Good morning, Colorado Springs.

A soldier returned from duty for the holidays, and a little girl said it was the best Christmas gift ever—highlighting a heartwarming family reunion.

NORAD will track Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve from Peterson Space Force Base with over 1,000 volunteers taking calls and updating a new website option — a first for those outside North America — as part of its 70-year holiday tradition.

Colorado Springs Airport is offering holiday travelers half-price long-term and overflow parking starting Monday through Saturday, lowering daily fees from $8 to $4; the discount does not apply to short-term or valet parking, so arriving early is advised due to high demand.

Over the weekend, the Cimarron Hills Fire Department hosted its annual Santa Run—celebrating over 50 years of tradition—by escorting Santa in fire trucks to 15 designated stops from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents of all ages enjoyed holiday hugs and treats.

High childcare costs in Colorado Springs are forcing parents to quit full-time work — expenses average nearly $20,000 per child a year.

Parents face a shortage of available spots, making it hard to balance earning and caring for their children.

School District 49 and Colorado Springs D-11, among other districts, reached a settlement with the Colorado High School Activities Association that lets them maintain sex-based athletic rules.

The agreement, signed after a Dec. 3 meeting, requires a $60,000 fee and follows months of legal dispute.

Enrollment is open for Colorado’s universal preschool program which provides up to 15 hours of free education for 4-year-olds for the coming school year — the program has served nearly 90,000 children since 2023 and offers families significant savings.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will expand Cheyenne Mountain State Park by acquiring 357.2 acres for nearly $9 million and the city adds 125.8 acres, raising the park from 2,701 to 3,184 acres with plans to connect Chamberlain Trail to enhance recreation and wildlife conservation.

After three days of warm weather, storms will start on Christmas Day and intensify through early New Year's, delivering 18-30 inches of snow to Colorado's mountain zones while powder conditions are forecast for many ski areas during the holiday season.

Colorado Springs Airport is offering half-off parking for holiday travelers from Dec.

22 to Dec. 27, reducing the usual long-term and overflow rate to $4 a day.

El Paso County will reinstate a waitlist for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program soon, giving priority to roughly 450 children (including those experiencing homelessness, with extra care needs or in lower income households).

County staff said new applications will start after state permission is received.

Linda Wrobel, a Cripple Creek cancer survivor, completed 12 chemotherapy sessions and surgery — she now plans to launch a support group in Teller County where patients can share encouragement.

Colorado Springs Airport is gearing up for busy holiday travel through Jan.

4, featuring festive events such as therapy dogs, Santa appearances and live music — airport officials advise travelers to arrive early to avoid delays as families reunite for the season.

New restaurants across Colorado Springs are adding fresh dining options this year as several spots, including The Brit Pub & Latin Social, bring British pub charm, chic Mediterranean vibes and creative flavors to downtown, North Colorado Springs and the Westside.

Bristow House will receive $12.8 million from Proposition 123 to build 185 affordable apartments near the intersection of South Wahsatch Avenue and Fountain Boulevard; construction will begin in spring and finish around the end of 2027.

Weekly Trivia Night

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.

Americana Fridays: Manitou Strings

4-7 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Enjoy soulful Americana tunes and re-imagined classics in a lively hotel lobby setting.

Date Night Winter Northern Lights

5-7 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $37-$39 per person — Experience a creative night of painting under blacklights with drinks and snacks available.

$10 Bottomless Mimosas | Painting and Fun

3:30-5:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $35-$39 per person — Unleash your creativity with step-by-step painting guidance while enjoying bottomless mimosas in a lively atmosphere.

Open Mic Night

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

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

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.

Blacklight Starry Night Art Party

8-10 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $40-$48 per person — Use neon paints under black lights for a fun, guided art experience.

Trivia Night at Summa

6-8:30 p.m. — Summa — Free entry — Gather your brainy bunch for a night of fun and prizes with free trivia.

Japan How I Love Thee

5:30-8:30 p.m. — The French Kitchen — $109.00 — Explore the cozy and colorful world of Japanese home cooking in a creative culinary class.