✨ Denver’s Parade of Lights Is Ready to Shine — Are You?
🎄 Denver’s Biggest Holiday Glow-Up
Happy Friday, Denver!
Ben here-- and I swear, every year the Parade of Lights sneaks up on me right when I need a little seasonal magic. Tomorrow night downtown turns into a full-on festive playground, and if you’re craving twinkly lights, marching bands, and an excuse to eat churros in public, this is your moment. I’m already planning my snack route.
🐐 Help Us Name Our New Mascot!
Meet our newest team member — the adventurous little goat who’ll be guiding you through all the best things happenin’ around town. But uh… we forgot one thing.
He needs a name.
And we’re letting YOU decide.
Is his name… Billy?
Classic. Friendly. A goat named Billy just feels right.
Or is he… Rocky?
A nod to the Rockies, the mountains, and that Colorado spirit he’s clearly packing in that tiny backpack.
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Cravings: Wild Corgi Pub
Craving a night that’s loud, goofy, glittery, and absolutely unapologetic? Wild Corgi Pub is Cap Hill’s neon-soaked playground — home to drag brunches, themed nights, karaoke chaos, and a crowd that just wants to have fun. It’s the neighborhood hangout with the most personality per square foot.
📍 Capitol Hill (1201 E 13th Ave) | 💰 ~$10–$20 drinks & bites | ⏰ Opens 4 PM
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🎄 Denver’s Parade of Lights Is Back — And It’s Gonna Glow Big
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights returns this Saturday, and downtown is about to look like someone turned the holiday dial to extra. More than 40 floats, giant balloons, marching bands, horses, penguins, and Santa himself will light up the night — with Denver Summit FC stepping in as this year’s Grand Marshal. If you needed a reason to dig out your coziest scarf and hot cocoa thermos, this is it.
But the real upgrade this year? The brand-new Parade Village at Skyline Park, opening at 4 p.m. Think: waffles from Tom’s, crepes from Mateo’s, Siete Foods chip samples, hot chocolate that could fix your entire week, and photo ops with SpongeBob and Patrick because… why not? Kids can write letters to Santa, grown-ups can snag Denver Summit FC merch, and everyone can jump into free games on the Street Soccer USA pitch. Pure festive chaos — in the best way.
And if you’re a “parade, but also snacks” kind of Denverite (same), the route is lined with eats: Fanwich, Flavor of Tabasco, Darleen’z Dillaz, Neveria La Unica, and Kettle Krazy Popcorn. Grab a warm pretzel, claim your spot, and enjoy one of Denver’s most beloved holiday traditions as the city lights up around you.
Mile High Happenings
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Local Happenings
“The Notebook” Musical Comes to DCPA Dec. 16–28
The beloved romance that became a bestseller — then a blockbuster — is now taking the stage as The Notebook: The Musical arrives at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 16.
It’s one of the DCPA’s most anticipated holiday-season productions, offering a fresh (and musical) take on a story audiences already adore.
The musical features three Noahs and three Allies, each portraying a different chapter of the couple’s life.
Cast members say the show is not just a re-creation of the movie or book — it stands on its own.
The score is earning high praise from the cast, who call it “some of the best music” they’ve ever performed.
If you’ve somehow avoided the story until now, the plot follows Noah and Allie from teenage love to life-long devotion — a sweeping tale about love across time.
The show runs at the Buell Theatre Dec. 16–28.
🌙 See You Monday, Denver
Bundle up, grab something warm from a street cart, and let the city dazzle you this weekend. If you snag any fun parade photos (bonus points for SpongeBob), reply to this email — I love seeing Denver through your eyes. Stay cozy out there!
💬 Got ideas for making What’s Happenin’ Denver even better?
I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply — I read every message and always respond when I can.
I’ll see you back here Monday!
— Ben
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