9 Best Christmas Lights in Denver That Are a Must-See in 2023

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The holiday season in Colorado means that it’s time to showcase some of the best lights in Denver.

And this year the Mile High City is going all out with loads of holiday festivals, Christmas decorations, dazzling light installations, and amazing light shows.

If you’re thinking of displaying outdoor lighting in your yard and your house for the holidays, consider Blingle in Englewood. They’re Colorado’s premier outdoor lighting company for all seasons.

From neighborhood light shows to coordinate festival lights, we’re excited that many of these time-honored traditions are back after having been on hiatus for the past several years.

Here are the most magical, must-see Christmas lights in Denver you just can’t miss in 2023.

1. Denver Holiday Lights & Sights Tour

Enjoy two hours of festive, holiday cheer with the Denver Holiday Lights & Sights Tour. 

Take in the unique history and architecture of Denver’s top sights and holiday lights with the team at Denver Walking Tours.

This limited-time experience is only available during the short 2023 winter holiday season. 

The tour begins at 5:30pm at the Capitol Building in downtown Denver and has 8 different stops, including the 16th Street Mall. 

At the end of the walking tour, you’ll find yourself in front of the iconic Denver Union Station decked out with dazzling light shows.

Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, warm clothes, and your phone or camera to snap some epic holiday photos.

The Denver Holiday Lights & Sights Walking Tour is the perfect holiday event for kids, adults, families and friends.

2. Holiday Lights & History Tour

Follow your local guide to some of Denver’s most scenic holiday destinations on the Holiday Lights & History Tour. 

This tour features sparkling lights and epic holiday decorations as well as Denver’s history and architecture. 

It’s perfect for small groups who want a personalized tour experience for the Christmas season.

This 2-hour tour includes stops at the Denver Art Museum and 16th Street Mall. You’ll also pass by the Colorado State Capitol and the Civic Center as they put on epic lighting displays.

At the end, your group can hop into a free shuttle and head to the Christkindl German Market. Browse the local stalls, buy a giant pretzel, hot chocolate or roasted almonds.

If you’re unsure of the dates, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. So go ahead and plan your Holiday Lights & History Tour today.

3. Christmas in Color, Denver

Experience the holiday season from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle thanks to Christmas in Color. 

Load up your car or truck with friends and family and visit any of the three locations in Denver.

Drive through acres of more than 1.5 million lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music that plays through your radio.

Check out giant candy canes, snowmen, lighted archways and other animated light shows! 

Plus, upgrade to the “Party Pack” and get a package of candy, lighted wands, 3D glasses, necklaces and more!

We attended this event last year and it was one of the most memorable experiences for the holidays. We have booked our tickets for this year too!

For 2023, Christmas in Color is available in 3 locations in Colorado:

• Water World, Federal Heights
• The Bandimere Speedway, Morrison
• Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, Aurora

This activity is great for social distancing and fun for the whole family. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online beginning November 20, 2023.

4. Elitch Gardens Luminova Holidays

Opening on November 2023 Elitch Gardens in Denver is partnering with Luminova Holidays for an epic lighting event.

Kids and adults will love the 4+ million light displays, a 65 foot Christmas tree, a 25 foot snowman, and the 300 foot candy cane tunnel.

Plus, take a photo with Santa or take a ride on some of the holiday rides and special activities.

It’s like walking through a winter wonderland with gorgeous lights and Carolers singing Christmas songs.

In 2021 the Elitch Gardens Luminova Holidays won the Mile High Holidays Star Award.

Holiday hours are daily from 5-10pm but reservations are required. Check out their website for ticket costs and more details.

5. Blossoms of Light, Denver Botanic Gardens 

Another favorite holiday tradition of ours is the annual Blossoms of Light event at Denver Botanic Gardens. And for 2023 they’re featuring a new lighting holiday display!

Grab your camera and check out the 200 foot long, 17-foot-tall tunnel of animated lights. Get completely immersed in changing lights as you walk down the path at your own pace.

Interact with a large field of sound-reactive animated LED lights that you get to customize! 

Walk through the neatly manicured paths that feature thousands of lights with different themes.

Be sure to wear warm clothes and bring comfortable walking shoes as this event can take 1-2 hours depending on your speed.

Stop for a hot drink or nibble on some tasty holiday treats as you warm up indoors at the end of your tour.

The Blossoms of Light is open November 17 – January 7, 2024 from 4:30pm – 9pm daily. Tickets are available on their website and will not be available onsite. So you must purchase a ticket in advance.

6. Denver Zoo Lights

Take a walk on the wild side with a twinkling winter wonderland at the Denver Zoo.

For the past 30 years, the Denver Zoo has been putting on an incredible light display perfect for the whole family.

Take in over a million colorful lights over 80 acres alongside animal exhibits and wildlife. 

Some of the animals thrive in cold weather and will be active during the day.

For 2023, the Denver Zoo Lights display has new art installations featuring lighted animations and nightly ice carving demonstrations.

Adults will love the seasonally crafted cocktails while kids will enjoy delicious holiday treats.

Tickets are available starting December through January 2024. You can purchase the Glow Package, the Zoo Lights Passport or several other bundles.

7. Trail of Lights, Chatfield Farms 

Looking for a magical night out walking under the stars with gorgeous lighting displays? 

Check out the Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms thanks to the Denver Botanic Gardens. 

Enjoy your time strolling through the Coloradan countryside through dazzling trails of lights and stunning displays.

Listen to synchronize Christmas music and walk through three-sided tunnels light from the ground up. 

Kids will love the model tractors and the themed children’s play area. Purchase a hot cup of cocoa and some kettle corn for a mid-walk break and snack to refuel.

Wandering through the Trail of Lights has become an annual event for our family and we look forward to it every year.

It’s the perfect activity for all ages and fitness levels as you can walk at your own pace across the flat, paved paths.

8. Grand Illumination, Denver Union Station

One of the most iconic buildings in all of downtown Denver has to be Union Station. And during the Christmas holiday this building really comes alive.

Hosting Santa visits, projected light shows and stunning Christmas trees, you’ll be transported to a magical wonderland.

On November 26th see the live entertainment by the Denver Dolls signing classic holiday songs for the season. 

This Grand Illumination event ends the evening by lighting the 40-foot outdoor Christmas tree which features more than 7,000 holiday lights.

Afterwards take in the extravagant Merry & Bright Lights show which transforms the Union Station building into spectacular colors for the holiday.

If you’re looking for the best Christmas lights in Denver this event is one you don’t want to miss.

9. The Mile High Tree, Denver

One of the best holiday lights tours in Denver is the Mile High Tree. This epic 110-foot-tall outdoor art installation provides dazzling lights and music every evening.

This spectacular light show uses pixel-mapping LED technology that’s choreographed to classic holiday songs. In other words, this is not your standard Christmas tree lighting.

Visitors can walk underneath and through the Mile High Tree to snap photos and be fully immersed in this experience.

Then, enjoy an evening stroll through the city on your own self-guided tour. And be sure to stop by the Denver Christkindlmarket across the street.

It’s the city’s only authentic German holiday market and features lights, food, drinks, gifts, and seasonal music.

The event is completely free and is hosted at Civic Center Park in Denver nightly from 5-10pm starting November 17th through December 31, 2023.

In addition to this list of the best Christmas lights in Denver, you can also tune into the local News Parade of Lights that happens in nearly every city in Colorado.

These are just a few of the best Christmas lights in Denver that we enjoy experiencing every year as a family.

And we hope this guide gives you some ideas for how to get into the holiday spirit this season.

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season.