Experience the magic of Downtown Denver through Winter in the City. When
making your plans this holiday season, don't miss these signature holiday
events and activities. See 'em all after the jump.
Your Keys to the City – November 28 – December 30
Beginning November 28, stop to play one of the five winter-themed painted pianos along the 16th Street Mall. The pianos for Your Keys to the City are available for the public to play from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Denver Christkindl Market – November 21
The German American Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas market, in Skyline Park at 16th & Arapahoe in the spirit of an age-old German tradition. Craftspeople and artisans will offer rare, imported products, and food vendors will dish out European fare.
Grab a Brat and a Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) and warm up in the large holiday warming tent. Free music and dancing will be happening throughout the market. The event, open every day, is packed with entertainment, including bands, choirs, dancing and much more.
For a daily schedule, visit www.DenverChristkindlMarket.
Southwest Rink at Skyline Park – November 25 – February 16
Skyline Park is the place for family fun this holiday season. Southwest Airlines and the Downtown Denver Partnership invite you, your family and friends to head Downtown to the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park. In its fifth season, the Southwest Rink offers free ice skating seven days a week from November 25 until February 16. Skaters are welcome to bring their own skates or rent a pair for just $2.
Special entertainment and programming throughout the season includes Friday Night DJs, Saturday Night Live Bands, Sunday Family Fun Day, Broomball Challenge Competition, Skate N’ Flicks (movies on ice), and free Learn to Skate Lessons.
For a daily schedule of events and hours of operation, visit www.southwestrink.com.
Grand Illumination – November 28
On Friday, November 28, Downtown Denver’s major landmarks will light up for the holidays during the Grand Illumination. The event features entertainment and lighting ceremonies at Denver Union Station between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and the City and County Building between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Hundreds of thousands of lights will also illuminate the 16th Street Mall, Skyline Park, the D&F Clock Tower, 14th Street, Larimer Square and more.
9NEWS Parade of Lights – December 5 and 6
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights, presented by American Furniture Warehouse and AutoNation, has been a Colorado tradition for 40 years. You won’t want to miss the sparkling lights, marching bands, giant balloons, dazzling floats and delightful characters as they take to the streets of Downtown on Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.
View the Parade for free along the two-mile route or purchase grandstand tickets for seating in front of the City & County Building. To purchase tickets, visit Altitude Tickets or call 1-866-461-6556.
Denver Pavilions’ Holiday Carousel - December 12 – December 21
Conveniently located at Denver Pavilions (500 16th Street), the new carousel will enhance your Downtown Denver holiday experience and create memories for years to come. Free rides will be given from Denver Pavilions restaurants, retailers and entertainment venues with purchase, and from select Downtown hotel partners. Support the Food Bank of the Rockies with the “A Can for the Carousel” campaign, where visitors are invited to donate a can of food for a free ride.
The Carousel runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit www.DenverPavilions.com for more information.
TubaChristmas – December 21
The 40th annual TubaChristmas Concert, produced by the University of Colorado at Denver’s Arts & Media Department, will take place on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Skyline Park at 17th & Arapahoe. Featuring 300 tuba players from all over the region, TubaChristmas is one of the most celebrated and longest-running holiday festivities in Colorado.
The 13th Annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Downtown – December 31
Looking for a place to close out 2014? Downtown Denver is the spot to be for your New Year’s Eve celebration. In its 13th year, the tradition continues with two fireworks displays that light up the skies of the Mile High City. The first show, at 9 p.m. is an ideal time for those looking for an earlier evening, while the second show, at midnight, officially marks the start of the New Year.
Both shows are identical, will run approximately eight minutes, and can be viewed anywhere along the 16th Street Mall. There also will be a number of DJs along the Mall spinning tunes from 8 p.m. through the midnight fireworks show.
The New Year’s Eve Fireworks Downtown are presented by the Downtown Denver Partnership. Co-sponsors are VISIT DENVER and the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District.
“Downtown Denver is home to many of the season’s time-honored traditions, making it a special destination during the holidays,” said Tami Door, Downtown Denver Partnership president and CEO. “Within blocks, you can have an entire holiday experience: dinner, shopping, ice skating, sparkling lights, and on some nights, music and entertainment. We hope you’ll come Downtown to experience the magic of the holidays with us.”
