Good morning, Colorado Springs.

A range of outdoor events begins today, starting with a kids’ program at Bear Creek and hiking tours at local centers, with activities scheduled through Dec.

20 at sites like Fountain Creek Nature Center and Mueller State Park. Check registration details with each venue as fees and times vary.

Local nonprofits host several fundraising events this December.

Events include Colorado Gives Day donations accepted through Tuesday, the PPLD Cares Food Drive at library branches until Dec. 15, Toys for Tots until Dec. 17, and a Holiday Spectacular on Saturday, Dec. 24—giving residents ways to support community causes this season.

Steven Curtis Chapman will bring his Music of Christmas Tour to Rocky Mountain Calvary (4285 N.

Academy Blvd) at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The performance will feature classics, surprises and a live choir as he celebrates the album's 30th anniversary.

Local officials are inviting residents to share their stories for a project called "Portrait of Colorado" by collecting oral histories at upcoming festivals and events featuring drone shows to capture the state's heritage.

Colorado’s economy—once among the fastest growing—is showing a slowdown as job growth trails national averages and federal employment declines, while rising home prices and tighter regulations add challenges; experts point to strong aerospace, tech, and AI sectors as hope for future growth.

Angie Paccione, who led Colorado Department of Higher Education since 2019, will step down on Jan.

9 as she returns to the private sector (Gov. Jared Polis will name her successor before she leaves).

After his failing heart landed him in intensive care on his 66th birthday in August, coach John Babiak received a donor heart thanks to a friend stepping up as his caregiver.

Now in recovery, he is back at work and preparing to return to Ukraine to support war-affected children.

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.

South Section Holiday Happy Hour

5:30-7 p.m. — COATI — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive happy hour in Colorado Springs.

A Ronins Test Concert

6-8:30 p.m. — The Black Sheep — Tickets available — Experience a top concert pick in Colorado Springs this December.