Colorado may just be the best place to celebrate the beauty and wonder of the season. We have our own North Pole, we are home to NORAD’s Santa Tracker, the mountains glisten with snow, and the cities twinkle with lights. To help your family find a little holiday magic, we’ve created this collection of festive ways to experience the glow of the holiday season.
On Parade
Enjoy the tradition of the 9NEWS Parade of Lights with floats, marching bands, and a visit from Santa. December 1, 8 p.m., and December 2, 6 p.m. Free. Throughout downtown Denver
In Bloom
Experience Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens as it is transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland, complete with an interactive LED light and sound display and warm drinks and treats for purchase. Through January 1, 2018. 5-9 p.m. Free-$15. 1007 York St., Denver
With a Putter
Enjoy holiday lights as you putt through the Holiday Lights Mini Golf course at Adventure Golf and Raceway. Friday-Sunday through December 10, 5:30-9 p.m. Open daily December 15-31, 5:30-9 p.m. Closed December 24 and 25. $8 and up. 9650 N. Sheridan Blvd., Westminster
On Safari
See more than 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures and 50 acres of lights and wild animals at Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Santa Claus will be taking holiday wishes each night through December 23. December 8-10, 15-23, and 25-January 1, 2018, 5:30-8:30 p.m. $6.75-$9.75. 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., Colorado Springs
Among the Trees
Stroll along with a cup of hot chocolate to view festively decorated walking paths, dazzling displays of light and sound, and majestic trees full of lights at A Hudson Christmas. Nightly December 1-3, 8-10, 15-24, and 26-31, 5-8 p.m. $6-$9. Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
With the Animals
Explore 60 brilliantly-illuminated acres full of lighted animals running, jumping, and soaring at Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo. December 1-31, 5:30-9 p.m. Prices vary depending on date. 2300 Steele St., Denver
In an Igloo
If you want to see the biggest inflatable igloo in Colorado, head north to Winter Wonderlights at Chapungu Sculpture Park in Loveland. Stroll through holiday lights, marvel at 30-minute music and light shows, and enjoy special weekend programming including food, vendors, and activities in the giant igloo. Through January 7, 2018, 5-9 p.m. Chapungu Sculpture Park, Loveland
With Santa’s Reindeer
Santa’s Village at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms gives families a chance to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the reindeer in a magical village setting. Walking through colorful holiday lights, families will find hayrides, crafts, Santa’s Cinema, and gift vendors. Friday-Sunday, through December 24, 4:30-8:30 p.m. Free-$20. 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton
