Denver's Parade of Lights 2010

Across from Denver’s iconic capitol building, complete with a golden dome (it’s real by the way), stands the Civic Center and Park.  Amid the hustle and bustle of the modern city’s business district and the statuesque Denver real estate of the Captiol Hill neighborhood, the Civic Center has always been the epicenter of Denver culture and government.  Dubbed “The Golden Triangle”, the area is bordered by Speer to the west and south, Broadway to the east and Colfax to the north.

First proposed in 1893 by then governor Speer as part of the City Beautiful campaign, the Civic Center has seen much change and controversy since its grand opening in 1919.

A gathering place for Denver citizens in good times and bad, the park has been witness to countless festivals and demonstrations.  The Taste of Colorado is perhaps the largest festival held annually over the Labor Day weekend.

The most colorful day of the year for this historic enclave of Denver institutions is the lighting ceremony held every December.  Officially referenced as The Parade of Lights, the event is widely anticipated and announces the beginning of the holiday season.  Thousands of Denver residents will head to the park, braving the cold and crowd, to witness the blaze of millions of tiny lights.

This year The Parade of Lights will be on Friday, December 3rd and will begin at 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, December 4th at 6 p.m.  The route is a 2-mile stretch beginning at the Civic Center.  Naturally, admission is free, however you may purchase bandstand seats at www.denverparadeoflights.com.

As with every parade worth its salt, the line up will include marching bands and extravagant floats.  Lest we forget, Santa will also be in attendance.