Holiday Planner: 'Tis the season

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

• Arts and crafts sale - 4-8 p.m. Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6-7, Worner Campus Center, 902 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado College, free; 389-6607.

• Children's Holiday Magic Celebration - ornamentmaking, singalongs, magic, hot chocolate and cookies, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6, Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St., free; 385-5990.

• Tuba Christmas concert - 4 p.m. Dec. 6, Acacia Park band shell, downtown on Bijou and Tejon streets, free; 331-8388.

• Festival of Lights Parade - 5:50 p.m. Dec. 6, from the corner of Tejon and St. Vrain streets, south on Tejon to Vermijo Avenue, west to Cascade Avenue and north to Kiowa Street; www.coloradospringsfestivaloflights.org or 649-9111.

MUSIC

• Chamber Orchestra of the Springs - "Christmas Through the Ages," with dessert and wassail, 7 p.m. Wednesday, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14, 7 p.m. Dec. 22, Glen Eyrie and Conference Center, 3820 N. 30th St., $40-$45; 1-877-488-8787.

• Trans-Siberian Orchestra - 4 and 8 p.m. Thursday, World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., $44-$58; 576-2626.

• Handel's "Messiah" - by Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale and Orchestra, with conductor Joseph Galema, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Air Force Academy's Protestant Cadet Chapel, Air Force Academy, free; 333-3817.

• The America the Beautiful barbershop harmony chorus - presents "Christmas Unwrapped," with guests the Velvet Hills Holiday Chorus, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Coronado High School, 1590 W. Fillmore St., $12-$15/free kids 8 and younger; 264-8406.

• Monument Hill Brass Quintet - presents holiday classics, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, 304 Colorado 105, Palmer Lake, $5-$15; 481-3019, 481-2665, 481-0475 or www.trilakesarts.org.

• Pikes Peak Flute Choir - presents a Winter Winds Concert, with soloist Nancy Andrew, 2 p.m. Dec. 7, The Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Ave., free; 576-2654 or 685-1445.

• Pikes Peak Philharmonic - presents "Holiday and Remembrance," with music director David Rutherford, works by Gould, Walton, Grofe and others, 3 p.m. Dec. 7, Wasson High School, 2115 Afton Way, $6-$9/$18 family; 685-6468 or www.pikespeakphil.org.

• Glorious Christmas Concert - by the First United Methodist Chancel Choir, Orchestra and soloists, works by Rutter and Puccini and a Christmas carol medley, 5 p.m. Dec. 7, First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., free; 471-4361.

• Handel's "Messiah" - by The Village Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, 5 p.m. Dec. 7, Village Seven Presbyterian Church, 4050 Nonchalant Circle S., free; 574-6700.

• Festival of Lessons and Carols - by the Colorado College Chamber Chorus, 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Shove Chapel, 1010 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado College, free; 389-6607.

• Colorado Springs Children's Chorale - presents "Our White Christmas," with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony and the Pikes Peak Performance Company, lobby activities at 2 p.m., show at 3 p.m. Dec. 7, Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., $11-$20; 520-7469 or www.pikespeakcenter.org.

• Variety Christmas Concert - by Common Ground, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Palmer High School, 301 N. Nevada Ave., free tickets at Family Christian Book Store, Mardel Christian and Education Supply, Born Again Used Books and Christian Outlet Bookstore, donations accepted; 277-7470, ext. 125.

• Holiday Choral Festival for the Kids - by Rampart Rock 'n Jazz, 3 p.m. Dec. 7, Ute Pass Cultural Center, 210 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, free; 686-8228.

• Little London Winds Holiday Concert - 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Bethel Lutheran Church, 3925 Farmingdale Drive, free; 492-1049.

• Black Rose Acoustic Society's Christmas Potluck Party - with treats, storytelling, music and more, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Black Forest Community Center, corner of Black Forest and Shoup roads, Black Forest; 494-0666.

• Soli Deo Gloria Community Choir - presents "The Glory of Christmas," 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, First Christian Church, 16 E. Platte Ave., free; 262-0614.

• Christmas Joy Concert - with the First Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir, full orchestra and 17-piece big band, the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, Ballet Emmanuel and the Pikes Peak Ringers hand bell ensemble, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14, Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., $12-$20; 520-7469 or www.pikespeakcenter.com.

• Vocal Fusion Show Choir - Christmas concert, 3 p.m. Dec. 14, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 2111 Carlton Ave., free; 590-7237.

• The Broadmoor Academy of Music Holiday Concert - 3-5 p.m. Dec. 14, The Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Ave., free; 576-3979.

• United States Air Force Academy Band - presents "Holly and Ivy: A Winter Wonderland," 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16, Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., free, tickets at the World Arena and Pikes Peak Center box offices and all Ent Federal Credit Union locations; 556-9916.

• Brulé and Airo Holiday Concert - 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., $30-$35; 520-7469 or www.pikespeakcenter.com.

• Colorado Springs Philharmonic - presents "Christmas Classics and Carols," 2 p.m. Dec. 21, Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., $10-$50; 520-7469 or www.pikespeakcenter.com.

THEATER AND DANCE

• "The Nutcracker" - by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, San Diego Ballet and the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, 8 p.m. today, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., $23-$45; 520-7469 or pikes www.peakcenter.com.

• "Holiday Extravaganza Revue" - by Iron Springs Chateau, opens today, 8 p.m. show, 6 p.m. dinner Fridays, Saturdays and some weekdays, depending on reservations, through Dec. 23, Iron Springs Chateau, 444 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs, $28.50/$15.50 ages 4-12, show only $15.50/$9.50 ages 4-12; 685-5104.

• "Miracle on Bennett Avenue" - by Thin Air Theatre Company, opens today, 7 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 31, Butte Opera House, Cripple Creek, $7.75-$11.75; www.butteoperahouse.com or 235-8944.

• "Scrooge ... The Carol With an Attitude" - by Woodmen Valley Chapel, 7 p.m. Thursday-Dec. 5, 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Dec. 10-12, 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Woodmen Valley Chapel - Rockrimmon, 290 E. Woodmen Road, $6-$10; 388-5000.

• "A Christmas Carol" - by Fine Arts Center Theatre Company, opens Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays, family matinees 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20, runs through Dec. 21, Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., $26-$35/$18-$25 family matinees; www.csfineartscenter.org or 634-5583.

• The Song Spinners Christmas Dinner/Show - dinner at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Dec. 5, Fountain Valley Senior Center, 5745 Southmoor Drive, $10; 520-6470.

• "A Christmas Carol" - with Mr. and Mrs. Guffaw, by Manitou Art Theater, opens Dec. 6, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and 1 and 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 21, Manitou Art Theater, 1367 Pecan St., $9; 685-4729 or www.themat.org.

• Zamuel Ballet School's "Nutcracker" - 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 1 p.m. Dec. 7, Mitchell High School, 1205 Potter Drive, $15; 570-1441.

• "Rejoice, A Season in Celebration, featuring The Nutcracker" - by Attitudes Ballet Theatre, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 6 p.m. Dec. 14, Colorado Springs Charter Academy, 2577 N. Chelton Road, $10-$15; 473-1770.

• "Amahl and the Night Visitors" - Colorado Springs Conservatory and the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, noon Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Dec. 15, Armstrong Hall, Colorado College, free; 577-4556.

• Pikes Peak Performance Company's Holiday Celebration Performance - with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony and the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, 2 p.m. Dec. 14, Wasson High School, 2115 Afton Way, $10; 328-0694.

• "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" - by Village Seven Presbyterian Church Junior High and Children's Choirs, 6 p.m. Dec. 14, Village Seven Presbyterian Church, 4050 Nonchalant Circle S., free; 574-6700.

• The Broadmoor Christmas Show - with Maureen McGovern, Jim Salestrom, Nelson Rangell, The Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, Lila Mori, Lewis Mock and Ken Miller with Santa and musicians from The Broadmoor Pops Orchestra, Dec. 19-24, dinner at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., The Broadmoor Hall at The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave., $68/$50 children, call for reservations; 634-7711.

• "A Nutcracker Ballet and Holiday Tea" - by Colorado's Classical Youth Ballet and David Sckolnik, refreshments and tea after performance, 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 20-21, Rampart High School, 8250 Lexington Drive, $19/$15 kids 12 and younger and seniors; 272-7078 or info@danceinthesprings.com or www.coclassicalyouthballet.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Victorian Christmas at Miramont Castle - with decorations and refreshments, high tea with reservations, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today-Sunday, Miramont Castle, 9 Capitol Hill Ave., Manitou Springs, $7.50-$8/$4 ages 5-15; 685-1011, 884-4109 for high tea reservations.

• Holiday Magic - shopping, food, Santa visits, brass bands, musicians and martial arts demonstrations, Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. today, Old Town Plaza, corner of 25th Street and West Colorado Avenue; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. today and Saturday, Bancroft Park, corner of 24th Street and West Colorado Avenue, free; www.shopoldcoloradocity.com.

• Seven Falls Holiday Night Lighting - open until 9:30 p.m. today-Sunday and Dec. 5-6 and 12-13; Christmas Unlimited Holiday Fundraiser, 5-9:30 p.m. nightly Dec. 14-30, donation of $4 to benefit charity, Seven Falls, 2850 S. Cheyenne Canyon Road, $4-$7/free kids 4 and younger; 632-0752.

• Southern Teller County Holiday Headframe Lighting - self-guided driving tour of decorated historical mining structures around Victor and Cripple Creek, begins today, runs Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 21, and nightly Dec. 24-Jan. 1, weather-permitting, free, tour maps at Victor Hotel, 321 Victor Ave., Victor, and Cripple Creek Welcome Center, 339 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek; www.victorcolorado.com or 689-3315.

• Christmas Madrigal Banquet at Glen Eyrie Castle - Renaissance-style celebration, 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5-6, 11-13 and 17-20, Glen Eyrie Castle and Conference Center, 3820 N. 30th St., $99; 1-877-488-8787.

• Holiday Wine Tasting - with music, food and silent auction, 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, The Warehouse, 25 W. Cimarron St., $60 at the door; 574-9002.

• The Cheyenne Mountain Resort Big Little Holiday Celebration - with light snacks, dinner buffet, dancing and music by Randy Rodriguez and DJ Jonathon Starr, 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, 3225 Broadmoor Valley Road, $65; 538-4025.

• Holiday Tea and Tours - 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 18-20, Rock Ledge Ranch, off 30th Street across from Garden of the Gods, $12-$15, reservations required; 578-6777.

• "Bear Creek by Candlelight and Art Show Preview" - with walks on candlelit trails, music, holiday treats and art-show preview, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 5, Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road, free; 520-6387.

• Small Town Christmas in Monument - activities through the day 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5, with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Limbach Park, holiday crafts for kids, champagne and sparkling wine tasting at Second Street Art Market and Wine Bar, hayrides, gifts for kids, trunk show and more; cookies and punch at 4 p.m. at Town Hall, lighting of the Monument Christmas Tree and carols in Limbach Park at 4:30 p.m., free; www.monumentmerchants.com or 884-8016.

• Breakfast with Santa at The Citadel mall - with entertainment by the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, 8:15-9:30 a.m. Dec. 6, The Citadel, 750 Citadel Drive E., $3-$5/free kids 2 and younger, tickets at Guest Services.

• McAllister House Museum Christmas Teas and Tours - noon and 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13, McAllister House Museum, 423 N. Cascade Ave., $18, reservations required; 635-7925.

• Woodland Park's Lighter Side of Christmas Parade - 6 p.m. Dec. 6, tree-lighting ceremony after parade, U.S. 24 through downtown Woodland Park; 687-7375.

• Woodland Park Holiday Home Tour Boutique - with arts and crafts, drinks and food, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 6, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 7, Woodland Park Library, 218 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, free; 661-7377.

• Sounds of the Season Holiday Home Tour - six decorated homes in Teller County, with music, apple cider and cookies, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 6, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 7, $12-$15/$7 students; 686-0302 or www.pprmc.org.

• Holiday Bed and Breakfast Tour - seven inns and the Old Colorado City History Center, 2-6 p.m. Dec. 7, Old Colorado City History Center, 1 S. 24th St., $15/$10 in advance; 636-1225 or 471-3980.

• Swedish Lucia Celebration - traditional Swedish Christmas celebration, with food and singing, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 7, Sons of Norway Lodge, 1045 Ford St., $7.50-$15/free kids 2 and younger; 260-7028.

• Holiday Evenings - with jingle bell wagon rides, old-time musical entertainment, lantern-light tours, barn dance, Victorian celebrations and more, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 12-13, Rock Ledge Ranch, off 30th Street across from Garden of the Gods, $4-$6/$2 kids 6-12; 578-6777.

• Manitou Springs Holiday Parade - noon Dec. 13, free cookies and cider at the Town Clock after parade, along Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs; 685-5089. Hike with Santa Claus and Winter Celebration - with refreshments and crafts, 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 20, Fountain Nature Center, 320 Peppergrass Lane, Fountain, $5, reservations required; 520-6745.

• Big Band Sunday Christmas Party - with the New Century Big Band with vocalist Deborah LaPorta, 3 p.m. Dec. 21, Colorado Springs Shrine Club, 6 S. 33rd St., $6-$10/free kids 18 and younger, $2 off with canned-food donation; 964-7977.

• Cowboy Ball Dance - with music by Buckskin Run, food and party favors, 8 p.m. Dec. 27, Ute Pass Cultural Center, 210 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, $15/$25 couple/free kids 12 and younger; 687-1902.

FINE ARTS

• Ute Pass Cultural Center - 210 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park. "Mountain Artists Holiday Art Show and Sale," works by local artists, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, free.

• Historic Downtown Monument - presents Banner Christmas, with hand-painted Christmas banners by 30 artists from El Paso County around lamp posts along Second, Third, Washington and Front streets, Monument, through Dec. 31. Opening reception 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Second Street Art Market and Wine Bar, 366 Second St., free. Banner Walk at 4 p.m.

• Green Horse Gallery's Festivus Bash - with refreshments, 2-5 p.m. Sunday, 729 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, free; 685-0636.

• ArtWalk Holiday Gala in Old Colorado City - free opening receptions 5-8 p.m. Dec. 5, between 23rd and 27th streets along West Colorado Avenue, including All That Glitters, Arati Artists Gallery, Artists Lair, Cucuru Gallery Cafe, Hunter-Wolff Gallery, Laura Reilly Studio, Pine Creek Art Gallery and others; 520-9494.

• Cottonwood Artists' School Gallery - Holiday Miniature Show with works by instructors and studio artists, 1-8:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6, 25 Cimino Drive, free; 520-1899.

• Arati Artists Gallery's Holiday Cheer and Birthday Celebration - 5-8 p.m. Dec. 5, 2425 W. Colorado Ave., free; 636-1901.

• "Visions of Nature" Art Show and Sale -"Celebrating Landscapes and Wildlife of Colorado," with refreshments, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6, Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road, free; 520-6387.

• Academy Frame Company's Holiday Celebration Reception - works by Renee Campbell, Janet Hall, Lucious Romero, Gregory Kelley and others, 3-6 p.m. Dec. 13, Academy Frame Co., 7620 N. Academy Blvd., free; 265-6694.

• Commonwheel Artists - 102 Cañon Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-1008. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Holiday Market through Jan. 4. Open house noon-4 p.m. Dec. 13.

• Colorado Farm and Art Holiday Market - crafts, food, art and open studios, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 13, Cottonwood Artists' School Gallery, 25 Cimino Drive, free; 640-6154.

• Business of Art Center - 513 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-1861. Noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. "Holiday Art Exhibit and Sale," through Dec. 31.

• El Dorado Fine Arts Gallery - 2627 W. Colorado Ave., 634-4075. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays. "Early Christmas Art Show," through Dec. 29.