Parade of Lights and more in Denver this weekend
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RTD advocates participate in the Parade of Lights in downtown Denver. Photo: Courtesy of RTD
Santa Claus is coming to (down)town on Saturday — along with dozens of dazzling floats.
Why it matters: Denver's 9News Parade of Lights, now in its 51st year, remains downtown's marquee holiday tradition and one of the city's most consistently packed winter events.
What to expect: More than 40 illuminated floats, giant character balloons, horses, colorful cultural displays and marching bands — plus a special appearance from St. Nick himself.
- There's also a new twist this year: a holiday village for paradegoers at Skyline Park, featuring food and drinks and local vendors. It opens at 4pm and runs through the end of the parade.
Between the lines: The event brings traffic and road closures to downtown. RTD will modify or pause service on several lines to clear the route.
If you go: The parade kicks off at 6pm and is free to attend.
- The two-mile route starts at 14th Avenue and Bannock Street before winding along Tremont, 17th, Arapahoe, 15th and Glenarm streets.
If you watch from home: It airs live on 9News, online and on the news station's streaming and mobile apps.
10 more weekend things to do
🎁 "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" takes over the Buell Theatre Thursday through Sunday. Tickets start at $41.30.
🏺The Denver Potters Association hosts its winter show and sale Thursday through Sunday at Sixth Avenue United Church, featuring ceramics, jewelry, glass and woodwork from local artists. Free.
🩰 The Colorado Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" with multiple performances Friday through Sunday at Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Tickets start at $50.
⛸️ "Disney on Ice: Let's Dance!" twirls into Ball Arena Friday through Sunday with remixed hits and characters from "Frozen," "Moana" and "The Lion King." Tickets start at $36.20.
🍻Bierstadt Lagerhaus throws its annual Krampusnacht on Friday with the release of its Winter Bock, a parade and costume contest, plus a live pro wrestling match (because why not?). Free with reservation.
🪩 The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver hosts a Y2K silent disco and costume contest from 6-9pm Friday. Tickets start at $27.53.
🧶 The Ugly Sweater Colfax Pub Crawl kicks off at 3pm Saturday at Crazy Mountain Taproom. All proceeds benefit businesses affected by the Colfax BRT construction. Tickets are $12.51.
🎄 "A Charlie Brown Christmas - LIVE!" comes to Boettcher Concert Hall on Saturday and Sunday, with Vince Guaraldi's timeless music performed by the Colorado Symphony. Tickets start at $19.20.
🎂 The Denver Museum of Nature and Science celebrates its 125th birthday on Saturday. Expect a look at its first dinosaur — the DeWeese Diplodocus — a peek at its original Articles of Incorporation and a scavenger hunt. Free with admission.
✡️ The Jewish Community Center's popular Latkes and Lights festival takes place from 10am-1pm Sunday, with tons of tasting opportunities from top Denver restaurants. It's sold out, but the waitlist remains open.