The Hilltop Holiday Scoop
Hilltop Neighborhood News & Updates for December 2025
To Our Hilltop Neighbors and Friends,
As the days grow shorter and the holiday lights begin to brighten our streets, the Executive Committee of the Hilltop Neighborhood Association (HNA) wants to take a moment to pause and connect with you. Whether you are a long-time resident who remembers when the Sundial was brand new, or a family celebrating your very first winter in Denver, we are grateful to have you as part of this community.
This season is often a time for reflection, and as we look back on the past year, our focus remains steadfast on two core pillars: connection and communication.
Building a True Community More than just a collection of homes, Hilltop is a shared sanctuary. Our goal has always been to create spaces and moments where neighbors become friends. Whether through the annual Halloween parade or simply advocating for the preservation of the character that makes our streets and neighborhood unique, we are committed to fostering a sense of belonging for everyone here.
Keeping You Informed We also know that a strong neighborhood is an informed one. From zoning changes and safety updates to local development news, we strive to be your trusted source for what is happening right outside your door. We are dedicated to transparency and ensuring you have the information you need to navigate life in our corner of the city.
A Call for New Voices To keep this momentum going, we need you. The strength of the HNA lies entirely in the passion of our volunteers. As we look toward the New Year, we are actively seeking neighbors to join us in this work.
Finally, we have openings for Committee Volunteers! You do not need to be an expert in city planning, advocacy, or event coordination; you simply need to care about the future of Hilltop. Whether you can spare a few hours a month to help plan an event, or you are interested in a leadership role to help shape our strategic vision, your voice is missing from our table. If you have ever thought, "I wish the neighborhood would..." or "Someone should fix...", we invite you to be that someone. Please reach out to us at info@denverhilltop.org to start a conversation!
We look forward to our upcoming plans for 2026 to continue to make Hilltop the vibrant community it can be. From our families to yours, we wish you a peaceful holiday season and a joyous New Year. We look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood.
Warmly,
The Hilltop Neighborhood Association’s Executive Committee
Updates on Xcel’s Leetsdale-Monroe-Elati Transmission Project
Get the latest information on road closures.
Xcel has announced road closures in the neighborhood for their transmission line project. Between December 1st and December 15th, E. Cedar Ave. will be closed to all but local traffic between S. Elm St. and S. Forest St. (including the Fairfax St. intersection). Neighbors should expect full street closures and look for alternate routes in the area. Ongoing updates and information is available through our website and Xcel’s project page as work progresses.
What To Do For The Holidays
Lots of things are happening in and around the neighborhood this holiday season!
Get into the festive spirit with cozy neighborhood light walks, magical sunsets at Cranmer Park, and epic sledding at Robinson Park. Venture out for Denver delights like the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, glowing Blossoms of Light, Zoo Lights, and family favorites such as Camp Christmas and ICE! at Gaylord Rockies. Dive into the full guide for all the holiday magic right here in our backyard!
Zoning and Development Updates
We have the latest on whats happening in in our neighborhood
Your zoning and development committee has an update on recent decisions in the neighborhood! Check out their latest article for more information.
Give Where You Live:
Colorado Gives Day is December 9th!
Donations made online now through the 9th count towards the annual $1 million incentive fund!
As the holiday season approaches, our community has a wonderful opportunity to come together and support the causes that make our state so special. Tuesday, December 9th, is Colorado Gives Day, an annual statewide movement that celebrates philanthropy and community spirit. It is a day dedicated to "giving where you live," reminding us that when neighbors support neighbors, we build a stronger, more vibrant Colorado for everyone. Whether it’s protecting our local trails, supporting our schools, or helping those in need, this day is about the collective power of our generosity.
You don't need to make a grand gesture to make a big difference; every contribution helps strengthen the organizations that serve our daily lives. If you are looking for a way to give back this season, we encourage you to visit ColoradoGives.org to explore thousands of local non-profits and find a mission that resonates with you. Let’s show the rest of the state the strength of our neighborhood's spirit by joining the movement and helping our local communities thrive this December.
Looking for a neighborhood option? Councilwoman Sawyer’s office is once again sponsoring the George Washington Food Pantry, which serves approximately 100 families per week. You can donate to that cause here.
Recycle Your Holiday Lights!
Recycle your old holiday lights for free December 2nd - January 2nd, 2026
Last year, Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) was able to recycle one ton of holiday lights, diverting hazardous waste from our already bursting landfills! This year they are at it again, accepting broken, burned-out, or impossibly tangled sets for free.
Accepted for Drop-off:
Light strings and wires for incandescent, LED, and “icicle” lights.
Attached bulbs okay.
Not Accepted for Drop-off:
Bubble (liquid-filled) or neon lights.
Please remove light strings from any packing material.
Plastic Bags.
Cardboard Boxes.
You can drop off your old light strings at Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-off or Blue Star Recyclers and check Denver’s announcement here for hours.
2025 - 2026 Annual Survey
Councilwoman Sawyer wants to hear from YOU!
Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer has released the 2025-2026 District 5 community survey, an important opportunity for neighbors to share their feedback directly with her and help shape priorities for the upcoming council year. Last year, initiatives driven by our communities input included advancing the Holly Street traffic calming plan to improve safety, and strengthening enforcement and fines to address abandoned and derelict properties.
Make sure you share your feedback by December 31, 2025, so your voice can help guide policies that improve our neighborhood!
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This cherished holiday tradition will once again light up the streets of Downtown Denver, bringing together thousands of spectators to celebrate the magic of the season.
Families and friends of all ages will enjoy a spectacular display featuring:
✨ 40+ floats, giant balloons, and colorful cultural displays
🎶 Marching bands and musical performances
🐴 Equestrian units and festive holiday characters
❄️ Special guest appearances from Major Waddles the penguin and, of course, Santa Claus himself!The Parade is also televised LIVE on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 6pm – 8pm on 9NEWS KUSA-TV, Channel 9.
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The JCC Denver is excited to welcome you back to our annual Hanukkah extravaganza, Latkes and Lights! Prepare for those eight crazy nights by playing themed games, jamming to live music, tasting a variety of latkes from famous Denver restaurants as well as our very own community members, voting on your favorite handmade menorah, and so much more! This family and community event is for everyone. Bring your partner, family members, children, and neighbors to enjoy this festival of lights.
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Let’s wrap up an incredible year of giving back—Colfax style!
For our final Volunteer Day of 2025, we’re heading indoors to the welcoming warmth of SAME Café to make hygiene kits for members of their community. It’s a simple, hands-on way to share a little comfort with our neighbors who need it most this season.After we finish assembling kits, we’ll head to one of our favorite Colfax spots for a casual end-of-year celebration—a chance to thank every volunteer who’s shown up, cleaned up, cheered on, and made a difference throughout the year.
For more events in our neighborhood, check out our events page!
Help Spot Neighborhood Issues With 311 Thursdays
Call or text in an issue, problem, or complaint every Thursday
Pothole on 6th you keep seeing and hitting? Graffiti in the ally? Report it to 311! Not only will this help the City know where problems are, it will generate needed data to show how the City can best allocate its resources to make our neighborhood safer!
You can use Denver’s online portal 24/7 or dial/text 311 Monday - Friday 7AM to 7PM.
Learn more about upcoming neighborhood projects or subscribe to the District 5 Newsletter courtesy of Amanda Sawyer.
Find the councilwoman’s latest newsletter here.
Want to Spotlight Your Business in Hilltop?
Have a business you want to promote? Looking to connect with your local community?
Become a Hilltop Neighborhood Sponsor! Get your brand in front of engaged neighbors.
We’re looking for local partners who want to give back, get involved, and grow visibility in one of Denver’s most vibrant communities.
Let’s team up and make Hilltop even better.
Contact us to learn how you can help.
