Colorado Springs Festival of Lights 2024

Every December, the Colorado Springs holiday tradition gathers large crowds of spectators wanting to experience the majestic spectacle with their own eyes. About 60,000 people flock into the streets of the city to watch 3,000 participants in the parade, a stunning display of lights, music, and performances. The parade is broadcasted annually on TV, at KKTV channel, watched by thousands of viewers at home.

Christmas Parade Program

The Festival of Lights Parade is a nonprofit organization that has been producing the parade since 1984. The event annually takes place on the first Saturday of December, marking the start of the holiday season in Colorado Springs. More than a hundred magical floats, decorated with twinkling lights and magical light installation, proceed down the route of the parade, spreading cheer among the residents.

Marching bands, choirs, ensembles, local businesses, and community organizations all come together to make this holiday event incredibly special. A local nonprofit organization, which was able to share the joy of giving during the Christmas season, receives a Spirit of the Season Award and joins the parade.

Other Attractions

In addition to the parade, the festival includes cultural and artistic programs, performances, and other festivities that are meant to educate and entertain the general public. On December 7th, from 2 pm to 6 pm, families can also attend the Festival of Lights Family Fun Day at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, featuring face painting, arts & crafts, and entertaining performances.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum will play host to the USOPM Winter Celebration from 11 am until 4 pm. The event is set to feature athlete meet-n-greets, indoor curling, service puppies, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Paralympic sports. At 3:30 pm, the Tuba Christmas celebration with a music concert is set to take place at Acacia Park. Food Truck Villages will operate from 3 to 9 pm. On December 8th, you can also attend a breathtaking Colorado College Choir and Chamber Chorus Concert in Shove Chapel at 6 pm.

Schedule & Route

Colorado Springs Festival of Light Parade starts at 5:50 pm at the intersection of Tejon St and St. Vrain St in Downtown Colorado Springs, goes down past Acacia Park, the Plaza of the Rockies, and the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, and ends at the intersection of Tejon St and Vermijo Ave. On-street parking might not be available on the night of the event, but you can park at any of the parking garages nearby, including garage at Plaza of the Rockies building on Colorado Ave and at the Antlers Hotel.