The holidays are officially here. While there’s likely to be feasting in your forecast, there’s so much more to do than stuffing yourself with stuffing. Here are holiday highlights to kick off your celebrating, shopping, entertaining or general merriment.
Skate in the Park
Nov. 9 – Jan. 21
Glide around the ice under the twinkling lights of Acacia Park. Bring the whole family or that special someone. Check for special events with discounts, including Broncos Skate, Skate with Matilda, Skate with Team USA and Skate with the CC Tigers. There’s even a free Learn to Skate with U.S. Figure Skating.
A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 5
The beloved Simpich version of Dickens’ holiday classic returns through the puppetry of David Simpich in a limited engagement.
simpich.com
Sixth Annual Holiday Show At G44
Nov. 16-22
Explore the G44 Gallery for a one-of-a-kind gift of photography, jewelry, pottery, sculpture and painting.
galleryg44.com
Holiday Market at Commonwheel Co-Op
Nov. 16 – Dec. 30
Find original pottery, sculpture, jewelry, painting or unique gifts handmade by local Colorado artists.
commonwheel.com
Guided Tour of Archaeological Dig in Garden of the Gods
Nov. 17-20
Gain insights into the life of General William Palmer and early Colorado Springs as you tour an archaeological dig through a recently discovered stash of trash from the home of city founder General William Palmer. Time vary for each day.
https://www.facebook.com/CoSpringsParks
https://coloradosprings.gov/parks
Fall Family Fun Days
Nov. 20-21
Enjoy regional history exhibits, complete a family-friendly scavenger hunt, and check-out the children’s “Trade at Bent’s Fort” interactive gallery. Plus guided tours especially for children.
cspm.org
Turkey Skate
Nov. 21
Kaiser Permanente presents your chance to glide off some calories before your annual feast with ice skating at The Broadmoor World Arena.
broadmoorworldarena.com
The Hungry Farmer Band’s Annual Thanksgiving Reunion
Nov. 21
The Hungry Farmer restaurant doesn’t exist anymore, but for 39 years, the concert has been gathering its old regular bands to jam on classic rock and progressive country at Stargazers Theatre.
stargazerstheatre.com
Pre-Thanksgiving Party With Chauncy Crandall
Nov. 21
Shake things up with a free concert by the soulful, country bluesman at Front Range BBQ.
frbbq.com
YMCA Turkey Trot 5K
Nov. 22
Get moving before you get cooking at this annual Thanksgiving morning fun run. Bring the kids for the tiny trot, or the whole family for the 5K.
ppymca.org
Air Force vs. CSU Football
Nov. 22
It’s Falcons vs. Rams in an in-state Mountain West showdown. Come early to tailgate, and watch the march-on before the game.
goairforcefalcons.com
Mountain Holiday
Nov. 22 – Dec.24
The Christmas melodrama and olio is a heartwarming and charming story of love, redemption and reunion for the holidays in spite of all obstacles. Expect favorite holiday tunes and hilarious, toe-tapping choreography at The Butte Theater in Cripple Creek.
buttetheater.com
Fresh Air Friday at Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Nov. 23
Looking to opt outside and avoid Black Friday madness? Enjoy free entry to the park. Hit the trails on foot, bike or horseback, or explore the Visitor Center. There’s even a family-friendly Mystery Hike at noon,
cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/cheyennemountain
Garden of the Gods Full Moon Hike
Nov. 23
Follow a marked course through the park. And sip hot drinks and view the moon through telescopes set up by the Colorado Astonomical Society.
gardenofgods.com
The Nutcracker
Nov. 23-25
Add a dash of magic to the holidays. with a beautiful tale in a world of delights. The Oklahoma City Ballet performs Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, accompanied by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic.
csphilharmonic.org
Church & State
Nov. 23-25
It’s three days before Charles Whitmore’s Senate re-election, and he’s decided to finally tell the public exactly what’s on his mind, no filter. What could possibly go wrong? Find out at this play at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.
csfineartscenter.org/theatre
Punkin Chunkin
Nov. 24
See how far you can launch a squash or catapult a gourd or potato at Fountain Creek Nature Center from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
elpasocountynaturecenters.com
Holiday Art and Gift Market
Nov. 24
Meet some of the artists in studio, and find unique, original gifts created by local working artists. Food trucks and snacks will be on-site.
cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com
Small Business Saturday
Nov. 24
Shop local, support Colorado Springs businesses, and knock off your entire gift list between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Watch for special deals, free parking, carolers, Santa and more. Stop by the booth in Acacia Park between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a bag full of downtown deals and a free copy of Springs magazine.
downtowncs.com/holidays
Christmas Stroll in Old Colorado City
Nov. 24
Walk the holiday streets of days gone by with the Victorian Christmas Celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. You’ll find Dickens carolers, a Victorian Santa Claus and more entertainment while you shop on Small Business Saturday.
shopoldcoloradocity.com/events
Lighting of the Palmer Lake Star
Nov. 24
Join the annual Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department’s Chili Supper and celebrate the hillside star, a tradition since 1935.
facebook.com/events/2688075041206244/
