9 Weekend Things to Do in Colorado Springs: Old Colorado City Stroll, Turkey Trot, Decorated Gold Mine and More

Thousands of runners are participating in the Turkey Trot 5K, and there are many other holiday events happening.

Are you an early riser? This Thursday, thousands of runners, young and old, some even dressed as turkeys, will be hitting the trails before their big Thanksgiving feasts. If you haven't registered yet, you can still do so from 7-8:45 a.m. at Briargate YMCA, 4025 Family Place. The Kids' Tiny Trot starts at 8:15 a.m. and the Turkey Trot 5K kicks off at 9 a.m. Registration is $35 for ages 0-19 and $50 for ages 20 and up, and it benefits Y scholarships. Leashed and vaccinated furry friends can join for $15. The Y's Christmas Jingle Jog 5K is on December 9. For more information visit ppymca.org/raceseries.

This weekend, from Friday to Sunday, you can take Victorian Christmas Tours through the beautifully decorated Miramont Castle from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 9 Capitol Hill in Manitou Springs, with tickets priced at $12-$16. In the Great Hall, you can enjoy cookies and warm cider, and there's a Gift Shop on the 4th floor. Additionally, there are elegant Victorian Christmas Teas in the Queen's Parlour Tea Room at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $35-$55. For more information visit miramontcastle.org/november.

If you're planning a trip to the Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway this weekend, you could be in for a special treat. Santa and the elves will be there to welcome everyone at the decorated terminal. The holiday greeters will offer hot chocolate and cookies before the trip up 14,115 feet of America's Mountain. The special event takes place on December 2-3, 9-10, and 16-24. Reserved admission is $71 for adults and $61 for children (12 and under). Standard admission tickets are $58.50 for adults and $48.50 for children. Rides are weather dependent and tickets can be purchased in advance at cograilway.com.

On Saturday, get into the holiday spirit at the Old Colorado City Christmas Stroll from 5-8 p.m. The Dickens Carolers will be singing and performing holiday skits along Colorado Avenue. You can also visit the reindeer in Bancroft Park, see Santa in the cabin, shop for holiday gifts, and enjoy holiday cookies and treats. Activities, shopping, and restaurants will be open all day. For more information visit shopoldcoloradocity.com/events/christmas-stroll.

Small Business Saturday is here, and it's a great opportunity to support your local businesses. Small businesses are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods, powering local economies and strengthening communities. Take advantage of the big specials at locally owned businesses and show your support.

In Pueblo, the Parade of Lights, "Winter Holidays Around the World," will be held on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The parade will feature grand marshal representatives from the city's sister cities in Mexico, Italy, China, and Slovenia. You can find more information at puebloparadeoflights.com. It's also the opening weekend for the Pueblo Zoo's Electricritters light show and sensory nights. For more information visit pueblozoo.org/electricritters.

Heading up north to Wyoming, the Cheyenne Old West Holiday tradition kicks off on Saturday with a 5:30 p.m. parade. The parade will feature more than 100 units including floats, horse-drawn wagons, bands, vintage autos, performers, marching groups, and horses. The celebration continues with Santa's Saloon, Mrs. Claus' Cookies, the Holiday Lights Tour on Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley, a Pony Express Stop, Tinsel Through Time throughout the Governor's Mansion, and shopping for custom-shaped hats, boots, or clothes with fringe. For more information visit cheyenne.org.

From Sunday to January 1, you can experience the traditional Holiday Headframe Lighting across the rolling hills in the historic former mining areas around Cripple Creek and Victor. Take a self-guided tour in your warm vehicle on weekend evenings and then nightly from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day. You can also see one of the largest working gold mines in the world. For more information visit visitcripplecreek.com/cripple-creek-events and find maps at stcfg.com.

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