Winter in Colorado Springs: Ice Castles, Holiday Markets & Festive Nightlife

In the wintertime, fun festivities abound in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. Even if you're lucky enough to catch some snow on your visit, you can still expect sunny bluebird skies and white-dusted peaks to be the backdrop to your adventure!  

Visit the Cripple Creek Ice Castles, less than an hour outside of Colorado Springs, to be transported to a winter wonderland. Enjoy elaborate sculptures, sip delicious beverages from the bar, ride down the ice slides and more. Opening dates are yet to be announced, but they are typically open through February. Stay in the holiday spirit by heading to Old Colorado City’s first annual Christkindlmarket! The charming Victorian-era shopping district will come alive with live entertainment, handcrafted goods and delicious German eats. This special event runs December 11-14 and 18-23 from 12-8pm. 

Catch Oscar Wilde’s Importance of Being Earnest at the Ent Center for the Arts from November 28-December 21. Theatreworks, the Ent Center’s resident professional theatre company, will present this hilarious comedy as the third show of their 50^th season. If you’re feeling more naughty than nice, head to Krampusnaucht at Cerberus Brewing Co, a festive beer release celebration on Friday, December 5th. This local-favorite, LGBTQ-owned brewery is a dog-friendly haven for great bites and brews. 

Looking for a night on the town? See some holiday performances at La Burla Bee and ICONS. ICONS is Colorado Springs’ gay piano bar where every bartender is a professional singer, and every night is full of incredible music. Just a few blocks away, you’ll find La Burla Bee, Colorado’s first and only full-time cabaret. Catch a festive burlesque show that is equal-parts riotous and risqué, then dance the night away in the venue's nightclub. 

Ready to start planning your trip?

VisitCOS.com has all the information and inspiration you need before you explore the Pikes Peak Region!