by Valley Gadfly | Nov 17, 2025 | Glendale City News
District Is Bustling With Fun, Excitement; Santa’s In The Loop For Saturday Night Lights
by Glen Richardon
Santa Sightings: Santa and local landmarks are among the sights you’ll see as drones soar across the sky all month long, 7 p.m.
There’s no place like Glendale-Cherry Creek North, and the Mile High City during the holidays. Cherry Creek’s over-the-top festivities are bright and jolly enough to convert even the biggest grinch.
With a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand, take in the decorative window displays, dazzling lights, holiday markets, and family-friendly activities happening in Cherry Creek and throughout the Mile High City.
Whether you’re indulging in festive Cherry Creek dining, cozying up with a cocktail at the Mistletoe Lounge on Fillmore Plaza, or simply taking in the view, the district is a must-see holiday destination. A million dazzling lights are wrapped around more than 600 trees, illuminating the entire neighborhood.
Holiday Market
Creek Magic: Take the family to Cherry Creek North to see the decorative window displays, dazzling lights, and holiday market.
As December blankets Cherry Creek in a frosty glow, the district comes alive with the spirit of the holidays. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s celebrations that are nothing short of magical. Experience the joy of the season with Winter Wanderland, a collection of free outdoor events for all to enjoy.
The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is open on Fillmore Plaza through Dec. 24. Spend the day shopping under dazzling lights, listening to live music, and getting into the seasonal spirit.
You’ll discover one-of-a-kind pieces from 50+ local makers, designers, and creators. There’s also “Giving Machines” through Jan. 4 that don’t dispense snacks or drinks, but instead, opportunities to donate to those in need. It’s also where the Mistletoe Lounge — a Christmas bar with festive drinks — is located.
Festivities also include “Saturday Night Lights,” Dec. 6, 13, and 20. On those dates you can enjoy complimentary treats, and the kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. There’s also a Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 14 hosted by Chabad of Cherry Creek. Families and guests of all ages will enjoy a fun “festival of lights” with face painting, fire juggling, festive treats, and crafts.
Blossom Of Lights
Bright Nights: Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens through Jan. 11 is one of the nation’s top light shows.
While in the Cherry Creek area, don’t miss the Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Nov. 21-Jan. 11. It’s consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation. Wander a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight the plant collections. A cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, Blossoms of Light is constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight for visitors.
Zoo Lights, the Denver Zoo’s 30th annual “wildest winter wonderland” is Nov. 23-Jan. 5. A holiday treat for the kids and grown-ups alike, the zoo has some 3,500 animals, including almost 650 species. During the festival, the zoo is decorated as a winter wonderland where you can stroll illuminated paths enjoying holiday entertainment, music corners, warming stations, plus food and drinks.
Stroll over to the City & County Building in Civic Center Park to watch the lights display running all season long! The light and music show repeats nightly from at 5:45 pm and 6:45 pm, except for December 6 and December 21. Added dazzle: Look up in the sky now through Dec. 31 for this year’s Mile High Drown Show “Grand Illumination.” The display of 400 drones will soar across the sky every night from the Tivoli Quad at 7 p.m. You’ll see everything from Santa and his reindeer, to iconic Denver landmarks like the Mile High Tree and Union Station.
Dashing Thru LoDo
Just steps apart, Dairy Block, McGregor Square, and Union Station are brimming with festive activities, dazzling lights, and family fun. Celebrate the magic of the season with Holiday on the Block, an extensive line-up of festive events on the Dairy Block including a local makers market, entertainment, live music, plus winter art installations.
Festive Sights: With a 40-ft.-tall Christmas tree out front, Denver’s Union Station is a popular holiday destination.
Over at Union Station, the Grand Illumination is a can’t-miss spectacular, lighting up the historic landmark. The sparkling displays are perfect for capturing holiday memories, and the ongoing lights make every night feel like a celebration.
McGregor Square is also a winter wonderland this season, offering ice skating under the twinkling lights, festive cocktails to warm your spirits, and special visits with Santa himself. It’s an ideal spot to soak up the holiday magic with friends and family.
Hanukkah
The Jewish holiday “Festival of Lights” known as Hanukkah — also spelled Chanukah — is December 14 to 22 this year.
The Jewish Community Center’s annual “Latkes & Lights” is Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature themed games, jamming to live music, and tasting latkes from Denver restaurants, plus those made by community members. There will also be voting by attendees on handmade menorahs.
Chanukah @ The Capitol is also on Dec. 7, 5 p.m. to 11:50 p.m. The event features a 10-foot Menorah, a Dreidel Drop, plus free barbecue. Temple Emanuel hosts Hanukkah Hoopla Dec. 27, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There’s a community menorah lighting followed by service, a dinner, and a concert. Finally, Chabad of Cherry Creek is hosting a second Chanukah Celebration Dec. 29, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be Chanukah activities at participating neighborhood stores, a Grand Menorah lighting, plus Fire Show.
New Year’s Eve
Mall Fireworks: See fireworks on the 16th St. Mall New Year’s Eve, 9 p.m. and again at midnight.
The two-night electronic dance music festival Decadence is at the Convention Center Dec. 30 and 31. Zeds Dead, Subtronics, and Tape B will perform together for the first time ever Dec. 30.
Noon Year’s Eve returns to the Children’s Museum featuring the glitz and glam of New York City’s Times Square before bedtime! There’s a ball drop at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus music, and treats. Dazzle’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza “Nostal-Jazz” rings in the New Year at the Performing Arts Complex downtown 10 p.m.
The New Year’s Eve bash “Fire & Ice” is at the Fire Restaurant’s outdoor rooftop patio in the Art Hotel, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. A Night in Vienna returns to Boettcher Concert Hall New Year’s Eve playing rousing polkas, waltzes, and marches, 7 p.m. See the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the 16th St. Mall Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. and again at midnight.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 17, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
December is the official start of winter, colder weather, holidays, family gatherings, and the last month of the year. Shorter days, the nights are colder, and most of the trees are bare.
Ho, ho, ho: ‘Tis the season of snowy peaks, mistletoe, wrapped gifts, hot chocolate, and holiday music. Households in the Mile High City begin putting up holiday decorations.
The peace and serenity of Denver’s mild weather helps us enjoy holiday festivities. Here are our Christmas time’s a-coming choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment:
The Nutcracker returns to the stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for Colorado Ballet’s 65th season Dec. 1-28. There’s dancing mice, sugar plums, swirling snowflakes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Information: 720-865-4220.
Charlie, Snoopy, Linus, & Lucy do A Charlie Brown Christmas at Boettcher Dec. 6-7, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Join Christy Wessler’s 21st annual Holiday Sing Along at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Hungry for crepes before Christmas? Wash Park West’s Bon Ami Bistro & Creperie on the corner of Alameda Ave. & Pennsylvania St. has nearly 20 to choose from. Open for brunch all week long. Information: 303-862-4959.
See the newest — and perhaps the most unique — addition at Wings Over The Rockies, the AV-8B Harrier. It was the first vertical-short take-off and landing aircraft to enter service with the U.S. military. Information: 303-360-5360.
The Rock & Roll Playhouse plays the Music of Taylor Swift at the Bluebird Theatre Dec. 13, 11 a.m. Information: 303-777-1666.
Catch the musical tribute A John Denver Christmas playing in the Paramount Theatre Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
End this year at A Night In Vienna listening to polkas, waltzes, and marches at Boettcher Concert Hall Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Party with a purpose this month by attending the 5th Annual Denver Winter Ball at The University Club December 13, 7 p.m. The Fire & Ice themed night of elegance, and dancing, raises money to help Denver children and families facing hunger. All profits go to the Food Bank of the Rockies. Information: 303-349-9262.
The final month of the year brings a unique blend of holiday cheer, winter wonder, and reflective moments. It’s the perfect backdrop as you anticipate opening all of those gifts.
Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to be jolly with the holiday spirit in the air and the atmosphere being a celebratory one. What’s the snow man’s favorite relative? Aunt Arctica.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 20, 2025 | Main Articles
November, December Create Sales Buzz; Holiday Decorations Add Appeal For Buyers
by Glen Richardson
Is a new house for the holidays on your wish list?
Lowry Living: Stylish community of green spaces offers a blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility.
Belcaro Beauty: Belcaro is known for its curvy, leafy streets dotted with classic bungalows and stately mansions.
Winter Wonderland: Homes on the market this time of year attract serious buyers and often result in quicker sales.
Cherry Creek Charm: Beyond central district condos, the surrounding area has homes in a variety of sizes and styles.
This time every year, homeowners who want to sell their home have a decision to make, sell now, or wait until after the holidays. Sellers often take homes off the market until the new year. Nonetheless, many buyers want to purchase a home for the holidays. Buyers are motivated to close deals quickly, whether due to job relocations, family changes, or the desire to settle into a new home before the year ends.
Fact is, the desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. Furthermore, homes decorated for the holidays appeal to many buyers. Of the 329,578 occupied housing units in Denver, 49.1% are owner-occupied, while 50.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.
Quicker Sales
Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely to be a serious buyer. Upshot: Homes on the market this time of year attract serious buyers and result in quicker sales.
Sellers are also often motivated to close deals quickly due to job relocations, family changes, or they’ve already purchased a new home.
The overall median home price in metro Denver sits at around $599,000 according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors. Detached single-family homes are averaging between $650,00 and $666,000. Prices for condos and townhomes average between $390,000 and $400,000.
Open House Timing
Cooling from pandemic peaks, prices are down 3% to 5% from the highs of 2022. Due to inventory growth, more homes are on the market, giving buyers more options. Well-priced homes still sell quickly, but buyers have more negotiating power than in past years.
Plan holiday open houses early in the season, from late November to early December. That’s late enough in the year to take advantage of festive decorations, plus early enough not to be squashed by holiday social schedules.
Albeit prices are still high, recent softening means buyers have better opportunities. That’s particularly true in the condo and townhouse market. Negotiating for seller concessions is becoming more common. Nevertheless, homes that are priced competitively and marketed well are still moving. Overpricing can lead to longer time on the market, especially in the attached home segment.
Year-End Tax Gains
Closing on a home before the end of the year can create valuable tax benefits. New homeowners may be eligible to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and loan origination fees when filing taxes. These deductions can significantly reduce taxable income and may lead to a better refund or lower tax bill. By buying in December, buyers also position themselves to take advantage of any local or federal tax incentives that might be expiring at year-end, making the purchase even more financially beneficial.
Just as sellers are motivated to close before the new year, lenders often push to meet their year-end goals as well. This can work to the advantage of a buyer as some lenders may offer competitive rates, special promotions, or reduced fees in December.
Additionally, with fewer loan applications compared to the spring and summer rush, lenders often provide more personalized service and faster processing times. Pre-approval is still essential, but buyers can expect a smoother financing process during the quieter holiday time.
Variety Of Choices
Even though fewer homes may be listed in November-December, Denver’s real estate market remains active. Buyers can still find a variety of properties available, from modern condos downtown to family-friendly homes in the suburbs. The key is to work closely with a real estate agent to identify new listings and hidden gems that buyers may be looking for.
Additionally, properties that didn’t sell during the fall might still be on the market, with sellers becoming more motivated as the year comes to an end. This creates opportunities to find a home that aligns with preferences and budget.
Closing on a home during the holidays means buyers will be settled in the new home and ready to start the new year fresh. Moving during the winter may sound challenging, but with the right planning, it can be a smooth experience. Plus, moving companies are often less busy, meaning potentially better availability and lower rates. With the move complete before January, buyers will have a chance to enjoy their new home and start the year on the right foot.
District Price Trends
Belcaro Beauty: Belcaro is known for its curvy, leafy streets dotted with classic bungalows and stately mansions.
In August 2025, Cherry Creek North home prices were down 53.2% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $2.8 million. On average, homes in Cherry Creek North sell after 49 days on the market compared to 10 days a year ago. There were six homes sold in August this year, up from five last year.
In August 2025, Washington Park home prices were up 46.2% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.95 million. On average, homes in Washington Park are selling after 38 days on the market compared to 24 days last year. There were 45 homes sold in August this year, down from 49 last year.
In August 2025, Belcaro home prices were up 6.5% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.4 million. On average, homes in Belcaro sell after 26 days on the market compared to 27 days last year. There were 37 homes sold in August this year, up from 30 last year.
In August 2025, Lowry home prices were up 4.0% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $586,000. On average, homes in Lowry sell after 33 days on the market compared to 20 days last year. There were 46 homes sold in August this year, down from 60 last year.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 20, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
Once our days start to get shorter and sleepless nights get longer, we know the leafless, frostbitten, and dreary days of November have come. No sun, no moon, nor proper time of day.
The very heart and hearth of the month is Thanksgiving, which stimulates the travel economy. Folks stream back to hometowns and family, boosting grocery store spending.
It’s the traditional food holiday between Halloween and Christmas. Here are our turkey trot choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to make this a November to remember:
See the most beloved opera of all time, Verdi’s La traviata playing at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Nov. 1-9. It’s the story of a 19th century Paris courtesan’s passionate love affair with a young nobleman. Information: 720-865-4220.
Singer Mende Harston and the Queen City Jazz Band do jazz and blues numbers from WWI to the 1930s at Dazzle Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Hear the music of violinist and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird playing with the Symphony at Boettcher Hall Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Hungry or thirsty? Sam’s No. 3 in Glendale offers a full menu — literally more than 100 items — for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or, just stop by to relax and enjoy a cold beer, cocktails, or milkshakes with neighbors. Information: 303-333-4403.
Planning a new build, remodel, or home addition? Marlena Design Group helps design, select, specify, and manage interior-exterior finishes. They work with homeowners, builders, and investors on projects. Information: 720-335-8202.
Participate in a full day of banjo workshops and concerts at Swallow Hill Music’s annual BanjoFest Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Canadian singer and music producer Bryan Adams who has sold 75-100 million records entertains in the Ball Arena Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
Lead vocalist Justin Pierre and Minneapolis rock band Motion City Soundtrack plays the Fillmore Auditorium Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Attend the Denver Heart Ball at Wings Over the Rockies November 12, 6 p.m. This fun night of fundraising will help people to live longer, healthier lives. Sponsors will be celebrated, and heroes will be honored. The evening will include a live auction, live music, and lots of fun living’. Information: 303-801-4633.
The last full month of fall, November bids us to appreciate the transition from fall to winter. As Sir Walter Scott put it, “November’s sky is chill and drear; its leaves red and sear.”
The eleventh month of the calendar year, November begins the changeover from fall to winter. It is the month of calm before the storm of winter, Christmas, and New Year’s plans.
November has come, no shade, no shine, no leaves, no flowers, just turkey, talk, and tangy weather. How did the turkey get home for thanksgiving? It took the gravy train.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 22, 2025 | Main Articles
Furious Growth Has Bulldozer-Cranes In The District Again; But Citywide Sales Taxes Keep Dropping
by Glen Richardson
Line Of Fire: Mayor Mike Johnston reveals that he has laid off 171 city workers at a Denver press conference.
Cranes In Creek: With Cherry Creek North’s latest development boom, cranes are again being used to hoist, move, and lower heavy loads.
Political Ploy: Deputy Parks & Recreation Director Scott Gilmore was among city employees laid off. His wife, Councilmember Stacie Gilmore, says, “it was an act of political retaliation.”
Super Single Site: This eight-story 201 Fillmore office building will have first floor retail, an outdoor terrace on the second floor, plus a rooftop patio.
Land Banked Plot: The four-tenant strip from 3035 to 3041 E. Third Ave. where Cucina Colore is located recently sold but the buyer doesn’t have development plans.
Third & Milwaukee: The eight-story Oasis Apartments project is underway at 299 Milwaukee St in the district. The building will have 25,000-sq.-ft. of ground-floor retail.
As downtown continues to struggle — $600 million less commercial construction in 2024 — Cherry Creek North’s latest construction surge is pushing the district into becoming the epicenter of metro Denver.
Cherry Creek attracts major real estate investment, with developers managing to pre-lease buildings long before the projects reach completion. Six major site projects are currently underway and another eight are in the pipeline, securing Cherry Creek’s position as one of the most sought-after commercial real estate submarkets in Colorado and the country.
Or, as the Denver Infill Blog bluntly put it: “If developers and office workers get weak at the knees when they think about Downtown Denver’s office and retail market, post-pandemic, they’re-voting with their feet in favor of Cherry Creek.”
Unfortunately for city employees the opening of the projected stores and their sales tax revenue will not come fast enough to save their jobs.
Reduced City Workers
It’s been 14 years since the last major layoffs of city employees, and it is the first time in living memory that the firings were not based on seniority to the dismay of city employee unions. Workers of all ages have been laid off, including about 20 who served more than 15 years with the city.
Perhaps the most surprising layoff was that of Scott Gilmore who spent more than a decade as the deputy executive director of Denver Parks & Recreation. He is the spouse of City Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore who accused the City Administration of acting in political retaliation against her.
One hundred and seventy one were laid off while another 665 open positions or 7.6% of the total city workforce were eliminated. Denver’s Department of Transportation & Infrastructure was hard hit with 31 people losing their jobs. The largely reviled Community Planning & Developm
Sears Site Makeover: Rendering of building planned at the recently demolished Sears site along 1st Ave. as you enter Cherry Creek North.
ent lost 19 employees. Those two agencies’ cuts may reflect the City’s apparent decision to let private developers control much of the city’s future development.
Unless places like Cherry Creek up the continuing slide in city wide sales tax revenues, more city employee layoffs can be anticipated in the future.
Citywide Benefits
Cherry Creek’s prosperity, of course, spreads benefits to all of Denver. The area employs more than 16,500 workers and is one of the top drivers of retail activity in Denver.
With a high concentration of small and local businesses, it’s no wonder Cherry Creek is the region’s go-to shopping destination. Indeed, retail sales tax is a significant source of revenue to the City of Denver at $60.1 million in 2024. Adding up all tax revenue sources, Cherry Creek contributed more than $115 million to Denver in 2024.
Amid the latest development boom, the City & County is hosting monthly construction coordination meetings with Cherry Creek contractors. Streets affected include North University Blvd. to North Steele St. and 1st Ave. to 3rd Ave. Officials work with contractors to cross-check and coordinate specific street projects within the district. Goal is to not have streets inaccessible to motorists or pedestrians at any one time. Parking, however, is often limited and lane closures are likely.
Low Office Vacancy
While Cherry Creek is a standout submarket in many ways, one of our brightest areas of “exceptionalism” is office real estate.
With an extremely low office vacancy rate of 6.6% in 2024 — down 0.6% from 2023 — Cherry Creek is bucking the national trend of rising vacancy.
The U.S. saw its average office vacancy rise to nearly 14% in 2024. Upshot: Cherry Creek is setting an example for the nation of what “back to office” success looks like. Nowhere is the potential for a strong future for Cherry Creek clearer than new developments.
Sears Site Sway
The largest Cherry Creek redevelopment location is the recently demolished Sears —the store sat empty from 2010 — and Crate & Barrel buildings. The project is adding a new eight-story building to the street wall along 1st Ave. as you enter Cherry Creek and a smaller office building to the intersection of Clayton and 1st. There will be 453 homes and a live-work-play community known as “Cherry Lane.”
The development will feature 379 apartments and 59,000-sq. ft. of office space, according to developers. The parking garage on the block is being renovated, with several floors added to the top of it. There will also be more than 132,000-sq. ft. of luxury store space on the ground floor, as well as a rooftop space open for lease.
“When Cherry Lane is completed, we will have created the anchor for Cherry Creek,” claims Matt Joblon, founding partner and CEO of BMC Investments. He asserts the site will set a new standard for high-end street retail, restaurants, elevated living, and community gathering spaces.
East Side Growing
While much of the building action has been on the west end of Cherry Creek, completion of Modera Cherry Creek — five stories with 95 apartment homes — adds a new eastern extension to the district’s development boom. In a neighborhood where residents live in townhomes and duplexes, apartments are needed. The site has studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. They add a somewhat lower-priced entry point for a household to begin living within the district.
The biggest potential redevelopment site on the east-end of central Cherry Creek is the northwest corner of Third Ave. and St. Paul St. where restaurant Cucina Colore is located. The Italian restaurant has operated there since 1994 and has multiple years left on its lease.
There are a total of four tenants along the 7,000-sq.-ft. street plot from 3035 to 3041 E. Third Ave. The 0.43-acre site recently sold albeit the local buyer says they have no immediate plans to redevelop. “We’ll probably just land bank it for the time being,” they said. The site is zoned for up to four stories.
Fillmore Office Bldg.
The largest single site currently under construction is the 201Fillmore office building. Completion is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, albeit it appears site work could finish sooner.
At eight-stories, it will total 140,000-sq.-ft. with first floor retail, an outdoor terrace on the second floor, plus a rooftop patio. There will be five levels of below grade parking for both office and retail use.
Restaurant “The Henry” — with locations in Phoenix, Miami, and Dallas — will feature a restaurant and a bar on either side of the lobby. The bar will be situated on the lobby’s north side, while the restaurant will be on the corner of 2nd Ave. and Fillmore St.
Milwaukee Oasis
Another eight-story project underway in the district is The Oasis Apartments at 299 Milwaukee St.
Located on one of the last large parcels in the neighborhood, this residential building will add 158 high-end apartments. The building will have 25,000-sq.-ft. of ground-floor retail plus 277 parking spaces.
Moreover, the project will add a 6,000-sq.-ft. public park with fountains on the corner of Third Ave. and Milwaukee. It will span nearly the entire west side of Milwaukee between Second and Third Ave. Vertical construction is expected to begin early next year, with completion projected in 2027.
