Denver: Holiday Lights and Sights Walking Tour

If you’re seeking a cozy yet captivating way to experience Denver’s holiday spirit, the Holiday Lights and Sights Walking Tour by Discover Denver Tours offers just that. For around $34, you get a two-hour walk through some of the city’s most beautifully lit landmarks and a chance to dive into holiday traditions with a knowledgeable guide. It’s a mix of storytelling, sightseeing, and photo ops that promises to get even the grumpiest of Scrooges into the holiday mood.

One of the features we love most is the tour’s focus on famous Denver sights, especially the dazzling light show at the Denver City and County Building and the stunning Mile High Christmas Tree. Plus, the insider stories and holiday lore shared by the guide add a memorable touch. However, since the tour is entirely outside and involves walking, it’s worth considering the weather and dress warmly in winter months.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy walking tours, festive atmospheres, and learning about local holiday traditions. It’s a family-friendly outing, but note that children under six, wheelchair users, and babies under one year are not recommended. Overall, it’s a charming way to explore Denver’s holiday highlights while soaking up the seasonal cheer.

• Authentic Landmarks: See Denver’s most iconic holiday-lit sights like the City & County Building, Larimer Square, and the Daniels and F Fisher Tower.
• Storytelling & Lore: The guide shares fun holiday stories and Denver’s unique Christmas traditions, adding depth beyond just sightseeing.
• Photo Opportunities: Plenty of chances to capture Denver’s festive glow, especially at the Mile High Christmas Tree and during the light show.
• Well-Planned Route: Starts at Union Station, ends at Civic Center Park, with convenient nearby spots for dinner or drinks afterward.
• Affordable & Value-Packed: At $34, it provides a balanced mix of sights, stories, and festive ambiance in just two hours.
• Weather-Ready: Outside walking means dressing warm with layers, good shoes, gloves, and hats are essentials.

Starting Point: Union Station — The Heart of Denver’s Holiday Magic

Your evening begins at Union Station, a historic hub decked out in lavish holiday lights. Here, your guide, easily identifiable with a festive accessory like a flashing holiday necklace or hat, will meet you at the flagpole on Wynkoop and 17th Streets. The early arrival (check-in at 4:50 pm) is worth it because this spot already buzzes with seasonal cheer, and you’ll get some quick background on Denver’s holiday traditions right away.

Union Station’s grand Great Hall, with its cozy décor and festive atmosphere, sets the perfect tone for the walk ahead. From here, the tour kicks off promptly at 5:00 pm, so arriving on time helps avoid missing the first sights and stories.

The Iconic Light Show at Denver City and County Building

One of the main highlights is the spectacular light display at Denver’s City & County Building. Not only does it look fantastic lit up at night, but the stories behind this display give it extra depth. Our guide shared that the lights are a holiday staple, attracting both locals and visitors, and perfect for photographs.

The guide, who was praised for their warmth and knowledge, pointed out details and shared fun facts that make the experience more than just a visual treat. As one reviewer noted, ending the tour here allowed plenty of time to enjoy the light show and visit nearby attractions like the Christkindl Market, which is open through December 23.

Inside the Mile High Christmas Tree

Another memorable stop is the interactive Mile High Christmas Tree, a centerpiece of Denver’s holiday décor. While we couldn’t go inside (as the tour is outside walking), the guide explained its significance and design elements, which draw crowds each year. The illuminated tree, adorned with thousands of lights, offers an array of photo opportunities, especially when viewed from different angles.

Reviewers appreciated this stop, often remarking on the stunning display and the stories shared about Denver’s Christmas traditions. One participant mentioned, “We loved the way our guide explained the history and meaning behind the decorations, making it even more special.”

Exploring Larimer Square — Denver’s Historic Heart in Holiday Glow

Next, the tour takes you through Larimer Square, one of Denver’s most iconic historic districts. During the holiday season, this area dazzles with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations. The narrow streets, lined with boutique shops and restaurants, create a cozy yet lively atmosphere.

The guide’s anecdotes about Denver’s history and holiday customs here added charm and context. This stop is perfect for snapping photos amid the holiday sparkle, and it’s also a great spot to consider grabbing a warm drink or a quick bite afterward. The review from Laura appreciated this part, noting how the tour concluded with a stop at the City & County Building, providing a natural transition for post-tour plans.

The Daniels and F Fisher Tower — Holiday Illumination

The tour also features a stop at the Daniels and F Fisher Tower, famously illuminated during the holiday season. The tower’s striking lights make it a favorite among photographers, and the guide shared insights into its history and architecture, making the visual spectacle even more engaging.

This part of the tour underscores Denver’s blend of historic architecture and festive light displays, offering a balanced mix of aesthetics and storytelling. As noted in reviews, the guides excel at blending facts with festive enthusiasm, making the experience more than just a sightseeing walk.

Ending at Civic Center Park

The walk concludes back at Civic Center Park, where the elaborate holiday displays continue. The park’s open spaces and decorated trees provide a perfect backdrop for last-minute photos and soaking up the holiday atmosphere. From here, you can easily hop onto the free 16th Street Mall shuttle to return to your hotel or explore nearby dining options.

This flexibility is a plus, especially after a two-hour outdoor stroll. Many reviewers, like Laura, appreciated how the tour ended with time to visit the Christkindl Market or relax at a nearby café.

Practical Tips & Considerations

Because this tour is outdoors and involves walking, dressing warmly is a must—think layers, good shoes with grip, gloves, and hats. The tour’s timing during the evening means it can get quite cold, especially in December, so preparation is key to enjoying every moment comfortably.

Public restrooms are limited along the route, so it’s advisable to use facilities before starting. The tour requires at least four guests to operate, so if you’re traveling in a small group, it’s worth booking early or checking for availability.

While the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, the guide offers recommendations for nearby spots, making it easy to extend your festive evening with some local treats.

The Value of the Experience

At $34 per person, this tour offers a compelling blend of sightseeing, storytelling, and authentic holiday cheer. It’s a quick but thorough way to see Denver’s most famous festive sights while learning about local traditions and history. The experienced guide’s storytelling adds warmth and context that elevate the experience beyond just a walk around glowing landmarks.

For those interested in capturing beautiful photos, the stops at the Mile High Tree and City & County Building provide memorable settings. Plus, the tour’s timing and route are designed to maximize the holiday atmosphere, making it a worthwhile addition to any Denver visit during the season.

This experience is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy walking tours, holiday traditions, and striking light displays. It’s especially suitable if you’re looking for a cost-effective, fun, and educational evening in Denver. However, travelers with mobility challenges or very young children should consider the outdoor nature and walking involved.

If you’re after a relaxed, informative way to see Denver’s holiday lights, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s friendly, engaging, and offers a genuine taste of Denver’s festive spirit.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under six years old are not recommended, mainly because the tour involves outdoor walking in potentially cold weather. It’s best suited for older kids and adults who can enjoy the walk and storytelling.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, dress warmly with layers, good shoes, gloves, and hats. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful lights and a snack or drink if you like, since the tour doesn’t include food or beverages.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Union Station, specifically at the flagpole on Wynkoop and 17th Streets, and ends back at Civic Center Park.

What if I arrive late or need to catch up?
The tour departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so arriving by 4:50 pm is advised. If you’re late, you might catch up at the Oxford Hotel stop, which is across the street from Union Station.

How long is the walk?
The tour lasts around two hours, covering several highlights while allowing time for photos and stories. It’s a moderate walk, outside in winter weather.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as it involves walking outdoors on potentially uneven surfaces.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

The Denver Holiday Lights and Sights Walking Tour offers a charming, budget-friendly way to explore the city’s holiday spirit. With a knowledgeable guide, beautiful illuminated landmarks, and engaging stories, it provides a well-rounded experience that can suit a variety of travelers. Perfect for anyone wanting to see Denver’s festive sights without the hassle of driving or booking multiple attractions, this tour makes holiday exploring easy, fun, and visually stunning.

If you’re after a way to enjoy Denver’s seasonal glow while hearing about local traditions and history, this tour will likely become a memorable part of your holiday trip. Just remember to bundle up, bring your camera, and prepare for an evening full of cheer and sparkle.