Mile High Drone Shows

Mile High Drone Shows return to the Denver skyline on November 20, running through December 31 for a total of 41 nights. It's become a bit of a local holiday tradition: 600 drones take to the night sky to create a dozen or more festive animations, from Santa and his reindeer to Denver landmarks like the Mile High Tree and Union Station. Each night brings a new visual experience, so you can catch it once or keep coming back throughout the season.

The shows are a partnership between Visit Denver and Brightflight Drone Shows, a Denver-based company. On select nights, they put on special performances dedicated to the city's sports teams. The drones launch just west of downtown, and since they're high up, you can see them from a good distance, though there are a few spots that put you closer to the action.

If you're looking for the best view, the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus is the closest. The Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex is another solid option. For something higher up, the 54thirty Rooftop at the Le Méridien Denver Downtown and the Peaks Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center both work, though the Le Méridien requires an entrance fee. The Terrace at the Denver Art Museum's Lanny & Sharon Martin Building is also a great vantage point, but you'll need museum admission for that one. Each show lasts 10 to 15 minutes, and they're free and open to everyone. Just keep in mind that they're weather-dependent and can be cancelled if the conditions turn.