Blankets of fluffy snow cover Colorado’s picturesque towns and beautiful mountain ranges creating an unparalleled holiday ambiance. Whether you plan to take the Yuletide Lights Driving Tour in Estes Park or check out The Greeley Grizwalds’ light show masterpiece in Greeley, many Colorado vacation rentals are situated in proximity to plenty of charming holiday events and Christmas celebrations. For a visually mesmerizing experience this winter, visit one of these five places in Colorado to admire Christmas lights.
1. Denver Zoo Lights
For an unmatched light show, visit the Denver Zoo to see brightly illuminated animals hiding in trees and jumping across lawns. Denver Zoo Lights encompasses a massive 60 acres of zoo campus decorated by colorful holiday lights. Expect to see boldly lit animal sculptures in unexpected places like hiding in bushes or floating on water. From playful multi-colored elephants to sparkling neon trees, this wonderful attraction offers a journey through a safari of light. Recognized as one of Denver’s most anticipated holiday events, you can enjoy nightly entertainment and kick your Christmas spirit into high gear with a Santa meet-and-greet at the North Pole. Enjoy listening to caroling train elves in the Electric Jungle, while singing along to showcase your holiday cheer.
Watch in wonder as an ice carver creates works of art right in front of you at Northern Lights, or taste traditional holiday treats and hot chocolate from the Kamala Cafe as you complete your stroll to see all the beautiful holiday lights this attraction has to offer.
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2. 9NEWS Parade of Lights in Denver
Watch as the Denver City and County Building lights up and becomes the colorful starting point for the 9NEWS Parade of Lights. Vivid lights brighten this building in traditional holiday colors to start the Christmas season, as marching bands and ornate floats start the parade down a massive two-mile stretch. More than 375,000 people line the streets of downtown Denver to marvel at this magical event. Members of the parade wear blinking lights on their costumes and Christmas lights around necklaces to create a brilliantly illuminated atmosphere. People in the crowd wear Santa Hats and hold giant candy canes, while floats are decked out with a variety of vibrant Christmas lights to commemorate and celebrate the holiday season. With appearances by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa Claus, you feel the Christmas spirit filling the air in downtown Denver.
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3. Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms in Littleton
Catch a glimpse of live reindeer and meet Santa Claus for a magical Christmas experience with a visit to Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms. Colorful holiday lights illuminate the trees and buildings to transform Chatfield Farms into a gorgeous holiday village. With light displays accenting the North Pole and Santa’s workshop, this attraction features a stunning snowman and reindeer decorated in sparkling lights to set the tone for the holiday season. Creating crafts with Mrs. Claus elevates your Christmas spirit, while watching a short movie at Santa’s Cinema on Elf Boulevard inspires holiday cheer. Take a fun hayride for a playful activity, and be sure to snap a photo with Santa to create a memorable experience.
If you are looking for a mesmerizing holiday lights display closer to downtown Denver, visit Blossoms of Light at York Street.
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4. Garden of Lights in Fort Collins
When you’re visiting Fort Collins this holiday season, head over to the Garden of Lights to stand in awe of a whimsically decorated garden attraction. Hundreds of thousands of brightly lit LED lights create beautiful perennial flower beds and large sculptural flowers. This shimmering and twinkling garden has become one of Northern Colorado’s top holiday traditions. Garden of Lights features a stunning primordial forest with dinosaurs, stunning butterflies in flight, and a vibrant blue pond created completely out of holiday lights. Enjoy a stroll through the dazzling colors highlighting the trees and soak up all holiday flair. To get in a merry mood, visit Santa to make a Christmas wish or sing along with the holiday music that fills the garden. Live entertainment creates a cheerful atmosphere on scheduled days, and a walk through three-holiday village structures provides more than enough delight to put a smile on your face for Christmas.
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5. Electric Safari in Colorado Springs
Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs to experience a one-of-a-kind holiday feel created by Electric Safari. Covering more than 50 acres of zoo campus, this delightful holiday attraction features 85 unique light sculptures to keep your eyes bright and your Christmas spirit high. Considered one of Southern Colorado’s premier light shows, Electric Safari leaves several animal exhibits open, including Rocky Mountain Wild and giraffe barn, to ensure you stay busy watching majestic animals while relishing in holiday cheer. Cozy up by the soft glow of warming fires as you enjoy the holiday lights and animal exhibits. A beautiful view of the Colorado Springs’ city lights complement the festive atmosphere, and add to the visual charm of this attraction’s holiday lights display.
For a sweet holiday treat or hot cocoa, make a brief stop inside the Grizzly Grill.
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