Experience Twice the Lights with Denver Botanic Gardens

Trail of Lights. | Courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens

Each winter as the holiday season arrives, magical light shows illuminate crisp evenings. Denver Botanic Gardens has been lighting up the night for more than three decades. Blossoms of Light has been ranked by CNN ranked as one of the top places to see lights in the country. This stunning event enchants visitors with an ever-changing display across the 24-acre campus.

New elements keep the display fresh each year alongside fan favorites, such as a dazzling 200-foot-long, 17-foot-tall tunnel of animated lights at the path’s entrance. Now illuminated 100 percent with LED lights, Blossoms of Light is also more sustainable than ever. Sustainability is one of the Gardens’ core values, so it is important to not only put on a spectacular show, but also be mindful of the event’s impact.

Trail of Lights. | Courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens

It takes months to dress Denver Botanic Gardens in this luminous splendor. Lights start going up around Labor Day and work continues until the event opens in November. Planning each year’s display can start as early as February. 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. 

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. 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. | Courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens

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. 

If you like your lights in country setting, visit Trail of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms in Littleton. Here, tucked against 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. Dancing Christmas trees, illuminated antique tractors, light tunnels, and lights synchronized to music round out a stunning light display that illuminates the Colorado countryside. Hot beverages, roasted nuts, kettle corn, fudge and caramels are available for purchase. Nothing beats an evening in the crisp Colorado air with sweet treat and a cozy cup of hot chocolate. On select evenings, visitors can also shop the Holiday Market and purchase unique gifts.

Blossoms of Light. | Courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens

Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens runs nightly November 20 – January 12. Closed November 28 and December 25. Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms runs select nights, November 29 – January 1. Closed December 25. See website for exact dates and Holiday Market dates. Tickets for each event must be purchased in advance at botanicgardens.org.

Trail of Lights. | Courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens

Blossoms of Light. | Courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens