Golden Highlights - November 2025 by City of Golden

OLDE GOLDEN HOLIDAYS

Experience the magic of the season in Downtown Golden!

ULYSSES PARK PROJECT UPDATE

Upgraded amenities coming soon!

READY FOR WINTER

Plow crews are standing by to keep Golden moving.

OLDE GOLDEN HOLIDAYS WEEKENDS, DECEMBER 5-20

Experience the magic of the season at Olde Golden Holidays in downtown Golden! Enjoy the glowing Candlelight Walk, the festive Olde Golden Holiday Parade, and the family-favorite Jingle on the Avenue, each offering classic traditions with fresh 2025 updates. For full event details, be sure to check out www.VisitGolden.com. Looking for even more

November Thursday The Great Turkey Chase | 8:30 a.m., Start and Finish in Parfet Park

Rev up your appetite! Start the day with a quick 5K and make room for seconds at the 12th Annual Great Turkey Chase run. Register online: https://shop.runnersroost.com/content/the-great-turkey-chase

November Saturday Shop Local: Small Business Saturday in Golden | All Day Saturday

December Friday

December Saturday

Small Business Saturday is the perfect chance to support local businesses and help Golden thrive while getting a head start on your holiday shopping. See www.VisitGolden.com for a list of participants and more information.

Olde Golden Holidays Candlelight Walk | New & Improved for 2025

Golden’s beloved Candlelight Walk begins at 6:30 p.m. at 15th and Washington. Walk with candles, carolers, and Santa down the hill to Parfet Park, where music and dance await. Free shuttles from The Splash run 5:00–9:00 p.m.

Coffee with Councilors | City Hall, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

This month features a free & festive Councilor Bake-Off! Taste the treats, cast your vote, and discover ways to support local businesses. Follow up the meeting with a spin downtown to continue your holiday shopping!

Olde Golden Holiday Parade & Miracle Toy Drive | 10:30 a.m.

Celebrate the season at the Olde Golden Holiday Parade, featuring bands, floats, and festive characters along Washington Ave. (10th–13th Streets). Afterward, enjoy free carriage rides and support the Miracle Toy Drive in Parfet Park with new or gently used donations.

Olde Golden Holidays Jingle on the Avenue | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Spend a magical day in Golden meeting your favorite holiday characters along Washington Avenue (11th–13th Streets). Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos under the arch, then enjoy Newfoundland dog-cart rides or a toytrain ride. All free and open to the public.

Check out the City calendar at www.cityofgolden.gov/calendar

Private Swim Lessons at the Golden Community Center

Boost water confidence and skills with private swim lessons tailored to your needs at the Golden Community Center! Ideal for kids just starting out, teens building technique, or adults looking to improve, our certified instructors provide one-on-one guidance for faster, more focused progress. Whether you’re working on water safety or swim performance, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Fee: $190 (Resident) / $210 (Non-Resident), Registration: Ongoing, Contact: aquatics@cityofgolden.net.

Golden Horizons: Draft Comprehensive Plan Review

An updated Draft Comprehensive Plan is available for public review from November 14 to December 5. This revised version reflects feedback from community members, City boards, Planning Commission, and City Council during the August/September review period. The draft outlines proposed policies, goals, and implementation actions to help guide future land-use decisions. Visit www.GuidingGolden.com/Comprehensive-Plan to review the document, see prior feedback, and share your feedback in the survey. For questions or one-on-one discussions, contact Principal Planner Matt Wempe at mwempe@cityofgolden.net or (303) 215-8884.

City Forestry Team Surpasses 2025 Planting Goals

Our City Forestry team has already surpassed its 2025 goal, planting more than 150 trees on City-managed properties. Staff also coordinated the planting of 200 native seedlings along the Clear Creek corridor for National Public Lands Day. These efforts support ecological restoration, bank stabilization, and expand our urban canopy for future generations. Thank you to our Forestry team for their continued commitment to sustainability and Golden’s natural beauty!

Holiday Waste Prevention Tips

As you prepare for the holidays, here are a few easy ways to cut down on waste: Compost kitchen scraps—including turkey bones and old pumpkins—through the City’s curbside program, and use 3-gallon compostable bags to keep carts clean. Choose local, low-packaging gifts to reduce seasonal waste. America Recycles Day is November 15, so remember that clean, balled aluminum foil and Starbucks cups are recyclable. Pay-As-YouThrow customers can also schedule one free large-item pickup each year at (303) 277-8727.

GOLDEN IS READY FOR WINTER

Winter weather is on the way, and our crews are ready to keep Golden moving. Plows tackle major roads and emergency routes first, then work their way into neighborhoods as conditions allow. Curious when your street was last cleared? The Plow Ops map on the City’s website shows real-time plow activity and recent passes. You can help operations go smoothly by avoiding street parking during storms and keeping sidewalks clear. Thanks for helping us keep Golden moving all winter long!

ULYSSES PARK PROJECT UPDATE

Ulysses Park improvements are moving forward, and we’re excited about what’s coming! Grass fields are installed but need time to establish, so they’ll remain closed until spring 2026. Please continue to respect all signage and closures. Construction on the buildings, restrooms, trails, playground, and picnic shelter is progressing, with completion expected by late 2025 or early 2026, weather permitting. Power and lighting will also be restored to the park and skatepark at that time. Once complete, Ulysses Park will offer upgraded amenities for sports, play, and community connection. Thank you for your patience during this exciting transformation!

LIGHT THE LIGHTS CONTEST

For Children 12 and Under

Here’s your chance to help Santa kick off the holiday season! One lucky child from Golden will be selected from a random drawing to join Santa on Friday, December 5, and flip the switch to light the Clear Creek holiday displays. Eligible entrants must live in Golden and be under age 12. One entry per person. Stop by the Golden Mill (1012 Ford Street) anytime between November 1–30 to enter. The drawing will be held Monday, December 1.

THE BROAD STROKES

What Else is Going on in Golden Right Now?

Rich Luckin Photography Exhibition at Golden History Museum: Celebrate the work of local photographer Rich Luckin at the Golden History Museum. His images highlight the beauty and character of our City, capturing Golden at its most charming. Following a free opening reception on November 6, this exhibit will be on view through March 28, 2026. Stop by the History Museum for free admission any time Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Golden Letters to Santa: Santa’s elves have a magic mailbox that makes express deliveries to the North Pole! Stop by and drop your letter in Santa’s Mailbox at the Golden Welcome Center (1010 Washington Avenue). Mailbox is available from November 29 to December 20. Santa responds to all letters he receives during this timeframe.

Parking Permits Roll Over to 2026: All existing parking permits—Golden Resident, Downtown Employee, Downtown Resident and neighborhood permit zones—will roll over into 2026. No permit renewal or other action is needed at this time to ensure the continuation of existing permits for next year.

Police Department Using Grant Award for Wellness: The Golden Police Department’s Wellness Committee was recently awarded $175,000 through the Peace Officer Behavioral Health Support and Community Partnership Grant—the second-highest award in Colorado. The funding supports GPD’s partnership with NeuroCraft Center, which uses safe, noninvasive neurofeedback to help the brain recover from stress, injury, or trauma. Over the next year, GPD will help study its impact on first responders, with the goal of permanently integrating the service into Police and Fire by 2027 under insurance coverage.

Act Now to Prevent Leaks and Save Water This Winter: Golden is working to reduce percapita water use by 15% by 2030, and you can help by winterizing your irrigation system to protect your pipes. Each fall, improperly prepared sprinkler lines lead to costly breaks and wasted water. To avoid damage, insulate exposed lines, seal drafts, keep your home above 55°F, and let warm air circulate under sinks. Also remember to disconnect hoses, close garage doors, know your shut-off valve location, and drain your system if you’ll be away.

Golden Community Center Holiday Hours: The busy holiday season is upon us! While you’re planning your workouts and family fun, be aware of Golden Community Center hours:

• Closed: Thanksgiving (November 27), Christmas Day (December 25), New Year’s Day (January 1).

• Open (8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.): Christmas Eve (December 24), New Year’s Eve (December 31).

• Open (8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.): Black Friday (November 28).

We wish you a safe and joyful holiday season! Thank you for making us part of your year. As always, you can learn more about our facilities and programs on our website.