December is the month of light in the Mile High City, although in true eager-kid fashion, the festivities really begin in late November.
Some of these traditions have gone on for decades, with kids growing up into adults who pass the tradition down to their own children.
Here’s a quick guide to some high-watt holiday entertainment.
Downtown Denver Grand Illumination
This classic throwing of the big switch lights up Denver from the City & County Building to Union Station, which kinds of gets the jump on the rest of the city because the big orange station sign is always on. It’s all part of Downtown Denver’s Winter in the City program.
When: Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. Following a 6:30 p.m. countdown, Denver Union Station will be ablaze with colored floodlights illuminating the historic building and its lighted tree in front. The lights run through December. And at the City & Countil Building, 1437 Bannock St., 600,000 lights glow and the bell tower plays carols nightly starting at 6 p.m.
Where: Union Station, 1700 Wynkoop St.
Information: denver.org
9News Parade of Lights
For 41 years, the annual parade through downtown Denver has featured marching bands, a certain big guy from the North Pole and, of course, lights galore. You can gather outside with the throng, or take in the spectacle from one of the restaurants lining the two-mile route. Tickets are available for the grandstand at the City and County Building.
When: Friday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.
Where: The parade starts at Civic Center Plaza, then winds through downtown with major legs along 17th and 15th streets. It ends at Glenarm and 14th streets.
Information: downtowndenver.com
The Denver Zoo
This popular annual light display will nearly double in size this year, covering 70 acres of the zoo’s campus. There will be nightly entertainment, animal encounters — no, you won’t be shaking hands with a lion — and appearances. Enjoy the collection of illuminated animal sculptures that swing through trees and hide in bushes.
When: Dec. 4-Jan. 3, nightly 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Preview nights Nov. 27-28.
Where: The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St.
Information and tickets: denverzoo.org
Denver Botanic Gardens
The DBG’s Blossoms of Light is always anticipated, with the gardens illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. Some new elements are featured this year, including the return of the illuminated O’Fallon Perennial Walk and the Romantic Gardens. Yes, those cool HoloSpex glasses will let you channel your inner Clark Kent during the holidays.
When: Nov. 27-Jan. 2, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Daily 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. (lights on until 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St.
Information and tickets: botanicgardens.org
Trail of Lights
This is another Denver Botanic Gardens event, held at the Chatfield Farms facility with the foothills as a striking backdrop to colorful, light-strewn paths winding through the countryside. Spread through Chatfield Farms, it features music in a children’s play area and a three-sided light tunnel. Don’t forget the warming hut and fire pit, plus free hayrides Fridays and Saturdays.
When: Nov. 27-Jan. 2, from 5:30 p.m.9 p.m. Includes Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
Where: Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton
Information and tickets: botanicgardens.org
William Porter: 303-954-1877, wporter@denverpost.com or @williamporterdp
Denver Metro and Colorado Front Range Holiday Lights
See a map of holiday lights displays across the Denver Metro area here.
