Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Christmas Unlimited is asking for volunteers to help run its toy distribution center — operating from Dec 4 to Dec 24 — and is accepting new, unwrapped toy donations by Dec 19 to support families in need this holiday season.

Thousands will fill downtown tonight for the 41st Festival of Lights Parade starting at 5:50 p.m. on Tejon Street, and the Pioneers Museum hosts Family Fun Day (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) along with a food truck event beginning at 3 p.m.; free parking is available at three city garages.

On Dec. 5, Wings members in Colorado Springs approved a merger with Ent Credit Union, forming one of the nation’s largest credit unions with nearly $20B in assets.

Members will see no service changes and can expect online banking upgrades by 2026 — the new Wings brand will launch on Jan. 1.

Brenda Quiñones left a 40-year corporate job to launch St. Clement Custom Hats east of Colorado Springs, where she crafts fur felt hats inspired by decades of stories and her work with alpaca fiber from her herd.

The 92nd annual Palmer Lake Yule Log Potluck starts Wednesday at 6 p.m. with a Yule Log Hunt on Dec.

14 from 1 to 8:30 p.m. at the Palmer Lake Town Hall (28 Valley Crescent St.), expecting around 500 participants to join the festive tradition.

Chamber Orchestra of the Springs presents 'Dances with the Winds' at Ent Center for the Arts’ Chapman Recital Hall at 7 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

The program features Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony and a Rautavaara concerto with Soloist winner Arin Sarkissian performing four flute parts (unique for the event).

District 49 superintendent Peter Hilts said the district will declare a fiscal exigency at the Jan.

8 board meeting to cut programs and tenured teacher positions as revenue and enrollment flatten. The plan freezes pay scales and raises fees to balance the budget, according to his email.

The revived D38 Foundation launched a holiday fundraiser selling $20 commemorative ornaments featuring student artwork from Palmer Ridge High School to honor Grace Best Elementary's legacy.

Proceeds will support educator professional development in Lewis-Palmer District 38, and ornaments are available at d38foundation.org.

The U.S. Forest Service is asking for public comments on the new Pikes Peak Vegetation Management and Restoration Project, which will treat 195,000 acres to protect communities, watersheds, wildlife and recreation areas; feedback is accepted from Dec.

5 through Dec. 17 in parts of El Paso, Teller and Douglas counties.

Jill Gaebler of the Pikes Peak Housing Network urged local leaders to build more affordable housing in current neighborhoods, including duplexes and townhomes, so residents can live closer to jobs and ease road congestion.

The proposal seeks to support families and improve community stability.

On Friday, the Switchbacks signed midfielder Devon 'Speedy' Williams for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The Jamaican player returns for a second stint after helping win the league title in 2024 and will boost the team's defensive spine as they prepare for upcoming matches.

Palmer Ridge football's Bears, fresh off a comeback win on Nov.

14, are set for today's 1:30 p.m. championship game at Canvas Stadium against No. 1 seed Dakota Ridge — early adversity has sharpened their focus, coach Zach Carlton said.

Air Force Falcons freshmen are boosting the team this season as Lucas Hobin averages 13 points per game and recorded a career-high 27 points in a recent contest.

The squad will face Navy Sunday in Annapolis to build on its early success.

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.

Wednesday Night Comedy Open Mic

7-10 p.m. — Lulu's Downtown — Free entry — A platform for seasoned and new comedians to showcase their talent in a fun setting.