Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Colorado
Just a short drive from Denver, the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms in Littleton transforms into a mesmerizing winter wonderland each holiday season. Nestled about 20 miles southwest of the city, this sprawling 700-acre native plant refuge lights up with thousands of twinkling lights that trace winding paths and illuminate natural features like ponds and towering cottonwoods. Visitors stroll through themed light displays that blend seasonal cheer with the garden’s natural beauty, making it more than just a typical light show. The relatively mild winter evenings here provide a cozy atmosphere, perfect for soaking in the festive colors reflected on the water’s surface while surrounded by native flora.
Further west, in the mountain town of Estes Park about 70 miles northwest of Boulder, the annual “Trail of Lights” offers a distinctly alpine holiday experience. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rocky Mountain National Park’s peaks, the event runs along the riverwalk and through the town’s parks. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine and wood smoke as families wander illuminated tunnels of lights and handcrafted displays. Estes Park’s unique charm comes from its small-town feel combined with the grandeur of the Rockies, making every glowing cabin and reindeer figure feel nestled in a genuine winter postcard. Twilight or early evening hours work best here, when the fading natural light gives way to the brilliance of the decorations.
In Colorado Springs, about 70 miles south of Denver, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a holiday lights experience that’s as educational as it is enchanting. The zoo’s “Electric Safari” lights up pathways with millions of LED lights that highlight animal sculptures and enclosures, specially designed to blend wildlife themes with festive spirit. Visitors can enjoy watching nocturnal animals in a different light and even get close to some species that thrive in winter’s chill. The panoramic views from the zoo’s perch on Cheyenne Mountain add a spectacular vista of the city lit up below, especially dazzling after dark when the holiday lights mingle with the urban glow.
For those who want to immerse themselves in a historic setting, the town of Georgetown, located about 45 miles west of Denver along the scenic I-70 corridor, offers a holiday experience steeped in Colorado mining heritage. The Georgetown Loop Railroad runs a special holiday-themed train ride, where visitors can enjoy twinkling light displays along mountain trestles and through tunnels dusted with snow. The authentic Victorian-era town itself adorns its streets with vintage-style holiday lighting, evoking nostalgia and a sense of timeless celebration. Riding the narrow-gauge steam train during the snowy evenings makes this a uniquely immersive way to experience holiday lights with a touch of history.
Heading south toward the San Luis Valley, the town of Alamosa, about 160 miles southwest of Denver, hosts a distinctive holiday event centered in the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad area. While the valley’s high desert landscape might seem unlikely for festive illumination, the combination of railroad-themed light exhibits and the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offers a contrast that’s hard to find elsewhere in Colorado. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through downtown Alamosa, where local businesses and parks are decorated for the season, or take a special train ride that includes seasonal light displays along the tracks. The wide-open skies here often provide clear views of the stars, enhancing the magic of the lights after dusk.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains near Winter Park, about 67 miles northwest of Denver, the Fraser Valley’s annual light displays bring warmth to the snowy landscape. Winter Park Resort and the neighboring town work together to create vibrant decorations that complement the surrounding evergreen forests and snow-capped peaks. The resort’s Village at Winter Park hosts glowing trees and festive installations that visitors can enjoy after a day on the slopes or a winter hike on the easy, family-friendly Frazer Valley Trail. The crisp mountain air and frequent snowfalls make this one of the most authentically wintry settings to experience holiday lights in Colorado.
Down on the Western Slope, the town of Grand Junction, roughly 250 miles west of Denver, lights up the Colorado Riverfront Trail every holiday season. This scenic trail, which hugs the river through the city’s downtown, is transformed with creative light sculptures and illuminated trees, providing a festive outdoor walk accessible to all ages. Grand Junction’s unique location at the edge of the Colorado National Monument means visitors can combine their holiday light viewing with daytime adventures amid dramatic red rock formations. Clear winter evenings here often allow for pleasant strolls without harsh cold, making it a great stop for travelers exploring Colorado’s diverse landscapes.
Lastly, in the northeast plains near Fort Morgan, about 80 miles northeast of Denver, the downtown district’s charming holiday lights add a warm glow to this farming community’s winter nights. With its historic brick buildings and small-town atmosphere, Fort Morgan offers a slower pace and a more intimate experience compared to Colorado’s busier mountain towns. The annual light displays here reflect the local pride and community spirit, with each storefront and public space thoughtfully decorated. Evening visits here reveal the quiet beauty of rural Colorado under strings of colorful lights, perfect for those seeking a peaceful holiday outing away from the usual tourist crowds.