Get your Holiday Season started with any of these wonderful (and free) Denver area Holiday parades and tree lighting ceremonies.
1. Wheat Ridge Lights. My oldest son met Santa during this mellow Holiday event a few years ago. Hot cocoa and cookies were served which was welcome after waiting for the mayor to light the city lights on a cold, winter night. This is a great event for families. This year it is being held between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 4.
2. Golden Candlelight Walk. See for yourself. It’s amazing to see so many people holding candles and bringing in the Holiday Season. This year the walk will start at 7:00 and festivities end at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 2.
3. Golden Olde Town Christmas Parade . Golden does an amazing job keeping the Holiday cheer alive as it holds this parade along with other fun events in their old town throughout the month of December. You can attend one of the parades on December 3rd, 10th, or 17th at 11:00 a.m.
4. Denver Parade of Lights. This parade is the largest Holiday parade in Colorado. Parking is tough but it’s worth going to at least once. It starts at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 2 and at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3.
5. Broomfield Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event heralds the Broomfield Civic Chorus, children caroling from local schools, and Santa. It starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 2.
6. Lagniappe (Arvada’s Tree Lighting Ceremony) is an Arvada tradition worth attending. If you go, save room for a treat from the Rheinlander Bakery. Lagniappe starts at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6.
7. Lakewood Lights. This event will feature free tractor pulled hay-wagon rides and free photos with Santa. The event runs from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, December 2 and again on Saturday, December 3.
If you find yourself wanting more Holiday cheer, for a few dollars you can try out these beautiful Holiday light venues.
1. Denver Zoo Lights. It is so fun to see the zoo animals at night and enjoy the Holiday lights. The zoo lights are open from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. December 9 through January 1. Cost: adults (ages 12-64) $9, children (ages 3-11) $5, seniors (ages 65+) $7.
2. Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanical Gardens. This venue is open from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. starting December 2 through January 1. Cost: $9.50 adults, $7.50 adult members, students, and senior (65+), $6.50 child (ages 3-12).
3. Trail of Lights at Chatfield. Dress warm and enjoy this outdoor venue from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. starting December 2 through January 1. Cost: $9.50 adults, $7.50 adult members, students, and seniors (65+), $6.50 child.
4. Living Lights at the Butterfly Pavilion. The Butterfly Pavilion is a hidden treasure. My kids love it and this year we will definitely check out their Holiday lights. It’s Living Lights exhibit is open from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. starting on December 10 and running through December 23. Cost: adults $9, seniors (65+) / Westminster residents $8, children (2 – 12) $6.