Turn On the Holidays

The City and County of Denver's Office of Special Events' monthly newsletter provides updates on special events and film productions throughout the downtown area. Turn On the Holidays! Thanksgiving weekend marks the official beginning of the holiday season and all that comes with it. Don't resist! Jump right in with a weekend full of holiday lights and wonder in downtown Denver. Light the Lights Friday, Nov. 23, 3-7:30 p.m. at the City and County Building. The City and County of Denver and 9News present the annual lighting of Denver's City and County Building. This fun and heart-warming tradition is nearly 100 years old! Don't miss the ceremonial flipping of the light switch between 6:30 and 7 p.m., in person or live on 9News. Be sure to explore the winter festival in Civic Center Park and bring hats, gloves and scarfs for the Giving Tree to benefit Denver families in need. Sugar Plum Bazaar Friday, Nov. 23, 1-9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the McNichols Building. It's never too early to start (or finish!) your holiday shopping. Nationally known makers and artists will be selling their home-crafted goods during this two-day affair. Grand Illumination Friday, Nov. 23, 4-6:30 p.m. at Denver Union Station and along the 16th Street Mall. Hundreds of thousands of lights will illuminate Denver's Union Station, the 16th Street Mall, Skyline Park, the D&F Clock Tower, 14th Street and Larimer Square. Lights go on at 6:30. What a beautiful sight it will be! LEGO Building Workshop Saturday, Nov. 24, 9 - 10 a.m. at the History Colorado Center. Build (and keep!)   your own Colorado-style LEGO set then take a special guided museum tour based on your creation. Small Business Saturday on Larimer Square Saturday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Larimer Square. Show your support for Larimer Square's authentic and independently owned boutiques. Some shops will be offering discounts in honor of the holiday! Santa on the Square Saturdays and Sundays from November 24 through December 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays at 1415 Larimer St. Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking up residence on Larimer Square for the holidays. Bring your camera and your Christmas wish list and cross your fingers that you're on the "nice" list! Christkindl Market Nov. 16-Dec. 23 (including Thanksgiving Day, hours of operation vary) at Skyline Park. Would you like some holiday polka music, European confections and schnapps with your holiday shopping? Of course you would! You can have it all at the unique Christkindl Market. Downtown Denver Ice Skating Rink Nov. 20-Feb. 3 (including Thanksgiving Day), 7 a.m.-11 p.m. at Skyline Park. Free ice skating is available all weekend (and seven days a week through Feb. 3) at downtown Denver's outdoor ice skating rink. Shine your skates (or rent a pair) and get ready to show off your most sparkly skating outfit! Network Television Crews Busy Filming in Denver American Idol judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie joined host Ryan Seacrest at the Wings Over the Rockies Museum on October 2 to kick off the first round of Season 2 judge auditions. Watch ABC's behind-the-scenes video. The Bachelor filmed this season's main man and Denver native, Colton Underwood, when he returned to the Mile High City on October 23 to continue his search for true love. The crew's downtown stops included Sculpture Park and the Denver Milk Market. Check out the update on TMZ. November Events You Shouldn't Miss Dia de los Muertos Celebration at First Friday Art Walk Fri, Nov 2 4 - 9:30 p.m. Santa Fe Art District Procession, costume contest & face painting  Urban Holiday Market Sat-Sun, Nov 3-4 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Skyline Park Unique and local holiday shopping! Thanksgiving Outreach to the Homeless and Needy Sat. Nov 10 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. City and County Building 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Denver Veterans Day Sat, Nov 10 Parade & Festival 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Civic Center Park Sun, Nov 11 5K/10K Run, 8 a.m. City Park Christkindl Market Nov 16 - Dec 23 Tuesdays-Sundays times vary 1515 Arapahoe St Sip, shop and savor the holiday season!  Feed A Family Sat, Nov 17 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 34th Ave between Williams St & Vine St Volunteers assemble thousands of food baskets.  Downtown Denver Ice Skating Rink Nov 20 - Feb 3 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Skyline Park Ice, music & family fun! Light the Lights Fri, Nov 23 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. Civic Center Park Kick off the holidays in the Mile High City!   Parade of Lights Fri, Nov 30, 8 p.m. Sat. Dec 1, 6 p.m. Downtown & 16th St. Mall 44th Annual holiday spectacular! ATTN: Event Organizers The City of Denver's Office of Special Events (OSE) will begin accepting applications on Thursday, Nov. 1 for special events to be held on public property in 2019. This will also be the day that OSE launches a new online application system that will be easier for event organizers to use and facilitate more efficient coordination among Denver agencies.  The new application system will will be available on the OSE website starting Nov. 1. Upcoming Workshop! ADA + Events: Making Your Event Accessible to All Whether you're an event professional or an occasional volunteer, you are invited to join the Office of Special Events and the Office of Disability Rights for an important information session about supporting accessibility for all special event patrons. The session is on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Webb Municipal Building, room 4.F.6.  Register to participate today! It's absolutely free but has limited space. Contact us with any questions at 720-913-1501 or denverevents@denvergov.org. Sometimes a month is too long to wait... Follow the Office of Special Events on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.