A Colorado Christmas Tradition
Joy to the World
Celebrate the holiday season Western style. When the days grow short and the winter winds begin to blow, the Flying W Ranch transforms into a cowboy Christmas wonderland. Enjoy a classic Christmas Chuckwagon dinner surrounded by the glow of twinkling lights and crackling wood-burning fireplaces.Then settle in for an unforgettable Christmas performance by the Flying W Wranglers and the Marian L. Wolfe Orchestra featuring beloved Christmas carols and old Western charm. It’s a perfect night filled with all the joy and wonder of the season and memories you’ll always cherish.
The Menu
Dinner at the Flying W Ranch is served the Western way: generous portions, slow-cooked flavors, and no shortcuts. Our Christmas menu is a little more elevated than our normal Chuckwagon fare.
And if one helping isn’t enough, we always serve seconds!
Smoked Steak
Center-cut Angus steak, smoked to perfection – a savory centerpiece for your cowboy Christmas feast
Berbere Chicken
Juicy, slow-roasted chicken with a warm, spicy kick that wakes up the taste buds
Roasted Rainbow Carrots
Roasted and caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness – a seasonal treat for your holiday plate
Garlic Mashed potatoes
Fluffy, buttery garlic mashed potatoes that taste like a cozy holiday hug on a plate
Winter Salad
Crisp winter greens tossed in a bright vinaigrette, the perfect fresh touch to balance your hearty holiday meal.
Dinner Roll
Soft, fluffy, and oh, so buttery. Served with even more butter if you need it
Fruits of the Forest Pie
A little slice of holiday cheer topped with whipped cream to finish your meal on a high note
Beverages
Your choice of water or tea.
Served ice-cold in traditional tin cups
Cowboy Coffee
Our trail-ready, bold frontier brew
with cream and sugar on the side
*Vegetarian and Gluten-free options are available on request. Please specify your needs when purchasing your tickets
Making Spirits Bright
Raise a toast with a cheerful selection of beer, wine, and festive holiday cocktails—there’s even hot chocolate for the kids!
The Show
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Accompanied by the Marian L. Wolfe Orchestra, the Flying W Wranglers’ Christmas show is nothing short of magical. You’ll be delighted by a Western spin on classic Christmas carols, original cowboy Christmas tunes, and even a few cherished Western songs. It’s a heartwarming celebration of music and holiday spirit that will remind you what the season is all about.
The Flying W Wranglers
Since their debut in 1957, more than 75 musicians have carried on the tradition of the Flying W Wranglers, passing the mantle from one generation to the next. Their legacy includes dozens of records and riveting performances on stages around the world—from the Grand Ole Opry to Carnegie Hall—bringing the sounds of classic Western music to audiences everywhere.
Get Your Tickets
Don’t miss out! Shows sell out quickly, so get your tickets while they last!
*We are unable offer discounts on our Christmas dinner show tickets at this time
Children
(Ages 4 – 12)
Includes Dinner and Show
General Admission
(Ages 13 & Up)
Includes Dinner and Show
Lap Sized
(Ages 3 & Under)
Child must sit on parent’s lap
and eat from parent’s plate
Are you planning something special for a larger group like a birthday party, family reunion, anniversary, or bachelorette party? Find out how we can make your night extra special!
What to Do When You Get Here
1. Parking
Follow the directional signs and instructions from our parking attendants to find your parking spot
2. Check-In
Enter the Mountain Stream Lodge through a glittering forest of Christmas trees and stop at the check-in desk to receive a table assignment for your party. Note that your email confirmation is not your ticket. You must check-in with the name on your reservation to receive your tickets
3. Find Your Table
All the the tables are numbered and your assigned table number will be written on your ticket. Note that the tables seat up to 18 people and you may be sharing a table with another party
4. Enjoy the Gift Shop
Before dinner, take some time to visit the Mercantile for unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. Note that the Mercantile closes before the show starts but will re-open after.
5. Enjoy Dinner
Have your tickets in hand and wait for your table number to be called. Then proceed through the line, picking up your plate, silverware, food, and drinks, and return to your table. Our servers will be circulating the dining hall with pitchers for refills.
6. Enjoy the Show
Sit back, relax and enjoy the magic of our Christmas show. Pro-tip: have your camera ready because you’re going to want pictures and videos! (Please no flash photography)
The Schedule
Doors Open 20 Minutes Prior to Your Reservation Time
Dinner Service Begins 15 Minutes After Your Reservation Time
The Show Begins After Dinner and Dessert is Served
How it All Began…
At age fifty-five, Don Wilson packed up his family and his three Kansas ranches and, in 1947, moved to the 1867 Colorado State Senator Robert Douglas homestead. The thousands of bucolic acres surrounding the homestead were nestled in the foothills of Pikes Peak on the northwest side of Colorado Springs. The land was originally owned by William Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, and is adjacent to Palmer’s Glen Erie home.
Don’s daughter and son-in-law, Russ and Marian Wolfe, moved to Colorado to help in the ranching operations. Black Angus cows were bred with Hereford bulls. The resulting Black Baldy calves were sold in the Fall. In addition, champion Quarter horses were raised and sold. Don and his older brother Harry were responsible for introducing the athletic Quarter horse to the state of Kansas (the Quarter horses were purchased from the King Ranch in Texas) and to Colorado.
During the summer, people would come out from town to ride horses over the extensive ranch lands with Russ Wolfe ramrodding the outings. Some evenings, the group would be small enough for Marian to invite the riders to share in a “potluck.”
Russ and Marian decided to make the affair a regular event – a scenic horseback ride followed by a home-cooked meal under the stars around an open camp fire. An so, in 1953, with 11 paying guests at $3.00 each, the Chuckwagon dream
was born.
Today, the Flying W Ranch is a living symbol of Western Heritage, embodying the romantic spirit of the Old West. What began with just 11 guests grew to 1,400 nightly visitors, making the Flying W Ranch one of the most popular tourist
destinations in Colorado.