Cozy up and enjoy the lights of the holidays at these community celebrations.
Colorado cities are going to let their lights shine and put a spotlight on the wonder of the season! This year's lighting events are sure to help you get in the holiday spirit in November and December. Check out our list below for those that are nearest you, and get out there and enjoy the sparkle of the season!
November 2019 City Light Celebrations
Castle Rock Starlighting Ceremony
When: November 23
Since 1936, Castle Rock has been lighting the way into the holidays with its historic starlighting ceremony. In addition to the lighting, downtown has tons of activities, live music, and much more (including Santa, himself)!
Downtown Boulder’s Switch on the Holidays
When: November 24
Join Santa and Boulder as they bring in the holiday season at the Switch on the Holidays event. The event will see the grand illumination of Pearl Street Mall and the courthouse, and Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Freezie the Snowman will all be on hand to celebrate!
Catch the Glow Holiday Celebration and Evening Parade – Estes Park
When: November 29
Is there anything more classically charming than the holidays in a small, mountain town? Estes Park invites you to the Catch the Glow celebration and parade in Estes Park the day after Thanksgiving. Carolers, hayrides, pony rides, and so much more will be on hand to kick off the season.
Glenwood Springs – Hotel Colorado Illumination
When: November 29
More than one million lights will bring the historic Hotel Colorado to life this year. Stop by for entertainment, Santa, lights, and a craft show. But, wait, there's more! What could possibly make this light celebration even cooler? Fireworks!
Courtesy of HotelColorado.com.
Grand Illumination - Denver
When: November 29
Catch beautiful lighting displays in the LoDo District and Denver Union Station. Enjoy the holiday cheer by stopping into one of the many local businesses, then watch as Union Station lights up the night with holiday colors. The Light the Lights ceremony that illuminates the City and County Building is also happening that evening, so be sure to make your way to Civic Center Park, as well (see below)!
Denver's Grand Illumination. Courtesy of denver.org.
Light the Lights – Denver
When: November 29
Head downtown to bring the holidays in traditional style. The light switch will flip between 6:30–7 p.m. light up the City and County Building in brilliant hues. Bring hats, scarves, gloves to donate to the Giving Tree, as well. The Grand Illumination ceremony that lights up the LoDo area is also happening that evening, so be sure to make your way to Union Station, as well (see above)!
Pueblo Parade of Lights
When: November 24
Enjoy a holiday tradition Pueblo-style at the 30th Annual Parade of Lights. "Festive, colorful and clever floats, school marching bands, drill teams, decorated saddle club horses and car club vehicles festooned with lights thrill many thousands of spectators," says the event's website. This year's theme is "Christmas at the Movies," so there's sure to be holiday cheer in the air.
Greeley Lights the Night Parade
When: November 30
Get there early to get the best viewing spot of the parade of lights. Then, gather in Lincoln Park for festive caroling and a tree lighting ceremony.
December 2019 City Light Celebrations
Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade
When: December 7
For 35 years, floats, bands, horses, and the jolly guy himself have made their way down the downtown Colorado Springs' parade route to the delight of viewers. It's back this year celebrating "Home for the Holidays" and is sure to be the must-see event of the season.
Courtesy of Colorado Springs Festival of Lights (Facebook).
Grand Junction Parade of Lights
When: December 7
More than 100 lighted entries, performers, and more will light up the night in Grand Junction. Residents have loved this tradition for over 30 years, and you can join in the fun!
Lakewood Lights
When: December 6 and 7
It’s family-friendly fun at this Lakewood event! Wagon rides, museum tours, thousands of lights, ornament crafting, photos with Santa, and more will certainly make you feel merry and bright.
9news Parade of Lights – Denver
When: December 6 (8 p.m.) and December 7 (6 p.m.)
For 44 years, the best light show in town has been making its way through the downtown streets. Denver’s Parade of Lights offers tons of twinkles and sparkles, floats, bands, and so much more to help you ring in the holiday season.
Golden Candlelight Walk
When: December 6
Enjoy a Candlelight Walk and end up at the Light the Lights ceremony along Clear Creek. As an added bonus, there will be a small firework display to cap off the evening’s festivities.
Courtesy of Visit Golden (Facebook).
Lighting of Breckenridge
When: December 7
Timeless holiday carols, the Race of the Santas, cookies and hot cocoa, and trees will be lit in this fun holiday celebration. Go into cuteness overload at the Holiday Dog Parade, and take the kids to meet with Santa. Be sure to catch the free concert featuring Hazel Miller!
Vail Holiday Tree Lighting
When: December 16
Hot cocoa, good old St. Nick, children singing … what more could you ask for after a day on the slopes? The tree lighting is just one of many events at Vail Holidays from December 16 to December 31, including Snow Days, Family Fireplace Holiday Party, the Holiday Sweater Run, and more.
Night of Lights in Gunnison
When: December 6
Why not drink some hot cocoa and warm yourself by the lights of the Holiday Candyland-themed Night of Lights in Gunnison!
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade – Telluride
When: December 24
Watch the slopes of Telluride Resort light up as up to 100 employees glide down the mountainside, leaving a trail of light as they go. It’s a fun Christmas Eve tradition for both residents and visitors, alike, and you might even catch a glimpse of the man in red himself!
Which of the above city light celebrations will you be attending? Are there any that we missed on our list? Let us know in the comments below.
