Colorado looks like a fairy tale in the winter. With snow blanketing the mountains and twinkling lights illuminating the buildings in historic mining towns, Christmas is an excellent time to visit the Centennial State. From Fort Collins to Colorado Springs, millions of lights illuminate the cities, filling people's hearts with Christmas cheer.
Downtown Denver Grand Illumination (November 22, 2023–early January)
Downtown Denver Grand Illumination transforms the Mile High City during the holidays. Starting from the beautiful Union Station to the City and County Building—everything is shimmering, sparkling, and glowing. The 110-foot (34-m) Mile High Tree on the 16th Street Mall at Welton Street gets illuminated in late November and stays like that until early January. Downtown Denver has also been hosting the 9NEWS Parade of Lights since 1975. A multi-week extravaganza of activities encompasses the downtown area, from Denver Pavilions to Union Station. The traditional floats are displayed across downtown for over a month, starting in late November.
A Hudson Christmas in Littleton (November 24–December 31, 2023, on selected days)
Hudson Gardens near Littleton, 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Denver, light up the holidays with thousands of dazzling Christmas lights. A Hudson Christmas is a favorite holiday tradition for local families, where you can watch Christmas trees dancing to holiday music. Explore winter wonderland adorned with thousands of Christmas lights where the trails burst with light and color, creating Christmas spirit and warmth. Kids can have a visit with Santa and share their holiday wishes, drink a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy many photo opportunities.
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens (November 17, 2023–January 7, 2024)
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular Christmas displays in Denver. The Botanic Gardens lights turn on at 5:30 pm and people rush to walk around illuminated alleys and observe the central display, which is a large field of LED lights synchronized to music and animation. Warm drinks and live entertainment are also available. For a socially safe visit, timed tickets must be purchased in advance.
Old Town Fort Collins Christmas Lights (November 3, 2022 – February 14, 2024)
Old Town Fort Collins, stretching for about seven blocks, is glowing with thousands of white light garlands, covering archways, alleys, and treetops. The restaurants and shop windows are no less beautiful, creating the atmosphere of a winter wonderland. Lights are abundant on College Ave., Laporte Ave., Magnolia St., Walnut Ave, Linden St., and Pine St. The newly renovated Old Town Square, one of the main gathering spots in the city, features various entertainment and activities.
Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade (December 9, 2023)
Every December, the Colorado Springs holiday tradition gathers crowds of spectators. About 60,000 people flock into the streets to watch 3,000 participants in the parade, a stunning display of lights, music, and performances. Bands, floats, horses, cultural and artistic programs, and festivities make this event so special. Colorado Springs Festival of Light Parade starts at the intersection of Tejon St and St. Vrain St in Downtown Colorado Springs and ends at the intersection of Tejon St and Vermijo Ave. In addition to the parade, the festival includes cultural and artistic programs, performances, and other festivities that are meant to educate and entertain the general public.
Parade of Lights in Louisville, Colorado (December 1, 2023)
The Parade of Lights in Louisville is an annual Christmas festival in Historic Downtown Louisville on Main Street. Numerous gleaming floats, walking groups of people, dancers, and marching bands help you immerse yourself into the spectacular holiday spirit flat-out. The show starts at 7:00 pm on the first Friday in December.
Yuletide Lights Driving Tour in Estes Park (November 18–December 31, 2023)
Seeing Estes Park in the winter is indeed a unique experience, especially, when it gets illuminated by holiday lights. Take a driving tour through the scenic mountains and enjoy the lights displayed by various businesses and homes. The best time for Yuletide Lights Tour is from early December to New Year's Day. At this time, Estes Park Village is decorated the best. In addition, you can enjoy plenty of winter-time activities, like sledding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing.
