Looking for something new to start a new holiday tradition? There’s no shortage of ways. Here’s a list of ways to fill up your calendar and make it the most wonderful time of the year.
Skate in the Park
Nov. 9 – Jan. 21
Lace up your skates, pull on your gloves, and hit the outdoor ice rink downtown. Watch for special events and themes, including Skate with Team USA, Broncos Skate and Ugly Sweater/Funny Hat. New this year: shinny 3v3 hockey.
Hours vary. Acacia Park, 115 E. Platte Ave., 719-886-0088, downtowncs.com/skate, $10 includes skates, free for 4 and under with paid adult, $1 off with military ID.
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Nov. 28-29
The Colorado Springs Conservatory and the Chamber Orchestra of Colorado Springs perform the classic Christmas opera.
Wed.-Thu., 7 p.m., Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 719-520-7469, pikespeakcenter.com, $20.
Gingerbread Tradition at The Broadmoor
Nov. 28 – Jan. 1
Since 1964, Broadmoor chefs have been creating large-scale gingerbread masterpieces, bu this year’s takes the cake, er, gingerbread. The 120-square-foot replica of the original resort, which opened 100 years ago, is the largest ever. It took a team of 10 master pastry chefs and two carpenters to build, and it includes 958 pounds of powdered sugar and 475 pounds of flour, plus many more delicious ingredients. Gingerbread men and women will be staying in style this season! Hotel hours, The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave., 855-634-7711, broadmoor.com/holidays, free.
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 29 – Dec. 24
Round up your Scroogiest friends and inspire them with Theatreworks founder Murray Ross’ adaptation of Dickens’ classic.
Various days and times, Theatreworks, Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave., 719-255-3232, uccspresents.org, $20-$45.50.
Madrigal Banquet
Nov. 30 – Dec. 22
Step into the Great Hall of the Castle and step back into the 16th century for a four-course feast while musicians and performers put on a festive show.
Thu.-Sat., 6 p.m., Glen Eyrie Conference Center, 3820 N. 30th St., 719-265-7050, gleneyrie.org, $119-$129.
Chasing Santa 5K / Cycling Santa 15K
Dec. 1
Get your Santa on; run or bike off some of those holiday sweets off. Santa suit, with beard, included. Join the toy drive for Christmas Unlimited.
Sat., 9 a.m., America the Beautiful Park, 1126 Cimino Dr., 719-306-2330, chasingsanta.com, $35 adults, $22 15 and under.
Holiday Makers Market at Pikes Peak
Dec. 1
Find local goods and gifts, from small batch confections and baked goods to handmade textiles, clothing, ceramics, jewelry and more.
Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Pikes Peak Market, 315 E. Pikes Peak Ave., 719-337-9676, pikespeakmarket.com.
Festival of Lights Family Fun Day
Dec. 1
Bring the family to the Pioneers Museum for the annual free celebration featuring crafts, music, face-painting, ornament creation and more.
Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St., 719-385-5990, cspm.org, free admission, $3 suggested donation.
Festival of Lights Parade
Dec. 1
Welcome the holiday season—and Santa—with the festive parade down Tejon. Bundle up, and bring hot cocoa to share. Celebrate the theme “Songs of the Season.”
Sat., 5:50 p.m., Downtown, Tejon St., 719-649-9111, coloradospringsfestivaloflights.com, free.
Youth Symphony Holiday Concert
Dec. 1
Be impressed and inspired by some of the city’s finest young musicians. Support their development at this annual festive performance.
Sat., 7:30 p.m., Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 719-633-3901, pikespeakcenter.com, $20-$22.
Little London Winds Hanukkah Concert
Dec. 1
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the Springs’ premier wind ensemble playing Hanukkah and klezmer music, followed by refreshments. All faiths welcome.
Sat., 7:30 p.m., Temple Shalom, 1523 E. Monument St., littlelondonwinds@radins.us, littlelondonwinds.org, free but donations appreciated.
Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale ’Tis the Season
Dec. 2
Join the award-winning Children’s Chorale for a performance of musical stories woven into selections from Frozen, A Christmas Story, A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Polar Express and more.
Sun., 3 p.m., Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 719-633-3901, pikespeakcenter.com, $12-$25.
Colorado Gives Day
Dec. 4
Support local nonprofits you care about as part of the statewide philanthropic movement to “give where you live.” You can even schedule your donation online ahead for the 24-hour give-a-thon.
Tue., statewide, 720-898-5900, coloradogives.org.
Holly and Ivy
Dec. 4
The United States Air Force Academy Band presents its annual holiday concert “Holly and Ivy.” This year’s theme is “A Holiday Serenade” with classic holiday music and exciting new works.
Tue., 7 p.m., Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 719-633-3901, pikespeakcenter.com, free but tickets required.
Downtown Holiday Stroll
Dec. 5
Find special offers and refreshments, as you shop local while carolers and musicians spread good cheer. And don’t miss warming stations by The Perk Downtown and Loyal Coffee.
Wed., 5-8 p.m., Downtown, Tejon Street, downtowncs.com/holidays.
Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt
Dec. 5-8
Children of all ages can pick up a scavenger hunt pass at participating retailers and search for the crafty, mischievous elves hiding throughout downtown stores. Return your pass for a chance to win a $50 gift card, good at over 100 downtown stores and restaurants.
Wed.-Sat., Downtown at participating retailers, https://downtowncs.com/holidays.
Heart of Christmas
Dec. 7-9
The musical transports you back through time with classic Christmas carols and seasonal songs, as one family discovers how the simple act of receiving a gift can change their lives forever.
Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 1 and 7 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m., Charis Bible College, 800 Gospel Truth Way, Woodland Park, 719-635-1111, heartofchristmas.org, $25, $15 ages 5-12.
Electric Safari
Dec. 7 – Jan. 1
Explore 85 light sculptures at the zoo. Warm up at cheery fire pits throughout or inside indoor exhibits.
Nightly, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., 719-633-9925, cmzoo.org, $14.75 adult, $10.75 child (3-11), $12.75 65+, $11.75 military adult, $7.75 military child.
Small Works XI
Dec. 7 – Jan. 11
The wildly popular exhibit is a favorite of collectors and creative gift-givers. Choose from hundreds of jury-selected pieces, all under 24 inches in every dimension.
Tue.-Thu., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri., 1-6 p.m., The Modbo and SPQR, 17B & 17C E. Bijou St., 719-633-4240, themodbo.com, spqrartspace.com, free.
The Snowflakey Princess
Dec. 8-23
Snowflakey’s perfect holiday party plans go topsy-turvy when two Winter Trolls try to lend a hand. Join in with singing and laughs during the heartwarming family tale.
Sat. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Sun. 1 and 3 p.m., Millibo Art Theatre, 1626 S. Tejon St., 719-465-6321, themat.org, $12.50.
Flying W Wranglers Holiday Show
Dec. 8
Ride along with the Wranglers as they perform Western, country and gospel songs—all with a holiday theme.
Sat., 7 p.m., Stargazer’s Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Dr., 719-476-2200, stargazerstheatre.com, $15-$20.
Messiah Singalong
Dec. 9
Come join the annual singalong to Handel’s masterpiece, including the Hallelujah chorus, with soloists, strings, trumpet, harpsichord and organ.
Sun., 7 p.m., First Christian Church, 16 E. Platte Ave., 719-633-8888, firstchristiancos.org/concert-series, free.
Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show
Dec. 12
Featuring songs from their Talkin’ Christmas! album, the Blind Boys will play a mix of gospel songs and Christmas classics.
Wed., 7 p.m., Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave., 719-255-3232, uccspresents.org, $20-$68.50.
Yule Be Naughty
Dec. 13-23
Plan a date night or bring a group of friends for the Millibo Art Theater’s all new winter cabaret, featuring a sizzling lineup of singers, dancers, aerialists and more.
Thu.-Sun., 7:30 p.m., Millibo Art Theatre, 1626 S. Tejon St., 719-465-6321, themat.org, $18-$25.
Trace Bundy’s Acoustic Holiday
Dec. 14
The internationally-acclaimed guitarist will be joined by special guest Tony Furtado for an evening of American roots and holiday music.
Fri., 7:30 p.m., Stargazer’s Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Dr., 719-476-2200, stargazerstheatre.com.
Wintersong
Dec. 14-15
This cherished candlelight concert features music from medieval to modern, plus poetry, story and song, in the splendor of Shove Chapel.
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m., Shove Memorial Chapel, 1010 N. Nevada Ave., 719-577-4192, cvae.org, free.
Old North End Holiday Home Tour
Dec. 15
Tour historic, architecturally significant and charming homes in the Old North End. Funds raised benefit local nonprofit TwoCor.
Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Old North End, 719-360-5712, csholidayhometour.com, $25-$30.
Vegan Holiday Market
Dec. 15
Eat, drink and shop from more than 35 vendors with an array of jewelry, food, skin, health care and other goods.
Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St., 719-634-5581, csfineartscenter.org, free.
Holiday Evening at Rock Ledge Ranch
Dec. 15
Visit the historic ranch for tractor rides, old-time musical entertainment, lantern light tours, and a special visit with St. Nick at the Carriage House.
Sat., 4-8 p.m., Rock Ledge Ranch, 3105 Gateway Rd., 719-578-6777, rockledgeranch.com, free LHA Members, $8 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children 6-12, free under 6.
Christmas Symphony
Dec. 16
Join the Colorado Springs Philharmonic for a merry singalong of seasonal favorites and Christmas classics.
Sun., 2:30 p.m., Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 719-575-9632, csphilharmonic.org, $26-$68.
Theater Latté Da: All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
Dec. 19
This performance is an ode to peace and the spirit of Christmas as it tells the story of Allied and German soldiers celebrating the holiday together.
Wed., 7 p.m., Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave., 719-255-3232, uccspresents.org, $20-$68.50.
12 Days of Christmas
Dec. 21 – Jan. 1
Join Broadmoor chefs for a seasonal series of classes and learn to make delectable masterpieces coordinated with each day of the traditional 12 Days of Christmas. For example, make Pear Belle Helene for a partridge in a pear tree and rosé and canapés for Nine Ladies Dancing.
Days vary. The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave., 855-634-7711, broadmoor.com/holidays, $35.
A Colorado Nutcracker
Dec. 22-23
This unique show highlights the local history of the founding families of the city, with a joint performance by the Colorado Ballet Society and Colorado Youth Ballet.
Sat., 2 and 7 p.m., Sun., 1 and 5 p.m., Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 719-520-7469, pikespeakcenter.com, $18-$46.
Colorado Springs Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 26
Join the Umoja Opening Ceremony and celebrate the best and highest values of the history, culture, philosophy and achievements of people of African descent.
Mon., 6 p.m., Hillside Community Center, 925 S. Institute, cospringskwanzaa.org, free.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Dec. 27
Be transported to the golden age of entertainment Cirque style: by jaw-dropping magic, breathtaking circus acts and angelic voices.
Thu., 7 p.m., Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., 719-520-7469, pikespeakcenter.com, $45-$125.
Great Fruitcake Toss
Jan. 26
Watch the fruitcakes fly. Join the costume competition and fruitcake bake-off in the classic Manitou celebration.
Sat.,1-3 p.m., Manitou Springs Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave., 719-685-5089, manitousprings.org, free.
