By Liana Moore Is Colorado home for the holidays? The holidays are a magical time of year throughout our snowy state, and it is the perfect time to take advantage of the holiday school schedule and head down to see light extravaganzas and other holiday festivities in Denver. Here are the brightest Denver holiday light displays and most festive events to choose from.
Blossoms of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens’ light events return with festive cheer during the holiday season. This marks the 30th year of Blossoms of Light at the York Street location. From Nov. 23, 2018 to Jan. 1, 2019 from 5 to 9 p.m., this annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms the York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland. With fresh and exciting new features, along with some fan favorites, this year’s display will be brighter and more expansive than ever before.
This lights extravaganza has new features and more lights, including a refreshed interactive light display in the UMB Amphitheater. The field of LED lights is sound reactive, allowing visitors to change the color themes and movement patterns between pre-programmed holiday song cycles. In addition, carolers stroll the Gardens on select evenings.
Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
Zoo Lights is back for its 28th year, and sure to be bigger and better than ever. Running until Sunday, Jan. 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the holiday magic spans across over 70 acres. This Denver holiday spectacular boasts more than two million lights, nightly entertainment, sweet treats, animal encounters and a Festival of Lanterns. Plus illuminated animal sculptures swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected.
Grand Illumination Kicks Off Holidays at Union Station
Denver Union Station officially launched the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 23, with Denver’s Grand Illumination celebration. Visitors won’t want to miss the landmark train station’s new outdoor Christmas tree, a 40-foot tall tree featuring more than 7,000 holiday lights.
Denver Union Station will be hosting several festive events throughout the holiday season.
The Union Station Holiday Market by Denver Flea is a ticketed event featuring a variety of wide variety of locally made goods including outdoor gear from Mountain Standard, local honey from Bjorn’s Colorado Honey and jewelry from Harper Made. The Holiday Market will be held on the outdoor plaza with two remaining weekends: Friday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 9 and Friday, Dec. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018.
Free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 9th, Dec. 16th and Dec. 23. Sundaes with Santa are also available from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Enjoy a make-your-own-sundae bar featuring a variety of sauces and toppings for $5 per person.
LIGHT! at Gaylord Rockies
New this year, LIGHT! at Gaylord Rockies is a free spectacular interactive holiday experience immersing visitors in color, fanciful patterns, and wondrous light. Walk through indoor and outdoor paths of magical illumination and music.
A forest of fully lit, color-changing trees, colorful lights and dancing snowflakes …read more
Via:: Vail Daily