In 1987, the first Holiday Food and Gift Festival made an appearance in Denver. Seventeen years ago, it expanded south to Colorado Springs and the rest is holiday history.

The 2015 Holiday Food and Gift Festival will open November 13-15 at the Mortgage Solutions Financial Expo Center, 3650 N. Nevada Avenue. Tickets will be $6 at the door, and a current military ID will earn you $2 off the entrance fee. A $1-off coupon is also available at www.hfgf.com.

With bright decorations and Christmas hustle and bustle shoppers look forward to each year, the Holiday Food and Gift Festival is a delightful assault on the senses. “It’s like walking into a Christmas wonderland,” said Stephanie Floyd, owner and operator of the Holiday Food and Gift Festival. “We have fully operating trains, Santa Claus, and all the smells of Christmas – it’s truly a feeling of getting lost in the season.”

Floyd is no novice to the Christmas event scene. The daughter of Holiday Food and Gift Festival founders Dennis and Valerie Smith, she has been involved since the Festival’s inception and purchased the event 10 years ago. “Many of our vendors come back year after year because of the great turnout and atmosphere, they can’t find it anywhere else.”

The Smiths still help manage the Festival, which Floyd says maintains the charm and tradition attendees have come to cherish. “We have a very loyal attendance in Colorado Springs. People come back year after year, bringing new generations, neighbors, friends. For many, it’s the only place they shop for gifts.”

From arts and crafts to home décor, locally spun threads, homemade candies, colorful jewelry, ceramics, soaps, candles, and more, the Holiday Food and Gift Festival is a one-stop Christmas gift shop. Guests can find gifts for everyone on their lists, including hard-to-shop-for guys. “We’ve got Traeger grills, leather goods, hats and bags for men,” Floyd said. “The selection is insane.”

“We also have lots of pre-packaged food items you can purchase to take home and try.” From desserts to soups, gourmet popcorn, hot sauces and green chili mixes, stock your pantry with delicious, locally made items in prep for holiday visitors.

The Holiday Food and Gift Festival is accessible to seniors and kid friendly, and Santa Claus is available for holiday photos. “We love seeing all the families come out and enjoy the day,” Floyd said.

Whether you’re looking for a new family tradition or a few creative Christmas gifts, Floyd assured the Holiday Food and Gift Festival won’t disappoint. “Stop by to see us and experience Colorado at its finest this season!”