Celebrate the Holidays in Denver

Published on October 22, 2025

image of two children running in the winter with text: city and county of Denver, Joyful Celebrations, delightful festivities for All!

Denver’s Holiday Traditions Shine On!

Civic Center Park will be closed this season for renovations, but Denver’s cherished holiday celebrations continue to bring joy across the city. The events listed below have found new homes for the 2025 season—read on to see where each will take place and what to expect this year.

Light the Lights

Light the Lights 2025

Fri, Nov 21 | 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM | City and County Building

The annual Light the Lights Celebration will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM on the plaza and steps of the City and County Building. Mayor Mike Johnston will officially kick off Denver’s holiday season by flipping the switch to illuminate the building for the first time this year!

Watch the ceremony live on Denver 8 TV or the City’s Facebook page.

This year’s light and music show—produced by Colorado Holiday Experiences (formerly Blazen Illuminations)—features all-new arrangements of classic holiday songs with an epic, cinematic twist.

Please note:

This year’s opening ceremony will be about 15 minutes long —featuring remarks from Mayor Mike Johnston and the first lighting of the season. While there will be no amenities or programming beyond the ceremony, the event will be streamed live on Denver 8 TV and the City’s Facebook page and HRCP Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services will be providing sign language interpretation so everyone can tune in and enjoy the celebration from wherever they are. Visitors who wish to see the lights in person can come down any evening during the season to enjoy the nightly light and music show.

Nightly Show Schedule (November 21, 2025 – January 26, 2026)

Show Times:

Tuesday–Sunday: 5:45 PM and 6:45 PM, with static lights until 10:45 PM
Mondays: Static lights only (due to City Council meetings)

Exceptions:

No show on December 6: 9NEWS Parade of Lights
No show on December 21: We Will Remember: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil

2023 Light the Lights Countdown Video

Christkindlmarket

Denver Christkindlmarket
Fri, Nov 21 - Tue, Dec 23

Auraria Campus,Tivoli Quad 1000 Larimer St

Denver Christkindlmarket Hours:

November 21 - December 23

Monday – Thursday: 1 pm – 9 pm
Friday– Sunday & final Week (12/15-12/23): 11 am – 9 pm
Festival Hall Hours: Open until 10 pm (vendors closing at 9 pm)
Thanksgiving, November 27: 11 am– 4 pm

More details are available at christkindlmarketdenver.com.

Mile High Tree

a conical light sculpture in blue with city views behind it

The Mile High Tree

Presented by Xcel & Xfinity
Fri, Nov 21- Tue, Dec 31

Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus

The Mile High Tree’s breathtaking 110-foot display will be on display at the Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad.

Nightly Light Shows: November 21 – December 31
- Every 15 minutes from 5 pm – 10 pm
New Year's Eve Special: Countdown shows at 9 pm & midnight on December 31

Find out more at denver.org/milehighholidays/mile-high-tree/.

Parade of Lights

uniformed marching band member playing a trumpet It's another longstanding Denver tradition — for one night only! The 9News Parade of Lights holiday spectacular features more than 40 parade entries including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian groups, and vibrant cultural displays. And of course, special appearances by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa!

The parade takes place on Saturday, Dec. 6, starting at 6 pm at Denver’s City and County Building and winding through downtown.

Come on down to see it in person or watch all the excitement live on 9NEWS. The parade will also be rebroadcast throughout the month of December on Channel 9.

Find more information including the parade route at winterindenver.com/parade.