Light up the Night at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Whether or not the weather is frightful is debatable, but once the holidays roll around, there’s one thing everyone can agree on: Festive light shows make the season magical.

Denver Botanic Gardens lights up the Denver metro area with Blossoms of Light each winter. Ranked by CNN as one of the top places to see lights in the country, this stunning light show has enchanted families for more than 30 years.

The display includes new elements and returning favorites, such as a jaw-dropping 200-foot-long, 17-foot-tall tunnel of animated lights at the path’s entrance, which debuted in 2021. Illuminated nearly 100 percent with LED lights, Blossoms of Light is also more sustainable than ever. For the Gardens, it is crucial to not only put on a spectacular show but also be mindful of the event’s impact.

It takes months to dress Denver Botanic 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 begin 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.

Instagram-worthy photo ops are plentiful. From soaring cottonwoods that look to be dipped in sugar to a lightscape synchronized to music, there is holiday magic everywhere you look.  

Warm up with hot drinks and food specials at the Hive Garden Bistro and continue along the rest of the path.

Blossoms of Light is available to book for holiday parties, too. Indoor spaces offer views of the lights for a truly spectacular end-of-year celebration. Blossoms of Light tickets are included. Contact private.events@botanicgardens.org for more information. 

If you like your lights in a less urban environment, visit Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms in Littleton. Here, tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights can be seen for miles. 

Glistening cottonwoods, box elders and pine trees 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 illuminates the Colorado countryside. 

Hot beverages, roasted nuts and kettle corn are available for purchase. Imagine the crisp Colorado air tinged with the scent of sweet and salty popcorn and a cozy cup of hot chocolate!

Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens runs nightly, Nov. 18 – Jan. 7. Closed Nov. 24 and Dec. 25.

Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms runs select nights, Nov. 25 – Jan. 1. Closed Dec. 25. See website for exact dates.

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