9News to broadcast Denver’s Parade of Lights celebration Friday
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9News will broadcast this year’s Parade of Lights holiday celebration Friday, giving Coloradans a safe way to experience Denver’s decades-old holiday tradition.
The hour-long broadcast will begin at 8 p.m. on KUSA Channel 9. In addition to showing off the floats, the special will include a history of the parade, holiday music and appearances by guests like Santa Claus.
“This year’s 9News Parade of Lights offers a new, pandemic-friendly experience,” said Britt Diehl with the Downtown Denver Partnership.
Rather than a one-night parade, this year the Downtown Denver Partnership is displaying floats throughout the city for a multi-week celebration from the Pavilions to Union Station to allow for social distancing.

Several floats for the annual Parade of Lights show are on display on 16th Street Mall near the Pavilions shopping center in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

Daniel Weekes takes a photo of his daughter, Vanessa, at one of the floats during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

A float sits on the plaza between 16th Street and Lawrence Street during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

A sheep from a nativity scene is light up on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

Cesar Jimenez, left, and Sarai Hernandez, with her dog, Negro, take photos of a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

A toy bear seated as a pilot of a small plane sits on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

A dreidel decked out in blue lights rests on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

Light up snowflakes hang above some floats along 16th Street Mall at the Pavilions shopping center during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

Although it’s not part of the actual Parade of Lights show, Union Station is also decked out in holiday style, with a large video display featuring animated winter time or holiday scenes on it in downtown Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner, with one of the stops being near Union Station. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

Several floats for the annual Parade of Lights show are on display on 16th Street Mall near the Pavilions shopping center in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

Daniel Weekes takes a photo of his daughter, Vanessa, at one of the floats during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

A float sits on the plaza between 16th Street and Lawrence Street during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

A sheep from a nativity scene is light up on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

Cesar Jimenez, left, and Sarai Hernandez, with her dog, Negro, take photos of a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

A toy bear seated as a pilot of a small plane sits on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

A dreidel decked out in blue lights rests on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

Light up snowflakes hang above some floats along 16th Street Mall at the Pavilions shopping center during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki

Although it’s not part of the actual Parade of Lights show, Union Station is also decked out in holiday style, with a large video display featuring animated winter time or holiday scenes on it in downtown Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner, with one of the stops being near Union Station. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
2020 Parade of Lights
Several floats for the annual Parade of Lights show are on display on 16th Street Mall near the Pavilions shopping center in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
Daniel Weekes takes a photo of his daughter, Vanessa, at one of the floats during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
A float sits on the plaza between 16th Street and Lawrence Street during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
A sheep from a nativity scene is light up on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
Cesar Jimenez, left, and Sarai Hernandez, with her dog, Negro, take photos of a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
A toy bear seated as a pilot of a small plane sits on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
A dreidel decked out in blue lights rests on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
Light up snowflakes hang above some floats along 16th Street Mall at the Pavilions shopping center during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
Although it’s not part of the actual Parade of Lights show, Union Station is also decked out in holiday style, with a large video display featuring animated winter time or holiday scenes on it in downtown Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner, with one of the stops being near Union Station. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
Several floats for the annual Parade of Lights show are on display on 16th Street Mall near the Pavilions shopping center in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
Daniel Weekes takes a photo of his daughter, Vanessa, at one of the floats during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
A float sits on the plaza between 16th Street and Lawrence Street during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
A sheep from a nativity scene is light up on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
Cesar Jimenez, left, and Sarai Hernandez, with her dog, Negro, take photos of a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
A toy bear seated as a pilot of a small plane sits on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
A dreidel decked out in blue lights rests on a float during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
Light up snowflakes hang above some floats along 16th Street Mall at the Pavilions shopping center during the annual Parade of Lights show in Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
Although it’s not part of the actual Parade of Lights show, Union Station is also decked out in holiday style, with a large video display featuring animated winter time or holiday scenes on it in downtown Denver on Dec. 2, 2020. This year the Parade of Lights won’t be an actual parade, but rather a series of floats set up around the downtown area that participants can walk to and check out in a socially-distanced manner, with one of the stops being near Union Station. (Forrest Czarnecki/The Gazette)
- Forrest Czarnecki
“We’re proud to also offer this special that will give Coloradans a chance to revel in the memories of parades from years’ past, while celebrating a very different holiday season,” Diehl said.
The Parade of Lights has been a Denver tradition since 1975. Despite being held outdoors in freezing temperatures, the annual event has garnered larger crowds each year.
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It is now the largest holiday celebration in the state, bringing approximately half a million spectators downtown over one weekend.
Denver announces COVID-19-adjusted 'Winter in the City' celebrations
“Thousands of Colorado families have enjoyed the parade over the years,” said Jackie Brookshire, president of parade sponsor American Furniture Warehouse. “(The broadcast) keeps with the spirit of family fun entertainment with safety in mind.”
In addition to Friday, the special will be rebroadcast on KUSA Channel 9 on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. and on Christmas Eve at 10:35 p.m.
The floats will be on display until Dec. 31. To see the floats in person, here are where they’re set up:
- Home for the Holidays Float by American Furniture Warehouse and Toybox Float by 5280 Publishing: Wynkoop Street between 17th and 18th streets
- Jewelry Box Float by The Crazy Merchant Inc.: The parking area off of Market Street between 18th and 19th streets
- Gift Box Station by Donor Alliance: The courtyard at 16th and Lawrence streets
- Ram Station by Colorado State University, Clocktower Float by 9News and Christmas Story Float by Confluence Ministries: The plaza at 16th and Arapahoe streets
- Santa Float by Ent Credit Union, Share the Magic by KOSI 101.1 and Gingerbread House Float by Xcel Energy: Glenarm Place between 15th and 16th streets
A map of the float locations is available through the 9News Parade of Lights app.
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