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.
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.
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Denver.