Denver Botanic Gardens Knows How to Make the Season Bright

Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. ©Scott Dressel-Martin

Once the air turns crisp and the corn mazes and pumpkin patches have closed, the Denver metro area begins to twinkle in anticipation of the holiday season. Denver Botanic Gardens and Chatfield Farms are experts at making this time of year merry and bright.

For more than 30 years, Denver Botanic Gardens has been lighting up the Cheesman Park neighborhood with Blossoms of Light. This stunning light show has been ranked by CNN ranked as one of the top places to see lights in the country.

Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. ©Scott Dressel-Martin

Each year, the display includes new elements as well as returning favorites. The path begins as you enter a 200-foot-long, 17-foot-tall tunnel of glittering lights, and the spectacle of color, animation, music and festive vignettes ensure a dazzling experience until the very end. Illuminated 100 percent with LED lights, Blossoms of Light aligns with the Gardens’ core value of sustainability. 

It takes months to dress the Gardens in this luminous splendor. Lights start going up around Labor Day and work continues until the event opens in mid-November. Planning each year’s display can start as early as February. Custom-strung lights are built by hand starting in early summer. Unusual light colors, such as teal or purple, must be ordered 6-8 months in advance because manufacturers produce limited quantities each year. 

Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. ©Scott Dressel-Martin

Offshoots Café and the Hive Garden Bistro are open during the event, so you can warm up with hot drinks and seasonal specials. If you like your lights in a less urban environment, visit Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms in Littleton, right off C-470 & Wadsworth Boulevard. Here, tucked against the foothills, the glistening, winding path illuminates the countryside. 

Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. ©Scott Dressel-Martin

Bejeweled cottonwoods, boxelders and evergreens line the pathway through the 1880s historical homestead. Singing Christmas trees, illuminated antique tractors, light tunnels, and lights synchronized to music round out a stunning light display that will have you feeling like you’ve escaped into a winter wonderland—without having to conquer mountain traffic.

Toasted nuts and kettle corn are available for purchase. Visit the warming hut midway through the trail and find an assortment of fudge and caramels to sweeten your visit. Cozy up to the firepit and get toasty with decadent hot chocolate while the snow falls.  

Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. ©Scott Dressel-Martin

New this year, a pop-up Holiday Market will make your Trail of Lights experience even jollier! Experience gorgeous lights and cross some gifts off your list at the same time.

• The Holiday Market runs Nov. 24-27, Dec. 1-3, 8-10 and 15-17
• Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens runs nightly, Nov. 17 – Jan. 7. Closed Nov. 23 and Dec. 25
• Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms runs select nights: Fridays – Sundays, Nov. 24 – Dec. 10, then nightly from Dec. 15 – Jan. 1. Closed Dec. 25

Tickets for each event must be purchased in advance at botanicgardens.org.