Magical Lighting Displays and Events
Grand Illumination of Downtown
November 23
This year's Grand Illumination of Downtown Denver features beautiful lighting displays at the City and County Building, Larimer Square, Denver Pavilions, Union Station, Skyline Park, the 16th Street Mall and the historic D&F Tower. Beginning at 6 pm, there will be special events at Denver Union Station presented by RTD and LoDo District, Inc. including a holiday-themed choir, a Children’s Museum craft table, delicious treats provided by LoDo restaurants, a visit from Dinger Claus (the Colorado Rockies Mascot decked out in holiday uniform), and much more! Following a countdown shortly after 6:30 p.m, Denver Union Station will be ablaze with brightly colored floodlights illuminating the historic structure in the heart of Lower Downtown and its lighted tree in front. A special viewing of the model railroad will take place after the lighting in the basement of Denver Union Station.
LoDo Aglow
November 23-Dec. 31
The LoDo District Inc.’s LoDo Aglow window design contest sees local business owners, designers and art students letting their imaginations run wild in creating holiday themed window art in Lower Downtown. A panel of guest judges will choose the winners based on the originality and presentation of the design.
City & County Building Holiday Lights
Nov. 23, 2012 – Jan. 2013
The largest lighting display in Denver comes on nightly at 6 p.m. at the City & County Building, where 600,000 lights deck the neo-classical building. The bell tower plays carols nightly as well.
16th Street Mall Holiday Lights
Nov. 23, 2012 - Jan. 2013
Denver’s mile-long pedestrian promenade, the 16th Street Mall, is decorated with more than one million white lights. Skyline Park, located at 16th and Arapahoe, will feature nearly 26,000 lights and a 22 foot tall Christmas tree complete with LED lights choreographed to a variety of holiday songs. Denver’s historic D & F Tower, at the center of the park, will also be adorned with holiday lights. More than 400,000 energy efficient LED lights will turn the 16th Street Mall and Curtis Streets between 14th and 16th into an enchanting holiday promenade. Giant holiday snowflakes will also be hung along California and Curtis Streets. Two of Downtown Denver’s major retail destinations, Larimer Square and the Denver Pavilions, will also be illuminated with festive décor on this night and throughout the holiday season. Unique holiday entertainment and special events will take place separately at each destination. Horse drawn carriages ride up and down the mall nightly beginning at 6 p.m., creating a special way to view the display.
Blossoms of Light
Denver Botanic Gardens
November 30, 2012– January 1, 2013
Embrace the holiday season at Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens (York St. location). More than one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs highlight the Gardens winter beauty. Romantic and popular kissing spots will return, as well as the always anticipated HoloSpex glasses, which magically transform the lights into shimmering 3-D shapes. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available. Seasonal entertainment will be available on select evenings.
9NEWS Parade of Lights
Downtown Denver
Nov. 30 - Dec. 1
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is the signature event of the Downtown Denver holiday season. The countless sparkling lights, marching bands, giant balloons, majestic floats and delightful characters will once again wow hundreds of thousands. Viewing along the parade route is free, and grandstand tickets are sold for seating in front of the beautifully illuminated City & County building.
Trails of Light
Denver Botanic Gardens, Chatfield
November 30, 2012– January 1, 2013
With the foothills as a stunning backdrop, more than one million twinkling lights illuminate a winding path through the Colorado countryside. Spread throughout Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, Trail of Lights offers visitors a choice of paths; a shorter route takes visitors directly to the children’s play area, while an extended path allows visitors to explore the Green Farm Barn and silo before continuing onto the children’s area and 1880s homestead. Fun features this year include illuminated antique and model tractors on display, tours of the Hildebrand ranch house, a 1880s homestead decorated in a Colorado Christmas motif, and hayrides highlighting Chatfield’s natural beauty. Warm drinks are available for purchase and seasonal entertainment is provided.
Living Lights
Butterfly Pavilion
5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on December 14-16, 21-23, & 28-31, 2012 and January 1-6, 2013
Holiday lights are even more festive when they fly, flutter, and crawl! Join us this holiday season at the Butterfly Pavilion for Living Lights event. Experience a journey of indoor and outdoor light displays featuring some of the world’s smallest wonders - invertebrates. You'll see scorpions glow, watch the rainforest come alive with firefly lights, and marvel as the gardens sparkle with thousands of holiday lights.
Zoo Lights
Denver Zoo
December 3, 2012 – January 2, 2013
Come and experience a holiday light safari with more than 38 brilliantly-illuminated acres of lights, featuring more than 150 animated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected.
