Merry Christmas, Castle Rock!
Whether you’re finishing up last-minute shopping or already in full holiday mode, Christmas week is officially here. Town offices are adjusting hours, a massive wildlife project just wrapped up, and a new downtown restaurant is getting ready to open its doors.
In today’s Castle Rock Weekly:
Holiday closures & town schedules
I-25 wildlife overpass officially opens
New housing + downtown dining news
Let’s get into it.
— R.J. Culley
Let’s kick things off by welcoming The Ruff House, a new Castle Rock business that celebrated its ribbon cutting on December 15.
Cage‑Free Boarding & Play‑Focused Daycare
https://ruffhouseco.com/
Holiday Hours & Closures
From the Town of Castle Rock:
Dec 24 (Christmas Eve)
• Town offices close at 12 PM
• Rec Center & MAC close at 2 PMDec 25 (Christmas Day)
• All Town facilities CLOSEDDec 31 (New Year’s Eve)
• Rec Center, MAC & Cantril School close at 2 PM
For the last minute shoppers!
Most stores in Castle Rock will close early on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24, 2025), typically between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. It is recommended to check specific store hours before visiting.
Local News You Should Know
I-25 Wildlife Overpass Opens
You may have heard but the Greenland Wildlife Overpass near Larkspur is officially complete — now the largest wildlife overpass in North America, allowing elk, mule, deer, mountain lions, and more to safely cross 6 lanes of I-25 for the first time.
Photo Credit
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Active
Due to dry weather and wind, open burning and fireworks are banned through the holidays.
“Canyons Far South” Development Approved
Canyons Far South residential development near Castle Rock, Colorado, recently received final approval for its site plan from the Town Council in December 2025, following earlier annexation and rezoning approvals in early 2023 and 2024.
This large project by developers like Shea Homes will bring hundreds of homes, commercial space, and significant open space, connecting to Founders Parkway but also drawing resident concerns about promised views being developed. .
New E-Scooter Rules in Effect
Castle Rock updated its traffic ordinance to better define where electric vehicles can be used. Off-highway vehicles like dirt bikes and unlicensed e-motorcycles are banned from all streets and paths, with increased penalties (including a $250 fine for parents who allow kids to ride them). Class 1 & 2 e-bikes remain allowed on paths, while faster Class 3 e-bikes and true e-scooters face stricter rules and are not permitted on sidewalks or paths.
New & Noteworthy Around Town
🍕 Homegrown Tap & Dough Opens Dec 26
The popular pizza & Italian spot is opening downtown at 221 Wilcox St, featuring a big patio, arcade games, and an “elevated ranch” vibe. Welcome to Castle Rock, Homegrown Tap & Dough!
The Brickyard Project Update
Construction is underway on the future 145,000-sq-ft Castle Rock Sports Center, transforming the old industrial site into a major recreation destination.
Coming Up (Late Dec → January)
Dec 24–25
🎄 Holiday closures across Town facilities
Jan 3
🐴 New Year’s Barrel Race — Douglas County Fairgrounds
🏐 Free Youth Volleyball Clinic — Relentless Volleyball Club (5–6:30 PM)
Jan 6 & Jan 20
🏛️ Town Council Meetings — Town Hall
Jan 15
🍺 Brews & Business Networking — Alidade Brewing Company
🎨 Logo Design Contest deadline (Arts & Culture Foundation)
Jan 31
🪩 Winter Ball: Trollstice — Family dance night at the Fairgrounds
One Last Thing
Whether you’re hosting, traveling, or staying cozy at home — we hope this week brings rest, joy, and a little Castle Rock cheer.
Merry Christmas & happy holidays —
See you next week!