If there’s one thing Denver does best in December, it’s lighting up the night…literally. From dazzling drone displays painting holiday scenes in the sky to glittering botanical gardens and drive-through tunnels of color, the Mile High City turns into a wonderland of twinkle and tech. Whether you’re bundled up with a mug of cocoa or cruising through a kaleidoscope of lights, these festive shows will make even the grinchiest heart glow a few sizes bigger.
First up, experience the majestic Mile High Tree at Tivoli Quad at Auraria: a 110-foot-tall digital sculpture wrapped in tens of thousands of LED lights, accommodating up to 140 guests for an immersive experience, open daily from 5:00-10:00 pm through the end of December. Pair that with the spectacular Mile High Drone Show, where 600 drones animate holiday scenes above downtown every night at 7:00 pm. (Viewing hint: Visit Denver recommends watching the drones from Tivoli Quad, Sculpture Park, 54thirty Rooftop at Le Méridien, or Peaks Lounge at Hyatt Regency.)
For a festive procession, mark your calendar for the always spectacular 9NEWS Parade of Lights in downtown Denver on December 6, featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, and giant balloons. Or, wander through glowing landscapes at Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms, or Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo for trails of shimmer and sparkle. Prefer to stay warm? The drive-through Christmas in Color at Water World and Red Rocks syncs millions of lights to holiday music for a car-friendly showstopper.
And, if you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve display, two fireworks events are planned for 16th Street on December 31 – one at 9:00 pm and one at midnight. The Mile High Tree will host a ball-drop countdown and light show with free admission, also at 9:00 pm and midnight.
From aerial artistry to walk-through wonderlands, Denver’s December nights prove one thing: you don’t need snow to feel the holiday magic…just a city that loves to shine.