Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park - Luminova

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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.

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.

Blossoms of Light 

WHEN: Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026 (closed Nov. 27 & Dec. 25)
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.

Trail of Lights 

WHEN: Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026 (closed Nov. 27 & Dec. 25)
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.

Light the Lights 

WHEN: Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 26, 2026
WHERE: City & County of Denver​ Building in Civic Center Park
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. 6, Dec. 21 and on Mondays due to city council meetings.

Zoo Lights 

WHEN: Nov. 23, 2025–Jan. 5, 2026
WHERE: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Zoo Lights has been making magic, memories and even marriages for more than 30 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.

Grand Illumination of Union Station

WHEN: Nov. 28, 2025
WHERE: Denver Union Station
Don't miss the annual lighting ceremony of Union Station’s 40-foot-tall outdoor Christmas tree, which features more than 7,000 holiday lights! The tree lighting ceremony will begin promptly at 6:10 p.m.

Larimer Lights 

WHEN: Nov. 28–Dec. 31, 2025
WHERE: Larimer Square
Larimer Lights returns for the 2025 holiday season! Stroll the block and enjoy immersive projection mapping, festive décor, visits from Santa, live holiday carolers, seasonal treats from restaurants and shops, and more to make your season bright. There's something going on every weekend. 

Elitch Holidays

WHEN: Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
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.

Zoo Lights – Sensory-Friendly Night

WHEN: Dec. 31, 2025; 4:30–9 p.m.
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.

 

More Lights

Christmas in Color

WHEN: Nov. 13–Dec. 30, 2025
WHERE: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre | Water World | Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
At three locations, drive through millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music that you’ll hear right through your radio. You'll see giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more.

2025 Candlelight Walk

WHEN: Nov. 28, 2025
WHERE: Main Street, Littleton

Experience the magic of Downtown Littleton at the Candlelight Walk. Enjoy music, treats, holiday cocktails (21+), a festive parade, a dazzling drone show and photos with special guest star, Santa!

Hudson Holidays 

WHEN: Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
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.

 

Lights Tours

Forever Party Bus: Holiday Lights Tours

Fill your evening with holiday bliss by checking out the city's top community and residential holiday lights with your favorite people. Forever Party Bus can customize your outing with buses ranging in size from 12 to 34 passengers. There are two- and four-hour options to suit group preferences and budgets. You can also add extras like hot cocoa bars, Santa Claus visits and holiday-decorated buses.

Discover Denver Tours: 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.