Cripple Creek is getting ready to welcome the holiday season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, November 29 at 6:00 PM. The community gathering will take place at Pocket Park on Bennett Avenue, offering a festive way for residents and visitors to start the most cheerful time of the year.
The event features a full lineup of holiday fun. Families can look forward to a visit from Santa, complete with photo opportunities and seasonal cheer. The Famous Cripple Creek Donkeys of the Two Mile High Club will also be in attendance, bringing their signature charm to the celebration.
Guests will find warm drinks for both kids and adults, plus a variety of treats to enjoy throughout the evening. Ice Castles will be on site with merchandise, and the Gold Camp Victorian Society will lead caroling to help set the holiday mood. Cozy fire pits and s’mores will add to the atmosphere, creating a classic mountain town start to the season.
Organizers say the event will also include a few festive surprises, making this year’s celebration one that families will not want to miss.
The community tree lighting has long been a favorite in Cripple Creek, bringing residents together to share in the glow of the season. All are welcome to join in the fun at 337 E. Bennett Avenue and help light up the holidays.
Cripple Creek is gearing up for one of its most heartwarming traditions. The Gold Camp Country Christmas Parade will make its way through historic downtown on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM. This annual celebration brings together families, local organizations, and visitors for a festive afternoon filled with small town charm and holiday cheer.
Parade line-up begins at 11:30 AM on E Carr Avenue near the Train Depot. From there, the procession will travel up Bennett Avenue from 5th Street and end at the Aspen Mine Center, where Santa will step off his float to greet children and families.
This year’s theme, Gold Camp Country Christmas, pays tribute to the heritage and spirit of Cripple Creek while celebrating the magic of the holiday season. Businesses, community groups, and residents are invited to participate by entering a float, decorated vehicle, marching group, or any display that captures the joy and nostalgia of Christmastime in the mountains.
Participation is free, although space is limited. Entry forms must be submitted by December 5, 2025. Those interested in joining the parade can contact Kerri Spillane at 719-270-1999 or kspillane@cripple-creek.co.us Forms may also be submitted in person at Cripple Creek City Hall.
The parade is a long-standing favorite for Teller County residents, offering a lively mix of holiday music, cheerful floats, and creative displays that light up the historic downtown. Whether you plan to participate or simply bundle up and enjoy the show, the Gold Camp Country Christmas Parade is a wonderful way to celebrate the season with family, friends, and neighbors.
Cripple Creek looks forward to welcoming the community for an afternoon of joy, laughter, and festive spirit.
The Woodland Park Farmers Market is inviting the community to celebrate the season at its annual Holiday Market, held at the Ute Pass Cultural Center, 210 East Midland Ave, on Saturday, November 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This beloved local tradition offers something for everyone, featuring live music, food trucks, and a wide array of local vendors. Shoppers can browse Colorado-grown winter produce, including mushrooms, greens, eggs, and meats, alongside specialty foods like jams, jellies, spices, teas, and chocolates. Baked goods, pickled products, granola, and freshly brewed coffee will also be on hand to fill the air with delicious aromas.
Beyond the food, visitors can explore handmade crafts such as etched glass, ornaments, pottery, wood and paper crafts, crochet items, jewelry, soaps, candles, and printed fabrics. Holiday shoppers will also find Colorado-themed shirts, antique kitchenware, fresh wreaths, greenery, dog treats, and health and wellness products.
With its mix of local artistry, festive spirit, and homegrown goods, the Woodland Park Farmers Market Holiday Market is a perfect place to find unique gifts and support local makers while soaking in the charm of the holiday season.
Woodland Park has a new spot for style seekers and vintage lovers alike. Timeless Niche, located at 110 W. Midland Ave, Suite 3, has officially opened its doors, offering a curated selection of pre-loved and secondhand vintage clothing for both men and women.
The boutique specializes in handpicked pieces that blend classic charm and modern wearability, with racks filled with denim, tops, jackets, accessories, and statement finds from across the decades. For those looking to refresh their own closets, Timeless Niche also accepts trades, making it a sustainable option for fashion-forward shoppers.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the shop sits conveniently between 110 Reserve and Mountain Home Decor in downtown Woodland Park.
Whether you’re trading in your own treasures or hunting for your next vintage favorite, this new boutique adds a fresh spark of creativity and character to Woodland Park’s growing downtown community.
Residents across Teller County are voicing growing frustration with TDS Telecom, citing ongoing outages, inconsistent service, and difficulty reaching customer support.
Over the past several months, many have reported frequent connectivity issues and slow speeds, with some experiencing repeated interruptions throughout the week. Others note that rising monthly costs have made the situation even more aggravating.
Reaching customer service has also proven challenging for many users, with reports of long hold times, unhelpful conversations, and limited communication about outages or repairs. In some cases, customers say they receive little to no notice when service disruptions occur.
TDS provides internet service parts of Teller County, including areas where reliable connections can already be difficult to maintain due to the region’s geography. While some understand that mountain communities face unique infrastructure challenges, many residents feel that the level of service has declined in recent years.
Some are now exploring alternatives, though options remain limited. A few households have turned to satellite internet providers such as Starlink, while others are considering smaller, fixed wireless companies. However, for many in Teller County, TDS remains the only available broadband option.
TDS has stated publicly that it continues to invest in network improvements and expanded coverage throughout Colorado. Still, ongoing issues have left many residents questioning when the service will improve , or whether better solutions are on the horizon.
October 10th and 11th, the Ute Pass Historical Society invites you to enjoy a weekend filled with community, comfort food, and a taste of old-fashioned fun. Join us in Divide for two special events that celebrate Teller County’s history and hometown spirit!
🍲 Potato Soup Supper & Volunteer Appreciation Night 📅 Friday, October 10 📍 Pikes Peak Community Center, 11122 US Hwy 24, Divide 🕔 Doors open 5:15 PM | Dinner 5:30 PM | Program 6:30 PM 💵 $5 suggested donation
Settle in for a cozy evening of homemade potato soup, salad, rolls, and dessert as the community celebrates our wonderful volunteers and local history enthusiasts. At 6:30 PM, guest speaker Roger P. Hadix, a Colorado Springs native, baseball historian, and author of “Baseball in Colorado Springs.” will take the stage to share his love of baseball.
Roger’s lifelong passion for local history and America’s favorite pastime has made him a community favorite. He also plays with the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association (CVBBA), keeping 19th-century “base ball” alive and well across Colorado.
Enjoy a delicious meal, great company, and a fascinating look at the history of baseball in our region, all in one memorable evening.
⚾ Old Fashioned Base Ball Game 📅 Saturday, October 11 | 1:00 PM 📍 Hayden Park, Divide
The fun continues the next afternoon as the Divide Fire Department faces off against the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association in an authentic 1800s-style “base ball” game! This isn’t your typical baseball match, expect vintage uniforms, historic rules, and lively crowd participation.
Bring your lawn chairs, friends, and family for a good old-fashioned afternoon of entertainment, community pride, and maybe even a few peanuts and crackerjacks.
Every fall, the mountains of Teller County, just west of Colorado Springs, transform into a patchwork of golden aspens framed by rugged peaks and deep evergreen forests. From September 25 through October 7, the colors are expected to reach their peak, painting the hillsides in brilliant shades of yellow and gold. For those looking to soak in the sights, Teller County offers one of the most scenic drives close to Colorado Springs, with plenty of small-town charm, hearty food, and hidden gems along the way.
Starting in Colorado Springs, here’s a full-day itinerary that pairs breathtaking foliage with memorable stops, perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned leaf peepers alike.
Woodland Park – A Mountain Town Welcome After winding your way up Ute Pass on Highway 24, your first stop is Woodland Park, known as “The City Above the Clouds.” The air is a little crisper here, and the mountain views begin to open up. Before continuing deeper into the forest, stop at Café Leo, a cozy local favorite. A warm latte or chai makes the perfect start, and their baked goods — especially the house-made pastry that tastes like an elevated version of a childhood “pop tart” — are worth the indulgence. It’s also a good spot to stretch your legs, stock up on road snacks, and settle into mountain time.
Divide & Mueller State Park – Aspen Gold at Its Best From Woodland Park, head west to Divide, where Highway 67 splits south toward Cripple Creek. This stretch of road is a leaf-peeper’s dream. Golden aspen groves blanket the rolling hillsides, and the higher elevation means the colors often come early and stay vibrant.
Just a few miles down the road lies Mueller State Park, one of Teller County’s crown jewels. With more than 5,000 acres and 55 miles of trails, the park offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the colors. Even if you don’t have time for a long hike, the park has scenic pull-offs where you can capture sweeping photos of gold against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. For a quick, rewarding stroll, try the Outlook Ridge Trail, which leads to panoramic views perfect for fall photos.
Mueller State Park
Cripple Creek – History and a Hearty Meal Continue south to Cripple Creek, a historic mining town where Victorian architecture meets the buzz of modern casinos. The drive itself is spectacular, with bursts of aspen lining the hillsides and occasional wildlife sightings.
Once you arrive, fuel up with lunch at The District Kitchen & Saloon, a modern spot with a hearty menu. Their “Best in the West Hot Chicken Sandwich” has earned a loyal following for good reason — it’s crispy, spicy, and perfectly satisfying after a mountain drive. After lunch, stroll the downtown streets where old brick buildings and historic markers tell the story of Colorado’s gold rush era. If you’re feeling adventurous, step into one of the casinos and test your luck before heading back out to the open road.
“Best In The West Hot Chicken” Sandwich, The District Saloon
Victor – A Step Back in Time Just a short drive from Cripple Creek lies Victor, a quieter, less touristy mining town that feels frozen in time. Along the way, you’ll pass Rita the Troll, a quirky roadside sculpture that’s become a local landmark — the perfect photo-op for your road trip scrapbook.
In town, pop into Gold Camp Bakery Café & Deli, where the scent of fresh bread and pastries fills the air. For those seeking something stronger, the 1899 Mining Claim and Saloon serves craft beers and cocktails in a setting that channels the rugged spirit of the mining era. If you’re lucky enough to find the Victor Trading Co & Manufacturing Works open, don’t miss it. This old-fashioned shop sells hand-pressed postcards, hand-made brooms, and unique keepsakes that make for truly memorable souvenirs.
Victor Trading Co & Manufacturing Works
The Perfect Ending in Green Mountain Falls (We Know, It’s Not In Teller County) As the day winds down, make your way back toward Colorado Springs. Before you descend fully into the Front Range, stop in Green Mountain Falls, a small mountain village that feels tucked away from the world. Here, Cantina Verde serves some of the best Mexican fare in the region. Their queso and house margaritas are the ideal way to toast a successful day of leaf peeping before heading back to the city.
Today is the final day to explore the Woodland Park Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show, happening right here in Woodland Park at the Saddle Club lot between Safeway and Walmart. This annual event, held every 3rd weekend in August, brings together more than 40 dealers featuring minerals from around the world, stunning crystals, and one-of-a-kind custom jewelry.
The show is a family favorite with free activities for kids, including gold panning and digging up rocks, making it a great way to introduce little explorers to geology in a fun and hands-on way. Adults can browse the wide variety of gems and jewelry while enjoying delicious options from local food vendors.
Whether you are a collector, jewelry lover, or simply looking for a fun Sunday activity, the Woodland Park Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show has something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to experience it before it’s gone for another year.
Wednesday, August 13 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Meadow Wood Sports Complex, Woodland Park Free Event
emergency service vehicle. Closeup view
Get ready for a morning full of horns, sirens, and smiles at the 25th Annual TOUCH-A-TRUCK Day, hosted by The Resource Exchange (TRE)! This exciting, hands-on event invites kids of all ages to climb inside, crawl through, and explore more than 20 big trucks and emergency vehicles.
From fire engines and ambulances to a real helicopter, school buses, and even a snowplow, this is a rare chance to get up close to the vehicles that help keep our community running. You’ll also spot police cars, dump trucks, a JTLV military vehicle, backhoes, a street sweeper, and more.
Whether your kid dreams of driving a bulldozer or sounding the siren on a fire truck, this event puts them right in the driver’s seat—literally.
Helpful Tip: If anyone in your family is sensitive to noise, please bring noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs. Some vehicles may sound their horns or sirens during the event.
Yellow excavator on a construction site against blue sky. The modern excavator performs excavation work on the construction site
About the Host: The Resource Exchange (TRE)
TRE is proud to serve approximately 13,000 individuals of all ages throughout El Paso, Pueblo, Teller, and Park counties. Advocating for independence and inclusion, TRE partners with children and adults with disabilities, delays, mental health, or long-term care needs. Using a person-centered approach, TRE coordinates care, promotes choice, and collaborates with over 200 community partners to increase opportunities for those they serve.
TOUCH-A-TRUCK Day is just one of many events where TRE brings families, partners, and the community together to learn, connect, and have fun.
Planning your first visit to the Teller County Fair? Here are a few helpful tips to make sure you get the most out of this weeklong celebration of community, country fun, and local talent.
Come Prepared for the Sun Teller County summers can be hot and bright. While there are new covered bleachers this year, those seats fill up quickly. Most seating is uncovered, so pack sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring your own chair if you want to be comfortable and close to the action.
Food, Drinks, and Good Times You’ll find plenty to eat thanks to the on-site food vendors serving up fair favorites. Outside alcohol is not allowed, but you can purchase beer from the fair’s beer tent if you’re 21 or older.
New This Year: The Equipment Rodeo After the Motocross event on the first Saturday, stick around for the all-new Equipment Rodeo. Sponsored by Wagner Equipment Co., our local CAT dealership, this exciting event features heavy machinery and skilled operators putting on a crowd-pleasing show.
The Little Rascals Pee Wee Show Perfect for young animal lovers, this event gives kids a chance to get hands-on with 4H animals and learn the basics of showing them. It was a big hit in its first year and is back again, offering fun for both participants and spectators.
thetellertimes.com 