Denver sparkles with spectacular Christmas light displays throughout the Mile High City. From Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens to Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo featuring millions of twinkling lights, the city offers dazzling holiday attractions. Don't miss the Mile High Tree Light Show at Tivoli Quad with its 110-foot digital display and free nightly performances set to multicultural music.
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
Christmas at Gaylord Rockies
Location: Aurora
Dates: November 24, 2025 – January 2, 2026
Cost: $$$
Christmas at Gaylord Rockies features ICE! showcasing Dr. Seuss' 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' with stunning ice sculptures. The event boasts over 3 million dazzling Christmas lights and offers various festive activities such as indoor snow tubing and gingerbread decorating. Visitors can also explore the grand lodge adorned with extraordinary decorations and enjoy a magical atmosphere throughout the resort.
Address: 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora, CO 80019
Phone: 1-720-452-6900
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" - a spectacular ice sculpture attraction.
- A wide array of festive holiday activities for all ages.
- Over 3 million dazzling Christmas lights creating a magical atmosphere.
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Season of the Star
Location: Castle Rock
Dates: November 22, 2025 - January 24, 2026
Cost: $
Season of the Star brings a town-wide holiday light display in Downtown Castle Rock, featuring an annual Starlighting ceremony with fireworks and live entertainment. Visitors can shop at the Festival Park Starlight Market and enjoy free trolley rides to view the holiday decorations. Special activities include festive carriage rides and roasting marshmallows during Storytellers and S'mores events.
Highlights:
- Experience the annual Starlighting ceremony with fireworks and live entertainment.
- Shop for unique crafts and artisanal goods at the Festival Park Starlight Market.
- Take a free Town Trolley ride to view the holiday decorations.
Blossoms of Light
Location: Denver
Dates: November 21 – January 11, 4:30-9 p.m. (closed November 27 & December 25)
Cost: $$
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens features a mile-long illuminated path through winter gardens, celebrating its 40th anniversary. The event showcases vibrant displays and immersive installations for all ages, transforming the gardens into a dazzling spectacle. Visitors can enjoy holiday treats from on-site vendors while exploring this beloved holiday tradition.
Highlights:
- Denver's most beloved holiday tradition, celebrating 40 years of 'Blossoms of Light'.
- An immersive, mile-long illuminated path through winter gardens.
- A magical wonderland of vibrant displays and installations for all ages.
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens
Location: Denver
Dates: November 28 - December 31, 2025
Cost: $$
Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens features over 4 million lights, transforming the park into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy popular rides amidst the festive atmosphere and meet Santa Claus for a magical holiday encounter. This event offers a selection of interactive games and illuminated displays perfect for family fun.
Address: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience a dazzling display of over 4 million lights, transforming Elitch Gardens into a winter wonderland.
- Enjoy a selection of Elitch Gardens' popular rides amidst the festive holiday atmosphere.
- Meet Santa Claus for a magical holiday encounter.
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Thornton WinterFest
Location: Thornton
Dates: December 12-14, 2025
Cost: $$
Thornton WinterFest at Carpenter Park Fields includes a visit with Santa Claus, a Holiday Marketplace, and festive food from local vendors. The event features a holiday drone show set to music, ice skating on the Village Pond, and children's carnival games. Visitors can also enjoy professional ice-carving demonstrations and a spectacular fireworks show.
Highlights:
- Visit Santa Claus in his village to share Christmas wishes and lists.
- Experience the magic of the Holiday Marketplace featuring unique gifts.
- Enjoy a variety of festive food and warm beverages from local vendors.
Castle Rock Starlighting
Location: Castle Rock
Dates: November 22, 2025
Cost: FREE
Castle Rock Starlighting is an annual community event featuring the lighting of the star atop Castle Rock, accompanied by a vibrant downtown celebration. The event includes a spectacular fireworks display and local entertainment throughout the day. Attendees can enjoy a festive chili supper and various activities for children, including a petting zoo and games.
Highlights:
- The annual traditional community ceremony of lighting the star on Castle Rock.
- A vibrant downtown celebration kicking off the holiday season.
- A spectacular fireworks display illuminating the night sky.
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Snow Much Fun Light Displays
Location: Boulder
Dates: November 24, 2024 - January 18, 2025
Cost: FREE
Snow Much Fun Light Displays at Central Park and Civic Area features a dazzling holiday light display and an Augmented Reality winter wonderland trail. Visitors can engage in interactive games and characters along the trail while enjoying the festive atmosphere of Boulder's Central Park.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in a dazzling holiday light display across Boulder's Central Park and Civic Area.
- Discover a unique Augmented Reality (AR) winter wonderland trail on the Pearl Street Mall.
- Embark on a self-guided Augmented Reality (AR) tour of the Pearl Street Mall by scanning QR codes.
Light Up the Holidays
Location: Boulder
Dates: November 23 - December 31, 2025
Cost: FREE
Light Up the Holidays at Pearl Street Mall marks the official kick-off to the holiday season with the Switch on the Holidays event, featuring the grand illumination of the Boulder County Courthouse. The event includes the Lights of December Parade with local groups, music, and a finale with Santa Claus.
Highlights:
- Experience the official kick-off to the holiday season with the Switch on the Holidays event, featuring a spectacular light illumination.
- Participate in Small Business Saturday weekend, supporting unique local shops and dining establishments in downtown Boulder.
- Join the Lights of December Parade, a beloved community tradition featuring local groups, music, and a grand finale with Santa Claus.
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Grand Illumination at Denver Union Station
Location: Denver
Dates: November 28, starting at 4:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Grand Illumination at Denver Union Station features the grand tree lighting ceremony, showcasing a 40-foot Christmas tree adorned with over 7,000 lights. The event includes family-friendly entertainment, holiday tunes, and opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for festive photos.
Highlights:
- The grand tree lighting ceremony, a highlight of the holiday season.
- Family-friendly entertainment creating a joyful atmosphere.
- Enjoy classic holiday tunes performed by the Denver Dolls.
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Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms
Location: Littleton
Dates: November 21 – January 11, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM (closed November 27 and December 25)
Cost: $$
Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms features thousands of LED lights that transform the Colorado countryside into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll through a nearly mile-long illuminated path synchronized to music and explore the Holiday Market for unique gifts.
Address: 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, CO 80128
Phone: 720-865-3500
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience a magical winter wonderland with thousands of LED lights transforming the Colorado countryside.
- Enjoy festive treats like hot beverages, kettle corn, fudge, and caramels available for purchase.
- Walk through multiple enchanting light tunnels for a truly immersive experience.
Mile High Drone Shows
Location: Denver
Dates: November 21 - December 31, 2025, nightly at 7:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Experience Denver's spectacular Mile High Drone Shows featuring 600 drones performing nightly choreographed displays set to music. The shows present stunning scenes inspired by Denver landmarks, mountain adventures, and holiday traditions, creating an unforgettable high-tech holiday spectacle in the Denver skyline.
Address: Auraria Campus, Denver, CO 80204
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- 600 drones performing synchronized aerial displays set to music
- Nightly 10-15 minute shows featuring Denver-inspired holiday scenes
- FREE spectacular high-tech entertainment for the whole family
Mile High Tree
Location: Denver
Dates: November 21 - December 31, 2025
Cost: FREE
The Mile High Tree towers 110 feet tall, adorned with 60,000 LED lights, creating a seven-story holiday centerpiece at Tivoli Quad. This magnificent tree hosts nightly free light shows set to multicultural holiday music, making it Denver's most iconic holiday landmark.
Address: Auraria Campus, Denver, CO 80204
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- 110-foot tall Christmas tree with 60,000 LED lights
- Nightly free light shows synchronized to multicultural music
- Seven-story iconic holiday landmark in downtown Denver
Larimer Lights
Location: Denver
Dates: November 28 - December 31, 2025
Cost: FREE
Larimer Square transforms into a winter wonderland with immersive projection mapping, festive décor, and holiday cheer. Visitors can enjoy Santa visits, live holiday carolers singing classic tunes, and seasonal treats while exploring Denver's most historic block illuminated for the holidays.
Address: Larimer Street between 14th and 15th Streets, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-534-2367
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Immersive projection mapping on historic buildings
- Santa visits and live holiday carolers
- Seasonal treats and festive shopping on Denver's oldest street
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Denver Zoo Lights
Location: Denver
Dates: November 24, 2025 - January 4, 2026, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Denver Zoo transforms into an illuminated wonderland with over 3 million lights across 80 acres. This beloved holiday tradition features animal-themed light displays, special 21+ adult nights with drink tickets, and a sensory-friendly evening, making it one of Colorado's premier holiday light events.
Highlights:
- Over 3 million lights across 80 acres of the Denver Zoo
- Special 21+ adult nights with included drink tickets
- Sensory-friendly evening on December 31 for inclusive celebration
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Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland
Location: Denver
Dates: November 20 - December 31, 2025
Cost: FREE
Cherry Creek North's Winter Wanderland features nearly one million twinkling lights adorning over 600 trees throughout this upscale shopping district. The festive atmosphere includes holiday markets, Saturday Night Lights events, and elegant displays making it Denver's premier shopping destination for the holidays.
Address: 2nd Avenue and University Boulevard area, Denver, CO 80206
Phone: 303-394-2904
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Nearly one million lights on over 600 trees
- Saturday Night Lights special events December 6, 13, and 20
- Upscale shopping and dining with festive ambiance
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Christmas in Color at Red Rocks
Location: Morrison
Dates: November 13 - December 30, 2025, nightly
Cost: $$
Christmas in Color transforms Red Rocks Amphitheatre into a spectacular drive-through holiday light experience. Millions of lights are synchronized to holiday music as visitors drive through Colorado's most iconic venue, creating an unforgettable combination of natural beauty and festive illumination.
Address: 18300 W Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Drive-through light show at iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- Millions of lights synchronized to holiday music
- Unique combination of natural rock formations and holiday lights
Hudson Gardens Hudson Holidays
Location: Littleton
Dates: November 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Cost: $$
Hudson Gardens presents Hudson Holidays, a large-scale holiday light display featuring illuminated pathways through beautiful gardens. This Littleton treasure combines natural beauty with festive lights, offering a peaceful and enchanting holiday experience for visitors of all ages.
Highlights:
- Large-scale light displays through beautiful gardens
- Holiday-themed exhibits and decorations
- Peaceful walking paths illuminated for the season
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Civic Center Park Holiday Lights
Location: Denver
Dates: November 2025 - January 2026
Cost: FREE
Civic Center Park's Great Lawn transforms with festive light displays produced by the Civic Center Conservancy. This central downtown location offers free holiday lights in an iconic Denver setting surrounded by historic buildings and monuments.
Address: 101 W 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Free holiday light displays on Great Lawn
- Iconic downtown Denver location
- Historic buildings and monuments backdrop
Park Hill Neighborhood Holiday Lights
Location: Denver
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Park Hill's residential blocks, especially around Clermont Street, are locally famous for elaborate holiday displays and community participation. Neighbors create spectacular light shows on their homes, making this neighborhood a must-see for holiday light enthusiasts.
Address: Clermont Street area, Denver, CO 80207
Highlights:
- Elaborate residential light displays
- Strong community participation
- Clermont Street area especially festive
Highlands Neighborhood Holiday Displays
Location: Denver
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
The Highlands neighborhood features charming holiday light displays on historic homes and tree-lined streets. This walkable Denver neighborhood combines boutique shopping with residential holiday decorations, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the district.
Address: 32nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard area, Denver, CO 80211
Highlights:
- Historic homes with holiday decorations
- Walkable neighborhood with boutique shops
- Charming tree-lined streets
Littleton Holiday Light Displays
Location: Littleton
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Downtown Littleton and residential areas transform with holiday lights and decorations throughout December. This charming suburb offers a mix of downtown storefronts decorated for the holidays and neighborhood homes with elaborate light displays.
Address: Main Street, Littleton, CO 80120
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Downtown storefronts decorated for holidays
- Residential neighborhood light displays
- Charming suburban holiday atmosphere
Stapleton/Central Park Holiday Lights
Location: Denver
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
The Stapleton/Central Park neighborhood features modern homes decorated with holiday lights and community light displays. This newer Denver neighborhood embraces holiday spirit with well-coordinated residential displays and festive common areas.
Address: Central Park Boulevard area, Denver, CO 80238
Highlights:
- Modern neighborhood with coordinated displays
- Community common areas with decorations
- Family-friendly residential area
Arvada Holiday Light Displays
Location: Arvada
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Arvada's Olde Town and residential neighborhoods feature charming holiday light displays throughout December. This historic Denver suburb combines Main Street decorations with neighborhood home displays, creating a warm holiday atmosphere.
Address: Olde Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada, CO 80002
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Historic Olde Town with decorated storefronts
- Residential neighborhood displays
- Charming suburban holiday spirit
9NEWS Parade of Lights
Location: Denver
Dates: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Cost: FREE
Denver's beloved 9NEWS Parade of Lights returns for another year of holiday magic. This cherished tradition features over 40 spectacular floats, giant balloons, and lively marching bands. Join the festive atmosphere as Major Waddles the penguin and Santa Claus make special appearances, bringing joy to all.
Address: 101 W 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80202
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Over 40 dazzling floats, each uniquely decorated for the holidays
- Giant balloons adding a whimsical touch to the procession
- Special guest appearances from Major Waddles the penguin and Santa Claus
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Denver.