Denver Christmas Lights & Holiday Events

Originally posted on my Denver real estate blog: Denver Holiday Lights and Christmas Events 2012

As we wrap up Thanksgiving weekend, there’s only one thing my kids are thinking about – Christmas! From Christmas break from school to Christmas shopping and present to Christmas Eve Mass, it is the topic on their minds. And with all of that comes fun Denver holiday and winter events. Here are some of our family’s favorites in Colorado and some other popular ones that we will be checking out this year as well. Whether you have lived in Denver for years or have just moved here, you will enjoy exploring some of these favorite holiday lights and events.

Holiday Lights in Denver

Denver’s Parade of Lights is a big favorite around here and we have been going for years. This year it will be next weekend on Friday Nov 30  (8:00pm) & December 1 at 6:00pm.  Bundle up, arrive early to find a great place to sit and enjoy! The parade starts at Bannock & 14th and runs up to Tremont and across as it heads up 17th all the way to Arapahoe and then back down 15th.  The floats and bands are completely decked out in holiday lights, it is a one of a kind event.

Downtown Denver lights – The downtown lights are all on now, they are traditional lit the night after Thanksgiving with Grand Illumination. But even if you missed the big ceremony, head downtown and stroll around and enjoy.  You will see lights throughout downtown including the City & County building, Larimer Square, on the 16th Street Mall and at the Denver Pavilions.  Lodo is lit up too with “Lodo A Glow”.  Many of the area shopping corners will have special events as well throughout the holiday season, one of our favorites is the Denver Chriskindlmarket.

Zoo Lights - We love the get out of your car and walk around to oooh & aahh type light displays. And the overall favorite would be at the Denver Zoo with Zoo lights. Zoo Lights will kick off next weekend and run from November 30 through January 2.

Blossoms of Lights  – Another great one at the downtown Botanical Gardens as the trees and gardens areas are decorated with what seems like and endless display of sparkling lights. Opening night is November 30 and runs though January 1st.

Hudson Gardens Here’s a great one out of the city and into the suburbs. A Hudson Christmas is in Littleton at Hudson Gardens and is already open and will run through January 1st.

Ice Skating

There are many outdoor ice skating areas that have already opened, despite the mild temps. Some are larger than others. but all should be a treat! Check out the Southwest Rink downtown at Skyline Park, The Cube at Streets of Southglen (Centennial) , or the rink at Belmar in Lakewood.  One of our favorites is not open yet due to the beautiful weather, and that would be Evergreen Lake up in Evergreen.  Check that out as the weather gets a bit colder.

Community Celebrations

Many of the suburbs have celebration events as well that range from tree lighting ceremonies to mini festivals. Some of the tree lighting ceremonies occurred this weekend already but here are a few not to miss.

Highlands Ranch – Hometown Holiday – December 7th at Town Center and the popular Winter Market will run on Decemeber 15 & 16th, also at Town Center.

Parker CO – Christmas Carriage Parade December 8th – Very popular parade during the day (noon)featuring horse and a small festival  & Home For the Holidays Market throughout the afternoon in O’Brien Park.

Greenwood Village – Lighting of City Hall - November 30 at 6:00 pm

Have other favorites? Leave them in the comments!