We found four Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Colorado Springs with 2026 dates: two parades and two tree lightings and lighting nights, one free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.
By date
Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.
Tree lighting · 5–7 p.m.5DecSatFestival of Lights Parade
Parade · 5:50pm5DecSatMonument's Annual Tree LightingTree lighting · 2 p.m. booths and crafts6DecSunManitou Springs Christmas ParadeParade · 6 p.m.Nothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
Tejon Street, downtown · Tejon St. at Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO
Good to know: Lighted floats down Tejon Street from Boulder St. to Vermijo Ave. Free parking in city garages from 3pm.
Tree lightings
Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.
Limbach Park · Monument
Good to know: The Town of Monument's small-town lighting, with holiday craft booths, a photo booth and food trucks through the afternoon. Santa stays after the lighting to hear wish lists. Bring a canned good for Tri-Lakes Cares or a new unwrapped toy for Santa on Patrol if you can.
Before you go
SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.Every year
Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in COS
Keep planning
November: things to do in COSEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in COSEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in COSFree days, free events and places that never charge
Indoor play in COSIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Library storytimes in COSBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branch
Ice skating in COSHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in COSParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
The Nutcracker in COSBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flagged
Christmas markets in COSChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in COSWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1
Splash pads in COSSpraygrounds with addresses and last season’s hours
This week in COSDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Festival of Lights Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 5:50pm. Manitou Springs Christmas Parade: Sun, Dec 6, 2026, 6 p.m. (Manitou Springs).
Manitou Springs Santa & Tree Lighting at Town Clock: Wed, Nov 25, 2026, 5–7 p.m. Monument's Annual Tree Lighting at Limbach Park: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 2 p.m. booths and crafts; 3 p.m. live music; 5 p.m. Santa arrives on a fire truck and lights the trees.
One of the four we list are free to watch: Festival of Lights Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Monument's Annual Tree Lighting. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 28, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in COS that weekend, parades included.
Manitou Springs Santa & Tree Lighting