Looking for a special winter-time getaway with the kids? Take them on the Pike's Peak Cog Railroad to meet Santa. The Pike's Peak Cog Railroad leaves out of Manitou Springs, Colorado, which is 6 miles from Colorado Springs, or 70 miles out of Denver. Typically The Pike's Peak Cog Railway is 8.9 miles long; the round trip lasting 3 hours and 10 minutes, with a half-hour stop atop Pike's Peak. But, for the "Santa Claus special," the train will go halfway up Pike's Peak to Four Mile Siding, with a 1 hour layover to let your kids visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and let you catch a great view of Pike's Peak. Hot chocolate and cider will be provided along with Christmas cookies.

This special train event will be held on Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 with a 10:30 AM departure and 1:20 PM departure. You'll be at 10,000 feet elevation, so dress warmly. For more info go to their website at cograilway.com

While there you might consider staying overnight at The Broadmoor Hotel, an historic resort with three golf courses, spa and an award-winning restaurant.  Sort of the Santa Train for grownups. They're running a special on December 14, 15, 22, 23 and 24 with "A Colorado Rocky Mountain Christmas," a show starring Suzy Bogguss and Jim Salestrom, along with Ken Miller, The Broadmoor Pops Orchestra and The Colorado Springs Children's Chorale. Packages start at $163 per person and includes accommodations for one night, and dinner show tickets. Not a bad way to spend the holiday season. Call for reservations at (719) 577-5775 or (866) 837-9520.