Mile High Tree returns to Denver

The tree will be open for program viewings from 5-9:30 p.m. most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and from 5-8 p.m. on some Sundays.

For the second consecutive holiday season, VISIT DENVER presents the Mile High Tree, a 110-foot, digital art installation in downtown Denver. Located at the corner of 16^th Street and Welton Street near DCPA, the festive structure will be open to the public November 20 – January 2 and is designed to bring holiday cheer and to help drive much needed business to the local tourism and hospitality community.

But, like many other things in 2020, the Mile High Tree experience will be different this year with COVID restrictions looming over the holiday season, and VISIT DENVER has adjusted the program to offer a socially distanced, COVID-safe experience that will attract local residents as well as visitors during such a difficult time for tourism and our entire community. Last year, the tree was a welcome addition to downtown holiday offerings, drawing tens of thousands of revelers who squeezed into the massive conical structure to take in the pre-programmed light shows choreographed to holiday music. This year, crowds will be intentionally limited by COVID capacity and safety standards as well as hours that adhere to the new 10 p.m. guidelines.

For VISIT DENVER, the tree is among a larger series of locally focused programs the organization has developed this year to come to the aid of the local tourism and hospitality industry in a time of need while continuing to serve as the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Denver. Data has indicated a limited number of COVID-19 cases can actually be attributed to tourism and hospitality due to the rigid safety protocols and enforcement efforts that have been put into place. But, that hasn’t stopped the pandemic from impacting a large part of the diverse industry that includes hotels, attractions, sporting events and every business touched by visitors and the many residents whose livelihoods depend on this important sector.

“Since COVID brought the entire travel industry to an abrupt halt, we have had to focus on taking care of our convention customers and visitors, and redirected much of our efforts toward serving as an advocate for our local partners while developing programs to aid in the economic recovery of our city,” said Richard W. Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER. “Beyond our tourism marketing role, we are doing everything we can to help support the product that we promote to visitors, and in the midst of this pandemic, that means helping our local hotels, businesses and attractions that rely on a healthy tourism economy to survive and keep our residents employed.”

More info

Read the OnStage Colorado article about the Mile High Tree from 2019.