Light It Up

To me, nothing says “holiday season” like lights. Once Daylight Savings ends, nothing keeps my spirits up during these short days and early nights as much as the luminous displays that pop up all over town. And this evening flips the switch on the granddaddy of them all: Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination.

“I think a lot of people see this as the start to the season,” says Downtown Denver Partnership public relations and communications manager Sarah Neumann. “It really has kind of a ‘wow’ factor to it, so we have a lot of people making it a tradition for themselves and their families every year.”

The Illumination starts at 6 p.m. at Union Station, with costumed Yuletide carolers, treats and more; a countdown will lead to the 6:30 lighting of the station. Other lighted attractions include Skyline Park and the 16th Street Mall; the Brown Palace Hotel; Larimer Square and the Denver Pavilions; the D&F Tower; and the City & County Building, which will also host a party from 6 to 7 p.m. featuring live entertainment and a countdown to the landmark’s lighting ceremony at about 6:45. For information, visit www.downtowndenver.com/events/grandillumination.htm.
Fri., Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m., 2008