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Frequently Asked Questions

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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 29, 2024 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 7, 2024, as the Downtown Denver Partnership proudly presents the 50th 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!

The Parade is also televised LIVE on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 6pm – 8pm on 9NEWS KUSA-TV, Channel 9.

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!

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 $30.00. The VIP Grandstand tickets come with everything the Grandstand tickets receive but also get a 50th Anniversary branded Sherpa blanket, one free hot cocoa and a candy cane! VIP Grandstand tickets are $65.00. Purchase today!

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".

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.

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.

What can we bring into the Grandstand or VIP Grandstands?

Allowed are: Blankets and strollers.

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.

Can I get a refund?

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

Viewing

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

Yes the parade is live on KUSA on December 7th at 6pm. The parade is then rebroadcasted on the following days, times and networks:

12/14 – 6-7p (KTVD)

12/24 – 10:36p-11:34p (KUSA)

12/24 – 3-4a (KUSA)

12/25 – 7-8a (KTVD)

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

Parade Staging and Street Closure Map

2024-Road-Closures-Map

Please check back here for an updated staging map.

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 $12 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 $6.

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.