As part of Downtown Denver’s Winter in the City program, at 6:00 p.m. on November 27th, Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination event will light up Downtown, from Denver Union Station to the City and County Building.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., there will be special events at Denver Union Station presented by RTD and LoDo District, Inc. including a holiday-themed choir, a Children’s Museum craft table, delicious treats provided by LoDo restaurants, a visit from Dinger Claus (the Colorado Rockies Mascot decked out in holiday uniform), and much more! Following a countdown shortly after 6:30 p.m., Denver Union Station will be ablaze with brightly colored floodlights illuminating the historic structure in the heart of Lower Downtown and its lighted tree in front. A special viewing of the model railroad will take place after the lighting in the basement of Denver Union Station.  

The LoDo District Inc.’s LoDo Aglow window design contest will also kick off on the same evening. Local business owners, designers and art students have had the chance to let their imaginations run wild in creating holiday themed window art in Lower Downtown.  The entries will be reviewed by a panel of guest judges who will choose the winners based on the originality and presentation of the design.  The winners will be announced the week of December 14.

Skyline Park, located at 16th and Arapahoe, will feature nearly 26,000 lights and a 22 foot tall Christmas tree complete with LED lights choreographed to a variety of holiday songs. Denver’s historic D & F Tower, at the center of the park, will also be adorned with holiday lights.

Friday, November 27th also marks the first day of the Denver Christkindl Market, where European vendors will offer quality, handcrafted gift items, traditional German food, pastries, candy, beer and much more!

More than 400,000 energy efficient LED lights will turn the 16th Street Mall and Curtis Streets between 14th and 16th into an enchanting holiday promenade. Giant holiday snowflakes will also be hung along California and Curtis Streets. In addition, theColorado Athletic Club at Tabor Center will illuminate shapes of a cyclist, swimmer, runner and a yoga instructor, all “exercising” over the 16th Street Mall.

Two of Downtown Denver’s major retail destinations, Larimer Squareand the Denver Pavilions, will also be illuminated with festive décor on this night and throughout the holiday season. Unique holiday entertainment and special events will take place separately at each destination.

One of the holiday season’s longest running traditions, the 9NEWS Light the Lights event takes place at the City & County Building, when more than 1,000 spot lights and 2,000 rope lights will once again transform the structure into one of the most beautiful and popular holiday lighting displays in the region. Performances will entertain the crowd at this event from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., ending with a countdown to the lighting ceremony at approximately 6:45 p.m.

After the lighting ceremony, participants are invited to meet at the corner of Colfax and Bannock next to Civic Center Park for the Downtown Denver Glow Walk. Participants will be given glow sticks to carry as they walk the length of the 16th Street Mall behind choirs singing holiday carols.

Don’t miss the magic of this FREE Downtown Denver event!

WHAT: Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination

WHEN: November 27th, beginning with entertainment at 6:00 p.m. at Denver Union Station and Civic Center Park. The countdowns begin with Denver Union Station at approximately 6:30 p.m. and end at 6:45 p.m. at the City & County Building with the final lighting countdown.

WHERE: Downtown Denver

WHO: The Grand Illumination is a collective effort of the Downtown Denver Partnership, the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District, Downtown Denver Events, Inc., 9NEWS, the LoDo District, Inc. and the Regional Transportation District.

For a complete list of Downtown Denver Holiday lights, click here.

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