The RTD Christmas bus drives in front of the court house with people watching from the grand stand.
Event

Annual Parade of Lights to temporarily affect some RTD bus and rail service Dec. 6 in downtown Denver

Pauline Haberman

DENVER (Dec. 1, 2025) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is planning temporary service adjustments to its special Holiday Train service, operating through Jan. 3 between 30th-Welton and I-25-Broadway stations, and several bus routes to accommodate the 51st annual 9News Parade of Lights in downtown Denver.

The Parade of Lights begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and will affect RTD services 3–9:30 p.m. The annual parade features illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, marching bands, vibrant cultural displays, and a special appearance from RTD's Winter Parade Bus.

The parade will assemble at 14th Avenue and Bannock Street and travel through downtown Denver along Tremont, 17th, Arapahoe, 15th, and Glenarm streets. RTD services will be modified or suspended to accommodate the parade.

Customers using routes affected by the events should allow extra time for delays and detours, which may affect scheduled connecting bus and rail trips.

Bus service (Modified routes 0, 10, 15, and 19 will provide service between 13th Avenue/Lincoln and Union Station):

  • Routes affected: 0, 1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 15, 15L, 16, 19, 20, 28, 38, 43, 44, 48, 52 and the 16th Street FreeRide (service on the FreeRide will be suspended 2:30–9:30 p.m.)
  • Bus detours are expected to last 3–9:30 p.m.; normal service will resume as crowds clear

Train service (seven train lines serve Union Station):

  • The D Line is temporarily serving Denver Union Station through Jan. 3
  • H Line customers traveling downtown will need to transfer to/from the E Line at Southmoor Station. Please note: E and H lines are currently operating on amended frequencies during repairs to the Yale Street light rail bridge due to a recent non-RTD vehicle accident. Check Service Alerts for more information.
  • L Line service is suspended through Jan. 3, but RTD is operating a temporary Holiday Train that directly mirrors its route through the Downtown Loop. The Holiday Train will be paused 3-9:30 p.m. during the Parade of Lights event. Route 43 buses will detour to accommodate the parade route. Check Service Alerts for more information.

Last trains from Denver Union Station (regular Saturday schedule):

  • D Line (light rail platform): 1:48 a.m.
  • E Line (light rail platform): 1:56 a.m.
  • W Line (light rail platform): 1:52 a.m.
  • A Line (commuter rail platform): 1:00 a.m.
  • B Line (commuter rail platform): 11:09 p.m.
  • G Line (commuter rail platform): 12:01 a.m.
  • N Line (commuter rail platform): 1:26 a.m.

Customers are encouraged to sign up to receive Service Alerts. For more information, call Customer Care at 303.299.6000.

Written by Pauline Haberman