Whether you’re packing up the kids to hear their “oohs and ahs” from the backseat, or looking for a delightful way to charm your date, we offer up our favorite outdoor Christmas lighting displays in Denver this year.
Blossoms of Light, Denver
November 29, 2013 – January 1, 2014
This is one stroll through the gardens that is always unforgettable! Over one million colorful lights create elegant designs that highlight the gardens’ winter beauty. Warm drinks and seasonal snacks are available. You might even take in some seasonal entertainment on select evenings. www.botanicgardens.org
9News Parade of Lights, Denver
December 6 – 7, 2013
A Colorado tradition for 39 years, this one-of-a-kind parade is a holiday spectacular featuring marching bands, ornate floats, and an appearance by the big guy himself, Santa! Wear your earmuffs and mittens and keep the hot chocolate handy, this free event is a winner with everyone! www.denverparadeoflights.com
Hudson Christmas, Denver
November 29, 2013 – December 31, 2013
Each evening Hudson Gardens comes to life with over 100,000 lights shining the way. Bring mittens, hat and scarf and stroll the gardens enjoying the “Aurora Borealis” effect in the cottonwoods and the dazzling fountains. It’s fun for the whole family with a visit with Santa and tasty hot cocoa. Hudsongardens.org
Downtown Holiday Lights, Fort Collins
November 1, 2013 – February 14, 2014
You’re invited to experience a touch of holiday charm this season when you visit historic Downtown Fort Collins. Thousands of strands of lights illuminate trees along Walnut Ave, Linden St., Pine St., Old Town Square, Oak Street Plaza, and Mountain Ave. Enjoy a variety of festivities including horse drawn carriage rides, gallery walk, winter farmers markets and more. Downtownfortcollins.com
Olde Golden Christmas, Golden
November 30, 2013 – January 1, 2014
Experience authentic small town holiday charm in this month-long celebration of all things holiday. Victorian carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, extravagant lighting displays, dog-pulled cart rides and special events galore. Don’t miss their Candlelight Walk on December 6 and parades every Saturday through December 21. Visitgolden.com
Trail of Lights, Littleton
December 1 – 31, 2013
Head to the foothills near Chatfield for a mesmerizing walk through over a million twinkling lights in the Colorado countryside. Choose a short route directly to the children’s play area, or venture down an extended path that allows visitors to explore more. www.botanicgardens.org
Zoo Lights, Denver
December 6, 2013 – January 5, 2014
The animals have really gone wild this season, decorating over 38 acres of brilliantly illuminated acres of lights and more than 150 animated animal sculptures. And don’t miss their month long Lantern Festival taking place in the Toyota Elephant Passage. www.denverzoo.org
Parker Christmas Carriage Parade, Parker
December 14, 2013
Carriages, stagecoaches, and wagons with beautiful horses dressed for the season, make this staple holiday event worth attending.
Swingle is proud to sponsor this local event for the third year in a row. Be sure to get to the Swingle tent early to pick up your commemorative ornament as they go quickly. Christmas Carriage Parade
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade, Telluride
December 24, 2013
The slopes light up as nearly 100 Telluride Resort employees take torches in hand and glide down the dark mountain. Take in the glowing trail from town then enjoy the town’s festive atmosphere and seasonal offerings. www.tellurideskiresort.com
City & County Building, Denver
Throughout December
It’s the largest lighting display in Denver with 600,000 lights decking out the neo-classical building. Lights switch on every night at 6pm and the bell tower plays carols nightly as well.
Twelve Days of Copper, Copper Mountain
December 20 – December 31, 2013
A spectacular torchlight parade with Santa makes its way down the mountain as guests enjoy bonfires, fireworks, fire dancers, rail jams and more. Take in the glowing trail of lights from Center Village then enjoy the individual’s office town’s festive atmosphere and seasonal offerings. www.coppercolorado.com
