'Tis the Season for City Light Celebrations in Colorado!

*Originally published on November 6, 2019
Updated on October 15, 2024:

Colorado cities are going to let their lights shine and put a spotlight on the wonder of the season! This year's holiday lighting events will help you get in the holiday spirit in November and December. Check out our list below for those nearest you, and get out there and enjoy the sparkle of the season!

Don't see an event on our list? Email us!

*Please note that this is a living list and will be updated accordingly. Refresh for the latest!

November 2024 Holiday Light Celebrations:

Starlighting Ceremony - Castle Rock

When: November 23, 2–6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Castle Rock

Since 1936, Castle Rock has welcomed the holidays with its historic star-lighting ceremony. In addition to the lighting, downtown has many activities, live music, and more (including Santa himself)!

Switch on the Holidays - Boulder

When: November 24, 5 p.m.
Where: 1300 Block of Pearl Street

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 Parade - Estes Park

When: November 29, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Estes Park

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.

Hotel Colorado Illumination - Glenwood Springs

When: November 29, 3–7:30 p.m.
Where: Hotel Colorado

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.

Grand Illumination - Denver

When: November 29, 4 p.m.
Where: Union Station

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.

Parade of Lights - Pueblo

When: November 30, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Down Union Avenue to Main Street

Enjoy a holiday tradition Pueblo-style at the 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.

Lionshead Tree Lighting - Vail

When: November 30, 6 p.m.
Where: Sunbird Park Playground

"Join us to light up the village with the Lionshead Holiday Tree Lighting! Enjoy a free 15 minute exhibition of Champion Figure Skaters on the Arrabelle Ice Rink, live music and special appearance of a special red clad, jovial, bearded guest," says the event website.

December 2024 Holiday Light Celebrations:

Holiday Lights - Lakewood

When: December 5, 5–8:30 p.m.
Where: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park

This Lakewood event offers family-friendly fun! Wagon rides, museum tours, thousands of lights, ornament crafting, photos with Santa, and more will make you feel merry and bright.

Candlelight Walk - Golden

When: December 6, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Parfet Park

Enjoy a Candlelight Walk and attend the Light the Lights ceremony along Clear Creek. "The Golden community comes out to experience the beauty of the holiday season together on this night," reads the event website.

Festival of Lights Parade - Colorado Springs

When: December 7, 5:50 p.m.
Where: Downtown Colorado Springs

"Following a one-year break, the parade will return to its customary schedule in 2024, taking place on the first Saturday of December," says the event website. "Experience the magical ambiance of the holiday season as you observe almost 100 enchanting floats, each embellished with captivating lights and decorations, all in accordance with this year’s parade theme."