The French Kitchen, 4771 N. Academy Blvd., is in full holiday mode, rolling out its annual lineup of Yule logs — this year with a few new twists. Pastry chef instructor Nate Potter has introduced two new flavors, while giving the classic chocolate version an extra flavor boost.

Don’t worry: the perennial favorite is still very much intact, just more chocolate-lover friendly than ever.

“Wow, we tried all the Yule Logs again this morning and this year’s flavors are just absolutely incredible,” owner Blandine Mazéran wrote in her monthly newsletter. “Chef Nate did a marvelous job creating these beauties. The Yuzu & Raspberry one happened after I went to Japan and was wowed by a dessert made with these two flavors. As for the gingerbread log, Chef Nate, being a gingerbread fan, we had to launch it. The chocolate one has been revamped from last year to please all chocolate lovers even more. Can’t wait for your feedback.”

All the logs are available fresh in the store, and pre-orders are recommended to ensure you get your preferred flavor. Logs are made fresh to order; pre-orders must be placed at least 24 business hours in advance.

Note: The French Kitchen is closed Sundays and Mondays, and orders cannot be picked up on those days.

Not sure which flavor will best complement your holiday menu? Sample before you commit — Yule log slices are available for sale in the store.

For the best quality, Mazéran recommends serving the logs within 48 hours of pickup, or freezing them for up to one month.

Store hours are 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday. Details: 719-528-6295; tfkcc.com.

Evening tea

Ready, set, crook your little finger. Toodles Tearoom, 110 E. Boulder St., is hosting its Tea by Twilight at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5, 12, and 19. For $38–$58, guests can sip warm pots of tea while enjoying a delicious selection of seasonal treats and soaking in the peaceful magic of December nights.

The festive holiday tearoom is also open during regular tea times through Dec. 31. The space has been transformed into a Nutcracker-themed wonderland, complete with a holiday menu of warm scones, dainty sandwiches, cheerful savories, irresistible desserts, and endless pots of tea. Each guest also receives a merry mocktail and a classic English cracker.

Hours are 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (only afternoon/high tea is offered on weekends). Tea sessions are booked for 90 minutes. Reservations are highly recommended. Details: 719-660-0590; toodlestearoom.com.

Day trip or make it overnight

Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora, has a jam-packed treasure chest of holiday festivities for kids of all ages. Plan a day trip to Aurora to take advantage of some of the ticketed events, to dine in one of the several restaurants or simply to hang out and admire the array of seasonal decorations. There’s a little something for everyone. Attractions are available through Jan. 2. Visit christmasatgaylordrockies.com to make reservations and purchase tickets. Here’s a look at some of the fun things to experience:

• Several new attractions include the Sugar Snow Station, (next to the Mistletoe Village), featuring Candy Cane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing, and the Ice Puck Challenge, a seven-hole game where guests slide pucks through candy-themed obstacles, including gingerbread factories, gumdrop forests and hot cocoa rivers.

• After the excitement of slipping and sliding and testing your skill of puck shoving, relax at the Sugar N’ Spice Bar for light snacks and hot drinks.

• Sippin’ Santa, a holiday-themed tiki bar pop-up on the Old Hickory terrace for cocktails in collectible mugs. There will be Christmas CarolOke on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15.

• 12-foot Gingerbread Mountain Cabin in the Grand Lodge in the hotel lobby.

• In the Mistletoe Village there’s the Gingerbread Decorating Corner to decorate cookies, Build-A-Bear Workshop, photos with Santa, Elf Training Academy, Mrs. Claus Christmas Traditions story time and the Yuletide Street Market in Mistletoe Village.

• Dining options include Garden + Grain Seasonal Kitchen, Old Hickory Steakhouse, Copper Table (Colorado-inspired American cuisine), The Fortunate Prospector English pub, and the Mountain Pass Sports Bar.