🎨 Local artists lose studios to beer garden

🏫 Construction Begins on Historic Evans School Building

Nearly 60 local artists will soon be kicked out of their low-cost studios at Denver’s historic former Evans School building as developers move forward on long waylaid plans to transform the property into a mixed-use retail space — work has already begun on a new beer garden. [Southwest Contemporary]

💰 Denver Apartment Rates Are Down … For Now

Over the last couple years, Denver’s apartment vacancy rate has nearly doubled. The good news? Landlords are having to soften their demands in order to lure in new tenants. The bad news? Living here still ain’t cheap 🫠 [Denverite]

🚉 City Cancels Big Transit Plans for Burnham Yard

When the city bought a 60-acre defunct railyard for $50 million back in 2021, the plan was to expand I-25 and build out some new RTD light rail lines. Officials at the time called it a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. Three years later though, the city is trying to sell it, and most transit-related visions for the property have been all but abandoned. [Denverite]

• Dive deeper: Historic Denver CEO John Deffenbaugh recently talked to us about the significance of this railyard site to the Mile High’s west side neighborhood and its history. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

A new month means a new City Cast Denver guide to the Mile High! From holiday shopping hacks and Christmas concerts to lots of seasonal singing and dancing, we’ve got you covered with festive things to see, do, and eat around Denver this December! Enjoy 🎄

🫖 Get Fancy and Festive at Afternoon Tea

Holiday season is high tea season! Nothing feels quite as festive as an afternoon cuppa complete with a towering selection of scones, biscuits, and finger sandwiches. If you’re looking for something cost-effective, check out Capital Tea. In the mood for a “pinkies out” vibe? The Brown Palace is your place. Are Insta-worthy aesthetics a must? Head to Babe’s Tea Room.

🕰️ Start Your Holiday Shopping on Antique Row

Up your gift-giving game this holiday season when you find something exceptionally unique along Denver’s very own Antique Row on South Broadway. Victorian-era furniture? Check. Vintage guitars? Check. First-edition books? CHECK!

🍻 Enjoy Something Silly with ‘Drunk Christmas’

Don’t miss this performance of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” presented with a ridiculous twist in which the on-stage performers grow increasingly inebriated. Audacious Immersive promises an evening of frivolous good-humored hilarity (21+). Browse multiple show dates throughout December at various Denver breweries and taprooms.

☕ Cozy Up With Some Hot Chocolate

Fend off the winter chills with a piping mug of hot chocolate from The Chocolate Therapist in Historic Downtown Littleton. Go for the sipping chocolate — which comes spiced, dark, or classic, plus vegan options! — then stay for the toffees, caramels, wines, and coffees 🤤

• Personal rec: Get yourself a bar of the “Blue Suede ‘Shews” featuring dark chocolate, blueberries, and cashews.

✨ Experience the Magic of Christmas in Color

This drive-thru light show is a dazzling holiday spectacle made cozy and convenient from the comfort of your car. Pack the whole family in for a cruise under this sweeping light display synchronized to holiday music that you can play right from your own vehicle’s sound system. Take your pick from pop-up locations at Water World, Red Rocks, or Arapahoe Fairgrounds.

🎵 Carol the Night Away with Colorado Symphony

Enjoy a sophisticated evening out at one of Colorado Symphony’s upcoming holiday concerts. Programming will feature beloved caroling standbys — singing along is encouraged 😉 — and maybe even a few new Christmastime faves.