DENVER – If you’ve been ready for the holidays even before Halloween started, you’re not alone – and luckily for you, a bunch of holiday lighting events are happening just days away to kick off the winter festivities!
1. Light of the Lights – Denver
Nov. 24, 2017 at 6 p.m.
The official kick-off to the largest lighting display in Denver happens on November 24 at 6 p.m. at the City & County Building, where 600,000 lights deck the neo-classical building, according to the folks over at VISIT DENVER. Enjoy family-friendly fun, food and live music in the light of the City and County Building at Light the Lights.
2. Downtown Denver Grand Illumination - Denver
Nov. 24, 2017 at 6 p.m.
There is nothing quite like a Christmas tree lighting to get in the holiday spirit. As part of Downtown Denver's Winter in the City program, Downtown Denver's Grand Illumination event will light up Downtown, from Denver Union Station to the City and County Building at Civic Center Park. The lights stay on through the end of December.
3. Catch the Glow Christmas Parade and Celebration – Estes Park
Nov. 24, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
Get in the holiday spirit a day after Thanksgiving in Estes Park with holiday music playing outdoors throughout the day, family hay rides and a visit from Santa Claus in Bond Park from noon to 4 p.m. The lighted Christmas parade begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs through the length of Elkhorn Avenue.
4. Zoo lights at the Denver Zoo – Denver
Preview weekend on Nov. 24 & 25; runs from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31
Experience a light safari with 60 brilliantly-illuminated acres of lights, featuring more than 130 animated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m.
5. 2017 Mayor's Holiday Lighting - Parker
Nov. 24, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
Join the Town of Parker for an enchanted evening as O'Brien Park comes alive for the holidays! Gather around the Town Tree and join the Mayor and the Parker Chorale in a Sing-a-long to Silent Night to kick off the event. Following the sing-a-long, the Mayor, along with the Town Council will count down to the Town Tree and Grand Park Lighting.
6. Candlielight Walk - Littleton
Nov. 24, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
Spit hot cider, listen to holiday music and get to see some reindeer before Santa Claus delivers gifts to children around the world on Dec. 25 in Littleton! Santa will lead a small parade starting down Main Street where more than one million lights will light trees in the area. Once Santa reaches the end of Main Street, he'll throw the switch on the big Christmas Tree in the plaza. Denver7's Anne Trujillo will emcee the event.
7. Pueblo Parade of Lights - Pueblo
Nov. 25, 2017
Hailed as a one of the largest Christmas parades in Colorado, the Pueblo Parade of Lights has been a holiday tradition for nearly 30 years. Prepare to be amazed by colorful and clever floats, marching bands, drill teams, decorated saddle club horses, car club vehicles and more. The parade will pass from the Mesa Junction down Union Avenue to Main Street, then west to end at 6th and Court. It all starts at 5:30 p.m.
8. Greeley Lights the Night Parade – Greeley
Nov. 25, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
Head over to downtown Greeley as more than 50 lighted parade entries pass through downtown Greeley to mark the start of the Christmas holidays. Afterward, head to Lincoln Park for the lighting of the trees.
9. Leadville Parade of Lights – Leadville
Dec. 1, 2017
Floats with the sound of holiday music will be passing through Harrison Avenue as the Clauses make their way to the Lake County Courthouse, so make sure to bring the kids so they can pose for photos with Santa!
10. Night of Lights in Gunnison – Gunnison
Dec. 1, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the start of the holiday season in Gunnison by going down to Main Street for live entertainment, holiday music and more.
11. Denver Parade of Lights – Denver
Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
Nothing says “the holidays are here” quite like the Denver Parade of Lights! Make sure to arrive early so you can get a good spot as dozens of floats, marching bands as well as dancing groups march through downtown Denver.
12. Lakewood Lights - Lakewood
Dec. 1 and 2, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Join the Mayor of Lakewood for the annual tree lighting ceremony! There will be caroling, a brass band performance, holiday carols and more.
13. Annual Lights of December Parade – Boulder
Dec. 2, 2017 at 6 p.m.
Enjoy floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches and civic groups. But the fun doesn’t end there: Marching bands, lit fire engines, holiday carolers and much more.
14. Lighting of Breckenridge – Breckenridge
Dec. 2, 2017 at 5 p.m.
Breckenridge isn’t all about skiing and snowbarding – specially during the holiday season. Head to the mountains as the town transforms for the holidays. Did we mention you can participate in the Race of the Santas? There will also be a holiday market, a dog parade, caroling and the Lighting of Breckenridge, so make sure to get there early!
15. Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade – Colorado Springs
Dec. 2, 2017 at 5:50 p.m.
For 33 years, residents of the Pikes Peak Region have enjoyed a wonderful local tradition that sees floats, marching bands and Santa Claus descend onto Colorado Springs to bring the holiday spirit to young and old alike.
16. Grand Junction Parade of Lights – Grand Junction
Dec. 2, 2017 at 5 p.m.
The biggest parade of the year in Grand Junction sees more than 100 lighted entries as they pass through downtown. This year’s parade theme is “Songs of the Season.” Show up at 11 a.m. to enjoy the Winter Festival to enjoy local holiday arts and crafts.
17. County Christmas: Parade of Lights – Town of Holyoke
Dec. 4, 2017 starting at noon
If you want to get away from the big cities and have a more low-key holiday celebration, head over to the Town of Holyoke in northeast Colorado for the Parade of Lights, where you’ll see floats, experience window shopping and taste some hot chili supper.
18. Holiday Tree Lighting – Aurora
Dec. 5, 2017 at 5 p.m.
‘Tis the season to be merry and bright in Aurora. Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes as the city preps to ring in the holiday season. There will be live music, a special visit from Santa Claus, a meet-and-greet with Comet and Dasher, an ice carving competition and more.
19. Tree Lighting Ritual and Velvet Buck Grand Opening – Aspen
Dec. 16, 2017 at 5 p.m.
The 6th Annual Tree Lighting Ritual and Velvet Buck Grand Opening will welcome the holiday season in Aspen. Enjoy the illumination of the town’s 30-foot Christmas tree, a photo booth with Santa Claus, holiday cookies, festive beverages and more.
20. Alamosa Parade of Lights - Alamosa
Dec. 23, 2017 at 6 p.m.
Head to Alamosa for the Inaugural Round-up Rudolph 5K at 3 p.m. and stay for the Christmas Lights Parade that that place at 6 p.m. You’re encouraged to dress up and run, walk or stroll.
21. Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade – Telluride
Dec. 24, 2017
Telluride Rest employees will glide down the mountain with torches in hand for the annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade. If you’d like to enjoy the view, head out to Main Street, Pacific street and Columbia Avenue.
Didn't see your city listed here? Let the writer know by sending him an email to oscar.contreras@kmgh.com. Don't forget the details: When, where, what time and what's going on during your city's tree lighting ceremony.
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