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DENVER — Colorado's biggest holiday parade is back in the Mile High City this weekend. Solar Panel Lights
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights will march through the streets of downtown Denver for 49th year on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Produced by the Downtown Denver Partnership and presented by American Furniture Warehouse and Intermountain Health, the Colorado holiday tradition dates back to 1975 and has grown into the largest and most-watched parade in the Rocky Mountain region.
The parade will begin in front of the spectacular Denver City and County Building before snaking through downtown Denver on a two-mile parade route.
The holiday parade, which is free to attend, will have more than 40 illuminated floats, helium-filled character balloons, marching bands, equestrian units and cultural entries and a special appearance from Santa Claus.
Here's what you need to know to prepare for Denver's brightest holiday season tradition.
The 49th annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights will kick off Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m.
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights will air Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. live on 9NEWS, the 9NEWS+ streaming app — for Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV — as well as on 9NEWS.com and the 9NEWS mobile app.
The two-mile 9NEWS Parade of Lights begins at the Denver City & County Building at West 14th Avenue and Bannock Street.
The parade then travels up Tremont Street to 17th Street where it then goes northwest for several blocks before turning onto Arapahoe Street. Finally, the parade loops back on 15th Street to Glenarm.
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights can be viewed for free along the full route. The parade generally lasts about an hour.
Spectators can get the best seats by purchasing grandstand seating directly in front of the City and County Building.
A limited number of grandstand tickets can be found on the Parade of Lights website .
> Purchase grandstand seats here.
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights begins at Civic Center park, home to the Mile High Tree and Denver Christkindlmarket.
A seven-story tall, 39-foot diameter conical structure, the Mile High Tree features light shows choreographed to multi-cultural holiday music on the tallest pixel LED technology tree in the country. The tree contains 60,000 LED lights.
The 23rd annual Denver Christkindlmarket, a traditional European market is also open at the park this holiday season. The market has independent local and international merchants selling gifts and food in wooden huts. Guests can savor the season while enjoying authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), Bavarian-style Biers, European coffee or hot chocolate while shopping for unique artisan gifts and treats.
Volunteers are needed to help out with the 49th annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights, on Dec. 2.
Every year, more than 500 volunteers make the parade happen. Volunteer positions include costume characters, helium balloon handlers, parade production assistance and more.
If you've ever wanted to be an elf, fish, toy soldier, gift box or hold a huge balloon, apply for a volunteer position online.
To get your questions answered, you can call 303-534-6161 or email volunteers@denverparadeoflights.com.
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