Looking for new local Christmas traditions to add to your repertoire? Let’s get right into it:
1. Forest Bend
I had the privilege of attending the soft opening for Forest Bend and I’m so excited this special place will open this year for the very first time.
Nestled in trees of Black Forest, it offers a picturesque location for families to visit, including a petting zoo, barnyard games, a fire pit, and activities both indoor and outdoor for all ages to enjoy. A beautifully-lit blue spruce sits majestically outside the charming red barn, which is adorned with white lights and waits to welcome you into its cozy, festive atmosphere. Inside the barn, an upright piano begs to be played while kids laugh and make Christmas crafts, eat cookies or warm up by the wood stove, all surrounded by beautiful holiday garlands and Christmas trees.
The rustic space creates the ideal atmosphere to peruse the handmade Christmas crafts by local artisans, sip hot cocoa, or snuggle up next to loved ones on a hayride through “Snowflake Alley” and “Candycane Lane.” Watch your child take the stage (adorable costumes provided) in one of the regularly scheduled Nativity reenactments. Roast s’mores, take the little kids to feed the sheep and goats or watch the big kids enjoy carpet ball in the game shed.
Don’t miss this charming and unique experience, book your visit here!
2. Library 21C Nutcracker
Love the idea of adding “The Nutcracker” to your Christmas traditions, but think your kids would survive only a few twirls of Sugar Plum fairies before turning into Rat Kings?
Enter 20 minute Nutracker performance from Colorado Youth Ballet at the library!
For just $3 per ticket (profits which go right to Hope and Home), you can give your family a taste of this classic ballet without the time and financial investment of a larger production. Last year, we got all dressed up and made it a special outing. My daughter was delighted to meet the cast afterwards, who were all lined up after the show (still in costume) and happy to shake little hands and pose for pictures.
For older kids, reading “The Nutcracker” prior to the performance will help them recognize characters and understand the abridged version of the story.
3. Focus on the Family Movies
Parents of toddlers, don’t skip this one just because you might have a squirmy little one.
Focus on the Family welcomes viewers of all ages in their beautiful theater to show Christmas crowd-pleasers such as “The Polar Express” and “Mickey’s Once upon a Christmas.”
For dates, times and other information, visit the Focus on the Family bookstore’s website on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FocusBookstore/.
4. Gingerbread House Decorating Party at Playstreet Museum
What would you say if I told you that you could create all of the sweet memories of decorating a gingerbread house with your kids, but NOT have to peel smushed gum drops off your kitchen floor?
Play Street Museum to the rescue! Not only do they offer a fun, clean environment for kids to enjoy and get some quality time with mom or dad, but they’re offering to host a gingerbread house decorating party in their beautiful facility!
5. Bear Creek by Candlelight
I have not attended this event personally, but it sounds so magical, we may have to try it.
Is there anything more “Colorado” than candlelit trails, live music and chili dinner? Kids can even say hi to Santa while they’re there. The event takes place on Friday, December 6, 5:00-8:00 p.m. You’ll probably want to bundle up for this beautiful evening outdoors!
****
What are your favorite Christmas traditions in Colorado Springs?
