Winter Wanderland 2023 Official Press Release
Category: Life is Sweet
Cherry Creek North Unveils 2023 Winter Wanderland Experience
Cherry Creek North kicks off the holiday season with the Million Light Plug-in and the Debut of Mistletoe Lounge Pop-Up Bar
(Denver, CO—October 10, 2023) Cherry Creek North, Denver’s most vibrant and walkable neighborhood, is thrilled to kick-off the Winter Wanderland experience on Thursday, November 16th for the 2023 holiday season. The season kicks off at 6pm with the Million Light Plug-in event that illuminates the entire 16 block area and the opening of the Holiday Market on Fillmore Plaza, complete with the first ever Cherry Creek North pop-up holiday bar—the Mistletoe Lounge. Also new this year is a partnership with Giving Machines—vending machines that raise money for five local charities and two international charities. Returning favorites include Small Business Weekend and Saturday Night Lights. Each of these holiday celebrations aim to support the local community and bring the holiday spirit to life in Cherry Creek North.
“With more than 300 local merchants, Cherry Creek North is the largest collection of independent retailers in the greater Denver area—making it a one-stop destination for a full and festive holiday experience that embraces the spirit of the season,” said Lisa Voss, Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District’s VP of Marketing. “Whether it’s supporting local boutiques or vendors at the holiday market, donating at the Giving Machines or strolling the beautifully lit up streets, this is a special place all season.”
With a million twinkling lights, hundreds of shops and dining options, a traditional holiday market, and a variety of festive seasonal activations, the vibrant 16-block area makes Cherry Creek North Denver’s top destination for the holiday season.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16th | 4pm-8pm at Fillmore Plaza
As the official kick-off of Winter Wanderland, this free event welcomes guests to witness the official televised lighting ceremony of one million shimmering lights throughout the neighborhood. Attendees will watch a one-of-a-kind holiday spectacle as Cherry Creek North "plugs-in" with the help of media partners CBS Colorado and KOSI 101.1!
Cherry Creek North Holiday Market
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 | Open daily
The fourth annual Cherry Creek Holiday Market is open for 36 days of holiday shopping, entertainment and festive cheer between November 16 and December 24. Featuring more than 40 vendors and a wide array of gift options from area artisans and local brands, the market is Denver's premier holiday shopping experience. New this year, the Mistletoe Lounge offers market goers a highly decorated and cozy community gathering space with a full bar, live music from local acts, and interactive holiday crafts and activities.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 | Same as CC Holiday Market hours
For the first time ever, guests of the Cherry Creek Holiday Market will also have the chance to warm up and get cozy inside the all-new Mistletoe Lounge. Located on Fillmore Plaza, the new pop-up holiday bar will offer a festive drink menu and comfy seating in what’s best described as a real-life snow globe. Skilled mixologists have created a lineup of creative and indulgent holiday-themed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that capture the essence of the holidays. Mistletoe Lounge goes beyond drinks and décor by offering a range of live entertainment and interactive experiences that ensures it is not just a bar, but a heartwarming holiday destination that brings people together in the spirit of the holidays.
Light the World Giving Machines
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 | Open 24/7
New to Winter Wanderland this season, Giving Machines add to the holiday feeling by giving visitors a chance to give to others. These specialized vending machines make helping someone as simple as buying a snack or drink. Users insert a credit card, choose the specific items they want to donate and watch a block representing their gift fall into a bin for collection. Donors can help people with Down Syndrome learn to dance or cook, inner-city kids visit the mountains for the first time, women start over after abusive relationships or the unemployed get job skills certifications. Operating costs are underwritten by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so 100% of donations go directly to the charities. To date Giving Machines have raised $22 million worldwide.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 2, 10, & 16 | 5:00pm-7:00pm
The first three Saturday nights in December from 5-7pm, Cherry Creek North comes alive with the sights and sounds of the season. Attendees are invited to enjoy a cup of complimentary hot chocolate and tasty treats while wandering beneath 600 illuminated and musical trees throughout Cherry Creek North. Watch as stilt walkers, LED ballerinas, and performers add to the festive atmosphere. Dance on a light-up dance floor to a live DJ’s set, stroll through a tunnel of lights, and pose for a free photo booth keepsake — creating new memories for the whole family.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 — SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26
What started as Small Business Saturday in Cherry Creek North has transformed into a three-day Small Business Weekend celebration, including giveaways and deals from participating businesses. Now, more than ever, it's critical for people to shop small and support local business during the holiday season. Out of the 260 retail and service businesses in Cherry Creek North, 70% (or just over 175) are small retail businesses. Support your local Colorado businesses and keep the love right here in our community this Black Friday!
About Cherry Creek North
A vibrant Denver neighborhood located at 1st Ave. and University Blvd., Cherry Creek North is a walkable open-air shopping and lifestyle district with more than 300 retail businesses – Denver’s highest concentration of locally-owned stores. Located minutes from downtown, Cherry Creek North is home to boutique hotels, more than 55 restaurants, home furnishing stores and galleries, clothing and accessory retailers, as well as numerous wellness spas, salons, gyms and specialized personal health services. For more, visit cherrycreeknorth.com, or find and follow on Instagram or Facebook.
Images and press kit here.
Media Contact:
Courtney Lis
courtneyL@fitzgeraldpetersen.com
970.581.6231