Here’s a look at some of the top happenings around the Colorado Springs area in the next few days:

ALL WEEKEND

– It’s more than a holiday play. “The Heart of Christmas” is a full-fledged festival in the mountains at Charis Bible College in Woodland Park, 800 Gospel Truth Way. Sleigh rides before the show, a Christmas market, hot beverages and desserts; doors open two hours before each show. Now about the musical drama itsel:. A girl who escaped Nazi-occupied Holland learns about Christmas through a special welcome- to-the-family gift, a story told in a book from her new American family. The book will hold great meaning for generations to come. 7 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday; $25, $15 for children 6-12, children 5 and under free if sitting on laps, charisbiblecollege.org.

FRIDAY

– One of the favorite nights at The Conservatory: Jazz Nite. And the featured musicians are all faculty members showing how it’s done: Wayne Wilkinson, Thomas Dawson, Tom Fowler, Andy Burtschi and Todd Williams. Complimentary wine, beer and beverages. $15, $10 for students, csconservatory.org, 415 S. Sahwatch St.

– Elsa and Olaf will “Let It Go” when “Frozen” plays the Broadmoor Movie Theater, inside the main hotel, at 7 p.m. Friday. What fun with soda, popcorn and cookies, and just outside a beautiful world of white lights. It’s all for the Empty Stocking Fund, $10 at the door and there’s complimentary valet parking. FillAnEmpty Stocking.org.

FRIDAY – SATURDAY

– Christmas in the Gold Camp and all over the hills around Cripple Creek and Victor the mine headframes are no longer just weathered wooden structures straight out of history. They’re lighted, decorated holiday decorations, and each evening there are self-guided vehicle tours complete with Christmas music. Guided tours, too, leave at 5:30 p.m. from Aspen Mine Center. There’s more: a Santa’s Parade, s’mores over the fire, holiday shopping and a holiday play. Full schedule: visit cripplecreek.com, 877-858-4653.

– Even though it’s an evening of holiday cheer, the Out Loud Colorado Springs Men’s Chorushopes to impart a deeper message. The shows Friday night and Saturday will end with the group’s annual rendition of “My Grownup Christmas List,” but this year the predominantly gay chorus will ask for love for communities ravaged by violence and hate. Read more here.

SATURDAY

– First he wore the traditional ballet slippers and this time the Nutcracker straps on figure skates for Centennial 7K Skating Club’s “Nutcracker on Ice.” Join Clara and her prince for shows at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday at “Pa” Sertich Ice Center in Memorial Park, 1705 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Doors open an hour prior. $13-15, children 4 and under free, donations of unwrapped toys for Christmas Unlimited, centennialskatingclub.org.

– Come enjoy a morning cuppa joe in Bear Creek Park. And at Bear Creek Nature Center you’ll learn how to roast your own perfect brew at home. Add to that a little coffee history. All ages welcome. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, 245 Bear Creek Road, $5 and if you prepay $20 there will be freshly roasted samples from a local roaster to take with you. Reservations required: 520-6387.

– The Soli Deo Gloria Community Choir conducted by Gary DeKler offers “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord” featuring the “Magnificat in D Major” by J.S. Bach in its annual holiday production. Free and open to the public, it’s at 3 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., and a reception will follow. Donations of nonperishable food for Springs Rescue Mission are requested. SoliDeoGloriaCS.org and on Facebook.

– Pikes Peak Performance Company dancers and the Ovation Youth Orchestra bring their annual “Season of Hope” Concert to the Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus, 2115 Afton Way, at 5 p.m. Saturday. Besides showcasing young musicians and dancers, the concert is a benefit for Alpine Autism Center, which was damaged in this season’s flooding. $15 at the door.

– For something really holiday different, RXP FM offers the fifth annual Alternative Xmas Bash at The Black Sheep. This all-ages show features Night Riots, U.S.S., Dreamers and Common Kings. Starting at 7 p.m., doors open at 6, $10.39 at blacksheeprocks.com. 2106 E. Platte Ave.

SUNDAY

– A raise-the-roof musical explosion of “Christmas Joy” fills acoustically stunning Pikes Peak Center on Sunday. A full orchestra, Celtic music and dance, pipes and drums and the inspiring First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir fill the annual program at 2:30 and 6 p.m. Tickets $14-22, pikespeakcenter.com, 520-7269 or at the church, 884-6114.

– Pikes Peak Philharmonic Orchestra performs its second concert of the season, featuring a special final composition by the late bass trombone player Mark Kellner, “Pikes Peak Fanfare,” at 3 p.m. Sunday. Also featured are works by Copland, John Williams and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” Mitchell High School Auditorium, 1205 Potter Drive, tickets $10 at the door or through pikespeakphil.org.

MONDAY – TUESDAY, Dec. 14 and 15

– It’s always a race to get the free tickets for this one, and this year Air Force Academy Band fans are in luck because the popular traditional “Holly & Ivy” concert is moving to a more spacious venue. Celebrate the holidays at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave. Tickets free but required and available at the center’s box office or at Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd.

CONTINUING

– Deck the halls, and more, with more than 100 holiday-themed events. Read more here.

– Share your favorite holiday lights and see where you can find the best around Colorado Springs. See the map and how you can share photos here.