As much as I love small towns, during the holidays I love taking a trip to the big city. One of my fondest Christmas memories is walking under the canopy of lights on Larimer in downtown Denver. We were checking out all the window decorations and that year they were all ski scenes. Some were very elaborate with skiers moving up and down paper mache mountains and ice skaters twirling on painted ponds.

Denver is delightful during the holiday season; horse drawn carriages clomp up and down the 16th Street Mall, children skate at Skyline Park and you might even hear a Christmas carol or two.

The Mile High City knows how to do the holidays and the city literally lights up on during the Grand Illumination on Friday, November 23, 2012.

This year there will be lighting displays at the City and County Building, Larimer Square, Denver Pavilions, Union Station, Skyline Park, the 16th Street Mall and the historic D&F Tower.

This is a FREE event, so bundle up the kids and bring them down for an evening in the city. Live entertainment starts at 5:30 p.m. at Skyline Park and at 6 p.m. at Denver Union Station and at Civic Center Park. The official “countdown” begins at 6:30 and the lights go on at 6:45 p.m.

Once the lights are on, wandering over to the Denver Christkindl Market to do a little shopping and listen to live German music from Peter Kron. Afterwards, warm up at one of Denver’s fine eating establishments – currently, my personal favorite is Euclid Hall.

Details:

Grand Illumination of Downtown Denver

Friday, November 23, 2012

Free fun for the entire family

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If you are looking for more FREE winter events and activities in Denver, I love this list compiled by Visit Denver.