The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than by visiting one of the many Christmas light displays in Colorado? Seeing Christmas lights is another great way to enjoy the outdoors in Colorado this holiday season. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best Christmas light displays in Colorado to see this season!
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a beautiful place to visit during the holiday season. Its annual holiday lights display, “Blossoms of Light,” is a must-see. It features colorful LED lights and an interactive light display that responds to nearby sounds. Holiday treats are available for purchase.
The Denver Zoo Lights is the area’s biggest holiday event. It features over two million LED lights designed to light up 83 acres of land. Although the outdoor animals are restricted to certain cold-weather species, such as the Amur tiger, Bactrian camel, Przewalski’s horse, and a few pachyderms, the zoo’s Tropical Discovery building is open during the event. This building features an indoor habitat for over 1,800 animals if you need a place to warm up. Santa also stops by with treats and photo opportunities.
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms
The Chatfield Farms Trail of Lights is a winding path that leads you through the countryside. It features glittering lights that are designed to show the Colorado countryside. The glow of the lights can be seen from miles away! Pine trees, cottonwood, and box elders can be seen along the path through the Green Farm, the Discovery Children’s Play Area, and the Hildebrand Ranch. There is also a shorter path that can be taken by those who want to take a shorter walk. You can purchase various food items at the Chatfield Farms Trail of Lights, such as hot beverages, nuts, and sweets.
Take a journey to the North Pole aboard the Santa Express Train. This winter wonderland is a fun-filled experience for children of all ages. The holiday spirit is in the air aboard all of their train experiences. Throughout the journey, you and your family can enjoy various food and drink and listen to your favorite holiday tunes. The Santa Express Train visits the North Pole every four times during the Royal Gorge’s winter season. It departs at 9:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari is the only place in Colorado where you can simultaneously see over 85 unique light sculptures and their animals. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to take photos with their large-sized illuminated inflatable animals. Santa Claus will listen to your wishes during the event on December 2-4 and 9-23. The event was voted as one of the top three Zoo Lights in the country in USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Garden of Lights at the Gardens on Spring Creek
The Garden of Lights is a Northern Colorado tradition presented by Ent Credit Union. This year, celebrate the holiday season with a visit to the Gardens on Spring Creek. Hundreds of colorful blossoms and a holiday village are displayed in the gardens. The gardens also feature a half-mile loop of lighted flowerbeds and other imaginative displays constructed entirely from LED lights. The Garden of Lights features a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment. During the holiday season, you can also visit Santa for a great holiday photo!
A Hudson Christmas at The Hudson Gardens & Event Center
The Hudson Gardens & Event Center near Littleton is known for its beautiful Christmas lights display – A Hudson Christmas. The garden also has thousands of Christmas lights that create a magical atmosphere. Kids can enjoy a visit with Santa and have a cup of hot cocoa. Watch Christmas trees dance to the music, and take great family photos!
Which light display is your family’s favorite during the holidays? Do you make it a family tradition to check out holiday lights each year?