Colorado Springs Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour

Your tour begins at the historic and grand Antlers Hotel — the pride of Civil War hero and city founder General William Jackson Palmer. Discover how Palmer hosted lavish holiday gatherings at his Glen Eyrie estate, opening his doors to the children of Colorado Springs for evenings filled with laughter, handmade gifts, and the sound of carols echoing through the great halls. Even after the tragic accident that left him a paraplegic, his generosity never faltered. Palmer continued to send gifts throughout town and support community celebrations, ensuring that no child — rich or poor — was forgotten at Christmastime.

Our next stop includes scenes that capture the true spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas — the familiar ring of Salvation Army bells, goodwill and cheer shared in the tuberculosis hospitals, generosity extended to local orphanages, and twinkling decorations along the main streets. It’s a setting that echoes the nostalgic warmth of It’s a Wonderful Life and reminds us that the heart of the season has always been found in kindness, community, and hope.

Acacia Park brings us to the sparkle of twinkling lights and the heart of Colorado Springs’ early Christmas celebrations. Here stood the city’s first community Christmas tree — illuminated through the genius of Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Families gathered as choirs braved the cold, their voices carrying through the crisp night air. Nearby, skaters glided across Prospect Lake with snow-capped Pikes Peak shining in the distance, and hearty townsfolk bundled up for tree lightings and concerts at the park’s bandshell — moments that captured the true warmth of a Colorado Christmas.

Our next stop brings us to the decades-old Christmas Parade — the beloved Festival of Lights — which has endured for generations despite the ever-present risk of blizzards, biting winds, and the occasional overzealous participant. Here, the spirit of celebration has always shone through, no matter the weather. We’ll also uncover the holiday escapades of prominent millionaire Spencer Penrose, whose less-than-graceful missteps before his wife’s elegant Christmas parade once landed him squarely in the doghouse — a reminder that even the city’s elite weren’t immune to a bit of holiday mischief.

Blizzards, icy roads, and snowdrifts couldn’t stop the Christmas cards from reaching the people of Colorado Springs. Learn about the incredible cooperation between the local post office and our military heroes as they braved the elements to make sure every card found its way home. And what holiday season is complete without a trip down Colorado Springs' vintage ski hill — a favorite since the 1930s. Imagine wooden skis with leather straps, rope tows chugging along, and bundled-up skiers tackling the icy slopes with laughter, courage, and a touch of Christmas spirit. Find out what led to its sad demise

Your final stop brings us to one of our wonderful local eateries, where the glow of the season welcomes you inside. Warm up from the winter chill as we gather to enjoy a shared appetizer and a $5 drink card — a perfect toast to our Christmas adventure. As you relax, we’ll share a few more heartwarming holiday stories and send you off with a custom-curated “Don’t Miss” Holiday Guide, filled with local favorites and festive happenings around Colorado Springs.