Mile High Holidays Brings Seasonal Cheer for the Whole Family

The nightly Mile High Drone Shows return alongside the Mile High Tree and other fan-favorite holiday season events.

DENVER, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mile High Holidays, Visit Denver's annual seasonal promotion, returns this year bringing holiday magic for all ages. Below is a roundup of can't miss events and ways to celebrate the season. Revelers are encouraged to plan their visit or staycation with Mile High Holidays Winter Hotel deals and enjoy the magic of the season with the whole family.

Back by Popular Demand! Mile High Drone Shows
Nov. 20-Dec. 31, 2026, nightly at 7 p.m., Downtown Denver
Visit Denver is bringing back the Mile High Drone Shows for the 2026 holiday season – 42 nights of spectacular lights beginning November 20 and running through New Year's Eve with optimal viewing from Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus, as well as many other locations around downtown. The show will include 600 drones, reaching 500 feet in the air and spreading 500 feet wide. Denver-based Brightflight Drone Shows has built a variety of scenes featuring holiday-themed animations and Denver icons, as well as scenes depicting Denver's favorite winter moments and mountain activities. Thanks to a partnership with MSU Denver and the use of their spaces, the show will be visible throughout downtown Denver and especially great from rooftop bars and restaurants as well as from nearby public areas, including Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy and Xfinity   
Nov. 20-Dec. 31, 2026, nightly from 5-10 p.m., Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus
The aptly named Mile High Tree Presented by Xcel Energy and Xfinity is a seven-story, 110-foot-tall piece of immersive art. The 39-foot diameter conical structure is 10 feet higher than the tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in history and contains 60,000 LED lights to create its signature programming. The tree features nightly free public light shows from 5-10 p.m. choreographed to multicultural holiday music and can accommodate up to 140 guests at a time for an immersive viewing experience within the tree. All are invited to the annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Denver Christkindlmarket
Nov. 20 – Dec. 23, 2026, The Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus

• Monday–Thursday: 1–9 p.m.
• Friday–Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thanksgiving Day: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Step into holiday cheer at the Denver Christkindlmarket, an authentic German-style market opening at the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus. With rows of charming wooden vendor huts, guests can browse handcrafted ornaments and European-inspired gifts, taste traditional German fare and glühwein (hot spiced wine) and soak in festive sounds and lights that bring the season to life. Visitors can experience the Western Carousel, new last year, a beautifully restored 42-foot Herschell masterpiece. Adorned with hand-carved horses and intricate detailing, this vintage treasure captures the nostalgic magic of a classic holiday ride.

Light Extravaganzas

Light the Lights
Nov. 20, 2026-Jan. 12, 2027, City & County of Denver Building in Civic Center Park
Denver's annual Light the Lights celebration returns to the City and County Building on Friday, Nov. 20. Mayor Mike Johnston will kick off the holiday season with brief remarks before flipping the switch to illuminate the building for the first time this season. The opening ceremony is expected to last approximately 15 minutes, with no additional programming or amenities planned. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided. Residents can attend in person or watch live on Denver 8 TV or the City's Facebook page.

Larimer Lights
Nov. 27– Dec. 31, 2026, Larimer Square 
Larimer Lights returns for the 2026 holiday season! Stroll the block and enjoy festive décor, visits from Santa, ornament decorating, seasonal treats from our restaurants and shops, and more to make your season bright.

Blossoms of Light
Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 10, 2027 (closed Nov. 26 and Dec. 25), Denver Botanic Gardens
Consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, Blossoms of Light is a spectacular celebration that illuminates Denver Botanic Gardens' York Street location. Wander a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight our plant collections. A cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, Blossoms of Light is constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight in even the most seasoned visitors.

Zoo Lights
Nov. 23, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Zoo Lights has been making magic, memories and even marriages for more than 30 years! Presented by Your Hometown Toyota Stores, this illuminating annual event transforms Denver Zoo into Colorado's WILDEST winter wonderland. Don't miss this year's historic celebration, with more than a million lights sparkling over 80 acres.

Elitch Holidays
Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
This family-friendly event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences for all to enjoy. It features millions of dazzling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, twinkling snowmen who never melt, a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant presents and ornaments, a wall of lights, rides on Elitch Gardens attractions, interactive activities like a light-up hopscotch, strolling holiday entertainers, Old Saint Nick and his elves and more.

Trail of Lights
Nov. 21, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027 (closed Nov. 26, Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 7, Dec. 8 and Dec. 25), Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms follows a winding path glistening with lights that illuminate the Colorado countryside. Tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights can be seen for miles. Just under a mile of walking trail, the illumination of cottonwoods, boxelders and pine trees line the pathway through the Green Farm, Crossroads, Deer Creek Discovery Children's Play Area and 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead. There is also the option of a shorter path for those who want to take a shorter stroll. In line with the core value of sustainability, all lights used in the event are LED.

Check out VisitDenver.com to learn more about holiday light displays across the city.

Holiday Shopping and Markets

Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Nov. 19–Dec. 24, 2026, Cherry Creek North
The Cherry Creek North Holiday Market at Fillmore Plaza features more than 50 local artisan vendors, live music and festive drinks and decor. The market is free, open to the public and family- and dog-friendly.

Denver Winter Market
Nov. 28 & 29, Dec. 4, 5, & 6, Dec. 11, 12 &13, 2026, Denver Sports Castle 
Skip the mall. Shop the Castle. When you head out to shop this year, spend the day inside the Sports Castle with 100+ Colorado makers, two holiday bars, thousands of gifts, and three floors to explore. Fridays are free. Saturdays + Sundays are $5, with admission benefiting local Special Olympics Colorado teams. Bring your friends. Stay awhile. Shop local.

RiNo-Ful Life Holiday Market & ArtPark Tree Lighting Festival
Dec. 4–5, 2026, RiNo Art Park 
The two-day event will bring together creative programming, local vendors and interactive installations in a festive outdoor setting, featuring art, lights, music, food and family-friendly experiences.

Mistletoe Market
Dec. 5 & 6 and Dec. 12 & 13, 2026, Dairy Block
 The Dairy Block transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland for this free four-day market with 40+ plus local vendors. Find shopping (apparel, toys, art, snacks, sweets, pets, outdoor gear and more), family-friendly activities, festive drinks and bites to eat in the heated alley. There will also be immersive holiday lights, live carolers and more!

Hangin' N Slangin'
Dec. 12, 2026, 16th Street
Denver's favorite pop-up market will be set up on 16th Street over the four blocks spanning between Curtis and Welton. Just like last year, there will be music, art, clothing, activities, jewelry and so much more!

For a complete list of holiday markets, check out VisitDenver.com.

Arts and Culture

'A Christmas Carol'
Nov. 25–Dec. 27, 2026, Wolf Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Essential to the holiday season in Denver, "A Christmas Carol" is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation for the whole family that traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, the DCPA Theatre Company's production is "a splendidly festive tradition" (BroadwayWorld) that illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.

Colorado Ballet: 'The Nutcracker'
Nov. 28–Dec. 27, 2026, Ellie Caulkins Opera House
The annual event returns to delight audiences of all ages with this timeless tradition that captures the festive spirit of the season, replete with mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums and a symphony of swirling snowflakes.

A Drag Queen Christmas
Dec. 4, 2026. Paramount Theatre
It's the longest-running drag tour in America. The tour's favorite queens performing live on stage: Myki Meeks, Nini Coco, Darlene Mitchell, Juicy Love Dion, Discord Addams, Crystal Methyd and Silky Ganache.

A Classical Christmas
Dec. 5–6, 2026, Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Celebrate the season in this blending of traditional and holiday arrangements in an unforgettable performance. From the warmth of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and the wonder of Handel's "Hallelujah" to festive gems by Tchaikovsky, Holst, Rachmaninoff and Coleridge-Taylor, this joyful program captures the beauty and reverence of the holidays. Featuring the power of the Colorado Symphony Chorus and a cast of vocal soloists, "A Classical Christmas" is a heartwarming celebration of music and seasonal joy.

'A Colorado Christmas'
Dec. 11–13, 2026, Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
The warm sounds of the holidays fill the hall with festive seasonal favorites featuring the Colorado Symphony Chorus and Colorado Children's Chorale, all hosted by beloved Denver vocalist Devin DeSantis. This family-friendly event includes traditional carols, new favorite winter tunes and a chance to sing along!

'Love Actually' in Concert
Dec. 15, 2026, Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
As the beloved film plays in its entirety on a full-size screen, a live orchestra performs the soundtrack live, featuring music by Craig Armstrong alongside favorites including Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and "Love Is All Around."

'ELF The Musical'
Dec. 22–27, 2026, Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Inspired by the hit film, it's the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa's sack of toys one Christmas Eve. When he discovers he is human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and, in turn, helps the Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.

'Celestia'
Thru Jan. 17, 2027, Saint John's Cathedral
"Celestia" is a seated, multisensory arts experience that transforms Saint John's Cathedral into a living canvas through a visually stunning and emotionally rich narrative of light, projection and music including a live choir on select performances

Check out VisitDenver.com for more events events.

Denver Holiday Favorites

Grand Illumination
Nov. 27, 2026 at 4 p.m., Denver Union Station
Kick off the holiday season with jolly hits by the Denver Dolls, a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, a festive photo booth and the lighting of the station's outdoor 40-foot-tall Christmas tree featuring more than 7,000 holiday lights.  

9NEWS Parade of Lights
Dec. 5, 2026, Downtown
The annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights is free and will make a circuit through the heart of downtown, featuring more than 40 units, including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian units and vibrant cultural displays. And, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa!

Magical Winter Nights
Nov. 25, 2026–Jan. 2, 2027, Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Step into a whimsical winter wonderland where a dazzling holiday adventure comes alive. This is the museum as it's never been seen before, as a familiar place turns into the fantastical through an immersive journey of light, sound and surprise.

Hudson Holidays
Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027, Hudson Gardens & Events Center
Hudson Gardens creates an enchanted forest with even more towering trees draped in thousands of colorful lights. A grove of dancing Christmas trees, a multi-colored forest inhabited by giant snowmen, the holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer will light up Hudson Gardens into an extravaganza of holiday cheer. Purchase a delicious cup of hot cocoa or adult beverage before stopping by for a perfect free family photo opportunity with Santa.

Western Wonderland
Nov. 28–Dec. 27, 2026, National Western Center 
Western Wonderland is the start of a new holiday tradition at the National Western Center. Stroll through holiday lights, warm up by a crackling fire pit and take a carriage ride across the plaza. At the heart of it is the Winter Village, a market of Colorado makers and small businesses set up in a row of holiday shops, with food and drink vendors serving from trucks, trailers and tents. Shop for gifts, grab something warm and stay a while.

Latkes and Lights and Sufganiyot!
Dec. 6, 2026, JCC Early Learning School
Join the JCC Denver for the fifth annual Latkes and Lights (and Sufganiyot!) where they are taking the familiar event known and loved and making it bigger, sweeter and filled to the brim with oil. Enjoy favorite traditions such as their signature latke competition with top-tier Denver restaurants, a bounce house and a children's light room. But this year, they're adding a delicious new twist: Sample a variety of sufganiyot donut holes and votes for the best bite. In addition to the delicious, deep-fried tastings, enjoy hands-on experiences and family activities. Tickets are required.

McGregor Skate
Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 25, 2027, McGregor Square Plaza
The magic of winter has made its way to LoDo with McGregor Skate, an ice skating rink for all ages. Skates are available on-site for rental, or skaters can bring their own. Skating starts at just $6 (for those bringing skates) or $15 for skate rental plus admission for adults or $9 for children. An outside bar will be available, serving hot chocolate and more.

Check out VisitDenver.com for more details.

About Visit Denver, The Convention & Visitors Bureau   
Celebrating 117 years of promoting the Mile High City, Visit Denver is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. Denver welcomed more than 37.6 million visitors in 2025, generating $10.5 billion in spending, while supporting tens of thousands of jobs and making Tourism one of the city's largest industries. Learn more about Denver at Visit Denver or Tourism Pays Denver. Follow Denver's social media channels for up-to-the-minute updates on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Reddit, YouTube and LinkedIn.  

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[email protected]

SOURCE VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau