Good morning, Colorado Springs.

The Pikes Peak Library District will close all branches Wednesday, Dec.

10 and Thursday, Dec. 11 to install Polaris software that will merge physical and digital listings in its online catalog. Patrons can still check out items in person next week (holds resume Dec. 12).

The Colorado Springs Vocal Arts Ensemble presents Wintersong, a candlelit concert in Shove Memorial Chapel at Colorado College on Saturday, Dec.

13 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. with free admission (suggested $10 donation) and limited seating.

Local music fans can vote in the Carol Countdown final between 'Carol of the Bells' and 'Silent Night' until midnight Dec.

7. Voters will be entered to win four-pack tickets to see Handel's Messiah at Boettcher Concert Hall on Dec. 20 (results announced Dec. 9).

Colorado Springs’ 41st Annual Festival of Lights Parade begins at 5:50 p.m. on Saturday, Dec.

6 at Tejon and Boulder and features over 80 groups—floats, bands, and walking groups—that will travel to the Pioneers Museum, where free parking and food trucks are available.

At Wednesday's board meeting, the superintendent recommended dismissing a popular teacher at McAuliffe Elementary for alleged insubordination while supporters claim the move is retaliation for her social media comments on curriculum policies — a vote on her termination is expected next Wednesday.

School District 49 and other education bodies settled with the Colorado High School Activities Association to keep policies on biological sex-based athletic participation while continuing CHSAA events — the agreement, signed yesterday, includes a $60,000 fee to cover costs and fees.

School districts including District 49, District 11 and Academy School District reached a settlement with CHSAA that lets them maintain teams separated by biological sex while dismissing claims and paying $60,000 in legal costs.

The agreement prevents penalties for these policies and has implications for sports rules under state law.

Golden-crowned kinglets thrive at high elevations in spruce-fir forests along Pikes Peak's western slopes, though the tiny songbirds sometimes migrate to wooded areas during winter.

Bird watchers have reported sightings in Woodland Park and the Front Range (as they forage among insects and seeds) this season.

Crews responded to a water main break on Thursday morning, closing East Las Salle Street (between De Paul and Prairie Road) as officials advised drivers to use alternate routes.

The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services will hold a Veterans Claims Clinic on Dec.

18 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 101 North Main Street in Fountain where Veterans and their dependents can receive help with VA benefit claims on a first-come, first-served basis.

Local entrepreneur J.W.

Roth has raised the bar for fine dining with the launch of Roth's Sea and Steak at Ford Amphitheater. The restaurant features luxury dining spaces and an upstairs bar and will offer chef's table experiences in December.

The Switchbacks finalized roster decisions for the 2026 season last Thursday by exercising contract options on goalie Christian Herrera, defender Duke Lacroix, and midfielder Brennen Creek; they also declined options on forward Quenzi Huerman and midfielder Marco Rios (19-year-old Pueblo native), paving the way for future moves.

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.

OCC Christkindlmarket

12-8 p.m. — Bancroft Park — Free entry — Experience an authentic German holiday market with handcrafted goods and cultural entertainment.

Happy Hour: Creative Painting and Candle Making

5:00-6:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $25-$37 — Unleash your creativity while sipping drinks and making your own masterpiece.

Christian Singles Winter Gathering

5-8 p.m. — Colorado Mountain Brewery — $20 for Non Hub Members — Celebrate the season with fellowship, food, and a visit to a festive Christkindlmarket.

Santa Paws Winter Market

4-7 p.m. — Pub Dog Colorado — Free entry — Festive market featuring local vendors and delightful treats for both pups and their humans.

Bleating Heart Night: Sleep in Heavenly Peace

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy good beer while supporting a wonderful local charity focused on helping children in need.