Logistics

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What is the difference between Grand Illumination and Parade of Lights?
Grand Illumination

As part of Downtown Denver’s Winter in the City program, at 6 p.m. on Nov 24, 2025 Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination event will light up Downtown, from Denver Union Station to the City and County Building. Light displays will remain through the end of December.

 

9NEWS Parade of Lights

Join us on December 6, 2025, as the Downtown Denver Partnership proudly presents the Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights! This cherished holiday tradition will once again light up the streets of Downtown Denver, bringing together thousands of spectators to celebrate the magic of the season.

Families and friends of all ages will enjoy a spectacular display featuring:

✨ 40+ floats, giant balloons, and colorful cultural displays
🎶 Marching bands and musical performances
🐴 Equestrian units and festive holiday characters
❄️ Special guest appearances from Major Waddles the penguin and, of course, Santa Claus himself!

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The Parade is also televised LIVE on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 6pm – 8pm on 9NEWS KUSA-TV, Channel 9.

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Grandstand Viewing 

​Only the one block (where the Grandstands and VIP Grandstands are positioned) is not free on the 2+ mile route.  If you purchase Grandstand and VIP 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.  Please click here to purchase your tickets for the 50th Anniversary 9NEWS Parade of Lights!

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How much are Grandstand tickets and VIP Grandstand tickets and what is the difference?

Grandstand tickers provide you a bleacher seat in front of the beautifully let City and County building while being able to listen to the descriptions and unique information of each of the unit. Grandstand tickets are $32.00.  The VIP Grandstand tickets come with everything the Grandstand tickets receive but also get a branded Sherpa blanket and a candy cane! VIP Grandstand tickets are $65.00. Purchase today! 

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How do we enter the Grandstands or VIP Grandstands?​

The entrance for VIP Grandstands is on west Bannock Street where it meets W Colfax Ave. There will be a white tent that reads "Grandstand Entrance" on the City and Country Building side of Bannock Street. VIP Grandstand entrance is also located at west Bannock Street where it meets W Colfax Ave but on the Civic Center Park side of the street. There will also be a white tent with a sign that reads "VIP Grandstand Entrance". 

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Where is the easiest place to park if you have Grandstand or VIP Grandstand Tickets?

The most convenient parking for persons who purchased Grandstand or VIP Grandstand tickets is at the Cultural Garage with several hundred parking spaces. The Cultural Garage entrance is on the north side of 12th Ave just west of This is outside of the parade’s street closures. Use SpotHero to find the best deals by following this link! 

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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.

• Access to both VIP and Grandstand seating does open as early as 4pm on Saturday, December 7th. 

• Remember on Saturday the Parade starts at 6pm.

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What can we bring into the Grandstand or VIP Grandstands? 

Allowed are: Blankets and strollers.

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How do I know if tickets are sold out?

In the event the Grandstand or VIP Grandstand tickets sells out in advance of the parade dates, the online ticket sales site will state that information, as well as the Parade website.

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Can I get a refund? 

No refunds. This is a rain, snow or shine event.

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The following items are prohibited in Grandstand and VIP Grandstand Areas: 

Outside alcoholic beverages or glass bottles, Outside food or beverage, Coolers, pets, Signs or banners, amplified sound device, unauthorized vending, unauthorized solicitation, smoking, marijuana may not be smoked, consumed, distributed or sold on site, firearm's, weapons, contraband or chairs or stools.  *Site Subject to audio and video surveillance* ​

 

Viewing

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When will the Parade be televised for at-home viewing?

Yes the parade is live on KUSA on December 6th at 6pm. The parade is then rebroadcasted on the following days, times and networks: 

• 12/24 at 10:30pm on Channel 9 KUSA

• 12/24 at 2:30am on Channel 9 KUSA 

• 12/24 at 11am on Channel 20 KTVD

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Will the Parade be live streamed online? Where?

YES – 9NEWS.com​

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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

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How long does the Parade last from start to finish?

Approximately 60 minutes once the parade is in front of you on the route.

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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

 

Parade Staging and Street Closure Map​

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