Christmas parades 2026Denver · Mile High City

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Denver, 2026.

We found 13 Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Denver with 2026 dates: two parades and 11 tree lightings and lighting nights, all free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?9NEWS Parade of Lights: Dec 5 · Evening. Plus 1 more.2 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Winterfest tree lighting at Orchard Town Center: Nov 14 · 3:30–7:30pm. Plus 10 more.11 lightingsIs it free?Every one listed here is free to watch.13 freeDaytime or after dark?6 daytime, 7 in the evening. Each card is marked.7 evening

Last checked · 13 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

14NovSatWinterfest tree lighting at Orchard Town CenterTree lighting · 3:30–7:30pm14NovSatOutlets at Castle Rock Tree LightingTree lighting · 4–7pm, with a drone show21NovSatCastle Rock StarlightingTree lighting · 2–6pm, star lit at dusk with fireworks22NovSunBoulder Switch on the HolidaysTree lighting · Performances from 2pm27NovFriCandlelight Walk in Downtown LittletonTree lighting · 5–8pm27NovFriMcGregor Square Holiday Tree LightingTree lighting · 1–8pm27NovFriParker Mayor's Holiday LightingTree lighting · 5–7pm4DecFriGolden Candlelight WalkTree lighting · About 6:30pm5DecSat9NEWS Parade of LightsParade · Evening8DecTueAurora Holiday Tree LightingTree lighting · 5–7pm11DecFriThornton WinterFest tree lightingTree lighting · 6:30pm12DecSatGolden Holiday ParadeParade · 10:30am12DecSatHRCA Hometown HolidayTree lighting · 12–5pm, tree lighting

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Denver

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Denver

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s added

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Every year

Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Denver

Outlets at Castle Rock Tree LightingNext: Nov 14, 20269NEWS Parade of LightsNext: Dec 5, 2026Golden Holiday ParadeNext: Dec 12, 2026

Keep planning

More for little kids in Denver

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Denver: the FAQ

9NEWS Parade of Lights: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Evening (Downtown). Golden Holiday Parade: Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 10:30am (Golden).

Winterfest tree lighting at Orchard Town Center at Orchard Town Center: Sat, Nov 14, 2026, 3:30–7:30pm. Outlets at Castle Rock Tree Lighting at Outlets at Castle Rock: Sat, Nov 14, 2026, 4–7pm, with a drone show. Castle Rock Starlighting at Downtown Castle Rock: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 2–6pm, star lit at dusk with fireworks. Boulder Switch on the Holidays at Pearl Street Mall, 1300 block: Sun, Nov 22, 2026, Performances from 2pm; courthouse lights at 5pm.

All of the ones we list are free to watch: Winterfest tree lighting at Orchard Town Center, Outlets at Castle Rock Tree Lighting, Castle Rock Starlighting and Boulder Switch on the Holidays. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Winterfest tree lighting at Orchard Town Center, Castle Rock Starlighting and Boulder Switch on the Holidays. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 26, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Denver that weekend, parades included.

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