One of the first signs of the holidays is annual tree lighting ceremonies! Check out this list of tree lightings in the Denver area, often with free activities and visits from Santa.
Holiday Tree Lightings in Denver
Christmas Tree Lighting at Outlets at Castle Rock (3 p.m., Nov. 15)
Kick off the holiday season at Outlets at Castle Rock with the Annual Tree Lighting Celebration — a free evening of live music, festive fun, and holiday magic for the whole family! Highlights include a visit from Santa, live performance, hot chocolate, food trucks and more.
Cherry Creek Tree Lighting (5 p.m., Nov. 15)
Join us for an evening of holiday magic as we kick off the season with our annual Tree Lighting Celebration! Arrive early to explore the Holiday Bazaar starting at 2 p.m., featuring festive shopping, treats, and family fun. Beginning at 5 p.m., enjoy live entertainment and cheerful festivities leading up to the main event—when Santa himself flips the switch to light the tree and officially welcome the holiday season!
The Mile High Tree in Denver (5 p.m., Nov. 21)
Switch on the Holidays in Boulder (5 p.m., Nov. 23)
Kick off the holiday season as we flip the switch that illuminates lights along the Pearl Street Mall, Civic Area and around the Boulder County Courthouse during Switch on the Holidays! The main program includes performances by Boulder Ballet (with pieces from their upcoming performances of The Nutcracker) and Boulder Chorale (celebrating their 60th anniversary season). The program concludes with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Freezie the Snowman, and Freddy the Yeti joining us to flip the switch at approximately 5:20 pm.
Candlelight Walk and Tree Lighting (5:30 p.m. Nov. 28)
Celebrate the holiday season at the annual Candlelight Walk in Downtown Littleton on Friday, November 28. Main Street comes alive with entertainment, music, treats, and more starting at 5:30 p.m. New this year, adults 21+ can enjoy holiday cocktails while strolling the event.
At 6:30 p.m., catch the parade, followed by Santa lighting the big tree in Bowles Plaza and a spectacular drone show over the Melting Pot. Photos with Santa will also be available before and after the parade at Creative Littleton Events, 5730 S Curtice Street.
Mayor’s Holiday Lighting (5:30 p.m. Nov. 28)
The annual Candlelight Walk and Tree Lighting, hosted by the City of Littleton and held the night after Thanksgiving each year, follows Santa down the historic Main Street, magically lighting candles along the way. Families love the festival atmosphere of holiday music, dancing elves, live reindeer, and hot cider amid the charming old buildings of Downtown Littleton. Shops and restaurants are busy but welcoming as well.
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Westminster (Dec. 1)
The City of Westminster is hosting our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, December 1, 2025 in the Westminster Civic Center. This event will feature various entertainment performances, photos with Santa, activities, food vendors, and the lighting of our tree!
Holiday Tree Lighting in Aurora (5 p.m., Dec. 2)
This FREE event will have holiday-themed activities, sweet treats, magical light displays, performances from Aurora Dance Hearts and the one and only Santa Claus.
