The lighting begins at Denver Union Station at 6:00 p.m.
DOWNTOWN DENVER – As part of Downtown Denver’s Winter in the City program, at 5:30 p.m. on November 26th, Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination event will light up Downtown, from Denver Union Station to the City and County Building. Skyline Park, located at 16th and Arapahoe, is the home to the new Southwest Rink at Skyline Park. Skate rental is $2, but will be free on opening day. The skating rink will officially open at
10:30 am on the 26th, and the 34 foot tall Holiday Tree located at the rink will be lit at 5:30 pm. Sheryl Renee Choir will sing before the lighting of the tree that evening. Southwest Airlines will give away free roundtrip tickets at the rink periodically throughout the day, beginning at
10:30 am. For more information on hours, entertainment and free skating days, please visit www.SouthwestRink.com.
The 16th Street Mall will also be a destination point for light viewing. Denver’s historic D & F Tower, on 16th and Arapahoe will once again be adorned with holiday lights. More than 550,000 energy efficient LED lights will turn the 16th Street Mall, California Street and Curtis Streets between 14th and 16th into an enchanting holiday promenade. Giant holiday snowflakes will also be hung along Curtis Street, and a giant lit snowflake sculpture tree will be on 16th and Broadway.
Two of Downtown Denver’s major retail destinations, Larimer Square and the Denver Pavilions, will also be illuminated with festive décor on this night and throughout the holiday season. Unique holiday entertainment and special events will take place separately at each destination.
Beginning at 6 p.m., there will be special events at Denver Union Station presented by Regional Transportation District (RTD) and LoDo District, Inc. including carolers, a hand bell choir, a Children’s Museum craft table, delicious treats provided by LoDo restaurants, a visit from Dinger Claus (the Colorado Rockies Mascot decked out in holiday uniform), model trains and much more! Following a countdown shortly after 6:30 p.m., Denver Union Station will be ablaze with brightly colored floodlights illuminating the historic structure in the heart of Lower Downtown and its eye catching tree in front. A special viewing of the model railroad will take 2 place after the lighting in the basement of Denver Union Station. LoDo District Inc.’s window design contest, LoDo Aglow will also kick off on the same evening. Local business owners, designers and art students have had the chance to let their imaginations run wild in creating holiday themed window art in Lower Downtown. The entries will be reviewed by a panel of guest judges who will choose the winners based on the originality and presentation of the design.
The winners will be announced the week of December 13. One of the holiday season’s longest running traditions, the 9NEWS Light the Lights event takes place at the City & County Building, when more one of the most beautiful and popular holiday lighting displays in the region will once again transform the structure. Performances will entertain the crowd at this event from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., ending with a countdown to the lighting ceremony at approximately 6:45 p.m. Don’t miss the magic of this FREE Downtown Denver event!
WHAT: Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination
WHEN: November 26th, beginning with entertainment at 5:30 pm at Skyline Park, 6:00 p.m. at Denver Union Station and Civic Center Park. The countdowns begin with Denver Union Station at approximately 6:30 p.m. and end at 6:45 p.m. at the City & County Building with the final lighting countdown.
WHERE: Downtown Denver
WHO: The Grand Illumination is a collective effort of the Downtown Denver Partnership, the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District, Downtown Denver Events, Inc., 9NEWS, the LoDo District, Inc. and the Regional Transportation District.
