It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Mile High City and beyond, and this magical Christmas lights road trip around Denver is just what you need to get in the holiday spirit. From the infamous City and County Building Downtown to Santa’s Lighted Forest and North Pole Adventure on the Georgetown Railroad, here are ten Christmas light displays near Denver that are not to be missed!

1. Denver City and County Building
Denver City Council Building, 1437 Bannock Street Denver, CO
Andy Smith/Flickr
The City and County Building is all aglow at 1437 Bannock Street Downtown, and lights will be on display nightly through December.
2. Denver's Union Station
Denver's Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St Denver, CO 80202
Denver's Union Station/Facebook
Denver's Union Station at 1701 Wynkoop Street is another brightly lit pit stop that promises to be a feast for the eyes and the belly. Stop in Union Station for a warm beverage and a bite to eat to fuel your holiday road trip.
3. Denver Zoo Lights
Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205, USA
Kari/Flickr
The Denver Zoo in City Park boasts 70 expansive acres of light displays, featuring brightly lit animal sculptures, Santa meet-and-greets, live entertainment, and more, nightly from November to January.
4. Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
Michael Levine-Clark/Flickr
Denver Botanic Gardens' annual holiday extravaganza promises twinkling lights, warm drinks, tasty treats, and fun for the whole family. The event takes place at DBG at 1007 York Street and runs from November through January.
5. Chatfield Farms
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80128, USA
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens' Chatfield Farms also hosts a truly phenomenal feast for the eyes, including light trails, light tunnels, a warming hut, a fire pit, and a whole lot more. Find Chatfield Farms' special event at 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton from November 25 to January 1, from 5 pm - 8:30 pm.

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6. Georgetown
City of Georgetown Colorado, 426 6th St Georgetown, CO 80444
Visit Georgetown/Facebook
Enjoy light displays, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more at Historic Georgetown's Annual Georgetown Christmas Market.
7. Georgetown Loop Railroad
Georgetown Loop Railroad, 646 Loop Dr, Georgetown, CO 80444, USA
Georgetown Loop Railroad/Facebook
Travel through Santa's Lighted Forest in the magical snow-covered Rocky Mountains on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, from November through January 2. And be sure to check out Santa’s North Pole Adventure as well!
8. Olde Golden Christmas
City of Golden, 911 10th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
City of Golden/Facebook
Enjoy the city-wide, month-long celebration that is Olde Golden Christmas from December 1st through the 31st in historic downtown Golden. Festivities include a stunning light display along Clear Creek, Santa encounters, an elk run, a candlelight walk, Victorian carolers, a holiday art market, and even free Newfoundland dog-pulled cart rides.
9. Colorado Railroad Museum
Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403, USA
Colorado Railroad Museum/Facebook
The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden will recreate the classic tale for you and your family on select dates, November 11 through December 23. Enjoy warm cookies and hot chocolate as you listen to The Polar Express performed in its entirety and chug along the track to the North Pole, where wonderful surprises await. "All aboooooard!"
10. Butterfly Pavilion
Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020, USA
Butterfly Pavilion/Facebook
Beginning December 17 and continuing through January 2, the Butterfly Pavilion at 6252 W. 104th Avenue in Westminster will illuminate your nights from 6 - 10 pm. Don't dare miss out on this spectacular extravaganza!
Google
Check out the detailed map here and hit the road!

We sure hope you have a chance to enjoy these Christmas light displays near Denver this year. Also, be sure to check out the 8 Best Christmas Towns Near Denver for more holiday mirth and cheer!

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More to Explore

Christmas light displays near Denver

Chris Muras | October 13, 2022

Is Denver a good place to visit during Christmas?

Denver is a great place to visit during Christmas. The city comes alive with holiday cheer, and there are plenty of festive things to do. Start out your Christmas in Denver with a trip to see the giant Christmas tree at Union Station. Then, take a stroll down 16th Street Mall, which is decked out with twinkling lights, friendly people, and the magic of a cheerful holiday spirit.

If you're feeling active, you can go ice skating at Skyline Park. And, of course, no trip to Denver would be complete without a visit to Santa's Workshop at the North Pole in Colorado. With its charming stores and Santa's House, it's the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.

What neighborhoods in Denver have the best Christmas lights?

As you can imagine Colorado is a winter wonderland, and Coloradans sure do love their Christmas decorations. Perhaps the most famous of them all is Clark W. Griswold. (The iconic film Christmas Vacation was filmed in Summit County, Colorado) While you might have missed good ole Clark’s epic display there are still plenty of amazing light shows in homes all around Colorado. For some of the best Denver Christmas lights check out this home tour of fantastic light shows in Denver and other areas of Colorado.

Where can I watch the Parade of Lights in Denver?

Another spectacular celebration of Christmas lights in Denver is during the annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. This amazing free event has been held every year since 1975. With over 40 breathtaking floats, mobile displays, giant floating balloons, marching bands, and majestic horses it is a parade to remember. The parade runs down 17th Street onto Arapahoe, then dances left on 15th Street up to Glenarm Place where it swings right to finish at 14th Street and Glenarm Place. This downtown Denver event is a must-see event if you get excited by spectacular light shows, dancing, music, and holiday fun Colorado style.

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