Celebrate the best of the holidays with the Colorado Springs-area community during the first few weeks of December through multiple vibrant displays of lights, music and holiday joy.
Festival of Lights
On Saturday, Dec. 7, join the anticipated thousands of patrons along Tejon Street in Downtown Colorado Springs for the 41st annual Festival of Lights.
“Since 1984, the Festival of Lights has been a magical experience that transforms our downtown into a wonderland of lights and sounds and is a testament to the creativity and passion of our residents,” the City’s Cultural & Community Outreach Programs Manager Danielle Summerville said.
“The parade isn’t just about dazzling lights; it’s about neighbors connecting, families creating memories, and our whole city shining brightly as one community. As the floats illuminate our streets, they also illuminate the very best of our city – our creativity, our generosity, and the bonds that make Colorado Springs such a special place to call home,” Summerville continued.
Beginning at 5:50 p.m., the parade, themed “Celebrating the holiday season through the sights and sounds,” will make its way along Tejon Street, starting at Boulder Street and ending at Vermijo Avenue. Over 100 entries will be set to fill crowds with the spirit of the season and relish in the presence of fellow community members.
According to the parade’s Executive Director Kevin Leonardo, while there is a theme in title, it’s not a theme with direct instructions on how to participate.
“So, there is a theme but there’s not really a theme. What we’ve learned is the holiday season means different things to different people. We want the community and local businesses to express what the holidays means to them, it doesn’t need to be a specific theme, but it needs to feel like the holidays,” Leonardo said. “Who are we to tell them how to express themselves?”
This year’s event boasts approximately 85 entries including groups local businesses, non-profits, community clubs and groups. Leonardo added that while the event continues through the spirit of keeping a local tradition alive, it is also a gift for the community.
“It’s about keeping tradition alive. We want people to feel involved in bringing a festive spirit to downtown. The streets are already so spirited with the season this time of year, and the parade adds to the beautiful ambiance.”
Additional community events will be operating alongside the parade. “Tuba Christmas,” a seasonal tuba concert and downtown tradition, will begin at 3:30 p.m.
On the south side of downtown, a “food truck village” will be parked near the green of the Pioneers Museum on South Tejon and Vermijo Street, simultaneous with the Festival of Lights Family Fun Day. The sister event, scheduled at the Museum beginning at 2 p.m., features musical performances, crafts, face painting, and other family-friendly activities. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
“Don’t miss this special tradition that’s brought magic to the Pikes Peak Region for over 35 years!” event organizers said.
Parking for the parade is free throughout all downtown garages at the intersections of Bijou and Cascade, Nevada and Colorado, and Kiowa and Nevada.
Manitou Christmas Parade
Continuing a weekend of holiday entertainment in Downtown Manitou Springs, the annual Manitou Christmas Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 8 to unite the eclectic mountain town community and encourage patrons to shop and eat local.
Organizer of the Manitou Christmas Parade Kaleigh O’Donnell described the annual holiday event as celebrating the oldest part of what the city of Manitou Springs is at its core – a place that loves its community.
“It’s about promoting the community. Everyone in Manitou is so closely knit. It’s not uncommon for people in the parade to shout to others in the crowds, it’s just a place where everyone knows everyone!” O’Donnell said.
“I like that we’ve moved it to Sunday. It allows everyone to see the big parade and then come to Manitou for something quaint and fun – get that hometown feeling,” O’Donnell said.
The holiday procession is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. along Manitou Avenue. O’Donnell encouraged the public to consider traffic delays and arrive early – it’s a great excuse to dine at one of Manitou’s local restaurants or do some holiday shopping early at one of the city’s unique and vibrant businesses.
“We care about small business, and we know that’s what keeps a community alive – the local restaurants, businesses, and the people that shop there,” O’Donnell said.
United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum Winter Celebration
Join the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum for its annual Winter Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 7, ahead of the Festival of Lights.
From 11 a.m. through 4 p.m., the community is invited to the Museum near Downtown Colorado Springs for an afternoon of Olympic athlete meet-and-greets, artifact, and Olympic torch demonstrations, a behind-the-scenes look at an exhibit installation, and indoor curling.
For more information, visit the Festival of Lights website.
