Colorado Springs Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour

Imagine strolling through Colorado Springs during the festive season, with the crisp winter air filling your lungs and sparkling holiday lights everywhere you look. That’s exactly what this Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour promises — a cozy, engaging journey through the city’s Christmas past and present, all wrapped up in one accessible package. Whether you’re visiting during the holiday season or just want to get a taste of local history and traditions, this tour offers a charming way to experience Colorado Springs from a different perspective.

What makes this walk stand out? First, the mix of historic storytelling and seasonal cheer brings the city’s Christmas history alive, making it more than just a casual stroll. Second, the included warm-up at a local eatery, with a hot appetizer and a drink, turns the experience into a true winter treat. That said, it’s a short tour — about 90 minutes — so if you’re expecting a lengthy experience, you might want to supplement it with other activities.

This tour is perfect for families, friends, and anyone passionate about Christmas traditions. If you’re keen on learning about local legends, old-time holiday celebrations, and enjoying a bit of Colorado Springs’ festive sparkle, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Authentic stories: Learn the surprising tales behind Colorado Springs’ earliest Christmas festivities.
• Historical highlights: Visit iconic landmarks like the Antlers Hotel and Acacia Park.
• Festive traditions: Discover local holiday customs, from Christmas parades to community trees.
• Warm-up included: Enjoy a hot appetizer and a drink in a cozy downtown eatery.
• Ideal for families: Suitable for all ages and holiday enthusiasts.
• Small group experience: Limited to 20 travelers for a more personal touch.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting at the Antlers Hotel: A Grand Entrance into Holiday History

The tour kicks off at the Antlers Hotel, a stately building with historic roots tied to General William Jackson Palmer, a Civil War hero and the founder of Colorado Springs. As you gather with your small group, the guide will share stories about Palmer’s holiday gatherings and the grandeur of early Christmas celebrations in the city. What we loved about this opening is how it sets a tone of elegance mixed with history. You’ll get a glimpse of the city’s roots and how holiday cheer was once celebrated on a grand scale.

The Antlers Hotel’s location makes it an ideal starting point, right in downtown Colorado Springs, with easy access and a sense of stepping back in time. While the site itself is free to explore briefly, the storytelling is what really enriches the experience.

Exploring the Spirit of Christmas at Historic Sites

The second stop takes us into scenes capturing the true spirit of traditional Christmas. Here, stories of Salvation Army bells ringing and holiday donations at tuberculosis hospitals reveal a city that’s long embraced charity and community spirit. The guide narrates how these early traditions fostered goodwill, giving you a more meaningful sense of what Christmas meant to Colorado Springs residents.

This segment emphasizes community warmth over commercialism, a theme that resonates strongly during the holiday season. It’s a reminder that the holiday spirit endures through acts of kindness—something we appreciated hearing about from local legends. The walk around these sites, although brief, helps you appreciate the continuity of these traditions.

Acacia Park and the First Community Christmas Tree

Next, we visit Acacia Park, which hosted Colorado Springs’ first community Christmas tree. Twinkling lights and early celebrations bring a festive glow to the park, echoing how the city embraced Christmas as a communal event. The guide shares details about the genius behind the lighting displays and the importance of these gatherings in creating a sense of civic pride.

While you won’t be able to linger long, this stop offers excellent photo opportunities. It’s lovely to think about how these modest beginnings grew into the vibrant holiday traditions Colorado Springs still celebrates today.

The Festive Parade and the Enduring Spirit of the Festival of Lights

One of the highlights is the decades-old Christmas Parade, part of the beloved Festival of Lights. The parade’s resilience through snow, biting winds, and unpredictable weather makes it a local legend. The guide recounts stories of parade floats, marching bands, and community involvement, giving a lively picture of what these events mean for residents.

Even if you’re visiting during a blizzard or chilly evening, the parade’s history and the community’s dedication shine through. This segment offers a nostalgic glimpse into generations of holiday cheer.

The Postal Cooperation During Snowy Winters

The tour also covers a fascinating chapter about how Christmas cards reached everyone despite snowstorms, icy roads, and drifts. The cooperation between the local post office and the military hero illustrates a community committed to spreading holiday joy, despite the obstacles winter weather can bring. This story highlights the ingenuity and teamwork that keep holiday traditions alive.

Warming Up in a Local Eatery: A Cozy Ending

The final stop is at a local restaurant where everyone gathers to enjoy a shared hot appetizer and a $5 drink card, all included in the ticket price. It’s a warm, convivial way to wind down, compare stories, and soak in the festive atmosphere. The group size is limited, fostering a more intimate experience where you can ask questions and chat with fellow travelers.

This part of the tour makes the experience feel complete—celebrating holiday traditions not just with stories but with shared food and drink.

Practical Aspects and Value

Priced at $38 per person, this tour offers good value for a culturally rich, festive experience. It’s short enough to fit into a day’s itinerary but packed with historical anecdotes and seasonal charm. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, making it accessible even for those with tight schedules or kids’ bedtimes.

The small group size—max 20 travelers—means you get a more personal and engaging experience. The mobile ticket system allows for easy access, and the meeting point at the Antlers Hotel is central and easy to find.

Weather could be a consideration — the tour is outside in the Colorado cold, so dressing warmly is essential. The tour is designed for most travelers, including families and those with service animals, making it quite inclusive.

The Warm-Up and End-of-Tour Gathering: A Nice Touch

The included hot appetizer and toasty drink add a bit of holiday indulgence and encourage mingling. It’s a smart way to extend the experience beyond just walking and storytelling, making it more memorable.

Cancellation Policy and Flexibility

If your plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Given the outdoor nature of the tour, poor weather might cause cancellation, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, providing peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided walk is ideal for anyone interested in Colorado Springs’ historic Christmas traditions. It’s particularly suited for families, holiday enthusiasts, and groups looking for a relaxed, culturally meaningful activity. It’s perfect if you want to combine history, community stories, and seasonal cheer in a manageable, well-organized format. If you’re seeking a quick, enriching way to experience local holiday customs without long hours or hefty costs, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity for most schedules.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel, and ends at a local eatery where you enjoy a shared appetizer and a drink, both included.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the guided walking experience, the hot appetizer, and a $5 drink card at the end.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for most travelers, including families. The stories and sights are family-friendly.

How large are the groups?
The tour is limited to 20 travelers for a more personal experience.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While specific accessibility info isn’t provided, it’s a walking tour mainly in downtown outdoor areas, so consider your needs or contact the provider.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly for the outdoor portions in Colorado’s winter weather — layers, hats, and gloves are advised.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Are pets allowed?
Service animals are permitted, but other pets are not specified.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Colorado Springs Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour offers a charming, authentic peek into the city’s Christmas traditions, blending history, local legends, and community spirit into a lively 90-minute stroll. It’s especially valuable for visitors who appreciate storytelling, festive history, and a more intimate way to experience a city’s holiday atmosphere. For a modest price, you get not just sightseeing but a warm, memorable slice of Colorado Springs’ holiday heart.

Whether you’re a history buff, a family wanting a festive outing, or just someone curious about local customs, this tour provides a well-rounded, enjoyable experience that captures the warmth and resilience of holiday traditions in Colorado Springs.

Note: Always check the weather forecast before heading out and dress accordingly. Book in advance, especially during the busy holiday season, to secure your spot on this popular walk.