Denver Botanic Gardens and Chatfield Farms Light Up the Night

Delight in the season with two stunning displays of light and color.

7 hours ago

CHL Staff,

Photo: Courtesy Denver Botanic Gardens. © Scott Dressel-Martin

Each winter as the holiday season arrives, magical light shows illuminate crisp Colorado evenings. Denver Botanic Gardens has been lighting up the night for decades—40 years, to be exact.

Blossoms of Light® at the York Street location celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Consistently ranked among the country’s best light shows, this year’s event spans the 24-acre campus with evolving displays, including a fan-favorite 200-foot-long, 17-foot-tall tunnel of animated lights at the entrance. The entire installation now uses LED lights, in line with the Gardens’ commitment to sustainability.

Photo: Courtesy Denver Botanic Gardens. © Scott Dressel-Martin

Preparing the show is no small feat. Planning starts in February, about a month after the event closes, and specialty colors often must be ordered six to eight months in advance. Custom-strung light elements are built by hand in summer, with light installation beginning around Labor Day.

Guests will find photo-worthy moments everywhere—from cottonwoods draped in light to synchronized musical lightscapes, and shimmering water-reflections. Warm up mid-walk with seasonal drinks and treats at the Hive Garden Bistro and Offshoots Café.

Photo: Courtesy Denver Botanic Gardens. © Scott Dressel-Martin

New for 2025 is a “birthday” night to celebrate the show’s 40th on December 3. Favorite elements from past years will enhance the experience, like carolers, roasted nuts for purchase and free Holospex glasses to see the displays in a whole new light.

You can even book Blossoms of Light for holiday parties. Indoor event spaces overlook the illuminated gardens, and the cost of admission is included. For bookings, contact private.events@botanicgardens.org.

Photo: Courtesy Denver Botanic Gardens. © Scott Dressel-Martin

If you prefer a more rural, foothills setting, Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms in Littleton offers a contrasting but equally enchanting experience. This display weaves through cottonwoods, boxelders and pines on the grounds of an 1880s homestead.

Expect dancing lighted Christmas trees, antique tractors aglow, light tunnels and displays synchronized to music. Historical buildings are nestled on the grounds among the displays, like the nineteenth-century Deer Creek Schoolhouse, Polly Steele Center and Hildebrand Ranch house.

To complement your stroll, purchase tasty treats like hot beverages, kettle corn, roasted nuts, fudge and caramels. From November 21 – December 24, shop the Holiday Market in the newly opened Welcome Center.

Just as with Blossoms of Lights, Trail of Lights is available as a unique and spectacular setting for your event. Give your guests a truly illuminating end-of-year celebration. To learn more, contact chatfieldrentals@botanicgardens.org.

Whether you’re wandering the immersive, urban spectacle of Blossoms of Light or meandering under starry skies at Trail of Lights, Denver Botanic Gardens delivers two beautifully luminous ways to celebrate the season.

Blossoms of Light and Trail of Lights run nightly, November 21, 2025 – January 11, 2026. Closed November 27 and December 25. Tickets for both events must be purchased in advance online, as there are no walk-up sales on event nights. Get tickets and information at botanicgardens.org.