Best Christmas Lights: Denver Neighborhoods Go Neon for the Holidays

The invention of outdoor Christmas lights took place in Denver in 1914, so it makes sense that, more than 100 years later, there are still tons of incredible places to see holiday light displays around town.

From Denver neighborhoods that go all out to individual people who put on some of the most famous holiday displays in the country, the Mile High City has it all. The suburbs shape up, too, with stunning lights in places such as Arvada, Commerce City and even in the mountains, where Loveland's Winter Wonderlights show shines.

It's not just Santas and reindeer (though there are several giant inflatable Santas hanging around Denver's neighborhoods this year). Displays include flamingos, gorillas, Batman and many other exciting creatures, too.

Plus, the Christmas light fun won't end right after the 25th, or even when January rolls around. The City and County Building will stay lit all the way through the National Western Stock Show to keep the holiday spirit rolling and celebrate another Denver tradition.

Whether you just want to hop in the car and drive around a neighborhood or you want a full, immersive Christmas lights experience, Denver has you covered — and Westword does, too, with this list of some of the top places to see illuminated displays this holiday season.

Drive Down Washington Street for Some Wows

Washington Park is known as one of Denver's best parks and the street bearing the same name a few blocks west is bringing the A-game this December, with plenty of light displays created by regular people that will amaze you.

The 1200 through 1700 blocks are exceptional, with the city center at your back or gleaming ahead. You'll get to cling to the Christmas Spirit even if you've just left a showing of one of the many Christmas productions at the Denver Performing Arts Center.

Farther down the street, the good vibes keep rolling with the stretch from Alameda to Interstate 25 providing even more fun and multiple gargantuan Santas, including one who presides over several cars also decked out in the Title's Reliable Auto Body parking lot.

Past I-25 the joy doesn't stop, with the Platt Park neighborhood absolutely showing out. That's where we suggest diverting from Washington and perusing some of the neighboring streets to really get into the holiday mindset. You won't be disappointed.

The Flamingo House

Lincoln Street
One of Denver's most loved Christmas light displays is the "flamingo house" on Lincoln. Every year, this yard is lit up with tons of lights around the central theme of the gorgeous pink birds, and we always look forward to it.

Country Club Lights Shine Bright

Those who dedicate themselves to Christmas lights can't be afraid of their Xcel Energy electric bills, so if you're looking for some great holiday light displays, you'll probably have the best luck where wealthy people live. The holidays truly unite our society, because we aren't up for eating the rich in December. Instead, we want to feast our eyes on their stunning light displays. Head to the Country Club neighborhood for some of Denver's most stunning residential light displays atop some of the most stately houses in the city.

Cherry Hills Provides the Thrills

Speaking of finding where the rich people are and looking at their holiday displays, Cherry Hills should be on your list this December. Long known as a haven for celebrities and athletes, including Peyton Manning, the Cherry Hills neighborhood does have private security. But if you can find your way in, you won't be disappointed.

It's a Wonderful Light

4822 South Picadilly Court, Aurora
Each year, Corey Christiansen (who goes by Corey Claus for the holidays) decorates his Aurora home with thousands of LED lights. The 2024 total includes more than 100,000 bulbs, all dedicated to raising awareness for the autism community and money for the Autism Society of Colorado. On December 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., Christiansen invites visitors to his home to take photos with Batman and other superheroes and enjoy the light display with free hot chocolate and live music. The event is free, but visitors are encouraged to make donations to the ASC.

The Gingerbread House

10221 South Fairgate Way, Highlands Ranch
The Hazard family is known for its gingerbread-themed Christmas light display in Highlands Ranch. In fact, the display is so well known that the family competed on ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2023. Although they didn't win, their Christmas display is up again in 2024, ready to wow the many onlookers who count visiting the home among their holiday traditions.

Zoo Lights

2300 Steele Street

Until January 7, the Denver Zoo will be decked out in enthralling Christmas lights thanks to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. The zoo is pretty big, you might be thinking. And you're right: This light display boasts over 3 million LED lights! Seasonal craft cocktails and treats and immersive light installations contribute to the fun of this wild experience. Tickets start at $25 for adults and seniors and $18 for kids three and up (kids ages two and under get in free) and can be purchased at DenverZoo.org.  

Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
1007 York Street

As if the Denver Botanic Gardens weren't already gorgeous enough, Blossoms of Light transforms the place into glowing pockets of joy. Blossoms of Light runs through January 12, so there's plenty of time to catch the show this holiday season. The lights are on from 4:50 to 9 p.m. nightly and cost $18 to $31 (entry is free for children two and under). Buy tickets at botanicgardens.org.

Mile High Tree and City and County Building

Civic Center Park The Denver City and County Building stays lit through the end of the Stock Show on January 26, with nightly light and music shows from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m., and right in front of City Hall is the Mile High Tree. The tree is 110 feet tall and changes in accordance with holiday music. Those who are willing to pay can even go inside the tree.

Holiday Lights Mini Golf

9650 Sheridan Boulevard, Westminster
Mini golf is a good time for the whole family. Adventure Golf and Raceway in Westminster elevates that good time with holiday lights on every course from 5 to 9 p.m. through January 5.

Winter Wonderlights in Loveland

5995 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland
Each night through January 1, Loveland's Chapungu Sculpture Park will be illuminated with over 200,000 Christmas lights set to music from 5 to 9 p.m. There are two more chances to see a special live event at Winter Wonderlights: Friday, December 13, and Saturday, December 14, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event is free.