Colorado Springs Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour

Colorado Springs Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour: A Festive Stroll Through Time

If you’re looking to experience Colorado Springs during the Christmas season with a blend of history, local legends, and festive cheer, the Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour offers a charming way to do just that. For just $38 per person, you’ll spend about 90 minutes wandering the downtown core, uncovering stories behind the city’s earliest Christmas celebrations, and enjoying some warm holiday treats at a cozy eatery.

What we love about this tour is how it combines local history with seasonal spirit. You’ll get a taste of Colorado Springs’ past—from grand holiday gatherings at the historic Antlers Hotel to the community-centered Christmas parade—and you’ll do so in the crisp Colorado air, which makes the experience feel refreshingly authentic. The included hot appetizer and a $5 drink add a lovely touch of hospitality, warming you from the inside out.

One potential consideration is the short duration, which might leave some wanting more historical depth or festive stories. However, if you’re after a relaxed, approachable introduction to the city’s holiday traditions, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s especially well-suited for families, friends, and Christmas enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of storytelling and light activity without feeling rushed.

Overall, if you want a family-friendly, culturally enriching way to celebrate the season in Colorado Springs, this tour is a delightful choice. It’s accessible, engaging, and offers authentic insights into the city’s holiday past.

Key Points

• Historic Focus: Learn about Colorado Springs’ early Christmas traditions and local legends.
• Downtown Highlights: Tour iconic locations like the Antlers Hotel and Acacia Park.
• Festive Stories: Hear tales of holiday celebration, scandal, and community spirit.
• Inclusive & Comfortable: Suitable for families and all ages, with minimal walking.
• Warm Up: End the tour enjoying a cozy meal and a warm drink included in the price.
• Small Groups: Max 20 travelers, ensuring a personal experience.

A Detailed Look at the Colorado Springs Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour

Starting Point: The Antlers Hotel – A Grand Christmas Welcome

Your journey begins at The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel, a historic and elegant structure that has watched over Colorado Springs for decades. Named after Civil War hero and city founder William Jackson Palmer, this hotel once hosted lavish holiday parties. As we gather here, our guide (whose name we wish we knew) sets the tone with stories about the hotel’s historic Christmas gatherings, giving us a sense of the city’s festive roots.

This first stop, lasting about 15 minutes, is a great introduction. It sets the scene by blending civil war-era grandeur with the personal stories of holiday cheer from over a century ago. The grandeur of the hotel and its history make it a fitting place to start, especially if you appreciate architecture and old-school charm.

Scene of Old-Fashioned Christmas Cheer: Salvation Army and Local Hospitals

Next, we move to a location that captures the true spirit of community during the holiday season. Here, stories of Salvation Army bell ringers, hospital visits, and volunteer generosity come to life. Our guide shares how the city’s early Christmases were about more than decorations — they were moments of shared kindness amid challenging times, like tuberculosis hospital visits during winter.

This 15-minute stop emphasizes the human side of holiday traditions, giving you a warm feeling. The stories of goodwill and local generosity are universal, but here, they carry a special local flavor that makes Colorado Springs’ Christmas history feel personal and heartfelt.

Acacia Park: The Heart of Early Christmas Celebrations

Our third stop is Acacia Park, a central spot that once hosted the city’s first community Christmas tree. The glow of sparkling lights and the early celebrations here made it a natural gathering place for residents. You’ll love the way the park’s historic significance is tied to the city’s holiday identity.

During this 15-minute visit, you’ll see how the community came together around festive lighting and shared traditions. It’s a vivid reminder of how public spaces foster communal joy, a theme that’s as relevant today as it was a century ago.

The Christmas Parade and Festival of Lights

No holiday tour would be complete without mentioning the decades-old Christmas Parade and Festival of Lights. This beloved event, despite the challenges of snow and cold, has persisted through generations. Our guide recounts stories of blizzards and biting winds, yet locals still brave the weather to enjoy these traditions.

Spending around 15 minutes here, you’ll get a feel for the perseverance and community pride that keeps these celebrations alive. It’s a great way to see how traditions evolve yet remain rooted in a shared holiday spirit.

Post Office and Military Cooperation: Sending Christmas Cards

A heartwarming story unfolds at the local post office, where the cooperation between postal workers and military heroes helped Christmas cards reach distant friends and family despite the winter weather. This stop, also about 15 minutes, highlights the extraordinary community effort that made holiday communications possible in tough conditions.

This lesser-known story underscores the power of teamwork and resilience during the holidays—an inspiring message wrapped in local history.

Warming Up at a Cozy Eatery

The final stop is at a charming local eatery, where you’ll settle in for a shared appetizer and a $5 drink voucher—all included in your ticket price. This is a perfect chance to relax, chat, and reflect on the stories told. The warm ambiance provides a cozy finish after the crisp outdoor walk.

This part of the tour is especially valued by travelers who want a social element or simply to enjoy some local flavors and warmth after your sightseeing.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour starts at 1:00 pm at The Antlers Hotel and ends at a downtown restaurant, making it easy to combine with other afternoon activities. The mobile ticket makes booking straightforward, and with a maximum of 20 travelers, the group remains intimate enough for personalized storytelling.

The duration of around 1.5 hours makes this experience accessible for most, especially families or those with limited time. The walking is gentle and straightforward, suitable for all ages and mobility levels, with most stops being brief and casual.

Since the tour takes place mostly outdoors, dressing warmly is advisable, especially considering Colorado’s winter chill. The included warm treats and drinks are a thoughtful touch, making sure you stay comfortable and festive.

Considerations

Weather can influence the experience, as this tour is outdoor-heavy. If snow or rain is forecasted, you might want to plan for an alternate date or carry suitable gear. Also, the short tour duration means that if you’re craving a deep dive into Christmas history, you might find it somewhat light.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for families with kids, history buffs, or anyone wanting a light-hearted, festive walk around downtown Colorado Springs. It’s also a good choice for couples or friends looking for a relaxed, culturally rich activity that doesn’t require a lot of walking or time commitment. If you enjoy stories about local traditions, community spirit, and holiday nostalgia, you’ll find this tour a delightful addition to your seasonal plans.

Final Thoughts

The Colorado Springs Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour offers a cozy, engaging way to celebrate the season with stories that deepen your understanding of the city’s past. By visiting historic sites and hearing tales of holiday cheer, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the community’s resilience and joyful traditions.

While it’s not an exhaustive history lesson, it’s perfect for those seeking an authentic, family-friendly experience infused with seasonal warmth. The included treats and small-group setting make it feel personal and special, a holiday highlight in itself.

If you’re in Colorado Springs during December and want a gentle stroll through history with a festive twist, this tour is well worth your time and money.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s relaxed pace and family-friendly stories make it suitable for children, especially if they enjoy outdoor walks and holiday tales.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it manageable for most travelers, including those with limited time.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the guided walking experience, a hot appetizer, a warm drink, and the final gathering at a local eatery.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, but specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned. It’s suitable for a broad audience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at The Antlers Hotel on South Cascade Avenue and ends at a downtown eatery with warm treats and drinks included.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, as most of the tour is outdoors. Check the weather forecast and bring a hat, gloves, or scarf if needed.

Is the tour accessible?
Most likely yes, as the walking is gentle and stops are brief, but it’s best to confirm if you have specific mobility needs.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and bad weather may lead to rescheduling or a full refund.

Whether you’re a history lover, a holiday enthusiast, or simply looking to enjoy Colorado Springs’ festive charm, this guided walking tour offers a memorable, authentic Christmas experience that’s both educational and heartwarming.