Denver: Holiday Lights and Sights Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a way to truly soak up Denver’s festive spirit, the Holiday Lights and Sights Walking Tour from Discover Denver Tours offers a charming, insider look at the city’s most dazzling holiday displays. This two-hour stroll is an inviting way to enjoy the glow of Denver’s best-known landmarks, all while learning about local holiday traditions and stories that add depth to the season.

What immediately appeals about this tour is the combination of spectacular lighting displays and the opportunity to go inside some of Denver’s most iconic spots. Plus, the guide’s enthusiasm and storytelling make the experience feel personalized and warm. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour is outdoors, so bundling up is a must—especially in Denver’s winter chill. This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy walking, photography, and a touch of holiday magic in a friendly, relaxed setting.

Two standout features are the chance to see Denver’s famous City and County Building light show and to visit the interactive Mile High Christmas Tree, both of which create unforgettable photo opportunities. The guide’s stories about holiday traditions and Denver’s history make the walk more than just a light view—it’s a cultural celebration. On the downside, since the tour lasts only two hours, it’s a quick taste of Denver’s holiday sparkle, so those wanting a deep dive into the city’s Christmas offerings might want to supplement this with other activities.

This tour is best suited for visitors who enjoy casual outdoor walks, local storytelling, and festive atmospheres. It’s especially good for those who want a relaxed, guided introduction to Denver’s holiday displays without the hassle of navigating on their own. Families with children over six will find it manageable, although it’s not suitable for very young children, wheelchair users, or babies under one. With a modest price of $34 per person, it offers a memorable, cost-effective way to celebrate the season.

Key Points

• Festive highlights include the Denver City and County Building light show, Larimer Square, and the Mile High Christmas Tree.
• Inside visits like the interactive Mile High Christmas Tree and details about holiday traditions make this more than just a walk-by experience.
• Expert guide storytelling adds depth, with lots of fun Christmas lore and Denver-specific holiday history.
• The duration of two hours makes it a manageable, relaxed evening activity, perfect for a winter outing.
• The price point offers good value for a guided, photo-friendly experience during the holiday season.
• Weather preparedness is crucial; dress warmly and plan bathroom stops beforehand, as the route is outside and facilities are limited.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Experience

Starting at Union Station, the tour sets a cozy, festive tone. The station’s lavish lighting and holiday decorations immediately pull you into the holiday spirit. The guide’s cheerful demeanor, often sporting a holiday hat or flashing lights, kicks off the evening with warm stories about Denver’s holiday traditions. We loved the way the guide shared both fun facts and local lore—especially the stories about the city’s Christmas customs, which add a layer of local authenticity.

From here, the walk leads through Denver’s LoDo, with Larimer Square dressed in twinkle lights and historic charm. The string of lights and decorated storefronts look almost fairy-tale-like, and the guide points out design details and historical tidbits. For many guests, this square is the highlight, especially as it’s a favorite spot for photos and holiday window shopping.

Next, the group moves to the Mile High Christmas Tree, a standout attraction. This interactive, towering Christmas tree is decorated with thousands of lights, and the guide explains how it’s become a local holiday icon. You’ll love the chance to snap photos with this sparkling centerpiece, especially as it’s often beautifully illuminated at night.

A particularly special part of this tour is the visit to the Denver City and County Building. The guide shares the story behind the building’s elaborate light display, which is a must-see for holiday visitors. As you stand in Civic Center Park, you get a great view of the building’s illuminated façade, creating a perfect backdrop for photos.

The tour also includes a stop at the Christkindl Market (open through December 23), where you can experience authentic German holiday treats and crafts. Even if you don’t browse extensively, the market’s decorations and lively atmosphere add a charming touch to the evening.

Throughout the walk, the guide offers insights into Denver’s holiday history, traditions, and stories that go beyond just the light displays. One review describes the experience as giving “us more views and great photo opportunities of Denver’s most beautiful and famous landmarks,” making it ideal for those wanting a visual and cultural holiday overview.

The route concludes back at the City & County Building, where you can linger or take a short walk to nearby spots for a late-night hot chocolate or dinner. The tour ends just in time to enjoy Denver’s outdoor holiday ambiance or catch the free 16th St. Mall shuttle to return to your hotel or other attractions.

Practical Details and Value

The tour costs $34 per person, which we find to be quite reasonable considering the guided storytelling, insider tips, and stunning views. It’s a two-hour experience, making it a perfect evening activity without feeling rushed. The guided nature means you get to relax and ask questions, making it more engaging than wandering on your own.

Meeting at Union Station provides a central, well-known starting point. The check-in time at 4:50 p.m. ensures you’re ready for the 5:00 p.m. departure, just as Denver’s lights start to glow. Since the tour is outside, warm clothing, hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes are essential. Many guests have noted the importance of dressing warmly, especially since it can be quite chilly in December.

This experience is suitable for adults and children over six, but not for those in wheelchairs or with very young children or infants, as the route is outdoor and involves walking on potentially uneven surfaces. It’s also not a good fit for travelers with mobility challenges.

In terms of post-tour options, the guide provides great recommendations for nearby eateries and spots to continue your evening. The tour’s timing and route also make it easy to combine with other Denver holiday activities or attractions.

Authentic Experiences and What Travelers Say

One guest mentioned, “Mikey was a great guide! I liked the new path, ending at the City & County building to see the light show was great, and gave us time to visit the Christkindle market.” This highlights the personalized and flexible nature of the tour. The focus on local traditions and beautiful lighting displays means you’ll leave with plenty of memorable photos and stories.

Another review notes, “I liked the new path, ending at the City & County building to see the light show was great, and gave us time to visit the Christkindl market.” This suggests the route is thoughtfully planned to maximize viewing and photo opportunities, without feeling overly rushed.

The knowledgeable guides, combined with the stunning views and the chance to learn fun Christmas stories, make this tour a well-rounded holiday experience. While short, it manages to pack in a lot of highlights and local color, which many guests find worth the price.

The Sum Up

This Denver holiday lights walking tour offers a lively, visually captivating way to celebrate the season. It’s especially perfect for those who want to see the city’s most iconic holiday displays without the fuss of driving or organizing their own route. The guided storytelling adds an extra layer of charm, making it educational as well as festive.

If you’re traveling during the holidays, this tour is a fantastic option for an evening activity that combines convenience, beauty, and local color. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate relaxed walks, photo opportunities, and engaging stories, while also being prepared for winter weather.

For families with older children, couples, or solo travelers looking for a manageable, affordable way to get into the holiday spirit, this tour hits the right notes. It offers good value, memorable sights, and a friendly guide that makes Denver’s holiday magic accessible and fun.

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FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over six will enjoy the lights and stories, but it’s not recommended for very young kids or babies since the walk is outdoors and involves standing in cold weather.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm layers, including a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes with good grip. Denver can be quite cold in December, especially in the evenings.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, this is a walking tour that starts and ends at designated points. You’ll meet at Union Station and walk through key holiday spots in downtown Denver.

Are there bathroom facilities along the route?
Public restrooms are limited along the route, so it’s best to use facilities before the tour begins.

What is the tour’s duration?
The tour lasts approximately two hours, making it an easy, relaxed evening activity.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided walk and informative storytelling. Food, drinks, and transportation are not included, but suggestions for nearby restaurants are provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

In all, the Denver Holiday Lights and Sights Walking Tour offers a delightful, authentic way to experience the city’s festive spirit. It’s a well-balanced mix of stunning visuals, local stories, and convenience, making it a worthwhile addition to your holiday itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: