Marching into the Season

Colorado Christmas Parades

Christmas is coming and much like the goose, most of us will fatten up on Thursday. Before the leftovers are finished it’s time to welcome the Christmas season with tree lightings, parades and the arrival of Santa Claus. Throughout Colorado – communities mark the beginning of the holidays with parades. Small rural town or the big city pick one and join the festivities.

Estes Park – Catch the Glow – Holiday parade and celebration is a long time tradition the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, 2008. Festivities start at noon with music, strolling animal characters, free hay rides and visits with Santa. Be the first to bend his ear with your ear. The parade with lots of twinkling lights kicks off at 5:30pm.

Salida – Parade of Lights – Nov. 28, parade at 4:00 pm. followed by the lighting of Mountain USA and Holiday Park located in Riverside Park.

Greeley – Greeley Lights the Nights Parade – Nov. 29, the parade starts a 5:30 pm and ends in Lincoln Park with the park lighting ceremony at 6:15. Don the ice skates and show off your spins at the Ice hous from 7-9 pm.

Trinidad – Hometown Holidays Parade of Lights – Nov. 29 at 5 pm. Awards and refreshments after the parade at Colorado Land & Properties.

Holyoke – Country Christmas Parade of Lights – Dec. 1.

Granby – Parade of Lights -Thursday, Dec. 4 – 4:30 parade ends at the Town Hall where everyone gathers for a community supper and visits with Santa.

Denver – Parade of Lights – Downtown Denver Dec. 5 at 8:00 pm and Dec. 6 at 6:00 pm. The parade begins in Civic Center Park and follows a two-mile route through downtown. Free viewing along the route or purchase seats in the grandstand across from the City and County Building.

Boulder – Lights of December Parade – Dec. 6. Marching bands, floats, civic and business entries step off through downtown at 6 pm.

Golden – Olde Golden Christmas and Parade – Three Saturdays – Dec 6, 13 and 20. A 30-minute parade of marching bands, floats, clowns and holiday characters begins each Saturday at 11:00 am. Afterwards enjoy free carriage rides from 12-4 pm.

Grand Junction – Parade of Lights – Dec 6, parade heads down Main Street at 5 pm. Winter Festival starts at 1:00 pm. Community non-profits earn money with downtown booths selling baked goods, hot drinks and gift items. Event continues until after the evening parade.

Manitou Springs – Snowflakes & Smiles – Dec. 13 at noon the parades marches down Manitou Avenue. Everyone in the community gets involved – Girl Scouts and dog clubs, horse-drawn carts and Model A Fords, families and merchants. Free cider and cookies served after the parade at the Town Clock.

Happy Holidays