
Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour worth booking?
Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour is a 1.8-hour experience in Denver, United States, from $24 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (20)
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- From
- $24 per person
For over 100 years, Denver has been called "The Christmas City", and the Holiday lights downtown will help you to understand why. Enjoy historic stories of old Denver, while thousands of twinkly lights, act as a backdrop. We stop at the beautiful Union Station, the Mile High Christmas Tree, the Dairy Block, Larimer Square and the Christkindl Market, for some roasted almonds, pretzel, or hot coco. You will get an opportunity to see Denver's Holiday Drone show. This walking tour offers the some of the best holiday sites that Denver has to offer, and is a must for locals and visitors alike. This is a small group tour, 20 max. Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours. Walking 1.5 Miles. This not a round trip tour, but it is easy to get back to the starting location. Because the tour starts two blocks from Union Station, we recommend using light rail to get to the tour; otherwise we recommend reserving a parking spot in advance, through SpotHero, or taking an Uber or a Lyft to and from the tour.
What you get
About this experience
For over 100 years, Denver has been called "The Christmas City", and the Holiday lights downtown will help you to understand why. Enjoy historic stories of old Denver, while thousands of twinkly lights, act as a backdrop. We stop at the beautiful Union Station, the Mile High Christmas Tree, the Dairy Block, Larimer Square and the Christkindl Market, for some roasted almonds, pretzel, or hot coco. You will get an opportunity to see Denver's Holiday Drone show. This walking tour offers the some of the best holiday sites that Denver has to offer, and is a must for locals and visitors alike. This is a small group tour, 20 max. Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours. Walking 1.5 Miles. This not a round trip tour, but it is easy to get back to the starting location. Because the tour starts two blocks from Union Station, we recommend using light rail to get to the tour; otherwise we recommend reserving a parking spot in advance, through SpotHero, or taking an Uber or a Lyft to and from the tour.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Tour escort/host
Not included
- Gratuities
- People often ask if our guides except tips. Although tips are not expected, if you feel that your guide did an excellent job, feel free to give him or her a tip.
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Mcgregor Square
McGregor Square is our newest addition to the trendy LoDo area. If you want get a bite to eat, before or after your tour, this would be a great choice; within the square, there is multiple shopping and restaurant options. McGregor Square is fully decorated for the holiday season, including a Christmas tree and an ice-skating rink.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Coors Field
We stop across the street from Coors Field, and give you an overview it history, while you enjoy the sights and sounds of this lively area.
5 minutes here
Dairy Block
We make our way through the European-inspired alley of the Dairy Block, which is beautifully decorated with holiday lights. At this time of the year, the alley is usually bustling with activity and holiday cheer. We will give you an opportunity to snap some photos, if you would like.
6 minutes here
Denver Union Station
Union Station is a must see, at this time of the year. Built in 1881, this historic train station is covered in holiday lights, inside and out. We will take you inside of Union Station on this holiday journey. This stop is another great place to take phots. Our guides will help you get the perfect family photo.
7 minutes here
Built in 1891, the Oxford Hotel is the oldest hotel in Denver. There windows are beautifully decorated for the holidays, and the inside of the hotel, will take you back to Denver's wild west days, with a holiday twist. The hotel is also haunted. In most cases, we go into the Oxford Hotel. Although tis the holiday season, we will share a few ghost stories with you, at this location.
7 minutes here
Rockmount Ranch Wear
Rockmount Ranch Wear began in 1946. This is the most famous western store that you probably have never heard of before. Since 1946, this Denver original has supplied the western wear for almost every western movie that has ever been made. Their client list is a who’s who of Hollywood's and the music industry’s biggest stars; including, Mathew McConaughey, Elvis, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Harrison Ford, Nicolas Cage, Johnny Depp, just to name few.
5 minutes here
16th Street Mall
The recently renovated 16th Street Mall is glowing with Holiday Lights. This street will surely get you into the Christmas spirt, with the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
6 minutes here
Daniels and Fisher Tower
This century old clock tower is one of the most famous icons of the Denver skyline. Built in 1911. The clock tower was patterned after the Campanile of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy. The tower shows of its holiday colors, with projected holiday imagery, which cover this 325 foot clock tower. Our guests love this magical stop.
5 minutes here
Larimer Square
This street is where the city of Denver began (1858). This historic street is made up of stunning Victorian architecture. This is one of the most beautiful spots, during the holiday season. You will feel like you have stepped into a Charles Dickens' novel, because the festive holiday lights and decorations
8 minutes here
We end the tour at the Tivoli quad, so that you can hang out, and enjoy the following attractions: (1) The holiday drone show, which starts at 7:00 PM, each night. (2) The Christkindlmarket (The German Christmas Market). This is where you can take you time, shopping at the German holiday market, enjoy some great food, or visit the beer tent. (3) The Mile High Tree, which is taller than the tree at Rockefeller Center, in New York. It is decorated with 60,000 LED lights. It's gorgeous! You can even make you way inside of it. (4) Western Carousel! This restored 42' Herschel Carousel features hand-carved horses, harkening back to the western Victorian era of the late 1800s. **Note**: if you prefer to not go into the German market, your guide will offer to walk with you back to Union Station, which is two blocks from the starting location.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Denver
We will be meeting in front of the Denver Chophouse & Brewery (Do not go into the Chophouse). You will find your guide, on the east side of the Chophouse, which is the side closest to McGregor Square. The tour meets in front of the McGregor Square sign, which is next to to the Chophouse & Brewery.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We end the tour at the Christkindlmarket (The German Christmas Market), located at the Tivoli Quad, on the Auraria Campus. This is the perfect place to end your holiday journey with us. The market offers excellent shopping, delicious food, and a beer garden (they often have live entertainment).
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Best Tours of Denver LLC
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great time with family!
We had a great time and our guide was lovely. We managed to get lost in our Uber but she kept in touch and we found her on the 2nd stop of the trip. This was a different side of town for us and we really enjoyed the lights and all of the fun places our guide pointed out to us. We highly recommend the tour!
Response from the operator: Hi, thank you for writing a review for us. I’m so very glad to know that you had an exceptionally good experience. Heather is an excellent tour guide. She was so thrilled to read your review. It made her day. It’s reviews like yours that help to inform our future guests, on what to expect on our tour. I hope that you get a chance to come back to Denver sometime, and possibly take one of our other tours. Thanks again, Bill
via Tripadvisor
Great night!
Heather was a terrific guide. The lights were beautiful. The history a bonus. It was the first trip without medical staff for my nephew who was recently paralyzed. Her care and concern and the fact that it was completely accessible was appreciated beyond measure.
Response from the operator: Hi Tiffany, thank you for taking the time to write a review for us. It means a lot to me, to know that you had a great time. We strive to deliver the best experience possible, and it's guest like you who help us to know that we have accomplished this goal. Heather is a fantastic tour guide. I forwarded your review to her. It made her day. Please come back and join us again sometime. Thanks again, Bill
via Viator
Heather was great! Fun...
Heather was great! Fun and informative tour. We enjoyed the history. Good stops along the way with bathroom breaks and places to warm up.
Response from the operator: Hi Amber, thank you for writing a review for the Holiday Lights Tour. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it. Heather is excellent! It’s great to know that she delivered an exceptional experience. Thanks again, Bill
via Viator
Worthwhile
Tour was great. Bill made it so fun. The pace was perfect. Loved the ghost stories. History content was interesting.
Response from the operator: Hi Kristin, thank you for taking the time to write this nice review. I am glad that you had a great experience. It was a joy to do the tour for you, and your awesome family. I hope that you get an opportunity to come back to Denver, and possibly take one of our other tours sometime. Thanks again, Bill
via Viator
Our tour was fun! Our...
Our tour was fun! Our guide, Bill, was knowledgeable, friendly and engaging. We really enjoyed the tour of the lights and buildings!
Response from the operator: Hi Jami, thank you so much for writing this nice review for us. I am glad that you enjoyed your tour, as much as I enjoyed doing it for you. We had a lively , energetic group on Friday. It was a blast! Please come back and see again sometime. Thanks again, Bill
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Best Tours of Denver LLC, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.8 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Best Tours of Denver LLC runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Denver.
How much does Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $24 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Denver usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour take?
+
Plan for about 1.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Denver is not rushed.
Is Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Denver, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour?
+
Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Denver can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Denver and add a light layer if any part of the 1.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Denver within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Denver?
+
Denver is a launch pad. Rocky Mountain National Park, Pikes Peak, Red Rocks and the Georgetown rail loop all run as day trips, and altitude makes the timing of your first hike matter. In town: brewery crawls, Union Station food walks and Red Rocks show nights. We rank mountain operators on van size, pace and whether they build in altitude acclimatisation. On Outty we rank every Denver experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Twilight Ghost Tour, 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver, Downtown Denver Food Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Denver?
+
June to September for open mountain passes, or December to March for ski shuttles. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Denver?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour?
+
Included: Local guide; All taxes, fees and handling charges; and Tour escort/host. Not included: Gratuities; People often ask if our guides except tips. Although tips are not expected, if you feel th; Transportation to/from attractions; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour?
+
We will be meeting in front of the Denver Chophouse & Brewery (Do not go into the Chophouse). You will find your guide, on the east side of the Chophouse, which is the side closest to McGregor Square. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour?
+
Across 20 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour.
Pick your date




