Light the Lights 2024
Denver’s annual holiday event at the City and County Building on November 27th.
Event Overview
Light the Lights 2024 is Denver's annual holiday kickoff event, bringing the community together for an evening of music, lights, and celebration. The event will be hosted by Denver7 anchor Micah Smith, and features performances by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, special appearances by Denver's beloved mascots, and a dazzling light and music show at the City and County Building. This year’s event will take place Wednesday, November 27, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, on Bannock Street in front of the City and County Building.
Event Schedule
| Time |
Activity |
| 4:00 PM |
Unofficial start: Interact with Denver Police, Sheriff, Fire Department, and mascots |
| 4:30 PM |
Event begins: Opening remarks by Denver7’s Micah Smith |
| 4:45 PM |
Performance by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus |
| 5:15 PM |
Mascots flip the switch for the holiday light show |
| 5:30 PM |
Conclusion of the event: Ongoing light and music show throughout the season |
ADA Accommodations:
There will be designated seating for those with mobility impairments and individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. An ASL interpreter will be available on-site. Seating is first-come, first-served and accessible from both 14th Ave and Colfax Ave.
Can’t Attend in Person? Watch Live!
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live on denvergov.org and the City and County of Denver’s Facebook page. Don’t miss the magic of the holiday season, no matter where you are!
Nightly Light and Music Show Schedule:
November 27 - January 26, 2025
- Tuesday–Sunday: 5:45 PM and 6:45 PM, with static lights until 10:45 PM
- Mondays: Static lights only (due to City Council meetings)
Exceptions:
- No Show on December 7: 9NEWS Parade of Lights
-
December 21st: during the We Will Remember: Homeless Persons' Memorial Vigil, the City and County Building will stay dark until 6:45 PM. Afterward, the regular light and music show will run, followed by a static light display—a change from previous years when the building remained dark all evening.
Performer and Speaker Bios
Micah Smith – Denver7 News Anchor
Micah Smith is Denver7's Social Equity Reporter and joined the station in 2018. Originally from Memphis, TN, and raised in St. Louis, MO, she graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Before moving to Colorado, Micah worked as a reporter and weekend anchor at WBTV News in Charlotte, NC, covering major national stories like the death of Reverend Billy Graham and Hurricane Florence. In her spare time, Micah enjoys traveling, documentaries, and cheering for her Missouri Tigers. She is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Denver Gay Men’s Chorus
The Denver Gay Men’s Chorus has been a beloved cultural group in the city, bringing joy and music to events around Denver. Their holiday performance will highlight this year’s Light the Lights, filling the night with festive songs.
Denver’s Illumination Ambassador Team
Denver’s Illumination Ambassador Team will consist of Denver's beloved mascots:
- Dinger – The mascot of the Colorado Rockies, Dinger is a triceratops, inspired by fossils found at Coors Field.
- Rocky – Representing the Denver Nuggets, Rocky is a mountain lion and a fan favorite in Colorado sports.
- Bernie – The mascot of the Colorado Avalanche, Bernie is a friendly dog.
- RapidMan – The mascot of the Colorado Rapids, RapidMan is a blue water figure who started as the team’s water boy. He represents Colorado's role as the "Headwaters State," where several major rivers begin.
- Wooly – The mascot of the Colorado Mammoth Lacrosse team, Wooly is a strong and spirited mammoth.
2023 Light the Lights Countdown Video