There is something magical about bundling up with the kids to stroll through a wonderland of twinkling holiday lights. It’s a tradition that warms up even the coldest December nights. This year, see lighted animal and insect sculptures, play a festive round of miniature golf, or watch a parade of lighted holiday floats. Here are some of the fun places to catch the glow of the season.
1. FREE 9NEWS Parade of Lights
Dec. 2, 8pm, and Dec. 3, 6pm. Cuddle up and be part of this traditional holiday event with floats, marching bands, and a visit from Santa. Downtown Denver. downtowndenver.com/pol-2016
2. Blossoms of Light at York Street
Through Jan. 1. See new designs and favorites incorporating thousands of twinkling lights throughout the gardens. HoloSpex 3D glasses add a fun twist. Warm drinks and treats are available for purchase. Seasonal entertainment presented on select evenings. $8-$13, free for age 2 and under. Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver. botanicgardens.org
3. FREE Country Christmas and Parade of Lights
Dec. 2, 5-8pm. Celebrate the season with s”mores, hayrides, and the parade of lights. Historic Downtown Erie. eriechamber.org
4. FREE Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination
Through Dec. 31. See tens of thousands of lights from Denver’s Union Station up the 16th Street Mall to the City and County Building. Downtown Denver. downtowndenver.com
5. Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Dec. 9-23 and Dec. 25-Jan. 1, 5:30-8:30pm. See more than 85 light sculptures, 50 acres of lights, and wild animals. Santa Claus will be taking holiday wishes each night through Dec. 23. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs. cmzoo.org
6. Holiday Lights Mini Golf
Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-23, Dec. 26-Jan 1, 5:30-9pm. Putt your way through more than 100,000 twinkling lights as 54 holes of miniature golf are transformed into a sparkling journey. $8-$10 for unlimited viewing/golf, discount for Hyland Hills/City of Westminster residents. Light holiday treats and beverages available for purchase. Adventure Golf and Raceway, Westminster. adventuregolfandraceway.com
7. Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 2, 6pm. Be part of an annual community event with Santa Claus, children caroling, and the mayor lighting the tree. George Di Ciero City and County Building, Broomfield. broomfield.org
8. A Hudson Christmas Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-24, and 26-31, 5-8pm. Enjoy thousands of twinkling lights in majestic trees, visit with Santa, go on a wagon ride, and make magical memories for the whole family. $6-$9. Hudson Gardens & Event Center, Littleton. hudsongardens.org
9. FREE Lakewood Lights Featuring the Mayor’s Tree Lighting
Dec. 2-3, 5:30-8:30pm. Come to Lakewood’s annual holiday celebration featuring museum tours, tractor pulled hay-wagon rides, and photos with Santa. Lakewood Heritage Center, Lakewood. lakewood.org/holidaylights/
10. FREE Lights of December Parade
Dec. 3, 6pm. Watch a holiday parade featuring community organizations, floats, high school marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Pearl Street Mall, Boulder. downtownboulderholidays.com
11. Living Lights
Dec. 21-Jan. 7, 6pm. See an indoor-and-outdoor holiday lighting event that illuminates some of nature’s most fascinating wonders: invertebrates. Learn all about bioluminescence, fluorescence, and biofluorescence. Enjoy s”more roasting, carolers, princesses, ice sculptures, music, and a hot chocolate bar. Visit the website for pricing. Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster. butterflies.org
12. FREE Longmont Lights Dec. 9. 5-9pm. Enjoy the illumination of Roosevelt Park with fire pits, Santa’s workshop, food trucks, an ice show, and more. Roosevelt Park, Longmont. longmontcolorado.gov/recreation
13. FREE Longmont Lights Holiday Parade
Dec. 10, 5pm. Watch a parade with a winter wonderland theme among holiday lights. Main St., Longmont. longmontcolorado.gov/recreation
14. FREE Louisville Parade of Lights
Dec. 2, 7pm. See musical entertainment, a living nativity, petting zoo, and visits with Santa, along with the Louisville Arts District First Friday Art Walk 5-6:30pm. Main St., downtown Louisville. louisvillechamber.com
15. Trail of Lights
Through Jan. 1, 5:30-9pm. Enjoy colorful lights, warming hut, hot drinks, free hayrides, and different lengths of trails. $6-$11, free for age 2 and under. Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton. botanicgardens.org
16. Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo
Dec. 2-Jan. 1. Explore 70 brilliant acres full of illuminated animals running, jumping, or soaring where you least expect them. See the 15 sculptures from Washed Ashore illuminated for night-viewing as well. Prices vary depending on date. $2 discount for purchasing online. Discounted Value Night tickets Dec. 2-15. Denver Zoo, Denver. denverzoo.org
