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The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is the signature event of the holiday season in downtown Denver.
In addition to the parade, there are many other ways to get into the holiday spirit. Check out elaborate lights displays, blockbuster museum exhibitions and much more. Stay for the weekend and take advantage of great hotel deals.
We strive to post the most current and accurate event information, but changes and cancellations do occur, so please check the official event website to confirm all details before attending.
Parade Details
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is free and will make a circuit through the heart of downtown beginning at TBA 2026, featuring more than 40 units, including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian units and vibrant cultural displays. And, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa!
Parade Route
The parade begins at 14th and Bannock Streets, where you can purchase grandstand seating in front of the City and County Building. Spectators can view the parade for free along the two-mile route on Tremont Street between 14th and 17th Streets, on 17th Street from Tremont to Arapahoe Street, on Arapahoe between 17th and 15th Streets, and on 15th Street from Arapahoe to Glenarm. For more information, see the 9NEWS Parade of Lights web page.
Holiday Lights
Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
Winter Wanderland displays a collection of free holiday offerings and festivities throughout the neighborhood! Festivities include a dazzling display of nearly one million twinkling lights on more than 600 trees spread throughout the walkable neighborhood and Giving Machines — vending machines that don't dispense snacks or drinks, but instead offer the chance to make a positive impact! Throughout the holiday season, enjoy Small Business Weekend (TBA 2026), Saturday Night Lights with complimentary holiday treats and festive entertainment (TBA 2026), a Chanukah celebration (TBA 2026) and the Cherry Creek Holiday Market (TBA 2026), where you can browse gifts from more than 40 local makers, designers and creators. After a long day of shopping, warm up inside the all-new Mistletoe Lounge (TBA 2026), a new pop-up Christmas bar offering a festive drink menu and comfy seating in a setting that’s best described as the inside of a "real-life snow globe." In a giving mood?
Mile High Drone Shows
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus
For 41 magical nights, 600 drones will soar into the sky, creating breathtaking holiday-themed animations. See these dazzling displays from across the city every night at 7 p.m. for free. From Santa and his reindeer to iconic Denver landmarks like the Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity and Denver Union Station, each night will bring a new visual experience to life.
The Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus
Join in the free festivities at the Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity. It’s a brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation that provides a dazzling lights-and-music show. You can experience two of Denver's most popular holiday attractions in one place: America’s tallest digital tree and the Denver Christkindlmarket, the city’s only authentic German holiday market.
Blossoms of Light
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
Consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, Blossoms of Light is a spectacular celebration that illuminates Denver Botanic Gardens' York Street location. Wander a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight our plant collections. A cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, Blossoms of Light is constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight in even the most seasoned visitors.
Trail of Lights
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms takes you along a winding path glistening with lights that illuminate the Colorado countryside. Tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights can be seen for miles. Just under a mile of walking trail, the illumination of cottonwoods, boxelders and pine trees line the pathway through the Green Farm, Crossroads, Deer Creek Discovery Children's Play Area and 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead. There is also the option of a shorter path for those who want to take a shorter stroll. In line with the core value of sustainability, all lights used in the event are LED.
Zoo Lights
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Zoo Lights has been making magic, memories and even marriages for more than 30 years! Presented by Your Hometown Toyota Stores, this illuminating annual event transforms Denver Zoo into Colorado's WILDEST winter wonderland. Don't miss this year's historic celebration, with more than a million lights sparkling over 80 acres—plus a host of special measures to keep your family safe and healthy.
Larimer Lights
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Larimer Square
Larimer Lights returns for the 2025 holiday season! Stroll the block and enjoy immersive projection mapping, festive décor, visits from Santa, live holiday carolers, seasonal treats from restaurants and shops, and more to make your season bright. There's something going on every weekend.
Blockbuster Exhibitions
Moments That Made US
WHEN: Thru Oct. 18, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
See more than 40 artifacts that shaped the United States, including ceramics made by Ancestral Puebloan people long before Europeans arrived in North America, tobacco pipes used by the colonists in Jamestown, the spurs George Washington wore at Valley Forge, the inkwell used by Grant and Lee to sign the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House, Jackie Robinson’s bat, moon rocks from Apollo 11 and more.
A Century of Art in Latin America
WHEN: Thru June 15, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
From soaring mountains and scorching deserts to sprawling forests and splendid beaches, Latin America is a vast place. As a concept, it tries to contain cultures and landscapes with millennia of differing histories under one name. Works that artists from Latin America created during the 20th and current 21st century showcase a range of practices as complex as the places they call home. While previous exhibitions have centered around a single art movement, such as Surrealism or Abstraction, A Century of Art in Latin America offers a broader and more inclusive exploration of the rich and varied artistic trends across the region, encompassing an array of styles, time periods, nationalities and mediums, and presenting a comprehensive survey of Latin American art throughout the past 100 years.
Elitch Holidays
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
This family-friendly event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences for all to enjoy. It features millions of dazzling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, twinkling snowmen who never melt, a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant presents and ornaments, a wall of lights, rides on Elitch Gardens attractions, interactive activities like a light-up hopscotch, strolling holiday entertainers, Old Saint Nick and his elves, and more.
Hudson Holidays
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Hudson Gardens & Events Center
You'll be enchanted by even more towering trees draped in thousands of colorful lights. A grove of dancing Christmas trees, a multi-colored forest inhabited by giant snowmen, the holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer will light up Hudson Gardens into an extravaganza of holiday cheer. Purchase a delicious cup of hot cocoa or adult beverage before stopping by for a perfect free family photo opportunity with Santa.
Candlelight Nights
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: City of Golden
Golden’s beloved Candlelight Nights returns with quaint holiday shops and festive decorations along historic Washington Avenue and thousands of twinkling lights lining the banks of Clear Creek. The annual Candlelight Walk occurs on Dec. 6, featuring revelers strolling Washington Avenue holding candles and singing carols. Golden’s Holiday Parade returns on Dec. 14, with marching bands, floats, horses, Victorian carolers, elves, fire trucks and, of course, Santa. Come back for a magical day in Golden meeting and mingling with family favorite holiday characters along Washington Avenue on December 21, during the Jingle On the Avenue.
Family-Friendly Events & Activities
The Polar ExpressTM Train Ride
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden
The story of The Polar ExpressTM is theatrically re-created and combined with a magical train ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Children get to meet Santa and experience all the sights and sounds of this classic tale as if happening all around them. This year, a whole host of carefully crafted updates have been made to ensure the health and safety of guests, cast and crew, so put on your pajamas and your most fashionable mask and bring the family to enjoy sharing hot cocoa and cookies together as the "Hot, Hot, Hot—Chocolate" song and dance unfolds before your eyes.
Santa's Flight Academy
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Make your reservation to meet Santa for a picture-perfect moment. After, take off on an interactive adventure at Santa's Flight Academy, complete with his 22-foot-tall sleigh!
Christmas in Color
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre | Water World | Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
At three locations, drive through millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music that you’ll hear right through your radio. You'll see giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
The Cherry Creek Holiday Market at Fillmore Plaza features more than 50 local artisan vendors, live music, and festive drinks and decor. The market is free, open to the public and family- and dog-friendly.
Magical Winter Nights
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Step into a whimsical winter wonderland where a dazzling holiday adventure comes alive. This is the museum like you’ve never seen it before, as a piece of the familiar turns into the fantastical through an immersive journey of light, sound and surprise.
Denver Christkindlmarket
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Tivoli Quad on Auraria Campus
This outdoor event brings the most beloved elements of an authentic German holiday experience to the Mile High City. Stroll through a European village decorated for the holiday season as you shop for finely crafted artisan gifts and treats at charming wooden huts. Fuel your shopping with authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), German Biers and hot chocolate, and nosh on Bavarian-style pretzels, fresh smoked salmon, Knödel, Goulasch, Nürnberger Sausages, pastries, caramels and European chocolates. Parking: Surface-lot parking on the Auraria Campus is available for a reduced rate of $15 per day during evenings and weekends. This rate does not apply to garage parking.
Camp Christmas
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Stanley Marketplace
See Stanley Marketplace turn into a dazzling, joy-filled holiday destination as Camp Christmas makes its triumphant return to its original location. Look for three themed pop-up bars, dazzling decor, a scavenger hunt, free visits with Santa and more. New this year is a Camp Christmas Express experience (Nov. 21–Dec. 24, 2025), designed to lift your holiday spirits in 15 minutes or less as you walk through a series of interactive stations.
McGregor Skate
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: McGregor Square Plaza
The magic of winter has made its way to LoDo with McGregor Skate, an ice skating rink for all ages. Skates are available on-site for rental, or bring your own. Skating starts at just $6 (bring your own skates) or $15 for skate rental plus admission for adults or $9 for children. An outside bar will be available serving hot chocolate and more.
Santa's Little Man Ice Cream Factory
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Little Man Ice Cream's factory location on Colfax
The ice cream factory morphs into Santa's Factory, all decked out for the holidays in a winter wonderland theme. Recurring holiday events include photos with Santa, bingo with Mrs. Claus, private ice cream-making parties, gingerbread house building, letters to Santa craft stations, live holiday music, community caroling, Santa Baby Swing and a Hanukkah celebration.
Latkes and Lights Hanukkah Celebration
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center
The fourth annual Latkes and Lights Hanukkah event includes Hanukkah fun and food, including a latke competition where guests can taste and judge latkes to determine who has the best from local Denver restaurants. There will also be a separate latke competition from community members’ family recipes, as well as a makers mart craft fair featuring local vendors, Hanukkah games, a pita and olive oil tasting, a light room for kids and live music.
Snow Days
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Spend your day gliding around the ice skating rink, sledding on REAL snow and warming up by a toasty fire. Plus, hop on a vintage snowmobile and explore the mountains in a life-size diorama and journey to the center of the snow maze and discover the crooked cabin.
More Holiday Events & Activities
Winter Lodge at Peaks Lounge Pop-Up
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Peaks Lounge at Hyatt Regency Colorado Convention Center
Enjoy a cozy alpine-inspired retreat at the Winter Lodge at Peaks Lounge, located on the 27th floor of the hotel. Peaks Lounge, known for its panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and skyline, will transform once more into a winter escape, bringing the warmth and charm of a mountain lodge to the heart of the Mile High City. Relax in armchairs adorned with faux fur throws, set amidst rustic wooden tables, glowing lanterns and candlelight. Capture the perfect photo moment with antler chandeliers and Rocky Mountain views as your backdrop. Also look for holiday-themed cocktails, mocktails and food items.
Music & Performing Arts
'A Christmas Carol'
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Wolf Theatre
Essential to the holiday season in Denver, "A Christmas Carol" is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation for the whole family that traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the DCPA Theatre Company’s production is “a splendidly festive tradition” (BroadwayWorld) that illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.
Colorado Ballet: 'The Nutcracker'
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one's ever seen, featuring all-new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever.
'Granny Dances to Holiday Drum'
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Now in its 34th year, celebrate the magic of the season through dance, music and spoken word as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance explores holiday traditions from around the world! Guided by the Three Angels of the Rainbow, Granny visits Africa, the Americas, Mexico, Asia, and the Caribbean to celebrate the joy of holiday times!
Yuletide on Broadway
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Trinity United Methodist Church
Enjoy a holiday organ celebration with music from three organists. Admission is free, but freewill offerings are appreciated. There will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 pm with cookies and warm drinks provided by the Trinity youth group, and the program will commence at 7:00 p.m.
Denver Jazz Orchestra Holiday Show
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Dazzle
Join the Denver Jazz Orchestra for its annual Dazzle Holiday Concert! Featuring swinging versions of some of your holiday favorites as well as a few Latin interpretations of the great seasonal carols. This one always sells out, so make your reservations early! Eary and late shows.
The Steve Denny Quintet: Songs of Winter
WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Nocturne
Nocturne is delighted to welcome pianist, composer and bandleader Steve Denny back as he performs two sets of music that evoke the feeling and energy of early winter. An exquisitely emotive and multifaceted pianist, Steve is an artist who creates indelible musical portraits through masterful virtuosity and touch. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, he has applied his expansive versatility as a pianist, composer and educator to the realms of jazz, classical, R&B, gospel and beyond. Steve was one of five finalists for the prestigious Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition in 2012 and 2015, and as a member of the University of Northern Colorado’s Lab Band I, received a Downbeat Magazine award in 2008.
Museum & Gallery Exhibitions
The Disappearance of Thomas Riha
WHEN: Thru March 15, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
CU Boulder Russian history professor Thomas Riha vanished on March 15, 1969. He’s never been found. Was it the FBI? The CIA? Russian intelligence? Or a mysterious woman who left a trail of lies in her wake? This exhibit invites you to investigate this unique Colorado cold case. Riha vanished during the Cold War, raising questions about possible links to international espionage. For the first time, see original documents, photos, and artifacts from key suspects and intelligence agencies relating to Riha’s disappearance. From Boulder and Washington, DC, to Moscow and Prague, History Colorado Center asks you to dig into the files and examine the evidence. What do you think happened to Thomas Riha?
Ms. Destiny
WHEN: Thru March 29, 2026
WHERE: Center for Colorado Women's History
Throughout history, Colorado women have forged opportunity out of scarcity as they created lives they desired. Ms. Destiny highlights the stories of seven unique and resilient Colorado women who took fate into their hands, overcame barriers and defined their realities. Through the lenses of relationship, financial access and occupation, and presentation, Ms. Destiny explores the self-determination and tenacity of women in the Centennial State.
Exhibition 1776
WHEN: Thru April 12, 2026
WHERE: History Colorado Center
In 1776, two Franciscan priests named Domínguez and Escalante set out from Santa Fe into territory unknown, lands claimed by Spain but controlled by the Tribes who called it home. With Indigenous guides and the help of Native tribes, the Padres and their party of 12 navigated harsh terrain, mapped vital trade routes, and documented Native cultures that had thrived in the region for centuries before Europeans arrived. Carefully selected artifacts, accounts from Escalante’s journal, and stunning landscape photographs will invite visitors to retrace the journey.
Guest of Honor: Rembrandt
WHEN: Thru Feb. 26, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
A masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn titled A Woman Holding a Pink and an additional portrait of Rembrandt, likely painted by his studio, are on view in the European Art Before 1800 galleries (on the 6th level of the museum’s Martin Building) as part of the National Gallery’s “Across the Nation” program. The collaboration, which brings some of the most important and beloved works of art to communities across the country, is part of the NGA’s program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in 2026.
A Century of Art in Latin America
WHEN: Thru June 15, 2027
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
From soaring mountains and scorching deserts to sprawling forests and splendid beaches, Latin America is a vast place. As a concept, it tries to contain cultures and landscapes with millennia of differing histories under one name. Works that artists from Latin America created during the 20th and current 21st century showcase a range of practices as complex as the places they call home. While previous exhibitions have centered around a single art movement, such as Surrealism or Abstraction, this exhibit offers a broader and more inclusive exploration of the rich and varied artistic trends across the region, encompassing an array of styles, time periods, nationalities and mediums, and presenting a comprehensive survey of Latin American art throughout the past 100 years.