Nature Centers Fundraiser: Black Bear Diner, 1340 W. Garden of the Gods Road, will donate 20 percent of the day’s sales to Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers. This is also a chance for Bear Run participants to pick up their costumes and for interested parties to register for the Bear Run. That starts at […]

Scrap Exchange: In collaboration with Who Gives a Scrap Creative Reuse Center, the Manitou Springs Library is hosting an arts, craft and hobby material exchange. Bring in your new, clean/gently used and unwanted craft materials and exchange them for “tickets” to purchase/exchange new-to-you craft supplies! 1-4 p.m. 513 Manitou Ave., dye lab. Information: ppld.librarymarket.com/scrap-exchange-who-gives-scrap-1 or […]

Arts & Crafts Fair: The Chipita Park Association’s 18th annual event showcases area vendors offering textiles, pottery, jewelry, wood crafts, bird feeders, books, soap and beauty products, baskets, rustic furniture and holiday décor. Plus, breakfast, lunch and homemade baked goods will be available for purchase. Free admission. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. […]

Space Foundation Veterans Appreciation Day: Military families can enjoy free admission and military-themed presentations. Military families will also receive a free 3D-printed gift. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Information: Information: www.discoverspace.org/veterans-appreciation-day or 576-8000.

Remembering the New Deal in Colorado Springs: Join members of A New Deal for the New Deal organization to explore this fascinating era in the Pikes Peak region. The program features a research roundtable, where participants will provide insight into research on topics ranging from the Manitou Experimental Forest to food in the New Deal […]

Free Family Star Party: Look through multiple telescopes and learn about objects in the night sky from Colorado Springs Astronomical Society astronomy outreach guides and Discovery Center educators. No fee for viewing; half-price admission for those interested in indoor Discovery Center evening activities. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Information: discoverspace.org or 576-8000.

Nature’s Classroom — Winter Adaptations: A puppet show, hike and interactive stations will highlight the adaptations of local animals in winter. Geared toward grades first through third. Children at least 6 years old can be dropped off. $4 per person. 1-3 p.m. Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. Information: communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/nature-center-programs or 520-6387.

Front Porch Singers: The a capella quartet will lead holiday songs at the Christmas tree lighting. 6 p.m. Town Clock, Manitou and Cañon avenues.

Honoring Sen. Pete Lee: Join community friends and supporters to celebrate our 11th district legislator in the state senate. 5-7 p.m. Manitou Art Center, 513 Manitou Ave. To RSVP: tinyurl.com/PeteLeegathering. To record a video message: www.tribute.co/sen-pete-lee.

Kids Morning Out — Bear Aware: Caregivers, drop off your child (ages 7-12) for a morning learning about black bears’ habits and adaptations and what everyone can do to coexist safely with these large and often-misunderstood neighbors. Games, hike, take-home activity and lunch included. Prepaid registration required. $20 per child or $15 per member child. […]

Ornament Making: Learn to make two cute ornaments — one with ribbon and bells, and a bird made from yarn — to display in your home for the holidays. 1-2:30 p.m. 513 Manitou Ave., dye lab. Registration only; sign up at ppld.librarymarket.com/ornament-making-1 or call 531-6333, ext. 7004.

Forest Bathing Walk: Experience the therapeutic practice of Shinrinyoku and awaken your senses with a slow, mindful walk through the woods. Enjoy a beautiful tea ceremony after your walk. $20 for members, $30 for non-members. 1-3:30 p.m. Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. Information: www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com.

Thanksgiving Food Drive: Help donate to the hungry this season. Bring a non-perishable item to Kinfolks, 950 Manitou Ave., and enjoy an evening of live music and a silent auction. Food will be distributed by St. Andrew’s Church. 4-9 p.m. Information: 418-6180.

Little Wonders Fall Feast: Discover the world of nature with your 2- or 3-year-old. Interactive activities and a short hike make this the perfect introduction to the outdoors for your child. Child must be accompanied by an adult. $3 per person, including siblings and adults. Preregistration and prepayment required. 9-10:15 a.m. Bear Creek Nature Center, […]

Victorian Christmas Tours: Enjoy the wonders of a true Victorian holiday experience at Miramont Castle. The castle is lavishly decorated with Victorian and modern adornments. Fresh cookies and warm cider will be available in the Great Hall. Cost is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $12 for children 12 and younger. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. […]

Manitou Small Business Saturday: Support local businesses while checking off your holiday shopping list. Enjoy special activities and holiday fun across more than 90 locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants. All day. Information: manitousprings.org or 685- 5089.

Winter Arts and Crafts Market: Gifts, decorations, giveaways and music will be offered at this fun event featuring local makers. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Old Colorado City History Center, 1 S. 24th St. Information: occhs.org or 636-1225.

Christmas Stroll: Enjoy the enchanting sounds of the Colorado Dickens Carolers in Bancroft Park. Get photos with Santa and meet Prancer the Reindeer. Treats and fun, along with holiday specials, can be found in many shops. 5-8 p.m. 2408 W. Colorado Ave. Old Colorado City. Information: shopoldcoloradocity.com or 344-8537.

Manitou Springs High School Band Winter Concert: The Manitou Springs High School Band presents its winter showcase. 7 p.m. District 14 Auditorium, 110 Pawnee Ave.

ONGOING Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Bring your kiddos to the zoo after dark to enjoy thousands of lights, cool animals, warming fires and other festivities. Santa will be there, too! Advance tickets required. Dec. 22-23 and 25-Jan. 1. 4350 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road. Information: cmzoo.org or 633-9925. Gold Camp Christmas Headframe Lighting: Giant […]

Holiday Food and Gift Festival: Check out one-of-a-kind gifts, including a large gourmet food section, from more than 150 exhibitors. 10 a.m.-5p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road. Information: www.norrispenrose.com or 635-1101.

Bear Creek by Candlelight: Walk on luminary-lit trails and enjoy live music, chili dinner from Texas Roadhouse, Santa Claus and festive crafts at the nature center. $7 per member/$8 per non-member. 5-8 p.m. 245 Bear Creek Road. Information and pre-registration: www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com.

Family Star Party: Learn about a popular group of astronomical objects called the Messier Catalogue and learn how to find them with binoculars or a telescope. Outdoor events are free. Indoor admission is half-price. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Information: discoverspace.org/event/family-star-party-december-2022 or 576-8000.

History of Christmas Hymns/Songs: Learn about where Christmas songs came from — even from many centuries ago. Free. 6-8 p.m. Community Congregational Church, 103 Pawnee Ave. Information: www.manitouchurch.org.

Cool Science: Join Cool Science at the Space Foundation Discovery Center to learn about color and try out color experiments. Price included with regular admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Information: discoverspace.org/event/cool-science-color-changing-magic or 576-8000.

The Women of the AdAmAn Club: Learn about the Women of the AdAmAn Club, including Sue Graham (Member No. 79), the first woman to join the club. 11 a.m. Manitou Springs Heritage Center, 517 Manitou Ave. Information: manitouspringsheritagecenter.org or 685-1454.

MSRE Warm Clothing Drive: Manitou Springs Real Estate LLC is sponsoring its annual Warm Clothing Drive, offering gently used winter clothing. MSRE staff will give away the clothing in front of the office, 727 Manitou Ave., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Hot chocolate, hot cider and popcorn will be served. All items will be given away to […]

Christmas Bazaar and Blingo: Join Happy Cats Haven for a day of community-building and fundraising. Enjoy a small holiday bazaar full of handmade items, gifts for kitty and vintage jewelry. You can also play rounds of Blingo (bingo with a twist) to win cool jewelry prizes. All sales will go directly to helping the cats […]

Jingle Jaunt: Three shops, three projects, one day; the Jingle Jaunt invites shoppers to visit three sewing shops located throughout the Pikes Peak region: Nana’s Quilt Cottage in Old Colorado City, Na-La’s Quilt Shoppe in Fountain (117 S. Main St.) and Sew-In-Tune in Monument (251 Front St.). $15 will get you all three project sets. […]