It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays! As the metro area becomes aglow with thousands of twinkling lights, spirits are starting to lift, and Mile Highers are anxiously awaiting our first snowfall. If you want to know where to find the best Christmas lights near Denver, add these 11 hot spots to your list. Be prepared to be dazzled with a magical Christmas in Denver!

1. Blossoms of Light
Keith/Flickr
Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens' annual holiday extravaganza promises twinkling lights, warm drinks, tasty treats, and fun for the whole family. The event takes place at DBG at 1007 York Street and runs from the end of November through the first week in January.
2. Trail of Lights
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80128, USA
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Garden's Chatfield Farms also hosts a truly phenomenal feast for the eyes, including light trails, light tunnels, a warming hut, a fire pit, and a whole lot more. Find Chatfield Farms' special event at 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton from November through January.
3. The City and County Building
Denver City Council, 1437 Bannock St Rm 451, Denver, CO 80202, USA
Andy Smith/Flickr
Denver's Grand Illumination event will light up Downtown, from the City and County Building to Union Station. Lights will be on display nightly through December, and you can find the City and County Building at 1437 Bannock Street.
4. Union Station
Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
John/Flickr
Denver's Union Station will be aglow with brightly colored lights that will illuminate the historic structure and its famed tree in the heart of LoDo, starting end of November and continuing through the end of December. Denver's Union Station is located at 1701 Wynkoop Street.
5. Zoo Lights
Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205, USA
James M/Flickr
Voted one of the best zoo lights displays in the country, enjoy 70 expansive acres of holiday cheer at the Denver Zoo Lights, which include brightly lit animal sculptures, Santa meet-and-greets, nightly entertainment, and more.
6. 9NEWS Parade of Lights
16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202, USA
9NEWS Parade of Lights/Facebook
Start your holiday season off right with the 9NEWS Parade of Lights at the 16th Street Mall, Friday and Saturday, the first week of December. This fabulous FREE two-mile parade will feature spectacular floats, marching bands, and special appearances by Santa and Major Waddles the Penguin.
7. Windsor Gardens
Windsor Gardens Community Center, 595 S Clinton St, Denver, CO 80247, USA
Windsor Gardens Association/Facebook
Check out Windsor Gardens' annual display of lights at 595 S. Clinton Street, then continue on through the heavily decorated neighborhood at Alameda Avenue and Dayton Street for all the Christmas cheer! Keep up with all of the holiday festivities on its Facebook page.
8. Olde Golden Christmas
City of Golden/Facebook
Golden, CO, USA
City of Golden/Facebook
Enjoy the city-wide month-long celebration that is Olde Golden Christmas the entire month of December in historic downtown Golden. Festivities include a stunning light display along Clear Creek, Santa encounters, an elk run, a candlelight walk, Victorian carolers, a holiday art market, and even free Newfoundland dog-pulled cart rides.
9. A Hudson Christmas
The Hudson Gardens & Event Center, 6115 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120, USA
Hudson Gardens
This magical annual Littleton tradition features thousands of dazzling lights, visits with Santa, and fun for the whole family on select evenings, starting the last weekend in November and running through the end of December. View the specific show dates and plan an enchanting light-filled evening.
10. Living Lights
Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020, USA
Butterfly Pavlion
Beginning in December and continuing through the first week of January, the Butterfly Pavilion at 6252 W. 104th Avenue in Westminster will illuminate your nights. Don't dare miss out on this spectacular extravaganza!
11. Santa's Lighted Forest
Georgetown Loop Railroad, 646 Loop Dr, Georgetown, CO 80444, USA
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Get your dose of Christmas cheer as you travel through Santa's Lighted Forest in the magical snow-covered Rocky Mountains on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, November - January. Be sure to check out Santa’s North Pole Adventure as well!

Have you ever had the good fortune of seeing some of these Christmas light displays near Denver? In your opinion where can you find the best Christmas lights near Denver? Let us know with a comment if we missed any amazing holiday light shows.

If you’re on the hunt for more picture-perfect things to do in the Mile High City, check out these stunning Denver bridges ASAP!

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More to Explore

An Enchanting Christmas In Denver

Chris Muras | October 17, 2022

Is Denver a good place to visit in December?

December is an ideal time to visit Denver. The weather is cool and dry, making it perfect for exploring the city's many parks and outdoor attractions. And if you're looking for holiday cheer, you'll find plenty of festive events and activities, from tree lighting ceremonies to Santa visits. Of course, no trip would be complete without a day of skiing or snowboarding at one of the nearby Denver resorts. So whether you're seeking winter fun or holiday cheer, you'll find it in abundance in Denver during December.

What is there to do in Denver on Christmas Day?

If you find yourself in Denver on Christmas you’ll have an amazing day ahead of you. Let’s start out with a carousel ride at Denver Pavilions as the morning chill nips at your nose. Followed by a warm-up at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House where you enjoy the graceful and enchanting ballet, The Nutcracker. If you have a different kind of dancing and twirling in mind stop by the Denver Zoo to watch the monkeys play in the falling snow. Of course, no Christmas in Denver is complete without checking out some of the many drive-thru Christmas lights near Denver while listening to holiday music in the warmth of your own car.

Are there real towns like in Hallmark movies?

Ah, those magical towns where everyone is smiling and filled with cheer. The hot dog vendor on the corner greats you by name with a steaming chili dog and best wishes for your mom. Do towns like the ones you see in Hallmark movies actually exist? We think so, and Denver at Christmas is certainly a magical place filled with lights, shimmering snowflakes, and cheerful smiles. Just imagine walking down Denver’s 16th Street Mall with a hot cup of cocoa, wrapped up in a plush cashmere scarf, and holding the hand of that special someone; you’ll be transported into your favorite Christmas movie in no time.

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