Denver Holiday & Christmas Lights
Holiday favorites give you the chance to do as the locals do during the holidays in Denver. Read below for some of our most beloved winter rituals and events.
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We strive to post the most current and accurate event information, but changes and cancellations do occur, so please check the official event website to confirm all details before attending.
Featured Events
Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland
WHEN: Thru Dec. 24, 2024
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
Winter Wanderland displays a collection of free holiday offerings and festivities throughout the neighborhood! Festivities include a dazzling display of nearly one million twinkling lights on more than 600 trees spread throughout the walkable neighborhood and Giving Machines — vending machines that don't dispense snacks or drinks, but instead offer the chance to make a positive impact! Throughout the holiday season, enjoy The Million Light Plug-In (Nov. 21), Small Business Weekend (Nov. 29–Dec. 1), Saturday Night Lights (Dec. 7, 14, & 21) with complimentary holiday treats and festive entertainment, a Chanukah celebration (Dec. 29), and the Cherry Creek North Holiday Market (Nov. 21–Dec. 24), where you can browse gifts from more than 40 local makers, designers and creators.
Mile High Drone Show
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2024
WHERE: Downtown
For 40 magical nights, 400 drones will soar into the sky, creating breathtaking holiday-themed animations. See these dazzling displays from across the city every night at 7 p.m. for free. From Santa and his reindeer to iconic Denver landmarks like the Mile High Tree and Denver Union Station, each night will bring a new visual experience to life.
The Mile High Tree presented by Xcel Energy & Xfinity
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2024
WHERE: Civic Center Park
Join in the free festivities at the Mile High Tree. It’s a brilliantly lit, 110-foot-tall immersive art installation that provides a dazzling lights-and-music show. You can experience two of Denver's most popular holiday attractions in one place: America’s tallest digital tree and the Denver Christkindlmarket, the city’s only authentic German markets.
Luminova Holidays
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2024
WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
This family-friendly event brings larger-than-life holiday displays and immersive experiences for all to enjoy. It features millions of dazzling lights, a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree, twinkling snowmen who never melt, a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel, giant presents and ornaments, a wall of lights, rides on Elitch Gardens attractions, interactive activities like a light-up hopscotch, strolling holiday entertainers, Old Saint Nick and his elves, and more.
Trail of Lights
WHEN: Thru Jan. 1, 2025
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms takes you along a winding path glistening with lights that illuminate the Colorado countryside. Tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights can be seen for miles. Just under a mile of walking trail, the illumination of cottonwoods, boxelders and pine trees line the pathway through the Green Farm, Crossroads, Deer Creek Discovery Children's Play Area and 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead. There is also the option of a shorter path for those who want to take a shorter stroll. In line with the core value of sustainability, all lights used in the event are LED.
Zoo Lights
WHEN: Thru Jan. 5, 2025 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
It's official: Zoo Lights has been making magic, memories, and even marriages for 30 amazing years! Presented by Your Hometown Toyota Stores, this illuminating annual event transforms Denver Zoo into Colorado's WILDEST winter wonderland. Don't miss this year's historic celebration, with more than a million lights sparkling over 80 acres—plus a host of special measures to keep your family safe and healthy.
Blossoms of Light
WHEN: Thru Jan. 12, 2025
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
Consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, Blossoms of Light is a spectacular celebration that illuminates Denver Botanic Gardens' York Street location. Wander a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight our plant collections. A cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, Blossoms of Light is constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight in even the most seasoned visitors.
Zoo Lights – Sensory-Friendly Night
WHEN: Dec. 31, 2024
WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Enjoy a variety of accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more, just for those who may feel overwhelmed by typical light experiences.
Downtown Denver is twinkling like never before this holiday season. Take an evening stroll through the heart of the city by following this self-guided tour.
More Lights
Christmas In Color
WHEN: Thru Dec. 30, 2024
WHERE: Water World (Denver), Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (Morrison), Arapahoe County Fairground (Aurora)
With not one but three locations, Christmas In Color is a can't-miss holiday lights experience! Drive through millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear right through your radio. Drive by giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more. Take your time enjoying this lighting extravaganza — we won’t judge you if you join the kids with your face pressed against the window!
Larimer Lights
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2024
WHERE: Larimer Square
Enjoy visits from Santa, live holiday carolers, unique shopping from local artisans at the Holiday BAZAAR, and seasonal treats from top restaurants.
Candlelight Nights
WHEN: Thru Dec. 31, 2024
WHERE: City of Golden
Golden’s beloved Candlelight Nights returns with quaint holiday shops and festive decorations along historic Washington Avenue and thousands of twinkling lights lining the banks of Clear Creek. The annual Candlelight Walk occurs on Dec. 6, featuring revelers strolling Washington Avenue holding candles and singing carols. Golden’s Holiday Parade returns on Dec. 14, with marching bands, floats, horses, Victorian carolers, elves, fire trucks and, of course, Santa. Come back for a magical day in Golden meeting and mingling with family favorite holiday characters along Washington Avenue on December 21, during the Jingle On the Avenue.
Hudson Holidays
WHEN: Thru Jan. 12, 2025
WHERE: Hudson Gardens & Events Center
You'll be enchanted by even more towering trees draped in thousands of colorful lights. A grove of dancing Christmas trees, a multi-colored forest inhabited by giant snowmen, the holiday light tunnel and glowing reindeer will light up Hudson Gardens into an extravaganza of holiday cheer. Purchase a delicious cup of hot cocoa or adult beverage before stopping by for a perfect free family photo opportunity with Santa.
Light the Lights
WHEN: Thru Jan. 26, 2025
WHERE: City & County of Denver Building in Civic Center Park
Starting with the kick-off celebration on Nov. 27, 2024, each night at 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. an eight-minute choreographed light and music holiday show will light up the night. It then goes to a festive, static holiday display until 10:45 p.m. Note: There will be no shows on Dec. 7 due to the 9NEWS Parade of Lights and on Dec. 21 for "We Will Remember: Homeless Persons' Memorial Vigil."
Lights Tours
Denver Holiday Lights & Sights Bus and Walking Tours
This holiday season, embark on a fun-filled, 90-minute Denver holiday lights bus tour experience with Discover Denver Tours as you take in all of the magic and cheer of this festive time of year in The Mile High City. Enjoy the unique history, architecture and beauty of Denver’s holiday lights and top sights at night. The tours are limited to 14 guests and you'll get to see and experience Denver's holiday lights in the toasty warm comfort of the shuttles. They are also offering walking tours as well.