DENVER — Colorado's biggest holiday parade is back in the Mile High City.
The 48th annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights will bring sparkling lights, marching bands, giant balloons and colorful floats to the streets of downtown Denver on Saturday, Dec. 3.
Produced by the Downtown Denver Partnership and presented by American Furniture Warehouse, the Colorado holiday tradition dates all the way back to 1975 and has grown into the largest and most-watched parade in the Rocky Mountain region.
Here's what you need to know to prepare for Denver's brightest holiday season tradition.
Date and time
The 48th annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m.
Broadcast
Can’t make it to the parade? Don’t worry, 9NEWS will be broadcasting the parade live at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, on 9NEWS, 9NEWS.com, the 9NEWS app, 9NEWS+ and the 9NEWS YouTube channel.
9NEWS will also rebroadcast the parade throughout the month of December:
- Saturday, Dec. 10: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. — KTVD Channel 20
- Saturday, Dec. 24: 10:35 p.m. to 11:35 p.m. — 9NEWS
- Sunday, Dec. 25: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. — 9NEWS
Location
The two-mile parade route begins at the Denver City & County Building at 14th Avenue and Bannock Street. It 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 parade can be viewed for free along the full route. The parade generally lasts about an hour.
Cost
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is free to attend along the parade route.
Ticketed seating
The parade will have some grandstand seating in front of the Denver City and County building for $40 per ticket.
Jingle Jog Fun Run
The inaugural Jingle Jog Fun Run will start with a costume contest at 4:15 p.m. Saturday. The winner with the best festive gear will get to ride on a float in the 6 p.m. parade.
Runners will weave through the streets of downtown on the exact parade route at 4:30 p.m. Tickets for the Jingle Jog Fun Run can be purchased online.
Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help out with the 48th annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights.
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 to hold a huge balloon, apply for a volunteer position online.
For questions you can call 303-534-6161 or email volunteers@denverparadeoflights.com.
You can learn more about the 9NEWS Parade of Lights at downtowndenver.com.
9NEWS Parade of Lights
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