Courtesy of Royal Gorge Route Railroad

This December, discover why Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region is   the perfect holiday destination. Whether the kids are being tucked in by Santa’s elves, taking a ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Santa Express, visiting Santa’s Workshop and touching the North Pole, seeing the lights of the city by helicopter or feasting like royalty at Glen Eyrie Castle, there are endless ways to feel the spirit of the holiday season. Come marvel at the holiday magic and scenic beauty of the snow-covered Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain.

Lodging

Cheyenne Mountain Resort’s “Unwrap the Magic” Package
Starting from $89 per night. December 3-25, 2010
Get away to luxurious accommodations and enjoy Cheyenne Mountain Resort’s holiday activities: Live holiday entertainment every Friday and Saturday night, complimentary apple cider and buttered rum toddies, S’Mores on the Sundance Terrace every Saturday (December 5, 12, 19), a complimentary Family portrait each Sunday (December 5, 12, 19) , an exclusive discount to the Outlet Shops of Colorado in Castle Rock and Silverthorne, complimentary gift wrapping for up to three gifts per stay , a complimentary “Elf” turndown – with milk and personalized cookies for guests’ son/daughter,  kids eight  and under eat free, Sunday brunch with Santa from 10:30am – 2:00pm (December 5, 12, and 19) and Reindeer Games Kids Camp available every Saturday with lunch included (December 4, 11, 18). To book, visit www.cheyennemountain.com, or call 800/588-0250.

The Lodge at Garden of the Gods Club “Season’s Greetings” Package
Through December 30, 2010
This holiday season, escape to perfection at the Lodge at Garden of the Gods Club, where guests save 25 percent off the best available rate until December 30. Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped Pikes Peak while savoring a complimentary breakfast for two, then head over to the full-service Spa for 20 percent off any service. The Lodge realizes guests will want to stay in this remarkable natural setting as long as possible, so they’ll treat lodge guests to a late check-out at 2 pm. Mention “Season’s Greetings” when booking a reservation. To book, call 800/923-8838 or visit, www.lodgeatggclub.com.

Attractions

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad Santa Express Train
Through December 31, 2010
The Santa Express is a winter wonderland, decorated in holiday style, where children are encouraged to wear cozy pajamas and relax with family and friends while they sip homemade cocoa and listen to classic holiday stories read by Santa’s elves. Large plate-glass windows allow passengers to enjoy the Rocky Mountain-beauty of the Royal Gorge on the way to the North Pole, which is fittingly decorated like a true Christmas town, bedecked with holiday lights and decor for its most famous resident – Santa Claus. Children under age two are free. Call 888/724-5748 or visit www.royalgorgeroute.com to make reservations.

Visit Santa – at the North Pole
Through December 24, 2010
Visitors can make a trip to The North Pole – home of Santa’s Workshop. This Christmas-themed family amusement park has something for the entire family. Meet Santa and his elves, ride on more than two dozen unique, kid-friendly rides, swing through the sky on the Enterprise Space Shuttle, or enjoy the whimsical antique carousel. You can fly through the sky on an Aerial Tram or stay on the ground with a ride on the Miniature Train. Give the resident llamas and goats some tasty treats, catch the magic show, send a letter postmarked from The North Pole and do some holiday shopping in the village. Don’t forget to touch the real iced North Pole. For tickets and discounts go to www.santas-colo.com.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari 20th Anniversary
Nightly, December 17, 2010 – January 2, 2011
‘Tis the season for lights, animals and holiday spirit at America’s only mountain zoo. Take in the nearly one million sparkling lights illuminating the crisp winter night, warm up at one of the campfires throughout the Zoo, then stop in to visit with Santa. Select animal exhibits are open during the event. It’s a family tradition not to be missed. Children under three are free. All military personnel (active and retired) and their families receive a discount with valid military identification. Call 719/633-9925 for more information, or visit www.cmzoo.org. Closed Christmas Eve.

Christmas Light Helicopter Tour
December 1-31, 2010
A wonderful package of hot apple cider, Christmas music and thousands of Christmas lights, all from the safety and comfort of a personal helicopter tour.  An experienced tour pilot will fly over a carefully selected route consisting of all the best sights including downtown Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor Hotel, Seven Falls, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Lake Street and all the wonderful residential displays. The traditional tour is the perfect combination of flight time and price with 20 minutes in the air. Those who prefer to explore longer can take the hour-long tour. Traditional Christmas Lights Tour $100/person, one-hour Christmas Lights Tour $300/person. Call and book a Christmas lights tour before December 5 and receive $30 off. Call 719/648-5580 or visit www.coloradovertical.com.

Christmas at the Castle
December 2 – 20, 2010
This is a true Colorado Springs tradition for over 20 years. Let Glen Eyrie take the family back more than a century in time—spend an evening immersed in the joyous festivities of a Renaissance Castle Christmas. Feast on a gourmet five-course meal, and behold song, dance and tales presented by the Lord and Lady of the Castle. Sit back and enjoy being treated like royalty for a night. It’s a joyous and unforgettable way to usher in the season. Visitors can also choose to stay the night in the Castle following the Madrigal. Call 877/488-8787 to reserve a madrigal room package, or to order tickets online visit www.gleneyrie.org.