If you’ve ever driven through Denver in January and wondered why so many homes and buildings still have their Christmas lights glowing, the answer isn’t laziness—it’s tradition. In Colorado, holiday lights stay up well past Christmas as part of a time-honored custom tied to the National Western Stock Show.
This iconic event, which began in 1906, kicks off its 119th year on Saturday, Jan. 11, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 26, at the National Western Complex and Denver Coliseum. Combining elements of a rodeo, livestock showcase, and fair, the Stock Show draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Denver each January to celebrate the state’s agricultural roots.
A Tradition with Historical Roots
The practice of leaving Christmas lights up during January dates back to 1922, when the Denver City and County Building was first decorated with festive lights. By the 1940s, city leaders encouraged residents to keep their holiday displays glowing through the Stock Show to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
“It’s important that we show our guests how much they’re appreciated, and the Christmas lights were one way to do that,” said Paul Andrews, CEO of the National Western Stock Show.
While some of the specifics surrounding the origin of the tradition have faded with time, its purpose remains clear: to make Denver feel festive and inviting during one of the city’s most celebrated events.
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Lighting Up the Spirit of the City
From homes in neighborhoods to iconic downtown landmarks, Denverites embrace the tradition wholeheartedly. The lights don’t just brighten the city’s streets—they symbolize a shared sense of pride in Colorado’s rich agricultural history and the community spirit that defines the Stock Show.
For Andrews and others involved in the Stock Show, this tradition is more than just decorative. “It’s about celebrating who we are as a community and honoring the history of this incredible event,” he said.
A Celebration of Community
The National Western Stock Show is more than just a fair—it’s a showcase of Colorado’s agricultural heritage and a chance for the city to come together. The glowing lights throughout January remind locals and visitors alike of Denver’s unique ability to balance tradition and modernity, hospitality and celebration.
So, the next time you see holiday lights sparkling in Denver long after Christmas, know that they’re more than just decorations—they’re a tribute to the enduring legacy of the National Western Stock Show and a celebration of Colorado’s rich history and community pride.
