Light up the Night with Blossoms of Light
Each year, Denver Botanic Gardens lights up the Denver metro area
Blossoms of Light at York Street
When the weather gets a frosty chill, it means one thing: the most magical time of the year has begun! Each year, Denver Botanic Gardens lights up the Denver metro area with Blossoms of Light, the stunning light show that CNN ranked as one of the top places to see lights in the country.
Blossoms of Light at York Street
Now in its third decade, Blossoms of Light is illuminated nearly 100 percent with LED lights, making it more sustainable than ever. For the Gardens, which includes sustainability among its core values, this is an important milestone.
Each year, the display includes new elements as well as fan favorites, making it an annual tradition that won’t disappoint. This year, an incredible 200-foot-long, 17-foot-tall tunnel of animated lights wows visitors at the path’s entrance.
Blossoms of Light at York Street
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 the display starts as early as the winter prior. 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.
Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Instagram-worthy photo ops are plentiful. From soaring cottonwoods that look like they’ve been dipped in sugar to a light-scape synchronized to music to colorful lights shimmering in water displays, there is holiday magic everywhere you look.
Hungry? Warm up with hot drinks and food specials at the Hive Garden Bistro and then 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.
Looking for something farther south of Denver? Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms in Littleton offers a stunning light display that illuminates the Colorado countryside.
Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights can be seen for miles. Glistening cottonwoods, boxelders and pine trees line the pathway through the 1880s historical homestead, singing Christmas trees, illuminated antique tractors, and lights synchronized to music.
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!
Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Blossoms of Light and Trail of Lights take place entirely outdoors, so pull on your puffy coat and get ready to experience a winterland that will leave you full of wonder.
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens runs nightly, Nov. 19 – January 8. Closed Nov. 25 and Dec. 25.
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms runs select nights, Nov. 26 – Jan. 2. See website for exact dates.
Tickets for each event must be purchased in advance at botanicgardens.org.
