Catch the Glow Parade
Spectators line the streets of downtown Estes Park to celebrate the holiday season and spend an afternoon with Santa. The evening procession showcases over 40 dazzling entries, including handcrafted floats from the town and local nonprofits, lively marching bands, gleaming fire trucks, and specialty vehicles.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Free event.
Hours
Friday 5:30 p.m. (also written as 5:30 PM).
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Estes Park
Parking
Downtown public parking is free in the off-season with no time limits, including the parking structure near the Visitor Center; overnight parking needs a permit.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Park for free downtown, since public lots have no fees or time limits in the off-season, but don't leave your car overnight without a permit.
- Try the public parking structure on North St. Vrain Avenue near the Visitor Center, then walk over to Elkhorn Avenue for the parade.
- Arrive early to claim a spot along Elkhorn Avenue, because up to 30,000 spectators line the street each year.
- Come downtown in the afternoon to spend time with Santa and explore downtown Estes Park before the evening parade.
- Nonprofits hoping to enter a float, and businesses wanting to sponsor one, need to apply by Nov. 1, 2026.
Links & Contact
Run by Town of Estes Park
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's in the parade?
More than 40 entries. They include handcrafted floats from the Town of Estes Park and local nonprofits, marching bands, fire trucks and specialty vehicles.
Is Santa there?
Yes. Spectators can spend an afternoon with Santa and explore downtown Estes Park before the parade.
How big is the crowd?
Up to 30,000 spectators gather along Elkhorn Avenue each year.
Where should we park?
Downtown public parking is free in the off-season, with no time limits. There are 18 public parking areas plus a parking structure at 691 N. St. Vrain Ave. near the Visitor Center. Overnight parking needs a permit.
Can my group enter a float or sponsor one?
Float applications are open only to nonprofit organizations. Businesses can sponsor a float and get their name on two six-foot banners that the town makes. Both are due Nov. 1, 2026.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.