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Around Town: Manitou Christmas Parade and chocolate festival

Holiday decorations are up in Manitou Springs
Posted at 12:45 PM, Dec 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-12 07:07:38-05

The holidays are here and if you are looking to attend some fun events we've got you covered! The News5 team has come up with a list of events that you should check out in Southern Colorado.

Manitou Springs Christmas Parade
What: The 4th Annual Manitou Christmas Parade is almost here and there is no better way to experience this than spending it in Manitou Springs. Considered the first major holiday events in the Pikes Peak Region, the Manitou Springs Parade never fails to kick off the Christmas season.
When: Saturday, December 14
Time: The parade kicks off at 6 p.m.
Where: It takes place on Manitou Ave. from Ruxton Ave. to El Paso Blvd.
News 5 is a proud sponsor of the parade. In fact, you’ll see some of the news crew out there.
Everyone is encouraged to get into the spirit of giving by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to the parade. Volunteers from Toys for Tots will be marching in the parade and will collect the toys from parade goers.
For more information, click here.

Holiday Chocolate Festival
What: It's the 11th annual Holiday Chocolate Festival in Colorado Springs! Over 100,000 chocolate samples are the starring attraction! With Christmas right around the corner, there is no better place to do your holiday shopping. We've got Santa on site all day for the kids, along with free holiday craft stations and loads of family fun!
When: Saturday, December 14
Where: Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd.
Time: 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Admission: $10
New: Kids age 12 and under: FREE
Taste Tickets: $10/dozen
VIP Pass: $50 (includes. admission, exclusive chocolates, early entry, line skipping and more!)
For more information, click here.

Winter Solstice Evening Hike
What: Join us on the shortest day of the year for a guided night hike in Garden of the Gods Park to learn about the winter night sky. This hike will be guided by volunteers from the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society, who will share stories about the summer sky. Telescopes for night sky viewing will be available after the hike. Dress for cold weather with good hiking boots and bring a flashlight or headlamp. Meet in the parking lot at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. Expect a 2 hour approximately 3 mile hike.
When: Sunday, December 22
Where: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
Cost: $5 per person
For more information, click here.

3rd Annual Reindeer, Santa and Cookies
What: 3rd Annual reindeer, Santa and cookie decorating is quickly becoming a yearly tradition in Downtown Colorado Springs! Bring the kiddos to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, feed Comet and decorate your own sugar cookie!
When: Saturday, December 14
Where: Crafted Colorado Handmade Market, 327 N. Tejon Street
TIme: 12 p.m. until 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.

Christmas Light Displays
What: It's the most wonderful time of the year and what better way to enjoy it than viewing light displays and shows across southern Colorado.

This is a great way to spend time with friends or family and visit places you may have seen before in a new light. There are also hot chocolate places or coffee shops you can make a pit stop at before or after you check out the displays.

Timberline is still adding to the map and if you'd like your home or business to make the list, you have until Dec. 15 to let them know.

Related:
Enjoy the holiday season with light shows, displays across southern Colorado

Have an event you’d like to share? Send an email to digitalproducer@koaa.com at least a week ahead of the event. Be sure to mention 5 Around Town in the subject line.