Each year, as the last of the turkey and stuffing is tucked away, Main Street glimmers to life and Littleton transforms into a winter wonderland. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, thousands of residents will once again gather downtown for one of the city’s most cherished traditions, the Littleton Candlelight Walk; a celebration that has ushered in the holiday season for more than four decades.
“This event truly captures the spirit of Littleton,” says Alexandra Vander Pol, Senior Events and Marketing Manager for the City of Littleton. “It’s a magical evening where families, neighbors, and local businesses come together to kick off the holidays in a way that feels uniquely ours.”
The Candlelight Walk began modestly in 1983, when the City’s former Public Works Director, Charlie Blosten, decided to hang holiday lights downtown after that summer’s Western Welcome Week parade. That first year, Santa rode down Main Street in the back of a city pickup truck, and a small crowd followed behind. Over time, the event grew, drawing more families, more lights, and even a helicopter arrival for Santa in the 1990s when a local television station sponsored the festivities.
Today, the Candlelight Walk draws more than 12,000 people downtown, filling Main Street with laughter, music, and the warm glow of candlelight. This year promises to be one of the most dynamic celebrations yet, with more than 20 parade floats, expanded entertainment, and the recently added drone show following the traditional tree lighting.
Festivities officially begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 29, but Vander Pol encourages everyone to arrive early and explore downtown. “Come down before the parade, grab dinner, shop local, and enjoy all the entertainment leading up to the main event,” she says.
As the clock nears 6:30 p.m., the crowd is encouraged to gather near Bega Park, candles in hand.
As Santa’s float begins its journey down Main Street, something truly wonderful happens. Block by block, the crowd lights their candles, following the jolly man in red toward the towering community tree near the Melting Pot. When he arrives and flips the very same switch that has been used since the very first Candlelight Walk, the tree bursts to life in a wash of color and sparkle, a symbol of the season and of Littleton’s enduring sense of community.
This year’s event will feature a host of live performances, from the Gorilla Brass Band to Heritage High School’s brass ensemble, along with roaming entertainers from Circus Foundry, including the ethereal “Mother Winter,” stilt walkers, and jugglers. Vander Pol and her team have also worked with the Littleton Merchant’s Association to activate local businesses, ensuring that restaurants, bars, and boutiques stay open late with special offers. Because the Candlelight Walk coincides with Final Friday, the monthly downtown shopping and art night, visitors can expect even more festive energy and perhaps a few extra surprises.
For adults looking to stay warm, Rocker Spirits will be serving hot toddies, eggnog, and other seasonal drinks from their signature truck. For families, photo opportunities will abound, with beautifully lit spruces and pines lining Main Street thanks to the Downtown Development Authority, as well as holiday vignettes perfect for snapshots and selfies.
And when the parade winds down, the night isn’t over. A dazzling drone display will illuminate the sky at 7:00 p.m., offering a modern twist on the evening’s timeless tradition. “We really want people to stay after the parade and enjoy everything downtown Littleton has to offer,” says Vander Pol. “There’s so much to see, eat, and experience.”
The Candlelight Walk’s longevity is a testament to its heart. Except for a single pause in 2020 due to the pandemic, the event has carried on through freezing temperatures, snowstorms. For many Littleton residents, it’s the moment that marks the true start of the holidays, a night to bundle up, hold a loved one close, and share in something bigger than themselves.
“Whether it’s your first year or your fortieth, the Candlelight Walk has a way of making everyone feel at home,” says Vander Pol. “It’s Littleton at its very best - warm, welcoming, and full of light.”
So, join your neighbors downtown, lift your candle high, and follow Santa down Main Street. The magic of the season begins here, under the glow of the lights, the hum of brass bands, and the laughter of a community that shines brightest together.
If You Go
What: Littleton Candlelight Walk
When: Friday, November 28, 2025
Where: Main Street, Downtown Littleton
5:00 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Details: Bundle up, bring the family, grab a candle, and enjoy music, floats, and downtown festivities. Battery-powered candles and light-up toy sales benefit Western Welcome Week.
Admission: Free
More info: LittletonCo.gov/Events
For many Littleton residents, it’s the moment that marks the true start of the holidays, a night to bundle up, hold a loved one close, and share in something bigger than themselves.