Shopping small makes a big impact. Colorado Springs is home to charming boutiques and restaurants, and there’s no better time to explore those local businesses than during the holiday season. Doing your holiday shopping locally helps support your community, local artisans and small businesses, and it can even help protect the environment by reducing the impacts of shipping and manufacturing. According to the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, for every $100 spent at a locally owned shop or restaurant, $70 stays in the community, supporting our neighbors and vital services such as schools, parks and roads.
Although local businesses exist all over the Pikes Peak region, several shopping districts offer a high concentration. Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs are all home to boutiques, galleries, shops and local services, and during the holidays each hosts special shopping events where you can gather and celebrate and buy unique gifts for everyone in your family.
Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, the day after Black Friday, is a great chance to shop locally, but it’s only the beginning. Here’s an overview of the fun and festivities you can enjoy while shopping local.
How and When To Do Your Holiday Shopping in Downtown Colorado Springs
“When you shop in person in downtown Colorado Springs, not only do you get to see and feel the quality of the products you’re buying, but you often get to have a conversation with the shop owner,” says Carrie Simison, director of marketing and communications for the Downtown Partnership. “There’s a real joy to meeting — and knowing — the people you’re buying from. In a world that’s ever more anonymous, shopping local [also gives] you meaningful human engagement.”
Downtown has many events, markets and programs to help you save and maximize your holiday gift-giving.
Shop Local, Win Local
Nov. 8 – Dec. 8
Give a little and get a lot when you spend at least $50 shopping local downtown. Downtown will host four weekly drawings for a gift basket and gift card valued at over $100. Plus, there will be a grand prize drawing for a $1,000 gift card sponsored by Bank of Colorado.
Get all the details and enter at downtowncs.com.
Downtown Character Stroll + Holiday Coupon Books
Nov. 16
Downtown is kicking off the holiday season early this year to give you plenty of time to get in the spirit and visit local shops. Meet at the Acacia Park playground from 11 a.m. to Noon for photo opps with Santa, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf and Elsa & Anna before the strolling begins. Characters will be visiting shops and strolling the shopping district from 12-2 p.m. Carolers from Soli Deo Gloria Choir will be providing a holiday soundtrack for the day.
Holiday Coupon Books
Nov. 16
Christmas comes early for couponers. Get this year’s Downtown Holiday Coupon Book in Acacia Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to get in on holiday deals before the end of November.
downtowncs.com/holidays
Christkindl Market
Nov. 23
Local artists and vendors with products and services ideal for holiday gifts will be on hand at 1350 Distilling and Mash Mechanix Brewing. With every purchase from a vendor, customers are entered to win door prizes. Food trucks will be at both locations. Specialty craft cocktails will be served at 1350 Distilling, while seasonal beers will be served at Mash Mechanix to get shoppers into the holiday “spirits.”
Enter here to win two Christkindl glasses and drink passes — a $90 value — by Nov. 20.
Downtown Caroling
Nov. 23, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 21
Colorado Brass and carolers from Soli Deo Gloria Choir will be providing a holiday soundtrack to accompany your holiday shopping. Times vary, visit downtowncs.com/holidays for more info.
Downtown Small Business Saturday
Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday falls late this year, so get your Downtown Holiday Coupon Book early on Nov. 16 during the Holiday Character Stroll in Acacia Park. With over 170 downtown boutiques, shops, restaurants and personal services, you can pick up unique gifts for reasonable prices during this celebration of shopping small. When you’re out and about on Small Business Saturday, if you still need a Downtown Holiday Coupon Book, stop in Terra Verde or Mountain Chalet to pick one up. Plus this year, street meter parking is free all day. If you’re still stumped, there’s always a Downtown Gift Card.
Cottonwood Center for the Arts Holiday Art & Gift Market
Nov. 30
The artists of Cottonwood Center for the Arts will host its annual Holiday Art & Gift Market in conjunction with Small Business Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 30 art studios will be open to the public and offer handmade pottery, jewelry, textiles, painting and accessories all made by local artists. You can also enjoy sweet and savory treats and local craft coffee.
cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com
A Very Merry Downtown Market
Dec. 1
Coffee and adult drinks will keep you toasty at this indoor market while you shop 50 food and artisan vendors. Snap a selfie in the photo booth, grab a bite from one of the food trucks and jingle to live music during the Meanwhile Block’s second annual Sip N’ Shop event. Free parking. The market is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is located in the Barrel Building, 108 W. Cimarron.
thebackyardmarkets.com
Downtown Holiday Stroll with Santa and the Grinch
Dec. 11
Grab a hot beverage from Metronet’s station on North Tejon Street, and take advantage of some amazing sales during the Downtown Holiday Stroll on Dec. 11 at 5-8 p.m. Carolers from Soli Deo Gloria Choir and Christmas Brass will be spreading holiday cheer as they make their way through downtown. Santa Claus and the Grinch will be greeting people on the streets as well.
Moon Market
Dec. 14-15
Take a stroll down to the Meanwhile Block at 119 Costilla Street, where you’ll find local artists and vendors specializing in natural, metaphysical and creative products. The market happens 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Find more information about each of these events at downtowncs.com/holidays.
When and Where To Do Your Holiday Shopping in Old Colorado City
Christmas Stroll
Nov. 30
Make your way from shop to shop on Colorado Avenue alongside Dickens Carolers during Old Colorado City’s Holiday Stroll. Take advantage of special deals and giveaways offered by the many unique shops and restaurants. Get there a little early, the (live) reindeer are scheduled to land at 4 p.m. The Christmas Stroll happens at 5-8 p.m. You can also visit Santa’s Cabin at Bancroft Park to get a picture with Victorian Santa.
shopoldcoloradocity.com
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Dec. 14
Enjoy a tree lighting ceremony at Bancroft Park with Santa, hot chocolate, fire pits, carolers and a live Christmas tree. Come for a singalong and bring an ornament to place on the tree. The celebration takes place at 5-6:30 p.m. with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. It’s a perfect time to pick up some holiday gifts at the local boutiques and galleries.
shopoldcoloradocity.com
Find more details and watch for other holiday events at shopoldcoloradocity.com/events.
When and Where To Do Your Holiday Shopping in Manitou Springs
Holiday Brass
Holiday Brass will be performing in downtown Manitou Springs on Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas at 12-2 p.m. You’ll see and hear them strolling throughout town while you enjoy shopping and dining in Manitou’s local shops and restaurants.
Commonwheel Artists Co-Op Holiday Market
Nov. 1 – Dec. 28
Commonwheel Artists Co-Op’s annual Holiday Market features handmade artwork and artisan gifts from Colorado makers. Shoppers will find an amazing array of handmade gifts including ornaments, cards, soaps, candles, original artwork, jewelry, photography, functional pottery and more. Shop daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
commonwheel.com
Manitou Springs Holiday Tree Lighting
Nov. 27
The holiday shopping season kicks off in Manitou with the 6 p.m. tree lighting at the town clock. Santa will be there, ready for photos. And make plans to enjoy the festive spirit with free hot cider and cocoa as you shop among strolling musicians. The festivities happen 5-7 p.m.
manitousprings.org
Manitou Small Business Saturday
Nov. 30
Take a stroll through Manitou’s Downtown Historic District for Small Business Saturday. Pick up one-of-a-kind gifts from more than 90 locally owned businesses. Be sure to stay until the evening so you can see the town light up with festive holiday lights displays.
manitousprings.org
Find more information about Manitou’s holiday events at manitousprings.org.
