The winter season in Colorado Springs is a truly special time of year, and it's made even more magical by the annual Festival of Lights. Every December, around 60,000 people take to the streets to witness a dazzling light show, music and performances, with an additional 200,000 spectators watching the parade on television. The Festival of Lights is a series of events to celebrate the December Christmas season, including the Festival of Lights parade. On Saturdays, residents of the Pikes Peak area can join in the festivities downtown and enjoy nearly a million bright lights that illuminate the crisp winter night.
Families can get in the Christmas spirit with daily snow showers in the Grand Lobby, visits from Santa Claus, and a life-size gingerbread house where guests can dine filled with delicious Snowland-themed treats. In addition to the parade, the festival includes cultural and artistic programs, performances, and other festivities intended to educate and entertain the general public. The track is a collaborative initiative between the Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services departments of the city of Colorado Springs and Downtown Colorado Springs. The Cowboys' Christmas anniversary is also celebrated during this time with twinkling white lights in the impressive rock formations of the Flying W Ranch. The program celebrates their 35th anniversary since their first Christmas album was released and includes dazzling multimedia effects played in an intimate setting. At the end of the parade, a Christmas light show will project lights over the building while coordinated music plays. Magic of Lights is also bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays that bring your favorite Christmas scenes and characters to life. Victor and Cripple Creek also come alive during this time with giant rooftops that remain ghosts from gold-mining days of 1890 illuminating the night sky. So if you're looking for a festive way to celebrate this winter season, Colorado Springs is definitely the place to be! Come experience all that this magical Festival of Lights has to offer!.
