People embrace the Christmas holiday season because of community spirit, historical tradition and a desire to celebrate the season with colorful, festive mountain town events.

That’s because the holiday season evokes cherished memories, and Christmas events provide an opportunity to create new memories and celebrate the most joyous of all seasons. The shared experience of blinking lights, frosty festivities and hot chocolate strengthens community. Nowhere else in the world is this festive community more alive than in Colorado.

Indeed, Colorado is known for its winter sports and mountain towns where snow-blanketed landscapes, Christmas traditions and festive events create a magical experience for all ages. Is it any wonder why Colorado is the best festive community anywhere?

MONUMENT

Music:

The One Star Christmas Concert will be held at 7 p.m., Dec. 12, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 55 Jefferson St. Phone 719-481-3511 to learn more.

The Tri-Lakes Music Association’s “Majesty of Christmas” concerts will be held 7 p.m., Dec. 19, 7 p.m., Dec. 20 and 2 p.m., Dec. 21 at the Palmer Ridge High School Auditorium. To learn more visit trilakesmusic.org.

The Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held at 4 p.m., Dec. 20 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 17750 Knollwood Drive, Monument. The event celebrates carols and scripture readings, and benefits the Monument Warriors program of Special Olympics Colorado. To learn more visit monumentwarriors@gmail.com.

Community:

The 64th annual Monument Tree Lighting ceremony is slated for 7 p.m., Dec. 6 in Limbach Park. The event starts with activities beginning at 2 p.m., followed by a performance at 3 p.m. and a tree-lighting by jolly old St. Nick at 5 p.m.

BLACK FOREST

Community:

The Black Forest Holiday Market will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 13 at Edith Wolford Elementary School, 13710 Black Forest Rd., Colorado Springs. More than 60 local vendors, food trucks and a family photo with Santa will be available.

To learn more, visit the “We Are Black Forest” website.

Shopping:

A Gingerbread Party will be held from noon-6 p.m., Dec. 6 at the Black Forest Brewing Co. Bring a toy to receive a gingerbread house kit. Santa will be available for photos from 2-5 p.m.

The Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers is scheduled for 7-9:30 p.m., Dec. 12 at The Black Rose Acoustic Society, 12530 Black Forest Rd. Cost is $8-$15. Visit blackroseacoustic.org.

NORTHGATE

In November and December, Northgate and the greater Colorado Springs area will host holiday events like the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show (Nov. 14-16).

The Northgate Cookie Plate wrap-up, scheduled for 6 p.m., Dec. 4 at Kneaders Bakery & Café, 13482 Bass Pro Dr., Colorado Springs, will teach residents how to create and wrap cookie plates as holiday gifts.

PALMER LAKE

Palmer Lake this year will host its annual Yule Log Hunt and Potluck as part of its Christmas festivities. The Yule Log Potluck will be held at 6 p.m., Dec. 10, and the Yule Log Hunt at 1 p.m., Dec. 14 at Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent, Palmer Lake.

The 90th annual Palmer Lake Star Lighting & Chili Supper is set for 4:30 and 7 p.m., Nov. 29, at 28 Valley Crescent St. The event includes a chili supper, visits with Santa, games and a kids’ craft corner, culminating in the Star Lighting ceremony. Tickets are required.

COLORADO SPRINGS

Charity:

The Christmas Tree Project provides fully decorated Christmas trees for needy families. Tree donations and decorations can be dropped off from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mondays-Fridays until Dec. 13 at 4575 Galley Rd., Suite 200E. Visit thechristmastreeproject.org to make a monetary donation.

Community:

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari, will be held from 5-8:30 p.m., Dec. 5-Jan. 1 (except Christmas Eve). The event offers more than 50 acres of lights, 90 hand-made light sculptures and large inflatable animals combined with zoo animals and festive activities.

Visitors can enjoy the night-illuminated zoo while accessing animal exhibits and experiences such as the giraffe herd and the Sky Ride. Members with a timed ticket can enter at 4 p.m.

The annual Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade is scheduled for 5:50 p.m., Dec. 6 on Tejon Street in downtown COS. The parade will feature dancers, holiday music and about 100 illuminated floats. Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to attend the free parade. To learn more visit coloradospringsfestivaloflights.com.

Also on that day, the Collective Groove Holiday Dance Party is slated for 7 p.m., at the Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Dr. Tickets are $20. Learn more at stargazerstheatre.com.

A Yacht Rocky Holiday Party is set for 7 p.m., Dec. 12 at Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Dr. Cost is $18. Visit stargazerstheatre.com for more details.

The 43rd annual Bob Telmosse’ Christmas Giveaway will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 20 at the Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road. Children must be present and will receive a book, stuffed animal, age-appropriate toy and the chance to win a bike. Each family will receive a bag of food. For information or make a donation, go to norrispenrose.com.

Stage:

Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 6 at Under the Sun Dog Training & Daycare, 6540 Vincent Dr. Breakfast is $17.50 but is free to dogs and children younger than 2. Reservations are required by Dec. 2. Visit utsdog.com/upcoming-events.

OTHER

Charity

The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots is accepting donation now until Dec. 17. Go online for local donation site or to make a monetary donation. Visit tinyurl.com/23yb4vrb.

Salvation Army needs volunteer bell ringers now until Dec. 24. To learn more and to register phone 719-636-3891 or visit tinyurl.com/47kua9bu.

The annual Empty Stocking Fund is seeking donations. Go online to make a donation at emptystockingfundco.org.

Shopping:

From now until Dec. 14, residents can shop local and win local when they spend $50 or more at downtown retail shops, and upload photos of the receipts to be entered into prize drawings. Go online for information: downtowncs.com/slwl.

Downtown Holiday Coupon Books for 2025 are now available until all coupon books are gone. Go online for locations: downtowncs.com/holiday-coupon-book.