The holiday season is a great time to spend with family, friends and fellow members of the Colorado Springs community. Spending time with loved ones or purchasing gifts are just a few of the many ways to celebrate the season.
A multitude of events ranging from ice skating to holiday light viewing and even philharmonic performances will be held this winter in Colorado Springs in celebration of the holidays.
Skate in the Park
Located on the west side of Acacia Park in downtown Colorado Springs, the 4,675 square foot ice rink is a great choice to visit during this holiday season.
According to the Colorado Springs city website, “The rink is a collaborative effort between the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services and Downtown Colorado Springs.”
An admission of $10 includes ice skates to use at the ice rink. Admission for children under four years of age is free with a paying adult. First responders and members of the military receive $1 off admission. Skate in the Park is a cashless event; only credit cards are accepted.
Not only is the ice rink open to the public through Jan. 31, 2022, but Skate in the Park is also hosting events at the ice rink.
On Dec. 10 from 7-9 p.m., Glow Night will be hosted by Skate in the Park and sponsored by UCHealth. Free glow kits including glow sticks will be given to the first 100 participants.
Colorado Bronco’s Skate event on Dec. 12 and Jan. 9 will offer $1 off admission if you are wearing orange and blue.
There will be a chance to skate with members of the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating team on Dec. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. This event is free to attend, however, pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Electric Safari
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will hold an Electric Safari with holiday lights and illuminated inflatable animals.
This event is open for 24 nights from Dec. 3-5, Dec. 10-23, and Dec. 25 through Jan. 1, 2022.
According to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo website, “Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only place in Colorado Springs where you can see over 60 one-of-a-kind light sculptures while celebrating the season with our animals at the same time!”
Admission for the Electric Safari is $19.75 for adults ages 12 to 64 and $15.75 for children ages 3 to 11. Members of the military, seniors and children under the age of 2 receive a discounted admission. Zoo members receive free admission to the Electric Safari but must reserve an online ticket in advance.
Throughout the zoo, there will be stations of hot cocoa available for purchase. The zoo is also hosting a donation drive for needed items as part of a Secret Santa tradition.
For more information on admission prices, events and donation items, visit their website at www.cmzoo.org/events-programs/special-events/electric-safari/.
Handcrafted Holiday Market
Commonwheel Artists Co-Op — an art gallery in Manitou Springs — is holding a handcrafted holiday market until Dec. 31, 2021.
According to the Colorado Springs website, “A handcrafted holiday market awaits with ornaments, clay art, photography, glass, cards, soap, fiber, sculpture, jewelry and wall art.”
Holiday shopping can be made more meaningful with handcrafted items. Commonwheel Artists Co-Op is located at 102 Cañon Avenue in Manitou Springs and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Symphony
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic will perform a Christmas Symphony on Dec. 19 at 2:30 p.m. The performance will be at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts at 190 South Cascade Avenue.
The Christmas Symphony will feature “Christmas classics, seasonal favorites, and a very merry sing-along make for a spectacular holiday celebration shared with family and friends,” according to the Colorado Springs Philharmonic website.
The cost of admission ranges from $26-$68 depending on seating location. For more information on admission and ticket prices, visit their website at www.csphilharmonic.org/event/christmas/.
The holiday season is a time to enjoy the events of the city and celebrate with members of the community. For more information on upcoming events in Downtown Colorado Springs this holiday season, visit www.visitcos.com/events-calendar/holidays/christmas/.