SATURDAY A weekend awash in the lights of holiday parades around the state Saturday. In downtown Colorado Springs at 5:50 p.m., the 41st Colorado Springs Festival of Lights heads down Tejon Street with 100 floats, music, horses and whimsical characters. coloradospringsfestivaloflights.com. Downto wn Denver will be packed with thousands of cheering folks for the colorful 9NEWS Parade of Lights kicking off at 6 p.m. with 40 floats, bands, horseback riders and huge balloons. winterindenver.com/parade. Downtown in Grand Junction, 100 floats; and a parade in Conifer. Breckenridge Race of Santas and lights fest, too.The Manitou Springs Community Christmas Parade is 6 p.m. Sunday with bands, school groups, scouts and the Fort Carson 4th Infantry Band. Bring new toys for Toys for Tots. ManitouChristmasParade.com  SUNDAY A 64-year holiday tradition in the historic Shove Chapel on Colorado College campus, The Festival of Lessons Carols is an Advent service in a global tradition. Featured in the decorated chapel are Mariachi Tigre, the Colorado College Chamber Choir and other musicians with music and Scripture at 6 p.m. Sunday. Free. 1010 N. Nevada Ave. coloradocollege.edu/newsevents/calendar/details.html?EventID… FRIDAY-SATURDAY Awaiting the celebrated Sundance Film Festival’s move from Utah to Boulder in 2027, the Independent Film Society of Colorado shows what’s coming with the Sundance 2025 Short Films Tour at Cottonwood Center for the Arts, 427 E. Colorado Ave. Seven films both Friday, 4 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. For specifics and tickets: ifsoc-sundance.eventive.org. SATURDAY-SUNDAY So many ideas or just enjoy touring five decorated mountain area homes and three hospitality sites this weekend during the annual Tweeds Holiday Home Tour, the annual benefit for Teller County nonprofits. Tickets $20 at Tweeds Fine Furnishings, 240 E. U.S. 24, Woodland Park, or 400 W. Midland Ave4. Opening 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. wphht.org FRIDAY-DEC. 23 One of the most treasured family traditions, the beautiful Electric Safari on the mountainside at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo celebrates its 34th anniversary. Voted one of the best zoo lights events in the country. See the lighted sculptures Friday through Dec. 23 and Dec. 25-Jan. 1. Reservations for timed entries: cmzoo.org/events-programs/special-events/electric-safari THURSDAY AND TUESDAY Free holiday concerts by the Air Force Academy Band were sold out downtown immediately every holiday and are now a special gift with “Holly Ivy.” For the first time the community is invited to Arnold Hall Theater on the AFA grounds for three of the evenings, the last two at 7 p.m. Thursday and next Tuesday. Pre-concert reception at 6 p.m. Reserve your tickets: usafa.edu/event/holly-ivy-holiday-concert FRIDAY See Bear Creek by Candlelight as you walk the trails of the park lined with luminarias, then story times, sing-a-longs, Santa and crafts, 5-8 p.m. Friday, Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. $8-$10. Register: 719-520-6387, elpasocountynaturecenters.com.  FRIDAY The first night of a series of concerts at different locations through Dec. 13, Once Upon a Starry Night is a holiday present to the community by the Out Loud Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus, 7:30-9:40 p.m. Friday, Community Congregational Church of Manitou Springs, 103 Pawnee Ave., $22.50-$25. Tickets and to see the whole schedule: outloudcsmc.com/events.   SATURDAY Don’t miss this holiday treat by talented young musicians, the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Holiday Pops Concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave. Tickets $39+ at pikespeakcenter.com.  SATURDAY A favorite downtown watering hole turns into Elf World as Benny’s Lounge, 517 W. Colorado Ave., invites everyone to come dressed as an elf or in festive garb from 2-6 p.m. Saturday. $5 elf-themed beverages and Benny’s will donate $1 from every drink purchased to the Downtown Creative District. Costume contest 2:30 p.m. and there’s a screening of “Elf.” shorturl.at/m0FU9.  ...read more read less