Christmas Lights in Denver 2024-2025

Marvelling at massive light displays is a cherished holiday tradition, and Denver has plenty of spots for walks and drives. So don't miss the chance to see beautiful Colorado Christmas lights, as they are usually gone by New Year's Eve!

9NEWS Parade of Lights (December 7, 2024)

Downtown Denver has been hosting the 9NEWS Parade of Lights since 1975. Denver's favorite community tradition features more than 40 illuminated floats, giant inflatables, marching bands, equestrian units, and a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa. The live parade starts at 6 p.m., but for those who can't make it downtown, 9NEWS broadcasts the show live on the day of the parade. Additionally, the channel rebroadcasts the parade throughout the entire month of December.

Grand Illumination (November 29, 2024)

The annual Grand Illumination at Denver Union Station is a must-see during the holidays. The facade of the city's landmark transforms into a shimmering canvas each night from late November through late December. The highlight of the show is a 40-foot (12-m) tall Christmas tree adorned with 7,000 lights. In addition to the festive light display, you can enjoy regular visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event starts at 4 pm.

Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens (November 20, 2024 – January 12, 2025; closed November 28 and December 25)

Visiting Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular Christmas traditions in Denver. The Botanic Gardens lights turn on at 4:30 pm until 9:45 pm, and people rush to walk around its 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. To visit, you must purchase a ticket online for a specific time and date. Tickets won't be available at the door.

Denver Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo (early December 2024 – early January 2025)

Denver Zoo Lights is the city's 'wildest' annual light display. Marvelous light installations featuring animals, cartoon characters, and holiday symbols cover 80 acres (32 ha). Live music, animal sightings, and festive food and drinks entertain visitors. The highlights of this seasonal attraction include animated sculptures and Santa's residence. Tickets are available exclusively online and tend to sell out quickly.

Hudson Holidays (December 8, 2024 – late December 2024)

Hudson Gardens & Event Center in Littleton, some 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Denver, hosts a dazzling holiday event—A Hudson Christmas. On select dates throughout December, visitors can enjoy Christmas trees, dance to traditional holiday music, walk along the tate December rails decorated with thousands of lights, and visit Santa.

Adult tickets for Hudson Holidays cost $20, children's tickets (ages 3-12) are $15, and senior tickets (ages 65 and above) are $18. Kids under 3 have free admission. Doors open at 5 pm, дast entry at 8:30 pm.

Luminova Holidays (November 29 – December 31 2024)

Surrounded by millions of dazzling lights, Luminova Holidays is the winner of Visit Denver's Mile High Holidays Star Award. Over 400,000 square feet (37,161 square meters) of outdoor entertainment welcome guests to Elitch Gardens from Sunday to Friday, 5 to 9 pm, and on Saturday, 4 to 9 pm. Guests will have the chance to immerse themselves in a winter wonderland by enjoying twinkling snowmen that never melt, a 300-ft. (92 m) candy cane tunnel, numerous photo ops, and Ferris Wheel rides. Any day ticket costs $19.99. Luminova Holidays offers fun activities for families and friends to create lasting memories.

The Mile High Tree (November 22 – December 31, 2024)

Standing at 110 feet (33.5 m) tall and 39 feet (12 m) in diameter, the seven-story Mile High Tree presented by Xfinity—10 feet (3 m) taller than Rockefeller Center's tallest tree—is composed of 60,000 LED lights. Up to 140 guests can watch the free evening light shows set to multicultural holiday music at Civic Center Park. The shows start every 15 minutes from 5 to 10 pm daily. Various parking options are available, from parking meters to garages to small surface lots.

Krampus in Denver (early December, 2024)

For a spooky twist and a touch of horror in your Christmas merriment, consider visiting any of Krampus celebrations in Denver. The folkloric figure of Krampus originated from Germany, and each December 5th, he punishes children for misbehaving. With horns and fangs, the character inspired a haunted house experience in the city, a burlesque show, and an adult-oriented show.