December 3 – January 8

A month of festive events sure to brighten the spirits of the young, the old and everyone in-between.

From a nostalgic Merry Grinchmas exhibition in the galleries, to the side-splitting stage production of Shrek: the Musical, seasonal art classes, a gallery of artist decorated trees, and other special Winter Lights events, we’ve loaded the calendar with opportunities for you to marvel, laugh, unwind and build memories this holiday season.

Open 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day) with a different experience from day to night!

Gallery of Trees

Dec 3 – Jan 8
See the Smith Family Gallery transformed into a glistening winter wonderland for the season with illuminated trees designed and decorated by local artists.

Tree Sponsors: Colorado Flatwork, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Docents, Coquette’s Bakery & Bistro, Ent Credit Union, Front Range Roofing, Innovative Moments, Dale Mueller Smith, Ace Hardware Uintah Gardens, and Woodford Manufacturing.

Kick-off Event

Dec 3, 5–7p
An evening of special entertainment to kick-off Winter Lights! Experience a magical display of artist decorated trees, view the significant collection of hand-drawn Grinch animation cels and related artworks, watch the original How The Grinch Stole Christmas movie, delight in holiday goodies and delicious fare from local food trucks, enjoy live entertainment by Ormao Dance Company, the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, the Colorado Springs Conservatory, the Celtic Steps School of Irish Dance, the A Capella group Reunited, and more! This event is FREE and open to the public.

See photos from the event on facebook!

Winter Lights ICE

Dec 17 | 10a–2p
Join us for family-friendly festivities inside and out! See the incredible work of Cool Hand Ice Carving live in the FAC courtyard – sculptures, demonstrations and an interactive ICE experience. (Also viewable from the surrounding gallery windows if you want to stay cozy inside!) Cool Hand Ice Carving most notably won 1^st place World Champion in 2014 and 2^nd place World Champion in 2015 at the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska! Enjoy a magical display of artist decorated trees, a special exhibition featuring a significant collection of hand-drawn Grinch animation cels and related artworks, watch the original How The Grinch Stole Christmas movie, view demonstrations by the Pikes Peak Woodturners, take part in hands-on crafts and enjoy special entertainment by Ormao Dance Company, the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, the Colorado Springs Conservatory, and the Celtic Steps School of Dance. Plus, delight in holiday goodies and delicious fare from local food trucks parked out front. This special experience is included with museum admission and FREE for FAC members and children 12 and under.

In the Museum

Thru Jan 8 | Merry Grinchmas
Thru Jan 15 | All I Ever Wanted: James Surls and Charmaine Locke
Dec 16 | Museum Free Day

Performing Arts

Art School

Dec 2-4 | Bemis School of Art 17th Annual Art Sale
Jan 7 | Wine & Watercolor
Jan 14 | Free Family Adventure Day

A perfect gift for everyone on your list

FAC memberships, Theatre FlexPasses, gift certificates, one-of-a-kind artistic gifts, hand-made pottery, jewelry, and more.

Presenting a treasure trove of exclusive, one-of-a-kind artistic gifts, jewelry, and fine art with an emphasis on Colorado talent in our Museum Shop and Deco Lounge. Also join us for First Friday Art Parties on Dec 2 and Jan 6 featuring art for sale by local and regional artists.

browse gift guide

The Museum Shop Trunk Show
Dec 17

Featuring: The jewelry of Sandy Harris Murphy
Sat, Dec 17 | 10a – 4p

The jewelry of Sandy Harris Murphy goes beyond the ordinary, by combining precious and semi-precious metals with unusual stones in contemporary and stunningly eclectic designs of definitive style. This Saturday, from 10a-4p, meet the artist, learn about her processes and materials, and find just the right piece to give or get this holiday season! Prices start at $100

The Museum Shop Trunk Show
Dec 2 & 3

Featuring: Janska, a Colorado Springs clothing manufacturer
Friday Dec 2 (5 – 7:30p) | Saturday, Dec 3 (10a – 4p)

Comfortable and cozy, sleek and striking, made for the indoors and out – don’t miss this special event featuring clothing by local Colorado Springs manufacturer, Janska. Many designs are fully reversible, allowing for two styles at one price. With beautiful jackets and gift sets (with scarves, hats, mittens, and MocSocks), the Janska Trunk Show is stocked with all the favorites to complete your holiday shopping list! Proudly designed and made in the USA.