🚍 RTD unveils new tech

🍽️ Edgewater to Adjust Minimum Wages

Edgewater City Council voted unanimously to raise the city’s hourly minimum wage to $18.17, but leave the tipped minimum wage at $13.50, creating a wider gap between the two. If the proposal passes a final vote on Dec. 16, Edgewater would become the first city in Colorado to implement the option that Gov. Polis and the state legislature created earlier this year in response to restaurateurs’ calls for help with rising labor costs. [Denver Post 🔒]

• Where did this come from? Culinary Creative Group’s Juan Padró broke down the economics of his local restaurants (and called for minimum wage reform) on the City Cast Denver podcast back in February.

🚍 RTD Launches Tap-to-Pay

Riders can now pay for their bus/train fare with a simple tap of their credit card or mobile wallet. RTD officials hope this new “seamless, straightforward experience” will help boost lagging ridership and revenue. Cash or funds via your “MyRide” account will still work, too. [Denver Post 🔒]

📺 Skyline Park Is Getting a Giant TV

As part of the renovations currently underway at downtown Denver’s Skyline Park, the Denver Theatre District wants to bring a giant LED screen to the space that would show community arts and cultural programming — not ads. The screen is expected to be 28 feet wide and 15 feet high, located on the side of the Park Central Building at 1515 Arapahoe Street. [Denver Business Journal 🔒]

🥫 Food Pantry Needs New Home (Again)

Joy’s Kitchen is looking for a new place to set up shop after leaders say the organization was kicked out of its La Alma-Lincoln Park warehouse space just days ahead of Thanksgiving. For now, the nonprofit plans to host pop-up food pantries in Lakewood. “This is such a big blow that we don’t know if we’ll recover,” said Executive Director Kathleen Stanley. [KDVR]

• A familiar feeling: This is the second time Joy’s Kitchen has been displaced this year. Over the summer, the nonprofit was forced to leave the Lakewood church where it had operated for more than a decade. [RMPBS]

It’s December! Decorations are up, lights are lit, and the Mile High is feeling festive. Calendars are packed with holiday goings-on, so how do you choose? We’ll help! We’ve rounded up our top picks for the best things to do, see, eat, and drink around Denver this month!

🏆 Celebrate the Best of Denver!

You’re invited to City Cast Denver’s first-ever Denver-est Denver Awards show! Get dressed up in your Colorado best and join us for a night of holiday merriment and live entertainment as we formally honor the people and places who make the Mile High City the best place to live ♥️

🎭 Immerse Yourself in a Moonlit World of Holiday Mischief

Explore the winter world of the “Moonlight Elves” at this immersive theatrical experience where you play a role! Elves from the South and North Poles enter a battle of mischief and magic in this circus-meets-comedy-meets-interactive game from the creative geniuses behind Theatre Artibus.

👠 Get Your Holiday Giggles On

Get in the silly spirit with some of Denver’s best comedians and drag performers at Christmas Floozy, a variety show put on by hilarious holiday hussy Kate McLachlan of Dyketopia! Cozy up at the Bug Theatre and enjoy comedy, Christmas carol parodies, and endless fun!

🌮 Try Tacos From Two Denver Culinary Titans

Enjoy fresh-made tacos stuffed with everything from carnitas to cauliflower at the brand new Molina Chido, inside Stanley Marketplace. Owners Tommy Lee and Michael Diaz de Leon — each award-winners in their own right — have joined culinary forces to create this can’t-miss eatery serving up fresh, flavorful twists on old traditions.

🍝 Bring Something Hot and Spicy to the Holiday Table

Spice up your holiday spread with an especially tasty Denver tradition — a tray of cannolis from Lechuga’s! Enjoy these spicy, savory dough-wrapped treats in the meatball or sausage variety, smothered in marinara and cheese. This old school red sauce joint is open Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

🍨 Savor Sweet Treats and Seasonal Fun With Santa

A tried-and-true Denver holiday tradition, Little Man Ice Cream Factory transforms into Santa’s domain complete with twinkling lights, holiday-inspired ice cream flavors, and a calendar packed with seasonal fun. Play bingo with Mrs. Claus, craft with the elves, and enjoy seasonal tunes while sipping hot chocolate, cider, and more.

❄️ Marvel at Some After-Dark Holiday Magic

Experience the Denver Museum of Nature and Science after dark and all aglow during Magical Winter Nights, a special seasonal wonderland. Enjoy ice-less ice skating, take in the indoor “Northern Lights,” sip hot cocoa and cocktails for purchase, and so much more! Check the calendar for adults-only nights for a 21+ experience.

👉 Psst! There’s even more where these came from! Tune into the City Cast Denver podcast for more recommendations!