How to watch the 50th annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights

DENVER — Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition is returning for a 50th year.

The 9NEWS Parade of Lights will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 7, in downtown Denver.

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 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 50th annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. in downtown Denver.

The 9NEWS Parade of Lights will begin in front of the spectacular Denver City and County Building before traveling through downtown Denver on a two-mile parade route.

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, two-mile route. The parade generally lasts about an hour.

The 9NEWS Parade of Lights will begin at West 14th Avenue and Bannock Street. 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 tickets

The 9NEWS Parade of Lights will air Saturday, Dec. 7, 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 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 Mile High Tree features light shows choreographed to holiday music on a LED technology tree of 60,000 LED lights.

The 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.

> Below: 2023 9NEWS Parade of Lights