Frequently Asked Questions
Downtown Denver Rink
Is the Downtown Denver Rink still open if it snows?
We will make every attempt to have the Rink open every day. In the case of a heavy snowstorm, we may have a delayed open or need to close the Rink if conditions are unsafe.
Where is the Downtown Denver Rink located?
The Rink is located in Skyline at 1601 Arapahoe St., Denver, CO 80202.
Is parking available at the Downtown Denver Rink?
There are 3 parking garages in the vicinity of the Downtown Denver Rink.
-
Writer’s Square
-
Tabor Center
-
1515 Arapahoe Building
All three garages enter on Lawrence Street between 15th and 17th.
What size skates do you have available?
We have regular single-blade skates as well as double-blades for younger beginning skaters. Below is the current size breakdown:
-
Double Blade Child Skate Sizes: 8-13
-
Single Blade Child Skate sizes: 9-13
-
Single Blade Junior Skate Sizes: 1-4
-
Adult Skate Sizes: 5-14
What should we bring?
Every skater needs to bring socks! We suggest bringing multiple pairs, or one pair of thick, warm socks. We also recommend wearing a pair of gloves or mittens while skating.
How much does it cost to skate?
Skate Rentals for adults are $11 and $9 for kids 12 and under. Bring your own pair and skate for free! If you need Skate walker for assistance you can also rent one $5.
Do you offer discounts for large groups?
If you are bringing a large group of over 30 people and paying for skate rentals all at once, you will receive a $1 off each rental. Please contact us at rink@downtowndenver.com so we can alert our staff of your group.
What type of payment does the Downtown Denver Rink accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. We do not accept cash or check.
Can we rent the Downtown Denver Rink for a private event?
Yes. You can reserve the Rink outside of normal business hours to host private events and parties. The Rink will provide the venue as well as house music for your event. Please contact us for more information at rink@downtowndenver.com
Is there a place to lock our items up while skating?
Yes! You can use a locker and key for free with a valid ID. Please note that lockers are limited and available on a first come first serve basis.
Can we bring our own food & beverages?
Food and beverages are available for purchase at our concessions onsite.
Are tables available at the rink?
There are a number of tables and benches in the park and at the rink to use.
Do we have to sign a waiver?
Every skater must put on a wristband waiving liability before taking the ice.
Wristband language reads as:
Assumption of Risk and Release. I am aware that ice skating involves inherent risks, dangers and hazards which can result in serious personal injury or death. I hereby freely assume and accept any and all known and unknown risks of injury while skating at this ice rink and release owner, its management company, sponsors, their affiliates, subsidiaries, successors and assigns from any liability whatsoever for bodily injury or property damage resulting from any negligent acts and omissions in the design, operation, supervision and maintenance of the ice rink. By wearing this wristband, I am agreeing to be bound by its terms.
Parade of Lights
LOGISTICS
What is the 9NEWS Parade of Lights?
The 49th Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 at 6:00pm. The two-mile parade route in Downtown Denver is the stage for Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition. The FREE holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate floats, and, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Grab your hot chocolate and earmuffs, this year is going to be better than ever! The Parade is also televised LIVE on Saturday, Dec. 2nd from 6pm – 7pm on 9NEWS KUSA-TV, Channel 9.
How can I get to Downtown Denver?
There are many public parking lots and garages located across downtown. We encourage you to find alternative modes of transportation.
Grandstand Bleacher Viewing
Where & why buy a ticket?
Purchase a ticket to sit in the bleachers in front of the beautifully lighted City and County Building on Bannock between Colfax and 14th Ave. Enjoy the descriptions and unique information of each parade unit from announcers provided by 9NEWS.
Please click here to purchase your tickets for the 2023 9NEWS Parade of Lights!
Suggested arrival is 45-90 minutes prior to the start of the parade.
How do we enter the Grandstand viewing area?
The entrance is on the corner of Bannock and Colfax and is a secured entry.
Parking Tips Grandstand ticket holders?
The most convenient parking for persons who purchased Grandstand or VIP Viewing tickets is at the Cultural Garage with several hundred parking spaces. The Cultural Garage entrance is on the north side of 12th Ave. This is outside of the parade’s street closures.
Can we bring our own chairs?
No, you may not bring chairs into the Grandstand area. Seating in the grandstands is first come first served and you may not reserve spaces. There are not assigned seat numbers on the bleacher rows. There is Wheelchair accessible space is available next to the bleachers, but additional chairs will not be provided. There will be portable restrooms, food and beverage available in this area.
The entire parade route has free standing room (you can bring your own seat) except for the one block on Bannock where the Grandstands are located.
What time do we need to arrive and be seated?
Suggested arrival is at least 45-90 minutes prior to the start of the parade.
Grandstand viewing opens at 4:30pm on Saturday, December 2nd with the Parade starting at 6:00pm.
What can't we bring into the secured Grandstand area?
No outside Alcoholic beverages or glass bottles
Outside food and beverage
Coolers
Pets
Signs or banners
Amplified sound devices
Unauthorized vending
Unauthorized solicitation
Smoking
Marijuana may not be smoked, consumed, distributed, or sold onsite
Firearms, weapons, contraband
All attendees in grandstands must enter through metal detectors.
What can we bring to the Grandstand area?
Allowed are blankets and strollers.
What is the difference between Grandstand viewing and free viewing? I thought the whole event was free; why should I pay for tickets?
Only the one block (where the Grandstands are positioned) is not free on the 2+ mile route.
If you purchase Grandstand tickets you get an elevated premium space in front of the beautifully lighted City and County Building on Bannock between Colfax and 14th with access to purchase food and beverages throughout the evening. Plus, enjoy the descriptions and unique information of each parade unit from announcers provided by 9NEWS.
The parade has over 2 miles of free viewing from the sidewalks and viewing can be somewhat obstructed because everyone is sitting/standing on the same level surface.
The Grandstand area has portable restrooms and access to food and beverage.
How do I know if tickets are sold out?
If the Grandstand section sells out in advance of the parade date, the online ticket sales site will state that information, as well as the Parade website.
Can I get a ticket refund?
No refunds. This is a rain, snow or shine event.
Where can I park?
The following parking lots are close to the telecast area
● The Denver Post Parking Garage | 16th & Broadway
● Sheraton Hotel Public Parking | 1550 Court Pl, Denver, CO 80202
● 1268 Lincoln St - Garage
● 1120 N Acoma St. - Evans East Lot
VIEWING
When will the Parade be televised for at-home viewing?
9NEWS KUSA-TV, Channel 9
Saturday, December 2nd, 6-7pm (live)
Sunday, December 24th, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Monday, December 25th, 2am-3am
My 20 KTVD
Saturday, December 9th, 7pm – 8pm
Will the Parade be live-streamed online? Where?
YES – 9News.com
What are the best spots for viewing the Parade? Least Crowded?
Least crowded is generally the last 25%- 30% of the parade route on: 15th Street from California to Glenarm; Glenarm from 15th Street to 13th Street; and 13th Street from Glenarm to Colfax.
How long does the Parade last from start to finish?
Approximately 60 minutes once the parade is in front of you on the route.
Which hotels have the best view of the Parade route?
Hyatt House Denver Downtown
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Crowne Plaza Denver
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa
Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown
Grand Hyatt Denver
Hilton Denver City Center
Magnolia Hotel Denver
Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver
Residence Inn by Marriott Denver City Center
The Westin Denver Downtown
Four Seasons Hotel Denver
Hotel Teatro
The Curtis Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown
Home2 Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center
Tru by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center
PARTICIPATION
Can my (music, dance, other) group perform at 9NEW Parade of Lights?
Online applications for the 2023 Parade of Lights are now closed.
How can I volunteer to help with/work at the event?
Please complete the application form on this link to volunteer at the event: