.m.
🛍️ Shop: The Olive Tap, Manitou Springs
📍 Where: 906 Manitou Ave, Ste 103
🎁 What to grab: Olive oil and balsamic vinegar gift sets
🛍️ Shop: Hunt + Gather, Downtown
📍 Where: 226 N. Tejon St
🎁 What to grab: Specialty foods and artisan market items
🛍️ Shop: Little Richard’s at Poor Richard’s, Downtown
📍 Where: 320 N. Tejon St
🎁 What to grab: Toys, plus books and gifts next door
🛍️ Shop: Matchbox Candle Co., West Colorado Ave
📍 Where: 2511 W. Colorado Ave
🎁 What to grab: Soy wax candles for a cozy night in
🛍️ Shop: Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Co., West Colorado Ave
📍 Where: 2514 W. Colorado Ave #103
🎁 What to grab: Candy, jerky, trail mix and popcorn
🛍️ Shop: Auric Gallery, Downtown
📍 Where: 125 E. Boulder St
🎁 What to grab: Locally made jewelry and ceramics
From concert halls to parades full of lights, December fills the calendar fast. A parade night is my favorite way to start the season because it is festive, easy, and always ends with something warm to drink. Here are the ones worth marking down.
📍 Where: Pikes Peak Performing Arts Center
📅 Dates: Dec. 19 (2 and 7 p.m.) and Dec. 20 (2 p.m.)
📍 Where: The Broadmoor
📅 Dates: Dec. 18, 19 and 24
📍 Where: Butte Theater, Cripple Creek
📅 Dates: Nov. 20 to Dec. 27
📍 Where: First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave
📅 Dates: Dec. 17, 7 to 9 p.m.
📍 Where: Tejon Street, downtown
📅 Dates: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026. The 42nd annual parade with about 100 lighted floats.
📍 Where: Manitou Avenue
📅 Dates: Dec. 6, 2026, 6 p.m.
📍 Where: 3105 Gateway Rd
📅 Dates: Dec. 12, 2026, 3 to 8 p.m.
📍 Where: Michael Garman Museum & Gallery, 2418 W. Colorado Ave
📅 Dates: Nov. 27 to Jan. 3, 2027
📍 Where: The Carter Payne, 320 S. Weber St
📅 Dates: Dec. 19, 2026, 4 to 8 p.m.
Holiday magic is better with the whole crew, including the four legged members. Pick one light display and one Santa visit and you have a full family holiday, so skip the rest if the kids are tired.
📍 Where: Acacia Park, 115 E. Platte Ave
📅 Dates: Nov. 13, 2026 to January 2027
✨ Good to know: $15 per person, rental skates included.
📍 Where: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd
📅 Dates: Dec. 2 to Jan. 1, closed Dec. 24
✨ Good to know: Glowing animal sculptures, Santa, and activities like feeding a giraffe. Admission starts around $15.75 for kids.
📍 Where: Neighborhoods across the Pikes Peak region
✨ Good to know: A self guided map shows decorated homes across the region.
📍 Where: Cripple Creek and Victor
📅 Dates: Weekend evenings from Nov. 28, and nightly from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day
✨ Good to know: A free, self guided drive past about a dozen displays on historic mining buildings.
📍 Where: Bancroft Park, Old Colorado City
📅 Dates: Weekends from Thanksgiving through Dec. 23, noon to 4 p.m. (Nov. 28 is noon to 8 p.m.)
📍 Where: Manitou Springs City Hall
📅 Date: Dec. 12, 2026, 8 to 10 a.m.
📍 Where: Dinosaur Resource Center, Woodland Park
📅 Date: Dec. 12, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 Where: Wheeler Town Clock and Manitou Avenue
✨ Good to know: Window displays, a Christmas parade on Dec. 6, and brass music on Sundays.
📍 Where: Briargate YMCA, 4025 Family Place
📅 Date: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, 9 a.m.
✨ Good to know: Dogs can join for a $15 furry friend registration.
Whether you are visiting for the holidays or dreaming of making the move, a cozy stay makes the season feel even more special. Book early for December weekends, because the festive events fill up first and the cozy inns go quickly.
📍 Where: 1102 W. Pikes Peak Ave, near Old Colorado City
✨ Why stay: A romantic 1902 Victorian inn with private baths, fireplaces in the suites, and gourmet breakfasts.
📍 Where: 402 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs
✨ Why stay: Family friendly, with Garden of the Gods and the Cog Railway within half a mile.
📍 Where: 415 S. Nevada Ave, downtown
✨ Why stay: A downtown boutique hotel with an all day café and bar.
📍 Where: 1 Lake Ave
✨ Why stay: A classic resort with a holiday show and a Christmas Day brunch.
📍 Where: 8 S. Nevada Ave, downtown
✨ Why stay: Festive dinners and Sunday carols in the same building.
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102 S Tejon St #1100 Colorado Springs, CO 80903
