DENVER — Colorado's brightest holiday tradition returns in December and you can be part of the magic.
Volunteers are needed to help out with the 50th annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights, which will take place Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m.
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.
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.
Parade volunteer positions
- Costume characters - 10 needed
- Inflatable tree
- Gingerbread
- Snowman
- Banner elves - 53 needed
- Carrying banners in front of floats and balloons
- Grandstand Ambassadors - 4 needed
- Balloon Captain - 7 needed
- Balloon handler - 40 needed
- Float and specialty captains - 50 needed
- Golf cart drivers - 12 needed
- Sound cart drivers
- Light cart drivers
- Spotters - 10 needed
- Jewelry box float push cart volunteer - 8 needed
- Marshals - 21 needed
To get your questions answered, you can email volunteers@denverparadeoflights.com.
Start time
The 50th annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights will kick off Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m.
Watch in person
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.
Parade route
The parade will begin in front of the spectacularly-lit 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.
TV and streaming
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.
