Your Guide to Holiday Magic, Family Traditions & Festive Fun in Southern Colorado!
It's beginning to look a LOT like Christmas, and if your holiday to-do list already includes decorating the house, finding matching pajamas, scheduling Santa pictures, buying gifts, baking cookies, and somehow creating magical childhood memories while keeping your sanity intact... WHEW! 🎅😂
Grab your hot cocoa, Mama. The Buzzy B has you covered! ☕💕
Welcome to The Buzzy B's Ultimate Christmas Guide 2026, your one-stop destination for holiday lights, Christmas markets, Santa sightings, festive performances, magical family adventures, and all those little moments that make this season so special.
From Colorado Springs and Castle Rock to Monument, Palmer Lake, Fountain, Pueblo, Teller County, and beyond, we've been busy hunting down holiday happenings so YOU don't have to spend hours scrolling through Facebook events, searching 47 different websites, or asking the neighborhood mom group what's going on this weekend. 😂
✨ And here's the REALLY exciting part... THIS GUIDE IS JUST GETTING STARTED!
🎄 We're adding MORE holiday fun throughout the season!
As new Christmas events, Santa visits, holiday markets, light displays, special performances, and family activities are announced or discovered, we'll continue updating this guide with fresh festive finds!
That means the guide you see today may have even MORE Christmas magic waiting for you the next time you visit!
❤️ BOOKMARK THIS GUIDE & CHECK BACK OFTEN!
You never know what we'll uncover next. Maybe a new Christmas market, a magical Santa experience, a free family activity, or that perfect holiday outing you didn't even know existed!
And because we know holiday memories shouldn't require a holiday-sized budget, we'll also be keeping an eye out for FREE and budget-friendly family fun!
🐝 New to The Buzzy B? Welcome to the hive!
Christmas is only the beginning! The Buzzy B is your year-round resource for local family events, free activities, crafts, recipes, date nights, giveaways, parenting tips, and so much more.
💌 Don't miss the fun! Sign up for our FREE newsletter and let us help make parenting a little easier and a whole lot more fun, all year long!
🎁 So grab your calendar, gather your favorite people, and get ready to make some memories.
Because the kids won't remember whether the wrapping paper matched the tree... but they WILL remember the magical moments you made together. ❤️
Merry Christmas and happy memory-making!
With love, holiday cheer, and probably a little glitter stuck to everything,
💕 Jenn
The Buzzy B 🐝
P.S. Seriously, bookmark this page! We're not done finding Christmas fun, and you won't want to miss what's coming next! 🎄✨
Your Southern Colorado holiday headquarters | November 2026–January 2027
From twinkling lights and visits with Santa to local markets, holiday performances and train rides, we've gathered the seasonal fun in one place. Whether you're planning a free afternoon or a special family splurge, we've got you covered. The only thing we can't promise is that everyone will agree on which Christmas movie to watch afterward. 🎅
How to use this guide: Southern Colorado events come first. Farther-away Colorado destinations are clearly grouped as optional road trips. Each listing includes the dates or schedule known from the saved research, location, admission information and a direct organizer link. Dates and prices were researched November 3–4, 2026 and have not all been independently rechecked today. Always confirm before leaving home. Some attractions operate only on selected dates.
Remember loved ones at this free community tradition, with music, readings and the lighting of the trees at the Pioneers Museum.
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026. Hospitality begins at 4:30 p.m.; program starts at 5 p.m.
Where: South Plaza, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Kick off the season with a free concert and the annual tree-lighting celebration.
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 4–7 p.m.
Where: Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Boulevard, Castle Rock.
Cost: Free.
Spend the afternoon downtown with Santa, carolers, kids’ activities, food vendors and the lighting of the star above Castle Rock.
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 2–6 p.m. Ceremony at 5 p.m.; star lighting around 5:30 p.m., followed by fireworks if weather permits.
Where: Historic Wilcox Square, downtown Castle Rock and Festival Park.
Cost: Free admission; food and purchases cost extra.
Shop more than 40 craft and food vendors beside Castle Rock’s holiday tree, with cocoa, food trucks and seasonal music.
When: Friday, December 4, 2026, 3–8 p.m.; Saturday, December 5, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Festival Park, 300 Second Street, Castle Rock.
Cost: Check the Town’s event page for current admission and vendor details.
Lace up for an outdoor skate in the heart of downtown. This is one family outing where wobbling counts as participation.
When: Opens November 13, 2026, at 4 p.m., with sessions into January 2027. Check the rolling session calendar; the final season date is not yet confirmed here.
Where: Acacia Park, 115 E. Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: $15 per person, including skates. Ages 4 and under are free with a paying adult. Tickets are sold at the rink; credit-card payments add a 3% fee.
Peek into a miniature city dressed for the season, with holiday touches throughout Michael Garman’s Magic Town.
When: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027. Current listed hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Check the museum for Wednesday openings. Closed December 24–25 and January 1.
Where: Michael Garman Museum & Gallery, 2418 W. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Adults $10; seniors 55+ $9; ages 6–17 $6; ages 5 and under free.
Walk among glowing displays and seasonal zoo lights for a classic Colorado Springs holiday evening.
When: December 4, 2026–January 1, 2027; closed December 24. General-admission entry 5–7:30 p.m.; event ends at 8:30 p.m. Members have an earlier entry window.
Where: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Timed tickets/reservations required. Prices vary by date and age; members receive free admission with an advance reservation.
Stay cozy in the car for a drive-through route of holiday lights. Pajamas are a perfectly reasonable wardrobe choice.
When: November 20, 2026–January 2, 2027. Sunday–Thursday, 5:30–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 5:30–10 p.m.
Where: Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain.
Cost: Paid admission per vehicle; check current date restrictions and online offers before purchasing.
Visit Santa’s mountain village for rides, seasonal fun and a Christmas outing with a view.
When: Selected holiday dates through December 24, 2026. Open days generally 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Christmas Eve closes at 4 p.m. Use the park’s calendar for Tuesday/Wednesday closures and holiday-week exceptions.
Where: 5050 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade.
Cost: Peak days: $38 per person age 3+, with timed online reservations; ages 2 and under free but must be included in the reservation. Non-peak days: free park entry, with $38 ride wristbands for ages 3–59.
Browse more than 150 exhibitors, gourmet food vendors and seasonal gifts. Santa visits Saturday and Sunday, and the Colorado Springs show features a 40-foot train display.
When: December 4–6, 2026. Friday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Ticketed; check the official ticket page for the current price. Parking is free. The organizer offers $1 off per ticket with a donation of one or more nonperishable food items.
Bundle up, find a downtown viewing spot and let the illuminated floats bring the Christmas cheer.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5:50 p.m.
Where: Tejon Street, from Boulder Street toward Vermijo Avenue, downtown Colorado Springs.
Cost: Free public parade viewing.
Enjoy a small-town Christmas parade and make an evening of it in Manitou.
When: Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Where: Manitou Avenue, from Ruxton Avenue toward El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs.
Cost: Free public parade viewing; optional toy-drive donations are welcome.
Start the gift hunt with a holiday shopping show full of seasonal finds.
When: November 13–15, 2026. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Boulevard, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Adults $10 online through November 12, then $12 online/at the door. Ages 13 and under are free with a paying attendee. Additional senior, military and timed-entry specials are listed by the organizer.
Shop local crafters and artisans at the nature center for handmade gifts and seasonal treats.
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain.
Cost: Free admission; purchases cost extra.
Browse vintage-inspired finds, gifts and holiday decor during a three-day market.
When: November 20–22, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. each day.
Where: Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Ticketed; choose a day/pass for the current adult price. Children under 12 are free.
Enjoy a European-inspired holiday market close to home, with gifts, food and Christmas atmosphere in Old Colorado City.
When: December 4–6, 9–13 and 16–23, 2026, noon–8 p.m.
Where: Bancroft Park, 2408 W. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Free admission; food, drinks and shopping cost extra.
Bring the dinosaur fans for a Santa visit and a holiday craft with a prehistoric twist.
When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, 201 S. Fairview Street, Woodland Park.
Cost: Included with museum admission; check the museum’s current age-based admission prices.
Spend a holiday morning at the wolf center for a seasonal wildlife outing.
When: Sunday, December 20, 2026, 9–11 a.m. Advance reservations and prepayment required.
Where: Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Divide.
Cost: Paid special event; call 719-687-9742 for current tickets and age categories.
Start Thanksgiving with a wildlife outing during the center’s annual feeding tradition.
When: Thursday, November 26, 2026, 9–11 a.m. Advance reservations and prepayment required.
Where: Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Divide.
Cost: Ages 12+ $40; ages 6–11 $20. Ask the center about younger children when reserving; call 719-687-9742.
Get the wiggles out before Thanksgiving dinner with a community run that supports the YMCA.
When: Thursday, November 26, 2026. Tiny Trot at 8:15 a.m.; 5K at 9 a.m.
Where: Briargate Family Center YMCA, 4025 Family Place, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Tiny Trot ages 1–12: free, with registration. Through November 25, 5K base registration is $40 for ages 6–19 and $50 for adults 20+, plus processing fees; race-day base prices rise by $5.
Make room for a country Christmas night featuring the Jason Wulf Band, Sandy Wells and a seasonal message.
When: Thursday, December 17, 2026. Doors at 6 p.m.; show at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Ticketed; select a table or seat for current pricing.
Celebrate the season with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and holiday choral music.
When: December 19, 2026, at 2 and 7 p.m.; December 20 at 2 p.m.
Where: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Ticketed; prices vary by seat and performance.
Plan a ballet outing with live orchestral music over Thanksgiving weekend.
When: November 27 and 28, 2026, at 2 and 7 p.m.; November 29 at 2 p.m.
Where: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Ticketed; prices vary by seat and performance.
Add Irish dance and music to the holiday plans with a Celtic Christmas performance.
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Ticketed; select a seat for current pricing.
Join First Presbyterian Church for a Christmas concert filled with carols, choral singing and seasonal celebration.
When: Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.
Where: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Ticketed; select a performance and seat for current pricing.
See a locally rooted Nutcracker story set at Glen Eyrie in 1907, with familiar Colorado Springs history woven into the ballet.
When: December 22, 2026, at 7 p.m.; December 23 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Where: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Ticketed; prices vary by seat and performance.
Finish the holiday season with a Colorado Springs Philharmonic concert celebrating the new year.
When: December 30 and 31, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Ticketed; prices vary by seat and performance.
Slow down for tea, savory bites and pastries in a historic castle. The current page lists Yule Tea beginning November 28; check the reservation calendar for the holiday menu and availability.
When: Reserve a date in the current calendar. The page lists a November 1 schedule change: Thursday–Friday, noon–3:45 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Confirm the holiday seating when booking.
Where: Glen Eyrie, 3820 N. 30th Street, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Seasonal Tea $40 per person; Yule Tea $50 per person, before tax and gratuity. Reservations open up to 30 days ahead.
Enjoy a Victorian-style cream tea in the carriage house and a tour of the historic McAllister home.
When: December 5 and 12, 2026; seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: McAllister House Museum, 435 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Ticketed; use the museum’s official ticket link for the current total and availability.
Gather the crew for a festive dinner and a Christmas show with the Flying W Wranglers.
When: Selected dates December 3–23, 2026. Choose a dinner/show reservation time in the booking calendar.
Where: Flying W Ranch, 3330 Chuckwagon Road, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Paid dinner/show reservation; check the selected performance for current adult and child prices.
Dress up for a holiday dinner show with seasonal music and live entertainment.
When: December 18, 19 and 24, 2026. Doors at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m.
Where: The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Dinner/show reservations required; confirm the current show-only or lodging-package total when booking.
Let someone else handle the Christmas cooking with a festive hotel brunch.
When: Friday, December 25, 2026. Event listing begins at 10 a.m.; select an available seating when reserving.
Where: The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs.
Cost: Paid dining reservation; check current adult/child pricing and seating availability.
Share a Tuscan-inspired, family-style Christmas feast at Oro. Advance reservations are required.
When: Friday, December 25, 2026. First seating at 3 p.m.; last seating at 7:15 p.m.
Where: Oro at The Mining Exchange, downtown Colorado Springs.
Cost: $90 per person on the hotel’s holiday page; confirm taxes, gratuity, child arrangements and final total when reserving.
Gather around the table for a Christmas Eve dinner in a historic downtown hotel.
When: Thursday, December 24, 2026. Select an available dinner seating directly with Oro.
Where: Oro Restaurant at The Mining Exchange, downtown Colorado Springs.
Cost: Paid dining reservation; current menu and price are available through the restaurant.
Explore an indoor, after-hours winter experience where museum spaces become a world of light, sound and interactive discoveries. Allow about 45–75 minutes.
When: November 25, 2026–January 2, 2027, on selected evenings. Timed entry; choose an available session when booking.
Where: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver.
Cost: Ticketed; current date-specific prices are in the museum booking calendar.
Walk through garden paths filled with glowing color for a holiday outing that works for family time or date night.
When: November 20, 2026–January 10, 2027, 4:30–9 p.m. Closed November 26 and December 25.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver.
Cost: General admission $19–$45; members $16–$38; ages 2 and under free. Public tickets go on sale November 9 at 10 a.m.
Take a countryside walk through festive lights at Chatfield Farms.
When: November 21, 2026–January 3, 2027, selected nights. Entry 5–8:30 p.m.; closes 9:15 p.m. Closed November 26 and 30; December 1, 7, 8 and 25.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, Littleton.
Cost: Ticketed; choose a date and age category for the current price.
Follow a sparkling zoo route with colorful displays and plenty of reasons to stop for a family photo.
When: Selected nights November 23, 2026–January 3, 2027. Sunday–Thursday, 4:30–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 4:30–10 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Where: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, 2300 Steele Street, Denver.
Cost: Separately ticketed evening event; check the official calendar for date-specific adult, youth and member prices.
Wander illuminated gardens and light-filled paths for a festive evening outside.
When: Selected nights November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027, generally 5–9 p.m.; December 24 closes at 7 p.m. Choose an open date in the ticket calendar.
Where: Hudson Gardens, Littleton.
Cost: Dated tickets: adults $20; seniors 65+ $18; children 3–12 $15; ages 0–2 free. Dated tickets go on sale November 9 at 10 a.m.
Combine holiday lights with seasonal park entertainment and available rides.
When: November 27–29; December 4–6, 11–13, 18–23 and 26–31, 2026; January 1–3, 2027. Saturdays, 4–9 p.m.; other open dates, 5–9 p.m. Closed December 24–25.
Where: Elitch Gardens, Denver.
Cost: Ticketed; check the holiday ticket offer for the chosen date and ticket type.
Browse a German-style Christmas market for festive treats, handmade gifts and a downtown holiday atmosphere.
When: November 20–December 23, 2026. Monday–Thursday, 1–9 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m. December 17–23; Thanksgiving, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus, 1000 Larimer Street, Denver.
Cost: Free admission; food, drinks and purchases cost extra.
Shop Colorado makers and pick up holiday gifts during three weekends at the Sports Castle.
When: November 28–29, December 4–6 and December 11–13, 2026. Fridays, 3–9 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Sports Castle, 1000 N. Broadway, Denver.
Cost: Fridays are free. Saturday/Sunday admission is $5; children under 12 are free.
Look up for a holiday light show in the sky. Pair it with the nearby tree and market for one festive evening.
When: November 20–December 31, 2026, nightly at 7 p.m., weather permitting.
Where: Tivoli Quad viewing area, Denver.
Cost: Free.
Step into a towering digital Christmas tree for a colorful, musical holiday stop.
When: November 20–December 31, 2026, 5–10 p.m.; light-and-music shows run about every 15 minutes.
Where: Tivoli Quad, Denver.
Cost: Free.
Find a spot for illuminated floats, marching bands and a bright downtown Christmas tradition.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 6 p.m. Check the organizer’s route map before choosing a viewing spot.
Where: Downtown Denver; Civic Center area and the published parade route.
Cost: Free along the public route; reserved grandstand/VIP options cost extra.
Follow Scrooge through a musical retelling of the Dickens classic. Recommended for ages 6 and up; the theater admits children ages 4 and up, with tickets required.
When: November 25–December 27, 2026, selected performances. Choose a matinee or evening in the official calendar.
Where: Wolf Theatre, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver.
Cost: $41–$195 base ticket price, plus the listed 18% service fee; final cost depends on the performance and seat.
Make an occasion of Colorado Ballet’s holiday production, complete with Clara, the Mouse King and the Land of Sweets.
When: November 28–December 27, 2026, selected matinees and evenings; choose a performance in the ballet calendar.
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver.
Cost: Ticketed; prices depend on performance and seat.
Buddy’s big Christmas energy heads to the stage for a holiday musical outing with the family.
When: December 22–27, 2026, selected performances; choose the exact showtime when booking.
Where: Buell Theatre, Denver.
Cost: $53–$165 base ticket price, plus the listed 18% service fee; final cost depends on performance and seat.
Hear familiar seasonal music in Mannheim Steamroller’s signature holiday concert.
When: December 18–19, 2026; select the performance time in the official ticket calendar.
Where: Buell Theatre, Denver.
Cost: Ticketed; current prices vary by seat and performance.
Trade the usual errands for a mountain-town Christmas outing with a holiday dog parade, Santas on the run and a sparkling tree lighting.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2026. Afternoon activities and evening lighting; see the town program for individual start times.
Where: Main Street, Breckenridge.
Cost: Town festivities are free to watch; check separate participant registration requirements for races and the dog parade.
Stroll a historic mountain town for artisan gifts, carolers and an old-fashioned Christmas market.
When: December 5–6 and 12–13, 2026, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Historic Sixth Street, Georgetown.
Cost: Free admission; shopping and food cost extra.
Climb aboard for a Santa-themed train outing through the Royal Gorge, with festive touches along the way.
When: Selected departures November 19–December 30, 2026. Choose the exact departure and class in the booking calendar.
Where: Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Cañon City.
Cost: Ticketed; fares depend on departure, age and seating class.
Settle into a heated car for a winter mountain ride, with open-air viewing available for those who want a little extra Colorado chill.
When: Starts November 14, 2026, on selected dates; see the railroad booking calendar for departures. Ride length is approximately two hours.
Where: Leadville Railroad depot, 326 E. 7th Street, Leadville.
Cost: Coach $80 per person; lounge car $90 per person. Reservations required.
Bring the Christmas story to life with a theatrical holiday experience and a train ride in Golden.
When: Selected dates November 6–December 23, 2026. Main performances at 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m.; arrive at least 30 minutes before the main performance for the pre-show.
Where: Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden.
Cost: Standard seating: ages 2–15 $80; ages 16+ $100. Children under 2 are free on a lap. Premium table options and select early-season discounts are separate.
Turn the holiday train tradition into a longer Colorado getaway with a story-inspired evening in Durango.
When: Selected departures November 20, 2026–January 2, 2027. Ride length is approximately 65 minutes; choose a departure when booking.
Where: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango depot.
Cost: Published fares range from $67–$101; choose the date and class for the current total.
Take an evening train ride past a forest of Christmas lights in a mountain setting.
When: Selected evening departures November 6–December 24, 2026; choose a departure in the official booking calendar.
Where: Georgetown Loop Railroad, Georgetown/Silver Plume area.
Cost: Ticketed; prices depend on departure, age and car class.
Choose a daytime holiday train adventure with mountain scenery and a visit from Santa.
When: Selected daytime departures November 6–December 24, 2026; choose a departure in the official booking calendar.
Where: Georgetown Loop Railroad, Georgetown/Silver Plume area.
Cost: Ticketed; prices depend on departure, age and car class.
Save your favorites, share this guide with your holiday-planning person, and visit www.thebuzzyb.com for more local events, family fun, crafts and recipes. Because making memories is fun. Figuring out what everyone wants to do? That’s why we’re here! 🐝
A little Buzzy B reminder: Free admission doesn't always mean free parking, food or activities. Check each event's organizer page for booking requirements and last-minute changes. Find more local family fun at www.thebuzzyb.com.