Everyone looks good in twinkly lights—especially with their eyes wide and a delighted smile spread across their face. Bask in the warmth (real or metaphorical) from thousands of lights at these glorious displays. Drive through, stroll, or snuggle close to your family for a festive pic.
Winter Wonderlights
Nov. 13 to Jan. 2. Nightly, 5 to 9 p.m.; Nov. 13 and 20, Dec. 4 and 11 (Winter Wonderlights LIVE events)
Wander through a park full of illuminated art set to the tune of six songs. You can’t miss the 20 foot tall LED Christmas tree, or large inflatable igloo. Local vendors will be onsite and special programming during select weekends. Free, donation suggested. Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, Loveland.
Winter Wanderland Light Walk
Nov. 18 to Dec. 31
Take a magical stroll through the Cherry Creek Shopping area and enjoy tree lights dancing to music and an interactive sound and color art installation. Swing by the holiday market to peruse wares from 30 local vendors. Snag free festive treats on Saturday evenings in December. Free entry, vendor prices vary. Cherry Creek North, Denver.
Camp Christmas
Nov. 18 to Jan. 2; Select dates and times, see online for details; timed entry.
Immerse yourself in a massive holiday experience spread across a six-acre landscape. Visit Santa’s Glampsite to share your Christmas wish with the icon himself, drink hot cocoa (or seasonal cocktails for adults) while collecting virtual Merry Badges and enjoying a free audio tour. Snap the perfect holiday photo and remember the experience for years to come. Dress warm for the outdoor event. All ages. Find tickets online. $8–$25. Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, Lakewood.
Mile High Tree
Nov. 19 to Jan. 1
Step inside the massive and magnificent Mile High Tree immersive art installation to experience a light show set to music. Free. 16th Street Mall, Denver.
Blossoms of Light
Nov. 19 to Jan. 8, 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Closed Nov. 25 and Dec. 25
Stroll through a twinkling wonderland full of festive lights. Don’t neglect the warm drinks and holiday treats from Hive Garden Bistro in the center of the gardens. Purchase timed tickets in advance online. $18-21, $16-19 members, free children 2 and under (no ticket required). Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street, Denver.
Castle Rock Starlighting
Nov. 20, 2 to 6 p.m.
Gather for yet another lighting of the star, a community event dating back to 1936. Join in the festivities including hot chocolate/adult beverages, food trucks, nonprofit booths, strolling entertainers, and music. Shop local to support the community. If you are unable to attend, consider hosting a virtual viewing party with your family via livestream. Free entry. Historic Wilcox Square, Castle Rock.
Zoo Lights
Nov. 22 to Jan. 2; daily, 5 to 10 p.m.
This sparkling event features over a million LED lights spread across the campus’s 80 acres. Don’t miss this year’s new installations and offerings including a champagne toast (for adults) in the hospital plaza, a watering hole, and blue lagoon. Outdoor animal viewing is limited to cold-weather species but the Tropical Discovery building will be open. $15-$25. Denver Zoo, Denver.
Grand Illumination on the Denver Union Station Plaza
Nov. 26, 5 to 8 p.m.
This annual event will feature performances of classic holiday hits by the Denver Dolls, a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of the station’s outdoor 40-foot-tall Christmas tree that features more than 7,000 holiday lights. Free. Denver Union Station, Denver.
Trail of Lights
Nov. 26 to Dec. 12, Fri to Sun; Dec. 17 to Jan. 2, nightly; 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Wind a mile through the illuminated countryside at Chatfield Farms (shorter route available) and find a children’s play area, singing Christmas trees, light tunnels, and antique farm equipment on display. Treat yourself with hot beverages, plus nuts and kettle corn. $10 to $15. Chatfield Farms, Littleton.
Catch the Glow Festival of Lights
Nov. 26, 5:30 p.m.
The Town of Estes Park’s parade kicks off the holiday season with a procession of sparkling, lighted floats, live music, elves, and other beloved characters. Enjoy classic, quaint, mountain town fun culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus himself, all under the backdrop of the high Rocky Mountains. Free. Downtown Estes Park.
Farolito Lighting & Pinecone Ceremony
Nov. 28, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Usher in the holiday season with an honoring of members of the community who have enlightened others. Feel the warmth and watch as pinecones are tossed into the courtyard fire, sending good thoughts and prayers into the night sky. Sing along to Christmas carols from the 1830s and 1840s with music students from the Colorado School of Mines and other strolling musicians. Enjoy Mexican hot chocolate, hot cider, and traditional biscochitos. The event is outside, dress accordingly. Register online. Free entry. The Fort Restaurant, Morrison.
Electric Safari
Dec. 3 to 5, 10 to 23, and 25 to Jan. 1; 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with sparkling lights, animals, and fun for the whole family. See over 85 unique light sculptures cozy up at a hot cocoa station, and take a photo with Santa (Dec. 3-23). You can even be a secret Santa for the animals—view a safari wish list online and bring a toy or treat for your wild friends. $14 adult, $12 senior, $11 military, $10 child, free members and age 2 and under. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs.
Lights of December Parade
Dec. 4, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
For more than 30 years, spectators have enjoyed floats, marching bands, lit fire engines, and holiday carolers, presented by local Boulder groups. Enjoy the promenade of merriment, culminating in an appearance by Santa Claus. Free. Downtown Boulder.
Menorah Lighting at Stanley Marketplace
Dec. 5, sundown
Taste latkes and watch as the Chabad Denver North Jewish Life Center Menorah is lit to celebrate Hanukkah. All ages. Free. Stanley Marketplace, Aurora.
Garden of Lights
Dec. 10 to 26, 5 to 9 p.m. (closed Dec. 25)
Stroll through a half-mile loop of twinkling wonderland. Perennial flower beds, sculptural flowers, butterflies, and a holiday village are constructed entirely from holiday lights. Grab a festive beverage from the bar and enjoy live entertainment most nights. Santa will be present December 10 through 23. $10, $5 ages 5-11; $8 members, $4 members (ages 5–11), free age 4 and under. The Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins.
Butterfly Pavilion’s Living Lights
Dec. 17 to Jan. 2, 6 to 10 p.m.
Check out this new, bright and shiny holiday event where guests are immersed in an enchanted indoor festival of lights and embark on a quest to meet the Firefly Princess. Aerial artists and performers and a kid’s glow-in-the-dark dance party add to the fun. Age 5 and up. Find tickets online. $20 adult, $12 youth. Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster.
