Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Ex-mayor Ken Jaray created the Manitou Springs Community Foundation to boost kindness in town and now offers an online guide that provides a free directory of local volunteering, giving, and town involvement opportunities.

The Infectious Generosity Fund—started with a $10,000 donation and already completing 11 projects—supports pay-it-forward efforts that strengthen community ties.

More than 50 volunteers gathered Thursday morning at Marian House soup kitchen on Bijou Street to serve hundreds of meals for Thanksgiving, with first-time volunteers Esther Bobb and her husband Carl joining a community effort to help those in need—organizers said the event underscored how giving back benefits everyone.

Capranea — a luxury skiwear brand led by Pagosa Springs native Ian Widmer — will open three new stores in Snowmass Village, Telluride, and Vail Village this winter with the Snowmass store debuting Thanksgiving week and Telluride opening the first week of December after its successful launches in Lionshead Village and Minturn.

Nick Hoff will headline the All Clean Comedy Weekend at Loonees Comedy Corner (1305 N Academy Blvd) with a 7:30 p.m. show today and a 9:30 p.m. show Saturday, marking his third headlining appearance at the venue while fans enjoy clean comedy; ticket prices are $12 for general admission with VIP seating ranging from $40 to $80 (this event builds on Hoff’s popular past performances in Colorado).

Carol Countdown’s semifinals saw The Christmas Song advance with 50.4 percent while White Christmas and Carol of the Bells edged ahead with 52.4 and 52.3 percent respectively—Silent Night won by a landslide.

Listeners may vote in Round 4 until midnight on Dec.1, with finalists announced on Dec.4 and the winner declared on Dec.9, plus a sweepstakes for tickets to A Colorado Christmas concert on Dec.13.

The Bureau of Land Management will conduct prescribed pile burns at 10 sites from December to April to burn roughly 576 acres, aiming to reduce wildfire risk.

At key locations near Guffey and Poncha Springs, thousands of hand and machine piles will be burned—smoke may collect in low areas on burn days.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites residents and out-of-state visitors to enjoy free access to any state park today as an alternative to Black Friday shopping — visitors are encouraged to check online resources and dress in layers for changing mountain weather.

This initiative offers a simple way to experience Colorado's natural beauty during one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Large crowds gathered at Briargate YMCA (4025 Family Place) in Colorado Springs for the annual Turkey Trot 5K race on November 27, where children ran the Tiny Trot at 8:15 a.m. and adults began at 9 a.m. The event also raised funds for scholarships and YMCA programs for local families.

After sweeping Army at West Point last week, Air Force hockey will resume Atlantic Hockey America play at Canisius University with puck drop at 11:05 a.m. today—bolstering a 7-6-1 overall record, 4-4 conference mark, and a 4-2 away record—and they hope to maintain their strong performance on the road.

Air Force will play Colorado State today at 1 p.m. at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins in the season finale of their long rivalry before joining separate conferences—FS1 will broadcast the game in Colorado Springs and it can also be heard on KVOR AM 740 radio.

Colorado College hockey is hosting No.16 Providence at Ed Robson Arena today at 7 p.m.—a second game is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. and the Tigers hope a win will boost their conference standing and NCAA tournament chances.

Palmer Ridge football will face undefeated Montrose in Saturday's 4A semifinal at 1 p.m.—the Bears hold a record of 12 to 0 and 5 to 0 on the road.

The team outscored opponents 225 to 21 away from home and has earned 28 consecutive road wins since their loss to Discovery Canyon on November 7th.

Arts and Crafts Winter Market

11 AM – 4 PM — Old Colorado City Historical Society & History Center — Free entry — Celebrate the season with local artisans, handmade gifts, and a festive atmosphere.

Holiday Market & Photos with Santa

11 AM – 3 PM — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy holiday shopping, local crafts, and festive photos with Santa.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind with coloring pages while sipping a pint at a local brewery.

Bleating Heart Night: Citizens Project

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy good beer while supporting a local non-profit cause.

Weekly Trivia Night at Pub Dog Colorado

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Pub Dog Colorado — Free entry — Test your knowledge in a fun and casual trivia competition with your furry friends.

Music Bingo at Pub Dog Colorado

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Pub Dog Colorado — All ages welcome — Bring your family and pups for an evening of fun music bingo with Olson Entertainment.

Merry & Bright Brunch

10 AM – 12 PM — The Catalyst Campus For Technology & Innovation — Ticketed event — Celebrate with good food and warm drinks as you connect with the community looking ahead to 2026.

Festival of Lights Parade

5:50-8:00 p.m. — Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs — Free entry — Marvel at nearly 100 enchanting entries dazzling with lights and decorations.

27th Annual Colorado Springs Holiday Food & Gift Festival

10 AM – 4 PM — Norris Penrose Event Center — $8.00 adults, free for children 15 and younger — Celebrate the season with unique gifts, gourmet foods, and festive activities.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free — Unwind with a relaxing night of coloring at the brewery with both family and holiday-themed pages.