Light Bright

“I don't know if it's something that we're taught as small children, or just the fact that they're so beautiful to see,” notes the Denver Botanic Gardens' Will Jones, “but a lot of people come back year after year because they have a great experience individually, and it becomes a family tradition.” He's discussing, of course, the annual Blossoms of Light and Trail of Lights displays, millions of colorful lights draped around the DBG's York Street and Chatfield locations, respectively.

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• Will Jones
• Denver Botanic Gardens
• Lights Chatfield
• Parks and Historic Sites
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“One of the biggest highlights [this year] at Blossoms of Light is the Henry Moore sculptures,” Jones adds. The sculptures aren't decorated or lit up for the holidays, but there are spotlights on them, so people who have seen the artworks during the day can get a whole new perspective at night. There will also be ice sculptures at Blossoms of Light, and Jones says that the Gardens has beefed up the romance, opening the Romantic Gardens Courtyard for the display and offering nightly live entertainment to set the mood (check the website for a calendar of who's playing). Plus, there are dozens of desserts and hot chocolate flavors available at the bistro, making Blossoms of Light a lovely dinner-and-a-walk date night.

Trail of Lights at Chatfield, Jones explains, is still family-oriented, “but this year, we're making sure we have something for everyone.” That includes a fabulous light display highlighting the antique and model tractors at the Chatfield Botanic Gardens, plus a playhouse exhibit and holiday decorations on the old 1880s homestead on site.

Blossoms of Light runs nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street; Trail of Lights is open Wednesday through Sunday evenings from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton. Admission is $6.50 to $9.50, and both displays are open through January 2, 2011. Visit www.botanicgardens.org for information.
Dec. 3-Jan. 2, 5:30-9:30 p.m., 2010