DENVER — Colorado is known for wonderful seasonal festivals, concerts and events and this first weekend of December is certainly no exception.
The arrival of December brings at least 10 holiday parades to the Centennial State including the 50th annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. The parade through the streets of downtown Denver will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday.
There are also dozens of holiday tree lightings, winter festivals, arts and craft fairs, Christmas concerts, Nutcracker performances and festive 5K races.
No matter where you live in Colorado, there's a magical weekend experience awaiting you.
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9NEWS Parade of Lights
DENVER — Colorado's biggest holiday parade is back in the Mile High City this weekend. The 50th annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights will bring sparkling lights, marching bands, giant balloons and colorful floats to the streets of downtown Denver on Saturday. The Colorado holiday tradition dates all the way back to 1975 and has grown into the largest and most-watched parade in the Rocky Mountain region.
The two-mile parade route will begin at the Denver City & County Building and march down 17th and 15th streets at 6 p.m. If you couldn't make it to the parade, the event will broadcast live on 9NEWS, 9NEWS.com, and 9NEWS+.
Festival of Lights Parade
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Pikes Peak region's largest holiday parade begins Saturday at 5:50 p.m. The Festival of Lights Parade features almost 100 floats traveling Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs.
Parade of Lights
GRAND JUNCTION — The biggest parade on the Western Slope returns Saturday in downtown Grand Junction. The 42nd Parade of Lights features more than 100 lighted entries to help viewers get in the holiday spirit. This weekend's parade steps off at 5 p.m. Saturday. The parade theme this year is “Holiday in the Tropics.”
Lights of December Parade
BOULDER — The 36th annual Lights of December Parade traverses the streets of downtown Boulder on Saturday. Crowds will enjoy holiday carolers, marching bands, fire engines, holiday lights and Kris Kringle himself. The parade steps off at 6 p.m. at 15th and Walnut before heading west to Broadway and then back east on Spruce.
Holiday Parade and Drone Show
LYONS — This Lyons tradition is back this Saturday with lights, carolers and drones. Saturday begins with a Holiday Artisan Market at Lyons Elementary School. The Parade of Lights gets underway at 6:30 p.m. with colorful floats. New this year, after the parade will be a drone show happening around 7:15 p.m.
Christmas Parade of Lights
CAÑON CITY — The 35th annual Christmas Parade of Lights steps off at 6 p.m. Saturday through the streets of Cañon City. The parade will march down Main Street with the 2024 theme of “Christmas in Toyland.” There will be vendors on hand serving delicious, warm holiday cookies and hot cocoa.
Berthoud Parade of Lights
BERTHOUD — Immerse yourself in Berthoud’s downtown this weekend while enjoying the annual Parade of Lights on Mountain Avenue, where Santa’s grand entrance is followed by a tree lighting ceremony and caroling at Fickel Park. The parade begins Saturday at 5 p.m.
Parade of Lights
RIFLE — The annual Hometown Holiday Parade of Lights is set to trek Railroad Avenue from the Garfield County Fairgrounds to Highway 6 after it steps off at 6 p.m. Saturday. A tree lighting takes place at 5:15 p.m. followed by fireworks at 5:30 p.m. at Centennial Park.
Parade of Lights
MONTROSE — Montrose's traditional Parade of Lights will welcome in the holiday season this weekend. The annual parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and will illuminate historic Main Street. The theme of Saturday's parade is “Candy Land Christmas.”
Candlelight Walk
GOLDEN — Golden's annual Candlelight Walk returns Friday at 6:30 p.m. The free event has been a holiday tradition since 1988 with thousands coming together to hold candles and sing Christmas songs down Washington Avenue. At the conclusion of the walk, the switch for Golden’s 45,000 holiday lights along Clear Creek and downtown will be flipped on.
Noel Northglenn
NORTHGLENN — Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves for an evening of fun when Santa comes to Northglenn on Friday to turn on the city's lights. The Noel Northglenn lighting ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. There will be free kids crafts, games, carriage rides, a bake sale, indoor snowball fight and photos with Santa at Northglenn Recreation Center.
Windsor Wonderland
WINDSOR — The annual Windsor Wonderland runs from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The free, seasonal celebration features live holiday performances, kids' activities, hot cocoa, s'mores, photos with Santa Claus and hayrides. The Windsor Tree Lighting is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. by the Train Depot.
Night of Lights
GUNNISON — The annual tree lighting in downtown Gunnison will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday. The ceremony also features a visit from Santa Claus as well as festive lights, floats, entertainment and storefront display competition. Santa will light the tree at 6:30 p.m.
Brighton Tree Lighting Ceremony
BRIGHTON — Brighton will celebrate its annual Tree Lighting on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Founders Plaza on Main and Bridge streets. Other activities prior to the tree lighting include free face painting, the Teddy Bear and Friends Tree, and Santa Comes to Town. There will also be a Winter Market featuring artists, crafters and artisan food vendors at 1 p.m.
Festival of Lights
FREDERICK — Frederick's annual tree lighting will ring in the holiday season with free carriage rides, photos with Santa Claus, hot cocoa and cookies, carolers and an interactive ice sculpture. The Festival of Lights runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at James M. Crist Park. The Festival of Lights parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday down Fifth Street.
Holiday Celebration
WHEAT RIDGE — The City of Wheat Ridge welcomes in the holiday season with carolers, hot cocoa, cookies, holiday gifts, food trucks, Santa Claus, and carriage rides at Saturday's annual Holiday Celebration, which runs from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The city's official tree lighting begins at 6:15 p.m. with more than 12,000 multi-colored bulbs lighting a 25-foot evergreen.
Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars
DENVER — The magic of Disney on Ice returns to Ball Arena in Denver with six shows scheduled from Friday to Sunday. "Magic in the Stars" will feature the worlds of "Frozen" and "Encanto" with music and dancing alongside Elsa, Anna, Mirabel and other Disney characters. Disney on Ice also is offering a Character Experience that includes games, storytelling, crafting and interactive time with characters. Ball Arena tickets are sold at Ticketmaster.com.
Monument Tree Lighting
MONUMENT — Town of Monument will hold its annual Tree Lighting this Saturday at Limbach Park. Starting at 2 p.m., holiday performances from local schools will be held before Santa arrives to light up the park at 5 p.m. Mr. Claus will visit with kids from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
FORT CARSON — Fort Carson will celebrate the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony on Friday at 5 p.m. The ceremony at Iron Horse Park includes kids' activities, free Santa photos, market, reindeer and holiday entertainment.
Celebration of Lights
ALAMOSA — Alamosa kicks off the holiday season Friday with the lighting of City Hall and the County Courthouse. After the illumination ceremony, kids can meet Santa Claus while everyone enjoys hot chocolate. The 17th annual Celebration of Lights begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday.
Cookies & Cocoa
FORT LUPTON — Enjoy crafts, cocoa-to-go, and family portraits with Santa at Cookies & Cocoa at Fort Lupton School and Public Library. The event is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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Poinsettia Pops
GREELEY — One of northern Colorado's best annual holiday traditions returns on Saturday to Greeley’s Union Colony Civic Center. Presented by the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, the Greeley Chorale and the Greeley Children's Chorale, Poinsettia Pops is a joyous concert of beloved holiday favorites. For tickets, visit UCStars.com.
Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Holiday Concert
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Springs Youth Symphony will hold its annual Holiday Concert on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are on sale at AXS.com.
CHSAA 4A/5A Football Championships
FORT COLLINS — Championship Saturday is here! The best of Class 3A, 4A and 5A football will clash to decide the 2024 Colorado state champions at Fort Collins' Canvas Stadium on Saturday. Mead vs. Thompson Valley will decide the 3A Championship at 10 a.m. Broomfield vs. Montrose will kick off at 2 p.m. in the 4A Championship game. Legend vs. Cherry Creek will follow in the 5A Championship at 6 p.m. Tickets for the CHSAA 4A/5A Football Championships are sold at online.
Zoo Lights
DENVER — More than three million lights are illuminating the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's 34th annual Zoo Lights. The Mile High City zoo's 80 acres have been adorned with millions of lights and animated light sculptures for the event, which runs through Jan. 5.
Electric Safari
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Electric Safari opens this weekend with 85 light sculptures illuminating the zoo's 50 acres. Along with the warming fires throughout the zoo, displays will fill you with warmth and holiday spirit as you gaze out at the sparkling lights of Colorado Springs. Electric Safari opens Friday and continues select nights through Jan. 1. Reserve your passes at CMZoo.org.
ElectriCritters
PUEBLO — ElectriCritters will be delighting kids of all ages for a 31st year at the Pueblo Zoo. The Pueblo Zoo tradition features magical light creations, hot cocoa, tasty treats and holiday shopping, plus free photos with Santa Claus on Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22. The holiday event continues through Dec. 29.
International Youth Ballet's The Nutcracker
DENVER — The International Youth Ballet will perform "The Nutcracker" on Saturday at the Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are scheduled at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. "The Nutcracker" tickets can be purchased online.
Nutcracker The Ballet
PUEBLO — The Sangre de Cristo Ballet opens its annual production of "Nutcracker The Ballet" on Thursday at the Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center. The Pueblo holiday tradition sees Clara and the Nutcracker dance their way through a dream of magic and celebration. Five performances of "Nutcracker The Ballet" are scheduled through Sunday. You can get your tickets at SDC-Arts.org.
Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker
DENVER — Colorado Ballet is performing "The Nutcracker" for a 64th year. Colorado Ballet’s production has returned to its home at the Denver Performing Arts Complex for 28 performances. For a fourth year, "The Nutcracker" will showcase its new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet by designers Thomas Boyd and Holly Hynes. The production will feature five different casts of dancers and live music performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. "The Nutcracker" runs through Dec. 29 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
Birds of Prey World Cup
BEAVER CREEK — Beaver Creek Mountain is home to the famous Birds of Prey racecourse and this weekend's FIS Ski World Cup. The top international athletes will be on hand for racing in Downhill, Super G and Giant Slalom competitions. This weekend's races are free to spectate, and Beaver Creek will have free ice skating, live music, entertainment and athlete signings. The Men's Downhill is Friday at 11 a.m., Men's Super G at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, and Men's Giant Slalom at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Rock Canyon Half Marathon
PUEBLO — If you're looking to run a half marathon in Colorado this weekend, consider the Rock Canyon Half Marathon. The annual event arrives Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and features stunning scenery as you run along the historic Arkansas River Trail up to the Lake Pueblo dam and back to City Park. Rock Canyon Half Marathon registration can be completed online.
Chasing Santa 5K & Cycling Santa Bike Ride
COLORADO SPRINGS — There are two Christmas-themed races in Colorado Springs on Saturday. The Chasing Santa 5K is a walk/run for the family and the Cycling Santa Bike Ride is for bicylists. Registration for both events is available online.
Fort Collins Holiday Gift Festival
FORT COLLINS — The huge Fort Collins Holiday Gift Festival is back this Sunday with an array of fine arts, handmade crafts, delectable food, home décor, and unique holiday gifts. The show runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Northside Aztlan Community Center in downtown Fort Collins. More than 120 vendors are set to attend. Admission is free.
Holiday Food & Gift Festival
COLORADO SPRINGS — The 26th annual Holiday Food & Gift Festival runs Friday to Sunday at the Norris Penrose Event Center. The festival features hundreds of exhibitors helping Coloradans make progress on their holiday shopping lists. The festival offers one-of-a-kind gifts, crafts, jewelry, clothing, delicious food items, music, photography, toys and Christmas décor.
Holiday Craft Show
BRIGHTON — The Adams County Historical Society & Museum hosts its annual Holiday Craft Show on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be more than 275 craft booths featuring handmade items, crafts, food items, holiday décor, toys and art. The show will be held at the Riverdale Regional Park.
Holiday Bazaar at Belmar
LAKEWOOD — The Holiday Bazaar returns to Lakewood's Belmar District from Friday to Sunday. The marketplace next to the plaza with more than 60 craft vendors and fashion trucks, holiday-themed pop-up bars, food trucks and live entertainment.
Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival
DURANGO — The La Plata County Fairgrounds is the site of this weekend's 48th annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival. The show features food, wine, ornaments, soaps, lotions, blankets, jewelry, Native American art, gemstones, kettle corn, kitchen items, gift bags, clocks, furniture, pottery, scarves, hats, and mittens. The festival runs 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Winter Market
LONGMONT — This weekend's Winter Market features Colorado vendors selling produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, preserves, cheese, hot sauces, wine, prepared food, coffee, kombucha, jewelry, skincare, woodwork and home goods. There will be free kids’ activities and live music. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. Admission is free.
Grandview High School Holiday Craft Fair
AURORA — Grandview High School is hosting its craft fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The holiday tradition allows local vendors to advertise their business and sell products to the community during the Christmas season.
Golden High Christmas Holiday Bazaar
GOLDEN — Golden High School’s PTA hosts its Christmas Holiday Bazaar this Saturday with over 40 local artists. Find the perfect Christmas gift beginning Saturday at 10 a.m. Admission is free.
Bear Creek High School Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
LAKEWOOD — The 31st annual Bear Creek High School Instrumental Music Boosters Craft Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Bear Creek High School. This weekend’s Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair will have over 170 crafters, door prizes, concessions and free parking. Admission is $3.
Cheyenne Mountain High School Craft Fair
COLORADO SPRINGS — The 12th annual Cheyenne Mountain High School Craft Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in southwest Colorado Springs. The fair offers over 100 booths of craft vendors to help you get started on your holiday shopping list. There will be stocking stuffers, apparel, accessories, toys, decorations, art, jewelry, Christmas décor, home goods and food items. The craft fair will also have food vendors and complimentary parking lot shuttle.
Niwot Holiday Market
NIWOT — Holiday pop-up markets will be set up at businesses throughout Niwot this Saturday, and next Saturday, Dec. 14. There will also be carolers, harpists, brass band, singers, acoustic guitarists, horses and carriages, kids' crafts, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Schweiger Ranch Austrian Christmas
LONE TREE — Schweiger Ranch is pulling out all the stops for its annual authentic Schweiger Ranch Austrian Christmas event on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A grand Christmas tree lighting will take place as evening falls. This free festival is sure to whisk you back 145 years into the past, when the Schweiger brothers moved to Colorado from Austria and settled their homestead. This event was first published by MileHighOnTheCheap.com. For more local deals and discounts go to MileHighontheCheap.com.
Christkindlmarket
DENVER — The 24th annual Denver Christkindlmarket runs through Dec. 23 at Civic Center Park. The authentic German-style holiday market hosts both local and European crafts vendors, food vendors and free holiday entertainment. The Denver Christkindlmarket is free and open to the public.
Cherry Creek North
DENVER — The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is back for a fifth year with vendor booths lining both sides of Fillmore Plaza between 1st and 2nd Avenues on Fillmore Street. Shop from dozens of hand-picked vendors before enjoying Cherry Creek North's pop-up holiday bar, the Mistletoe Lounge.
Mistletoe Market
DENVER — Held in the alley located next to the Dairy Block food market, the Mistletoe Market pop-up market features more than a dozen vendors each weekend. There will also be live carolers, holiday music, photo ops, gift-wrapping station and festive cocktails. The market is free to attend from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend, as well as Dec. 14-15 and Dec. 21-22.
Horseshoe Holiday Market
LITTLETON — The Horseshoe Holiday Market is part makers market, part flea market. Organizers expect vendors selling everything from handmade gifts to antiques. The market will be held at Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton this Saturday and Sunday.
Festival of Trees
GREELEY — The 35th annual Festival of Trees continues this weekend with the Union Colony Civic Center lobby being turned into a true winter wonderland. The festival features crafted trees, each decorated in their own unique theme and style, all vying for prizes. Festival of Trees runs through Saturday, Dec. 7, with visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, carriage rides and entertainment. Check out the full Festival of Trees schedule at GreeleyGov.com.
Wassail Days
FRISCO — Frisco's Wassail Days continues through Sunday. Frisco businesses will be serving special wassail recipes during the event while visitors try to fill up their "12 Sips of Wassail" card.
Hudson Holidays
LITTLETON — Hudson Gardens & Event Center will host the "Hudson Holidays" light show through Jan. 12. The event feature lighted gardens, a lighted maze and larger-than-life themed exhibits. Santa will make an appearance most evenings for free photo opportunity for families. Adults will also be able to purchase beer, wine and cocktails as well as food concessions. Tickets can be reserved at HudsonGardens.org.
Trail of Lights
LITTLETON — Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms has been transformed into a glistening path of lights. The Trail of Lights holiday experience offers dancing Christmas trees, synchronized music in a children's play area, light tunnels, model tractor displays, hot beverages, nuts, kettle corn and more. Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms will be open various evenings through Jan. 5. Tickets are sold at BotanicGardens.org.
Blossoms of Light
DENVER — The signature event at Denver Botanic Gardens is back this holiday season. Blossoms of Light, a Denver tradition for nearly four decades, transforms the York Street gardens into a twinkling wonderland. More than one million lights are used to illuminate a mile-long path including a 200-foot-long light tunnel, a choreographed light display, glowing orbs in the Monet Pool, and projections on the Science Pyramid. Blossoms of Light will be open through Jan. 12.
ICE at Gaylord Rockies
AURORA — Gaylord Rockies has opened its annual holiday exhibition "ICE." More than two million pounds of ice has been transformed into a winter wonderland to celebrate the film "The Polar Express." The 17,000-square-foot frozen attraction was carved from 6,000 ice blocks using chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders and chainsaws. The environment is kept frozen by a chilling system that maintains the temperature at nine degrees Fahrenheit. Guests get to wear a blue parka to stay warm inside the exhibition. "ICE" at Gaylord Rockies will be open through Jan. 1.
Cirque: Frost
AURORA — The new "Cirque: Frost" acrobatic show has opened at Gaylord Rockies. Following a young Jack Frost as he discovers his destiny as the legendary winter spirit, the 50-minute show of high-flying stuns and breathtaking feats in a heartwarming tale of a dreamer who brings enchantment and wonder to the world. "Cirque: Frost" runs through Jan. 1.
Olde Town Arvada Skating
ARVADA — Nothing is more fun than a twirl around a skating rink under the twinkling lights. Olde Town Arvada opened its Olde Town Arvada Skating rink last week. Tickets with skate rentals are $10 for adults and $7 under 12 years old.
Skate in the Park
COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado Springs has opened its ice-skating rink for the season. Tickets are $13 including skate rentals. Located in Acacia Park in downtown Colorado Springs, the Skate in the Park rink is open most days through Jan. 31.
Mile High Drone Show
DENVER — The sky over Denver will be lit up for 40 straight nights with a series of holiday and Denver-themed drone shows through New Year's Eve. The 15-minute shows will extend 400 feet in the air and spread 500 feet wide with a variety of about two-dozen animated scenes. The drones will launch just west of downtown Denver. Some recommended viewing sites include Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex and the Ball Arena parking lot.
Winter Wonderlights
LOVELAND — The walkable holiday lighting attraction Winter Wonderlights is open at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. Each night, visitors can walk through a free choreographed light show of 300,000 holiday lights. This year’s event is bigger and brighter with a new expansive event footprint offering more twinkling lights and experiences. Winter Wonderlights will be open through Jan. 1.
A Christmas Carol
DENVER — A Colorado tradition has returned to the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company will stage its 30th annual production of "A Christmas Carol" through Sunday, Dec. 29, at the Wolf Theatre. Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, the Denver musical adaptation traces curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Tickets are on sale at DenverCenter.org.
Polar Express Train Ride
GOLDEN — The Colorado Railroad Museum has brought back its holiday tradition of "The Polar Express Train Ride." Performances are held on select dates through Dec. 23. The train ride features a cabaret-style show, singing, hot chocolate and Santa, recreating "The Polar Express" story.
Mile High Tree
DENVER — A massive digital tree has returned in downtown Denver for the holiday season. The seven-story tall Mile High Tree features holiday light shows on a pixel LED-technology tree. Ten feet taller than the tree at Rockefeller Center, the giant tree is set up at Civic Center Park, next to the Christkindlmarket, near the Denver City and County Building. The Mile High Tree will be lit up nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 23.
Christmas in Color
FEDERAL HEIGHTS — Denver's biggest drive-through Christmas light displays have brought back the magic. Christmas in Color displays are lit at Water World in Federal Heights, in Aurora at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, and a new location at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. The displays each have more than one million LED lights arranged into tunnels, trees, giant candy canes, snowflakes and more, all synchronized to festive holiday music on the FM radio dial.
Movies this weekend
Christmas came early at the box office this year.
"Moana 2" brought in a tidal wave of moviegoers over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, setting records with $221 million in ticket sales. That, combined with “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” made for an unprecedented weekend in cinemas and a confluence of blockbusters more like what’s often found in late December. After such large debuts, “Moana 2” and “Wicked” are likely to continue to drive moviegoing through December.
The only question will be if this year's Christmas movies can come anywhere near the Thanksgiving lineup. Among the movies aiming for that holiday corridor are “Mufasa: The Lion King,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 3" and “A Complete Unknown,” with Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan.
New movies this weekend
- Y2K
- Werewovles
- Get Away
Last weekend's box office
- "Moana 2," $135 million.
- "Wicked,” $80 million.
- “Gladiator II” $30.7 million.
- “Red One,” $12.9 million.
- “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” $3.3 million.
- “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin,” $2.4 million.
- “Venom: The Last Dance,” $2.2 million.
- “Heretic,” $956,797.
- “The Wild Robot,” $670,000.
- "A Real Pain,” $665,000.
Would you like to see you favorite Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, drama, musical, ballet, run or event listed in 9Things? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
Have a wonderful weekend!
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