Nov 19, 2025 - Things to Do

Denver's Mile High Tree lighting scheduled for Friday

Esteban L. Hernandez

People lying on the floor and standing inside a dome-shaped structure filled with bright LED lights. — Inside the Mile High Tree. Photo: Courtesy of Visit Denver

One of Denver's most beloved holiday traditions has a new home this winter.

What to expect: The 110-foot tall Mile High Tree will be lit Friday at The Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus, replacing its usual spot at Civic Center Park, which is undergoing major renovations.

State of play: The lighting ceremony will be accompanied by the official opening of Denver's Christkindlmarket and the debut of a nightly holiday show featuring 600 drones.

Mayor Mike Johnston and children will turn on the 60,000 LED lights comprising the towering tree, which organizers say is 10 feet taller than the tallest Rockefeller Center tree in history.

Stunning stat: The 39-foot wide tree can fit up to 140 people inside for its immersive experience, per a statement from Visit Denver.

If you go: Friday's celebration begins with the tree lighting at 5pm, including a performance by Guerilla Fanfare Brass Band.

The Christkindlmarket opens at 6pm, while the holiday drone show will light up the sky starting at 7pm. Free nightly drone shows will run through New Year's Eve.

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Denver's Mile High Tree lighting scheduled for Friday

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