Best Christmas Lights In Denver: A Local’s Guide

Denver does Christmas lights really well — whether you want free public displays you can wander through after dinner or over-the-top ticketed events with miles of bulbs. As a local, these are the spots I always recommend to friends visiting for the holidays. They’re easy to get to, fun to bundle up for, and genuinely festive without feeling over the top.

Below is a breakdown of the best Christmas lights in Denver, organized by public displays, ticketed light events in the city, nearby light shows, and a few neighborhoods where the locals go all-in.

Public Christmas Lights In Denver

Union Station

Union Station does classic Christmas decor better than almost anywhere downtown. The exterior is wrapped in lights, and the big outdoor tree sits right on the plaza. Inside, the Great Hall feels cozy with wreaths, garlands, and twinkling lights — it’s a nice warm-up spot if you’re walking around downtown at night.

Where is this? Union Station is located in LoDo at 1701 Wynkoop Street, next to the A-Line train and plenty of bars and restaurants.

Denver City & County Building

This is Denver’s most iconic holiday display, hands down. The entire building is lit in bold colors with animated light transitions that cycle every few minutes. It’s bright, theatrical, and feels very Christmas.

Where is this? The building sits directly across from Civic Center Park at 1437 Bannock Street — you can easily see this display from the Denver Chriskindlmarket.

Note: The Denver Chriskindlmarket has temporary moved to the Auraria Campus while Civic Center Park undergoes an extensive renovation.

Nightly Mile High Drone Show

Denver recently launched a nightly holiday drone show as part of the Mile High Holidays programming. The drones create holiday-themed animations above Civic Center Park — trees, snowflakes, gifts — plus images that locals will love, like Blucifer and the Big Blue Bear. It’s every night at 7 pm and lasts about 10 – 15 minutes. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already seeing the City & County Building lights.

Where is this? Look toward Civic Center Park between the Capitol and City & County Building, the show is visible from many spots throughout downtown.

McGregor Square

McGregor Square feels especially festive during the holidays thanks to its giant Christmas tree, ice skating rink, and open plaza surrounded by restaurants. It’s a great spot to warm up between downtown activities or grab a drink while watching skaters.

The atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming, and the tree makes for some of the best holiday photos in LoDo.

Where is this? McGregor Square is located next to Coors Field in LoDo, at 1901 Wazee Street.

Tip: For more ice skating in Denver, check out Ice Skating In Denver: Top Outdoor Rinks.

16th Street

16th Street lines its newer pedestrian sections with overhead lights, glowing trees, and holiday accents. It’s a classic downtown walk — especially if you’re hopping between restaurants, grabbing hot chocolate, or doing some quick gift shopping.

A few must-sees include the Denver Clock Tower and Skyline Rink, both located at 16th & Arapahoe. And don’t miss other nearby attractions like the gorgeous Denver Gas & Electric Building at 15th & Champa.

Where is this? The lights run the length of the mall between Union Station and the Denver Pavilions along 16th Street.

Note: The Denver Skyline Rink is closed for the 2025 season due to park reconstruction, but the holiday lights in the area will still be on display as usual.

Cherry Creek North

Cherry Creek North always feels upscale during the holidays, and the lights match that vibe. The whole neighborhood — especially the storefront-lined paths around Fillmore Plaza — is covered in tasteful white lights and elegant winter decor. It’s a great place to wander with a hot drink or squeeze in some holiday shopping.

Where is this? Cherry Creek North sits just southeast of downtown, roughly between 1st and 3rd Avenues and University to Steele Streets.

Denver Christkindlmarket & Mile High Tree

The Christkindlmarket is technically an event, but the lights are free to enjoy even if you don’t buy anything. The market stalls feel warm and festive, and the accompanying Mile High Tree is the star — a massive light structure you can step inside to watch the synchronized light show from below. 

The tree plays a rotating light-and-music program every few minutes, with patterns that shift between classic holiday colors and more modern designs. It’s one of the most impressive holiday displays downtown.

Where is this? Both the Christkindlmarket and Mile High Tree are at Civic Center Park, right downtown across from the City & County Building.

Note: The Chriskindlmarket and Mile High Tree are temporarily located on the Auraria Campus while Civic Center Park undergoes renovation.

For more information, check out Denver Christkindlmarket: Tips & Everything To Know.

Parade Of Lights

The annual 9 News Parade of Lights is a long-running Denver tradition featuring massive illuminated floats, marching bands, dance groups, balloons, and performers moving through the streets of downtown. It takes place only one night in early December, and people start lining the sidewalks well before the start time to claim a good viewing spot. 

It’s family-friendly and easily one of the biggest holiday events in the city.

Where is this? The parade route starts near Civic Center Park and winds through downtown streets like 14th, Tremont, and Arapahoe.

Larimer Square

Larimer Square keeps it simple but timeless: canopy lights strung across the entire block, a large festive tree, and restaurants spilling out onto the sidewalks. It’s one of the prettiest streets in Denver year-round, but the holiday lights make it feel extra charming.

Where is this? Located between 14th and 15th Streets on Larimer, right in the heart of downtown.

Christmas Light Events In Denver

Blossoms Of Light At Denver Botanic Gardens

Blossoms of Light turns the Botanic Gardens into a glowing, colorful winter garden. It’s all about light tunnels, vibrant installations, and reflective ponds — nothing kitschy, just really thoughtfully designed displays. This one sells out fast, so be sure to book early.

How to book: Purchase timed-entry tickets at Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light.

Denver Zoo Lights

Zoo Lights is one of Denver’s most popular holiday traditions, featuring huge animal-themed light sculptures and winding illuminated pathways. The lights cover a large portion of the zoo, so expect a good amount of walking — but it’s one of the most immersive displays in the city.

You can expect to see a few animals as well, which is always a hit with the little ones.

How to book: Tickets are available at Denver Zoo Lights and must be purchased ahead of time for a specific date and entry time.

Elitch Gardens’ Elitch Holidays (formerly Luminova Holidays)

Elitch Gardens hosts a holiday lights experience with millions of lights, walk-through tunnels, oversized ornaments, and seasonal displays spread throughout the park. Some rides typically operate during the event, which adds a fun twist if you’re going with kids or a group.

How to book: Tickets are sold through at Elitch Gardens Holidays.

Christmas Light Events Near Denver

Holiday Lights Mini Golf – Adventure Golf & Raceway

Westminster (about 20 minutes / 12 miles from Denver)

Adventure Golf transforms into a brightly lit holiday mini-golf course, with themed holes wrapped in lights, glowing sculptures, and plenty of whimsical holiday decor. It’s casual, fun, and one of the more budget-friendly holiday activities near Denver.

How to book: Tickets can be booked online through Adventure Golf & Raceway.

Christmas In Color – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Morrison (about 25 minutes / 15 miles from Denver)

This drive-through light show winds through Red Rocks Park, with synchronized displays, tunnels, and animated lights set to music. While it doesn’t go into the amphitheatre itself, the setting makes it a pretty memorable experience.

How to book: Reserve a time slot online at Christmas In Color Red Rocks.

Christmas In Color – Water World

Federal Heights (about 20 minutes / 11 miles from Denver)

Another drive-through version of Christmas in Color, this one is closer to Denver and slightly longer. Expect the same style of musical light tunnels, dancing trees, and animated displays — great for families or anyone who wants a low-effort, warm-car experience.

How to book: Timed-entry slots are available on the Christmas in Color Water World.

Trail of Lights – Chatfield Farms

Littleton (about 35 minutes / 21 miles from Denver)

Trail of Lights is the more rustic, spread-out version of the Blossoms of Light. It’s held at the Chatfield Farms location of the Botanic Gardens, with winding wooded paths, light tunnels, and a charming barn area. It feels more like a winter stroll than a downtown attraction.

How to book: Tickets are timed-entry and available at Trail of Lights – Botanic Gardens.

Hudson Holidays – Hudson Gardens

Littleton (about 25 minutes / 15 miles from Denver)

Hudson Holidays covers the gardens with giant illuminated displays, color-changing sculptures, and themed sections that look great in photos. It’s spacious, easy to walk, and feels a little more relaxed than the downtown events.

How to book: Tickets are available through Hudson Gardens Holiday.

Illuminated Christmas Ride – Colorado Rail Bike Adventures

Erie (about 30 minutes / 25 miles from Denver)

This one is unique — you pedal a rail bike along a decorated track lined with lights, tunnels, and glowing holiday scenes. It’s active but not strenuous, and it feels more interactive than most light events. Dress warm but with breathable base layers.

How to book: Reservations are required at Colorado Rail Bike Adventures. Pricing is per railbike, and each bike fits up to four people, so it’s most cost-effective to go with a group of four.

Denver Neighborhoods For Residential Christmas Lights

In Denver neighborhoods you’ll find creative light displays, community spirit, and houses trying to out-do each other in the best way.

If you want to wander through decorated residential streets, these neighborhoods are consistently strong, just keep in mind that lights are spread out so it may take a bit of exploring to find the best houses.

Highlands

The Highlands area (especially around Highlands Square and the Victorian homes north of 32nd Ave) usually goes heavy on classic string lights, porch displays, and big front-yard decor. It’s a great area for a slow drive or a bundled-up walk.

Sloan’s Lake

Sloan’s Lake has pockets of enthusiastic homes, specifically on the north, south, and east sides of the lake. Nothing is overly done — it’s more of a cozy neighborhood vibe with fun inflatables, roofline lights, and a few standout houses each year.

Capitol Hill

Cap Hill’s older homes and historic mansions make holiday lights look extra dramatic. You’ll see everything from simply lit rooflines to full themed displays. Driving is possible here, but walking lets you appreciate the architecture.

Park Hill

One of the best neighborhoods for holiday spirit. Many streets in Park Hill line up with blocks of decorated homes, and some years individual houses put on surprise displays that draw small local crowds. It’s very family-friendly and great for an evening stroll.

Iconic Residential Christmas Displays Near Denver

There are also a handful of iconic residential displays around the Denver metro area — the kind of homes locals drive to every year because they’re just that over the top. If you want to add a few can’t-miss stops to your night, here are some of the most popular:

• Onstott Christmas Extravaganza — 10046 Fraser St., Commerce City
• Arvada Light Show — 8205 W. 66th Ave., Arvada 
• The Gingerbread House — 10221 S. Fairgate Way, Highlands Ranch
• Cottoncreek Manor — 9971 Cottoncreek Dr., Highlands Ranch
• Star Wars: The Battle for the North Pole — 9973 Blackbird Place, Highlands Ranch
• It’s A Wonderful Light — 4822 S. Picadilly Ct., Aurora
• Stricker’s Winter Wonderland — 6636 S. Lafayette St., Centennial
• Greeley Holidaze House — 1712 37th Ave., Greeley

Denver goes all-in on holiday lights, and many of the best displays are easy to pair with dinner, a holiday market, or a winter walk. Whether you stick to the free downtown lights or splurge on a ticketed event, you’ll find plenty of ways to make December feel festive without leaving the city.

Any questions? Feel free to comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Denver Christmas guides and Colorado guides!

Additional Denver Christmas Guides:

• Best Things To Do In Denver During Christmas
• Christmas Pop-Up Bars In Denver
• Denver Christkindlmarket: Tips & Everything To Know
• Ice Skating In Denver: Top Outdoor Rinks
• Winter In Denver: The Best Things To Do
• Winter Weekend In Denver Guide
• All Denver Guides

More Colorado Guides:

• Top Towns For Christmas In Colorado
• Best Winter Destinations In Colorado
• Cities & Regional Hubs In Colorado (for visitors!)
• Colorado Travel Guide (everything to know for visitors!)
• All Colorado Guides