🎁December Family Fun Guide: 30+ Ways to Make the Month Magical

December in Colorado is basically a month-long celebration wrapped in twinkle lights and sprinkled with cocoa powder. Whether your family loves crafts, markets, light displays, or simply wandering around the neighborhood with thermoses of hot chocolate, this month is FULL of free and affordable fun.

And because your Hive deserves the very best, we rounded up the coziest, happiest, most joy-sparking activities happening across El Paso, Douglas, and Teller Counties — all guaranteed to help you make magical memories without maxing out your holiday budget.

Grab your mittens, round up the kiddos, and let’s dive into the sweetest family fun December has to offer. ❄️🐝✨

A Happy Holiday Bucket List for Kids, Families & Anyone Feeling Festive ✨

🌟 FREE OR UNDER $5 FUN

1. Festival of Lights Family Fun Day – Colorado Springs
   Crafts, performances, cocoa & cookies at the Pioneers Museum.
   
   

2. Monument Annual Tree Lighting – Monument
   Santa visits, live music, hot cocoa & the magical countdown.
   
   

3. Home for the Holidays – COS City Hub
   Free community holiday celebration — Buzzy B will be there!
   
   

4. Holiday Bazaar with Santa & the Grinch – Sunshine Studios
   Shop small, meet Santa & the Grinch — Buzzy B also attending!
   
   

5. Meridian Ranch Christmas Market
   Local vendors, treats, and holiday shopping fun.
   
   

6. Vista Ridge HS Winter Craft Fair
   Big craft fair perfect for handmade gifts & family browsing.
   
   

7. Miracle on Main Street – Fountain Kids’ Gift Market
   Kids shop for presents starting at $1 — adorable & empowering.
   
   

8. Noon Year’s Eve Party – Colorado Springs
   Kid-friendly countdown complete with crafts and confetti.
   
   

🎄 HOLIDAY LIGHTS & MAGIC

9. Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt – Neighborhood Adventure
   Free printable scavenger hunts + cocoa = easy nighttime fun.
   
   

10. The Broadmoor Holiday Lights Walk-Through
    Gorgeous, free, and instantly magical.
    
    

11. Castle Rock’s Festival Park Lights
    Giant ornaments, glowing trees, and a beautiful stroll.
    
    

12. Electric Safari – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
    A bit more pricey, but an unforgettable family outing.
    
    

🍪 COZY INDOOR FAMILY FUN

13. Gingerbread House Decorating Night at Home
    Kits from King Soopers, Costco, or DIY — instant memories.
    
    

14. Family Christmas Movie Marathon
    Pajamas + popcorn = perfection.
    
    

15. Holiday Craft Night
    Make ornaments, cards, snowflakes, and keepsakes.
    
    

16. December Kids’ Cooking Day
    Bake sugar cookies, decorate holiday desserts, or make a crockpot treat.
    
    

❄️ WINTER OUTDOORS FUN

17. Acacia Park Ice Skating – COS
    Affordable and full of giggles.
    
    

18. Family Sledding Day
    Great hills: Monument Hill, Cottonwood Creek Park, Palmer Lake.
    
    

19. Snow Play at Mueller State Park
    Build forts, toss snowballs, explore winter wildlife.
    
    

20. Neighborhood Light Walk + Cocoa Thermoses
    A simple family walk becomes magic when everything glows.
    
    

🎁 GIVE-BACK FAMILY MOMENTS

21. Donate to a Local Toy Drive
    Teach generosity & kindness.
    
    

22. Make Cards for Nursing Homes
    A thoughtful family service activity.
    
    

23. Leave Treats for Delivery Drivers
    Kids LOVE making little snack baskets to set outside.
    
    

24. Family Clothing Clean-Out
    Donate warm items to local shelters.
    
    

📚 LOCAL LIBRARY FUN

25. Holiday Storytimes – PPLD & DCL
    Free, festive, and perfect for younger kids.

26. Tween/Teen Craft Drop-Ins
    Gingerbread challenges, ornament making, or DIY gifts.
    
    

27. Family Game Nights
    Many library branches host community game or puzzle nights.
    
    

December flies by in a flurry of glitter, cookies, school concerts, and “wait… how many days until break again?” But it’s also one of the most magical months to slow down, bundle up, and make memories with the people you love most.

Whether you're exploring holiday lights, visiting local markets, crafting at home, or popping into free events around town, remember — the best moments rarely come from perfection. They come from connection.

So take a deep breath, enjoy the joy around you, and let Buzzy lead you into a December full of warmth, wonder, and family fun. 🐝💛✨