A Magical Colorado Springs Christmas Vacation

Colorado Springs at Christmas is pure magic—nation's 3rd best zoo lights, German markets, frozen waterfalls, and you're 30 minutes from everything. Here's your ultimate guide.

This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via a link on this page, we make a small commission at absolutely no extra charge to you. Thank you for your support of this small women-led business.

Christmas in Colorado Springs: Your Ultimate Holiday Adventure Guide

If you're searching for good Christmas places to visit, Christmas in Colorado Springs is pure mountain magic.

From twinkling holiday lights displays to our snow-dusted fourteener, Pikes Peak, this city offers the perfect blend of Christmas cheer and outdoor adventure for your holiday getaway.

Whether you're looking for things to do near me on Christmas day or planning a week-long Colorado in December escape, we've got you covered with the best Christmas events Colorado Springs has to offer, plus day trips to nearby mountain towns that'll make your Colorado Springs Christmas unforgettable.

Planning Your Colorado Springs Christmas Trip

Where to Stay

Start your trip in Colorado Springs proper to acclimate to the altitude (we're at 6,035 feet!), then split your time with a few nights in the mountains for snow activities. This strategy helps prevent altitude sickness while maximizing your adventure time. Colorado in December requires planning for winter weather, so book accommodations early for the best selection of good Christmas places to visit.

Can I Drive to the Mountains from Colorado Springs?

Absolutely! You're perfectly positioned for mountain day trips. Woodland Park is 20 minutes west, Cripple Creek is 45 minutes, and you can reach Breckenridge or Vail in about 2.5 hours. For overnight trips to Breck or Vail, consider staying in Fairplay to avoid mountain passes late at night.

Where to Save and Where to Spend

SAVE: Free activities like Garden of the Gods, Bear Creek Nature Center, and driving Christmas lights tours SPEND: Electric Safari at the zoo (worth every penny!), Royal Gorge Polar Express, and a nice dinner at The Broadmoor

Must-See Christmas Lights Colorado Springs

When it comes to Christmas lights Colorado Springs delivers some of the most spectacular displays in Colorado. From zoo lights to historic hotels, these are the must-see Christmas lights Colorado Springs has to offer.

Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Electric Safari lights up the zoo in the best way!

This is THE crown jewel of Christmas in Colorado Springs experiences. Ranked third in the nation for Best Zoo Lights, Electric Safari features over 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures and millions of twinkling lights throughout the zoo.

What makes it special?

You can see the animals while walking through the winter wonderland! Bundle up and bring hot chocolate money for the stands. Make sure to stay for the drone light show. We loved seeing the light display over the elephant exhibit last year!

Our family has had season tickets to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for years, making the Electric Safari a "free" event. If you’re popping in for the night, know this event is pricey for a family. Make sure to get there right at opening hours to truly soak in the entire experience.

PRO TIP: Visit on a weeknight to avoid crowds, and don't miss the adults-only after-hours events for a more romantic evening. They have a great bar overlooking Colorado Springs city lights.

The Broadmoor Hotel Magic

Santa and his golf cart | theme for Christmas

The historic Broadmoor Hotel transforms into a Christmas wonderland each December.

Head to the second floor to see this year's elaborate gingerbread display—the theme changes annually and it's absolutely spectacular. Public guests can visit between mid-day and 4 pm to admire the decorations.

The hotel grounds are beautifully lit up at night, perfect for an evening stroll and one of the most romantic Christmas lights Colorado Springs experiences.

Note! Only Broadmoor Hotel guests are able to eat at on sight restaurants and see the lights the week of Christmas. For the most up to date information, make sure to visit the Broadmoor website.

Seven Falls Christmas Lights

7 Falls Fun at Christmas

From the Broadmoor, take the shuttle to Seven Falls to see these gorgeous cascading waterfalls colorfully illuminated for the holidays.

You'll climb 224 stairs to reach the top of the falls—bundle up and wear good boots!

Owned by the Broadmoor Hotel, they do a fabulous decorating this area at Christmas. Make sure to buy your tickets ahead of time.

Bridge of Lights at Royal Gorge

Drive across America's highest suspension bridge decorated with thousands of twinkling lights while holiday music plays. This is one of the most unique Christmas lights Colorado Springs experiences, located about 45 minutes west of the city.

Magic of Lights

For a drive-through experience, head to Magic of Lights at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Stay cozy in your car while you cruise through this dazzling display.

Neighborhood Light Shows

Don't miss the musical light show in Colorado Springs—locals love this one! Drive around neighborhoods near North Powers and Woodmen to find elaborate displays. The Christmas light map is located at the Timberline Landscaping Site, usually updated mid December.

Each year, our family bundles up with yetis of hot chocolate, driving around town to see these fabulous light shows. It's a fun and free way to really get in the holiday spirit.

Top Christmas Events Colorado Springs

Looking for the best Christmas events Colorado Springs offers? From ice skating to holiday parades, these festive activities make Colorado Springs Christmas magical for the whole family.

Skate in the Park at Acacia Park

This outdoor ice rink in downtown Colorado Springs opens mid-November and runs through winter. It's affordable, centrally located, and surrounded by holiday lights. Grab hot chocolate at a nearby coffee shop and make an evening of it!

Festival of Lights Parade

Watch this beloved Colorado Springs Christmas tradition featuring festive floats, marching bands, and Santa himself rolling through downtown. This is usually held the first weekend in December.

Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket

Experience a traditional German Christmas market complete with wooden huts, live entertainment, bratwurst, glühwein, and unique holiday gifts. It's like stepping into a European village right here in Colorado! This is definitely one of the good Christmas places to visit during your Colorado in December trip.

The North Pole — Santa's Workshop

This vintage amusement park at the foot of Pikes Peak ramps up the Christmas spirit starting November 2nd and stays open through December 24. Kids love meeting Santa and exploring his village. When my kids were little, we would regularly head here for an afternoon of fun!

Glen Eyrie Castle Afternoon Tea

Treat yourself to a special holiday-themed afternoon tea in this stunning castle setting. Reservations required, but it's a magical experience. I took my mom for her birthday, enjoying an afternoon of tea, scones and music. Plan extra time to walk around the property; their many trails have stunning views of Garden of the Gods.

Garden of the Gods is spectacular in December.

Must-Do Adventures

Helen Hunt Falls

This easy, family-friendly waterfall hike in North Cheyenne Cañon is beautiful in winter. The falls often freeze into stunning ice formations, creating a magical winter scene. Bring traction devices if trails are icy.

Garden of the Gods

This iconic park is FREE year-round and absolutely stunning dusted with snow. The red rock formations contrasting with white snow and blue skies create postcard-perfect Colorado moments. Garden of the Gods is one of the top places to visit for families exploring Christmas in Colorado Springs.

Manitou Springs Adventures

Browse the quirky shops, soak at a spa (we love SunWater Spa), and grab lunch in this artsy mountain town just minutes from Colorado Springs.

Bear Creek Nature Center

Another FREE gem! The Bear Creek Nature Center offers easy trails, wildlife viewing, and nature programs. Perfect for a peaceful morning walk among the ponderosa pines.

Ice Castles in Cripple Creek are a fun way to bring on Christmas in Colorado!

Day Trips from Colorado Springs at Christmas

Cripple Creek (45 minutes)

Feed the wild donkeys for $1 (they're adorable!), try your luck at the casinos, and check out these magical Ice Castles in Colorado—a stunning attraction made entirely of ice with slides, tunnels, and LED lights frozen inside. Cripple Creek is among the best good Christmas places to visit near Colorado Springs Christmas celebrations.

Woodland Park & Green Mountain Falls (20-30 minutes)

Stop at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry or the Dinosaur Resource Center, then continue to Green Mountain Falls to see the charming gazebo and frozen lake.

11 Mile Reservoir

Drive scenic Highway 24 for stunning winter views. This area is great for ice fishing if you're into winter sports!

Electric Safari lit up animals are all over the zoo, making for fun photo moments.

Things to Do Near Me on Christmas Day

If you're spending Christmas Day in Colorado Springs, here are activities typically open. Planning what to do on Christmas Day is essential for Colorado in December visitors, and these Christmas events Colorado Springs attractions welcome guests on the holiday:

Open on Christmas:

  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (check Electric Safari hours)

  • Garden of the Gods (always open, visitor center closed)

  • Seven Falls (check website for holiday hours)

  • The Broadmoor grounds for walking

  • Many hiking trails (self-guided)

Plan Ahead: Most restaurants close on Christmas Day, so book reservations early at hotel restaurants like those at The Broadmoor or Cheyenne Mountain Resort, or plan to cook at your rental.

Hike near North Cheyenne Canyon Park

Where to Hike in Winter

Some of our favorite winter hikes around Colorado Springs:

Easy:

Moderate:

More Challenging:

Always bring traction devices (Microspikes or Yaktrax) for icy conditions, dress in layers, and check weather forecasts before heading out.

What to wear hiking in Colorado

Here’s what keeps us going on our adventures while hiking in Colorado:

Special Winter Activities

New Year's Eve: AdAmAn Club Fireworks

Want to see something truly unique?

The AdAmAn Club hikes to the top of Pikes Peak on December 30th and sets off fireworks at midnight on New Year's Eve. You can watch from various spots around Colorado Springs—locals say Pulpit Rock Park and Garden of the Gods offer great views. This spectacular display caps off Colorado in December adventures perfectly!

Snow Play Options

Royal Gorge Polar Express Train

This magical steam train ride to the "North Pole" includes hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa. It's pricey during Christmas week but creates memories that last a lifetime. Book early—it sells out!

Where to Eat and Drink

For Amazing Views

The Broadmoor restaurants (especially for holiday brunches) or the Garden of the Gods Resort

Breweries We Love

  • Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. (downtown)

  • Goat Patch Brewery

  • Red Leg Brewing

Local Favorites

  • The Skirted Heifer (best burgers in town!)

  • Stellina Pizza Cafe

  • Tokki, Korean karaoke spot near the Broadmoor for amazing appetizers

Where to Stay

Colorado Springs offers everything from luxury resorts to cozy mountain cabins. Here's our advice:

Luxury Option: The Broadmoor—you're in the heart of holiday magic

Family-Friendly: Cheyenne Mountain Resort—close to the zoo and great amenities

Mountain Escape: Vacation rentals in Green Mountain Falls or Woodland Park

Budget-Friendly: Hotels along I-25 with easy access to attractions

For extended stays or larger groups, vacation rentals through VRBO offer full kitchens and more space. Many properties include hot tubs—perfect after a day of winter hiking!

Pro Tips for Your Colorado Springs Christmas

  • Book Early: Popular attractions like Electric Safari and the Royal Gorge train sell out weeks in advance

  • Layer Up: Temperatures can swing 40 degrees in a single day

  • Hydrate: The altitude and dry air require extra water

  • Start Early: Popular spots get crowded on weekends—visit weekday mornings when possible

  • Check Road Conditions: CDOT updates road conditions daily at COTrip.org

  • Natural Hot Springs: While Colorado Springs doesn't have one in town, Mount Princeton Hot Springs (1.5 hours) or Glenwood Springs (3.5 hours) are worth the drive for a soak

Colorado Springs Christmas offers the perfect blend of festive holiday activities and outdoor mountain adventures. Within minutes, you can go from exploring sparkling Christmas markets and dazzling light displays to hiking peaceful winter trails or discovering charming mountain towns dusted with snow.

From the twinkling lights that transform the city to the countless seasonal events and celebrations, your Colorado December adventure promises to be filled with magic and memories at every turn.

Looking for more Colorado Christmas adventures? Check out our guide to 9 Charming Towns for Christmas in Colorado for even more holiday inspiration!Broadmoor

Melodie Monberg