Daily editionSaturday, December 20th, 2025
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of December.
Community
Colorado Springs Airport reported delays on flights to and from Denver because of high wind gusts as 25 aircraft were diverted this morning.
Airport spokeswoman Amanda Rantis said holiday festivities at the airport continued with Mayor Mobolade joining Santa and Mrs. Claus to offer hot chocolate.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Today, residents can visit Comfort & Joy Cat Café at 615 S. Nevada Ave for food and adoptable cats while local groups including Harley’s Hope Foundation, Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, and 9 Lives Rescue offer pet care assistance, licensing, and volunteer opportunities.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Airport will see a holiday rush from Dec. 20 to Jan. 5, with about 125,000 passengers expected.
Travelers should arrive 1.5 to 2 hours early and check TSA guidelines; discounted parking runs until Dec. 27 + details are on the airport’s social media.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Culture
NORAD’s annual Tracks Santa Operation continues from Peterson Space Force Base, with over 1,000 volunteers answering calls on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight.
The program also offers a multilingual website featuring English and Japanese and maintains a long-standing holiday tradition.
Colorado Public RadioRead more
Hilltop Reindeer Ranch, east of the Springs on a Colorado prairie, has spread holiday cheer all year since 2021 by caring for reindeer and teaching visitors about them.
Co-owners Beth Genz and Kathy Winkler host local events with educational facts (see local listings for appearances).
11 NewsRead more
The Irish Tenors, including Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan, and newcomer Patrick Hyland, will perform this Sunday at 7 p.m. at Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers (13071 Bass Pro Drive), presenting a holiday show with Irish tunes, spirituals, and Christmas songs.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Education
Air Academy High School expanded its film program as students filmed a student-written romcom on Monday, Dec. 15 during their revamped Film as Literature class.
The program now offers three course levels along with a Friday after-school club (a hands-on learning opportunity for future filmmakers).
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Environment
On Thursday, the Colorado General Assembly Development Committee approved expanding Cheyenne Mountain State Park to over 3,000 acres by adding two parcels.
CPW will buy a 357.2-acre property (Denman) and a 125.8-acre city-owned parcel to complete the project and improve park signage along Highway 115.
KOAA News5Read more
On Thursday, Colorado air quality regulators approved new rules to limit methane emissions from 59 landfills that produce over 1% of the state’s greenhouse gases.
Operators must monitor leaks and switch from open to enclosed flares by 2029.
Colorado Public RadioRead more
Government
A new law will let Colorado parents recoup child care waitlist and application fees if a child does not secure a spot within six months, starting Jan. 1, 2026 with refunds available after July.
Providers may keep up to $25 to cover administrative costs.
Colorado Public RadioRead more
Colorado Springs Utilities will propose a new electric integrated resource plan early next year that may extend the Ray Nixon Power Plant’s coal-fired operations beyond its scheduled 2029 closure until 2040, pending EPA + Air Quality Commission approval to balance cost-effective power with state emissions goals.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Events
Christmas Symphony
Sunday, December 21st, 2025 · 2:30-4:00 p.m. — Pikes Peak Center For The Performing Arts — Cost information not provided — Experience the joy of the season with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and Chorale in a beloved holiday tradition.
Mellow Mondays Coloring Night
Monday, December 22nd, 2025 · 4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind with coloring pages and pints in a relaxed brewery setting.
Twisted Tuesday Painting Party
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $35 — Enjoy a fun evening of art with $4 drinks in a lively atmosphere.
Weekly Trivia Night
Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Pub Dog Colorado — Free to play — Unleash your trivia skills while enjoying craft beers in a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Live at Good Company
Friday, December 26th, 2025 · 8 PM – 12 AM — Good Company Bar — Cost not specified — Enjoy an evening of entertainment at a popular local venue.
After Dark | Late Night Date Night!
Saturday, December 27th, 2025 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $37-$49 per person — Unleash your creativity with a guided painting session and enjoy drinks at the Inspiration Bar.
Sunday Trivia Night
Sunday, December 28th, 2025 · 6-8:30 p.m. — Summa — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy gourmet comfort food at a fun trivia event.
Open Mic Night
Monday, December 29th, 2025 · 6-10 p.m. — Vultures — Free event — Showcase your talent in music and comedy during this entertaining open mic night hosted by Joe Bruno.
Trivia Night at Red Leg Brewing
Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free to enter — Test your knowledge and compete for fun prizes while enjoying great beer.
Chew Year's Eve Celebration
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 · 6:30-9 p.m. — Pub Dog Colorado — No cover charge — Celebrate the New Year with a dog-friendly toast and a mock countdown before bedtime.