Denver Site Events for December and January
Plan Ahead & Discover More Winter Events
2025 9News Parade of Lights
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights, proudly produced by the Downtown Denver Partnership, will return on December 6, 2025! This beloved holiday tradition will once again light up Downtown Denver with more than 40 dazzling floats, giant balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, cultural displays, and special guest appearances from Major Waddles the penguin and Santa himself.
This year, the Downtown Denver Partnership is proud to welcome Denver Summit Football Club as the 2025 Grand Marshal.
Read on for ways to support and experience this year’s celebration.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
Toast to 2026 in the Mile High City!
Don’t miss fireworks in Downtown Denver brought to you by Visit Denver and The Business Improvement District! With two fireworks shows – one at 9 p.m. and another as the clock strikes midnight – enjoy from your favorite downtown location and welcome the new year in the center city! Whether you’re strolling down 16th Street or enjoying a dinner at local restaurant, our fireworks will be visible from any part of Downtown Denver.
This year we’re partnering with SpotHero for New Years Eve parking. Click here to make your parking reservation.
Holiday Light & Music Shows at the City & County Building
November 21 – January 26
Come experience a 93-year tradition at the City and County Building! The choreographed holiday light and music show will shine brightly every night* from Nov 21 through Jan 26 at 5:45 PM and 6:45 PM.
*No light or music show on Mondays due to City Council meetings – static light display only
*No light or music show on December 6: 9NEWS Parade of Lights – static light display only
*No light or music show on December 21: We Will Remember: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil – City and County Building will be dark
National Western Stock Show Kick-off Parade
January 8, 2026
The National Western Stock Show Kick-off Parade is set for Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 12 noon to 2 PM. The parade starts at Union Station, travels along 17th Street to Glenarm. Featuring Longhorn cattle, cowboy hats, boots, and chaps, this beloved event brings the spirit of the Stock Show to Downtown Denver!
IMPACTS:
Rolling Street Closures: Wynkoop from 17th to 19th closes at 10 AM. Rolling closures along 17th and 18th from Wynkoop to Glenarm begin at 11:00 AM. Drivers should keep a safe distance from horses and riders.
Parking: Parking Meters along the parade route on 17th and the return route on 18th will be bagged and unavailable for public use from 5PM Wednesday Jan 7 until 5PM Thursday Jan 8th.
2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marade
January 19, 2026
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marade is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, with the program beginning at approximately 10 AM at the “I Have a Dream” Monument in City Park. The Marade procession, stepping off from City Park at approximately 11:45 AM, will follow a route south on the City Park Esplanade, turning west on Colfax Ave, and concluding at the State Capitol Building/Veteran’s Park at Colfax and Lincoln. Because of park construction, there will be NO post-Marade programming at Civic Center Park.
All are welcome! Participate in fellowship, hear speakers, and engage with vendors at City Park.
IMPACTS:
Street Closures: At this time, street closures are not confirmed. Please check back for event details and updates as the event nears at drmartinlkingjrchc.org.