Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Today, Valor to Victory Specialty Tours begins at noon at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum to honor athletes who served in the Armed Forces—followed by Holly & Ivy at Arnold Hall Theater on Wednesday, Thursday and Dec.

9, with additional events such as veteran meetings, free yoga classes and bingo scheduled for coming days. These military and veterans activities offer local service members and their families multiple ways to connect and celebrate their contributions.

Nonprofits in Colorado Springs have scheduled several fundraising events starting today, including Adopt-A-Family, Colorado Gives Day, a food drive at the Pikes Peak Library District, and various benefit shows.

Organizers said events will run through December (some ending Dec. 15 and Dec. 17) and invite community members to donate online or attend in person.

Local charities that helped during the shutdown expect veterans and military families to need food support through the holidays as rising living costs stress budgets.

Care and Share Food Bank served food at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and Fort Carson while community groups—such as base first sergeants’ councils—arranged extra holiday aid.

Local nonprofits have shared a volunteer opportunities list that gives phone numbers and email addresses for groups such as the Alzheimer's Association and American Cancer Society - helping residents find ways to support community needs.

The list lets interested locals connect directly with organizations across health, education, and social services.

Rachael’s School of Dance performed The Nutcracker yesterday at 4 p.m. at the Ent Center for the Arts — a holiday tradition that has long united local families.

Permits for cutting Christmas trees are available in person at the Pikes Peak Ranger District office at 601 South Weber and online through Dec 23 for $20 per tree (limit five per family); UCCS announced that all Colorado high school students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher will be granted admission, while the university will expand concurrent enrollment and host an Air Force ROTC detachment next fall. The Colorado State Patrol also offers vehicle theft assistance under its Victims Assistance Grant Application Program and warns that drivers who refuse chemical tests for DUI will face longer license revocations.

Coach Deion Sanders vowed sweeping changes on Sunday in Boulder after a 3-win season as he criticized the team for losing close games, including a 24–14 loss to Kansas State—he promised to overhaul personnel and coaching strategies to meet higher standards.

Sanders said the changes will begin with a renewed focus on the players’ mentality and overall preparation.

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.

Twisted Tuesday Art Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $35 for $4 drinks — Enjoy an artistic evening with guided painting and discounted drinks.

Wednesday Night Comedy Open Mic

7-10 p.m. — Lulu's Downtown — Free — A stage for novices and veterans alike, hosted by a comedian with impressive credentials.