43rd Annual Parade of Lights to take place in Downtown Denver December 1 & 2
DENVER – (November 28, 2017) – One of Downtown Denver’s greatest traditions, the 9NEWS Parade of Lights (Parade), presented by American Furniture Warehouse and produced by the Downtown Denver Partnership, will take place this Friday, December 1 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 2 at 6 p.m.
For more than four decades, the Parade has been one of Colorado’s largest and most cheerful holiday traditions. Hundreds of thousands of people gather along the two-mile route through Downtown Denver to see 11 twinkling floats, 3 giant balloons, marching bands performing holiday classics, and performers adorned with more than three pounds of glitter. And, of course, to see Santa Claus.
This year’s Parade will feature a new Ice Castle float, conceived and constructed by the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) Apprenticeship Training Program. The Ice Castle features state-of-the-art lighting and usage of fiber optics and programming not seen before in the Parade, and brings a glimpse of the Northern Lights to the center city. The design was chosen following an IECRM contest and constructed by a volunteer team.
“The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is a treasured holiday tradition gifted to our community by the Downtown Denver Partnership and our member businesses,” said Tami Door, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “The center city buzzes with energy, excitement and holiday cheer as hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors alike experience the entertainment put on by more than 1,400 Parade participants, 350 Parade volunteers and 200,000 lights.”
Parade enthusiasts have an opportunity to purchase a number of unique items and experiences, such as, the chance to join Santa in his sleigh during the 43rd annual Parade of Lights, giving you the opportunity to watch the Parade up close and personal. Funds raised from these items will help ensure the Parade of Lights tradition continues for years to come. Please note: All Parade items close December 1. Starting in December you’ll be able to purchase new exclusive Denver experiences like a stay at the Four Seasons or the Oxford, fine dining packages and admission to popular attractions such as the Clyfford Still Museum. For additional information on the auction and how to support the Parade, please click here.
Where to Watch
The Parade of Lights begins at 14th and Bannock Streets, where spectators can get the best seats in the house by purchasing grandstand seating directly in front of the City and County Building. A limited number of grandstand tickets are available through Altitude Tickets by calling 1.866.461.6556 or online at www.altitudetickets.com.
Spectators can view the Parade for free along the two-mile route on Tremont Street between 14th and 17th Streets, on 17th Street from Tremont to Arapahoe Street, on Arapahoe between 17th and 15th Streets, and on 15th Street from Arapahoe to Glenarm. Visit www.denverparadeoflights.com for a map of the Parade route.
Those who cannot make it to view the Parade in person can watch a live telecast on Friday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. on 9NEWS (Live) as well as repeat broadcasts on 9NEWS on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m., Dec. 24 at 2 a.m., Dec. 25 at 5 a.m. and on KTVD Channel 20 on Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. and Dec. 25 at 8 a.m.
How to Get There
Parade viewers are encouraged to use public transportation. The 16th Street Free MallRide Shuttle provides free services and passes by the California, Stout and Union Station Light Rail Stations. The Free MallRide shuttle will not operate during the one-hour Parade, but will run before and after.
RTD’s Light Rail provides uninterrupted service before and after the Parade with parking available at RTD park-n-Ride locations with some lines experiencing delays during the Parade.
