Wheat Ridge Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting
Visitors can experience a winter wonderland with roaming carolers, stage entertainment, choir performances, and the annual lighting of the tree. Family activities throughout the area include trackless train rides, hayrides, cookie decorating, s'mores making, and seated photos with Santa. Guests can also browse decorated entries in the community Festival of the Trees or enjoy treats from food trucks alongside hot cocoa, cider, and bar refreshments.
What to Expect
Community tree lighting featuring hayrides, train rides, and a tree decorating contest.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Wheat Ridge
Food & Drink
Food trucks, a beer, wine and spirits bar, hot cocoa and cider, and s’mores-making are offered.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and community-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: No general admission price is stated. Photos with Santa are free to community members; a ticket is required for the seated photo.
- Hours: Event: 3–6:30 p.m.; tree lighting: 6:15 p.m. Stage schedule: 3 p.m. DJ; 3:15–3:30 p.m. In The Buff A’ Cappella; 3:30–4:15 p.m. DJ; 4:15–4:30 p.m. In The Buff A’ Cappella; 4:30–5:15 p.m. DJ; 5:15–5:45 p.m. WRHS Choir; 5:45–6 p.m. In The Buff A’ Cappella; 6:10–6:13 p.m. Festival of Trees Winner Announced; 6:13–6:15 p.m. Mayor’s Remarks and Holiday Lights Countdown; 6:15–6:30 p.m. In The Buff A’ Cappella.
Tips & Advice
- Get there before the event starts if you want a seated Santa photo, because tickets are first-come, first-served and they cannot serve the whole community.
- Pick up your Santa ticket on the south side of Wheat Ridge Cyclery, where they are handed out shortly before Santa arrives.
- Dress for the weather, because the celebration runs rain, snow or shine and most of the activities are outdoors on the Green and around nearby businesses.
- Stay through the end for the Festival of Trees winner announcement, the Mayor's countdown and the tree lighting, which close out the day.
- If you enter the Festival of the Trees, bring your own decorations, since entrants provide them at their own cost.
Special Events & Promotions
- Festival of the Trees community decorating contest, with awards for Schools, Businesses, Organizations (Churches/Nonprofits) and Individuals/Families.
- Festival of Trees winners are announced on stage just before the tree lighting.
- Mayor's remarks and the holiday lights countdown lead into the tree lighting.
- WRHS Choir performs on the main stage.
- In The Buff A'Cappella performs several sets between DJ sets, including one right after the lights come on.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get a seated photo with Santa?
Seated photos with Santa are free, but you need a ticket. Tickets are handed out first-come, first-served on the south side of Wheat Ridge Cyclery, starting just before the event opens. There aren't enough for everyone, so get there early.
What if the Santa photo tickets run out?
There are several other festive photo spots around the event, plus a photo booth.
What is there to eat and drink?
There are food trucks, hot cocoa and cider, and a beer, wine and spirits bar on The Green. Nearby businesses also host s'mores making and cookie decorating.
What activities are there for kids?
The businesses around the Green host games and activities, cookie decorating, hayrides, trackless train rides, a photo booth, s'mores making, hair tinsel, ornaments and live music. Roaming carolers and arts and crafts are also part of the day.
Does it go ahead in bad weather?
Yes. The celebration happens rain, snow or shine.
More Christmas Events Near Wheat Ridge
More Christmas Events near Wheat Ridge
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.