Seven Places to See Holiday Lights in Denver

It never quite feels like the holidays until Christmas lights start twinkling around Denver and the Denver City & County Building glows like a color-blind kid's birthday cake. Most of the big shows will stay up through January 1, which gives you plenty of time to see Denver all-aglow. Keep reading for places where you can get lit through Christmas...and beyond.

A Hudson Christmas
Hudson Gardens
Ghrough December 31
The stunning Hudson Gardens show opened last month and now it's nightly, with thousands of twinkling lights in the trees, visits with Santa (through December 23) and endless paths filled with dazzling displays of color and sound. Find out more here.

Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms
Now through January 1
For a more rustic vibe, head to the Denver Botanic Gardens' Chatfield Farms for animal and insect light sculptures, a magical enchanted forest, craft nights (during select evenings), lighted tunnels, hayrides and tasty treats. And don't miss the sixty-foot cottonwood tree with more than 35,000 lights. Tickets are available online or at the ticket booth in the Chatfield Farms parking lot; the holiday spectacle runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. daily through January 1. For more information, visit the event's website.
Blossoms of Light
Denver Botanic Gardens
Through January 1
Through January 1, the Denver Botanic Gardens invites everyone to its York Street location from 5:30 to 9 p.m. daily to embrace the holiday season at Blossoms of Light. This annual display features over a million colorful lights draped in designs throughout the site. Enjoy sparkling passages and new displays, all enhanced through HoloSpex glasses. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available for purchase. For more information, visit the Denver Botanic Gardens website. Buy tickets online or at the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center; members receive two complimentary tickets to both Blossoms of Light at York Street and Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms.
Zoo Lights
Denver Zoo
Through January 1
The Denver Zoo's annual Zoo Lights have illuminated the zoo (all sixty acres of it), and visitors can interact with animals and Santa. Find out more here.

Keep reading for more places to see lights through the end of the year.
Lights in the Lobby
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
Ongoing
Take your family to the Brown Palace's iconic lobby, which is decorated with more than 130 poinsettias, 100,000 LED lights and 4,800 ornaments. Don’t miss the massive chandelier suspended from the stained-glass ceiling of the eight-story lobby; it's covered in more than 10,000 beads. Visitors can enjoy holiday decorations over cocktails and small plates in the atrium from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m.; seating is available on a first-come basis. For more information, visit the Brown Palace website.

Holiday Lights Mini Golf
Ongoing
During the holidays, more than 100,000 lights adorn the Adventure Golf & Raceway, which offers seasonal treats like s'mores, hot chocolate and snack items — and 54 holes of miniature golf. Head to the park between 5:30 and 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday to catch the lights. (Note: The park is closed on
Christmas Eve and Christmas.) For more information, visit the Adventure Golf & Raceway website.

Living Lights
Butterfly Pavilion
Through January 7
The Butterfly Pavilion becomes a true winter wonderland in late December, with a twinkling rainforest and the Moonlit Moths. You can look at the lights inside, or stroll around the lit-up grounds, and enjoy a winter warmer at the outdoor cafe. Find out more here.

And don't forget the free, annual New Year's Eve fireworks show, downtown at 9 p.m. and midnight on December 31!