Denver CO’s Mile High Holidays is back to get everyone in the spirit. This year will see the exciting comeback of Denver holiday favorites – many of which were modified or postponed in 2020 – including the Mile High Tree, in-person performing arts, New Year’s Eve fireworks and the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo. And several attractions are welcoming brand-new lighting displays, art installations and more – providing the perfect opportunity to create new traditions.
Below are just a few of the happenings and attractions this holiday season; a full list, including hotel deals to spend a night or long weekend in Denver, can be found on the Mile High Holidays website. Many venues and attractions have safety precautions in place, so revelers are encouraged to check with individual venues and businesses for recommendations and requirements.
Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland, November 18 – December 31, 2021
The 16-block Cherry Creek North neighborhood will be adorned with more than a half-million twinkling lights wrapping more than 600 trees — including eight musical trees elaborately decorated with long hanging strands of lights in motion. New this year is the U.S. debut of interactive outdoor art installation,“domino effect” by Creos, which will feature 120 brightly colored dominos, each with its own sound profile. And during Saturday Night Lights(Dec. 4, 11 and 18) stroll beneath 600 illuminated trees while enjoying free festive treats and entertainment.
The Mile High Tree, brought to you by presenting sponsor Modelo® USA, November 19, 2021 – January 1, 2022
Denver’s newest holiday attraction, the Mile High Tree, is the tallest digital tree in North America, as well as the tallest art installation in the history of Denver. At a stunning 110 feet tall and 39 feet in diameter, the tree will feature dynamic, pre-programmed light shows every 30 minutes throughout the evening using pixel LED technology choreographed to new multicultural music and holiday hit. The free attraction will also be surrounded by a festive atmosphere on the heart of Denver’s 16th Street Pedestrian Mall. Drink responsibly. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL.
Blossoms of Light, November 19, 2021 – January 8, 2022
Embrace the holidays with thousands of colorful lights draped in elegant designs at Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light. The event will display more than one million colorful lights highlighting the Gardens’ winter beauty. Visitors can enjoy sparkling passages, new displays and romantic spots under the mistletoe, all made even more beautiful through HoloSpex glasses. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available.
Zoo Lights, November 22, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Zoo Lights span 80 acres of Denver Zoo’s campus with two million LED lights, with nightly entertainment, animal encounters, ice carving demonstrations and, of course, illuminated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns hide in bushes and appear in places where they are least expected. New this year, guests will be able to control some of the sculptures at special interactive stations featuring “kid-level” control panels, and there will be several new displays.
Luminova Holidays, November 24, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Making its Colorado debut, this family-friendly event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences to Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park for all to enjoy. It features more than 3 million dazzling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, a 25-foot-tall snowman that never melts, a 200-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant ornaments, a wall of lights, rides on limited Elitch Gardens attractions, train rides for the kids (and the kids at heart), interactive activities like a light-up hopscotch, strolling holiday entertainers, Old Saint Nick and his elves, and more.
