Illustration of a santa visit scene (McGregor Skate Grand Opening & Tree Lighting)
Christmas Lights

McGregor Skate Grand Opening & Tree Lighting

Visitors can watch a Denver Broncos game and the holiday movie Elf on a 66-foot Big Screen in the plaza. The celebration features an on-ice performance by Denver Colorado FSC, open skating, and the lighting of the holiday tree. Guests can also browse a market of local vendors along Wynkoop and take photos with Dinger dressed in a Santa suit.

What to Expect

Features a Broncos watch party, holiday market, and screening of Elf.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

LoDo

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

McGregor Square

Food & Drink

Food, drinks, and warm beverages are available at McGregor Square Food + Drink, just off the plaza.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, broncos fans, and holiday shoppers

Vibe

Festive and sporty

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

Free

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

McGregor Square
1901 Wazee Street, Denver, CO, 80202
Denver, CO
80202

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Free to attend and open to all ages; skate admission and rentals are available separately. Dinger’s appearance and Elf are also stated to be free. – Get tickets
  • Hours: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Broncos game at 1 PM; Dinger photos 2–4 PM; tree lighting during halftime; McGregor Skate opens immediately following the Denver Colorado FSC performance; Elf follows the Broncos game.

Tips & Advice

  • RSVP for free before you go, and remember that rink admission and skate rentals are separate from the free event entry.
  • Arrive before halftime of the 1 PM Broncos game to catch the tree lighting, which happens during the game’s halftime.
  • Bring your own skates or budget for separate admission and rentals; skating starts only after Denver Colorado FSC’s on-ice performance.
  • Visit Dinger between 2 and 4 PM if you want holiday photos; his Santa-suit appearance is limited to that window.
  • Stay after the Broncos game for Elf on the Big Screen, and dress warmly for the outdoor plaza and rink.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Dinger trades his Rockies gear for a Santa suit and poses for holiday photos in the afternoon
  • Denver Colorado FSC performs on the ice right before McGregor Skate opens for the season
  • Elf plays on the 66-foot Big Screen after the Broncos game
  • Skate admission and rentals are sold separately from the free event

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it family friendly?

Yes. It's an all-ages event with ice skating, holiday photos with Dinger, a local market, the Broncos on the Big Screen, the tree lighting, and a showing of Elf.

Can I go ice skating?

Yes. McGregor Skate opens for the season right after the Denver Colorado FSC performance on the ice. Skate admission and rentals are sold separately from the free event.

Where can I get food and drinks?

McGregor Square Food + Drink is right off the plaza, so it's easy to grab food, drinks, or something warm. There are more restaurants and bars around McGregor Square.

Where is the holiday market?

The holiday market fills Wynkoop with local vendors. Market hours haven't been announced yet.

Do I need to RSVP?

The event is free, and you can RSVP for free ahead of time.

Tags

holiday light displaysice skatingtree lightingSanta visitsfamily friendlycommunity celebrationseasonal activitieswinter activitiesholiday traditionfestive atmosphere

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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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team