If you’re searching for the most enchanting Denver holiday experiences this festive season, two standout Denver Botanic lights events should be at the top of your list. These two nighttime holiday light walks each offer something completely unique. Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens’ York Street location is easily reachable by public transport, and has an urban and artistic feel. Chatfield Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights, located just south of Denver in Littleton, is a relaxed, rustic, and immersive farm experience. Here’s how to experience Colorado’s holiday magic at two Denver Botanic lights walks, at Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light and Chatfield Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights.
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Blossoms of Light: Denver’s Signature Holiday Experience
For the past four decades, Blossoms of Light has been the crown jewel of Denver Botanic lights displays. Each year, Denver Botanic Gardens transforms their York Street campus into a glowing landscape of color and LED lights. The trail through the light displays is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. The path is considered to be ADA accessible, though the trails can be covered in snow or ice depending on the weather.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss visiting Denver Botanic Gardens during the day in winter too! There’s plenty to enjoy, from the colorful blooms in the tropical indoor gardens to the peaceful outdoor areas.
Why You’ll Love Denver Botanic Blossoms of Light
- The light show is one of Denver’s most beloved holiday traditions and the most iconic of all Denver Botanic lights.
- Walk through the outdoor gardens, decorated with tunnels of light, reflective ponds, glowing sculptures, and light shows.
- Enjoy holiday drinks and treats at the Offshoots Café and the Hive Garden Bistro.
- Pair your visit with dinner at one of Denver’s most popular restaurants, such as Rioja or Tavernetta.
- Enjoy easy access, whether you’re a local or a visitor staying in city hotels.
Pro Tip: The holographic gingerbread glasses that were available during our 2025 visit were a huge hit, especially with kids. All bright lights display gingerbread holograms when looking through the glasses.
Who Will Enjoy Denver Botanic Blossoms of Light
- Couples & Friends: Ideal for a festive night out, with beautiful photo spots everywhere you look.
- Families: Wide pathways, stroller-friendly areas, and mesmerizing light features.
- Visitors without a car: Excellent public transit access.
- Photographers: One of Denver’s best spots for nighttime light shots.
How to Get to Denver Botanic Blossoms of Light
Denver Botanic Gardens is located right in Denver at 1007 York Street, with easy access by public transport.
| By Car | Free parking garage (arrive early for peak nights). There is limited neighborhood street parking available, but be sure to check street signs carefully for parking spot usage. |
| By Public Transport | Several RTD bus lines stop within one block of the gardens (including the #10, #15, and #24). From downtown Denver, ride time is typically 15–20 minutes. |
Visiting Denver Botanic Blossoms of Light
| 2025-2026 Dates & Times | Nov. 21 – Jan. 11, 4:30-9 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving (November 27) and Christmas (December 25). * January 6th is a Sensory Friendly night, with limited tickets available. |
| Timed Entry Tickets and Pricing (Non-Members) | Adults: $33 Seniors (65+): $29 Children (3-15): $24 Children (under 3): free See website for latest ticket pricing and availability Tickets sell out quickly, be sure to reserve early. |
| Tips | Visit on weeknights for lighter crowds. Bundle up—this is a fully outdoor walk. Seasonal drinks and snacks are available at Offshoots Café and Hive Garden Bistro. |
Pro Tip: Reserve tickets early for the Blossoms of Light 40th Birthday Bash on Wednesday, December 3, from 5-8 p.m. In addition to the lights, enjoy ice sculptures, carolers, and more.
Chatfield Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights
If you prefer a more rustic and relaxed holiday experience with wide open spaces, Chatfield Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights is a beautiful complement to York Street's more urban setting. Nestled just south of Denver near Chatfield Reservoir in Littleton, Chatfield Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights winds through nature, farmland in a quieter, more spacious setting. This almost 1 mile (1.6 km) trail is mostly ADA accessible, though sections may require additional help. There is a shorter loop available.
Why You’ll Love Chatfield Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights
- Chatfield Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights has a completely different vibe from downtown—wooded paths, open fields, farm houses, barns, and starry skies.
- Features include light shows synchronized to music, antique tractors illuminated with ornaments, and glowing tunnels.
- New for 2026 is a display paying tribute to Colorado mountain streams and wildlife.
- This is a great holiday outing for anyone looking to escape the city without going too far.
Who Will Enjoy Chatfield Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights
- Families with younger kids: Plenty of playful lights and space to roam.
- Couples: Romantic, peaceful setting with fewer crowds.
- Visitors exploring Denver area's red rocks: Chatfield Botanic is just a short drive or bike ride from the incredible red rocks at Roxborough State Park and along the Ken Caryl South Valley Park Trails.
Pro Tip: After your Trail of Lights visit, stop in Littleton or Highland's Ranch for dinner at Postinos or Café Terracotta.
How to Get to Chatfield Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights
Chatfield Botanic Gardens is at 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton.
| By Car | About 25-30 minutes (by car) south of Denver, with free parking onsite. |
| By Public Transport | From downtown Denver, take the tram south to the Littleton / Mineral Ave. station in Highland Ranch. From here, use a rideshare or taxi for the remaining 5.5 miles. There is no public transport directly to the gardens. |
Pro Tip: A few of our favorite Denver area Red Rocks hikes are just a short distance from Chatfield Botanic Gardens. Combine your evening at the Trail of Lights with a Red Rocks hike in the afternoon at either Roxborough State Park or on the South Valley Park Trails.
Visiting Chatfield Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights
| 2025-2026 Dates & Times | Nov. 21 – Jan. 11, 5-8:30 pm Closed on Thanksgiving (November 27) and Christmas (December 25). |
| Timed Entry Tickets and Pricing (Non-Members) | Adults: $20 Seniors (65+): $18 Children (3-15): $12 Children (under 3): free See website for latest ticket pricing and availability Tickets sell out quickly, be sure to reserve early. |
| Tips | Food stands offer hot chocolate, kettle corn, nuts, and sweets (some at the start of the trail, others at the warming hut at the halfway point). Don't miss shopping at the holiday market in the welcome center, open November 21-December 24. 2 walking loops let you tailor the distance. Bring warm layers and good winter shoes—this is fully outdoors in the foothills. |
Blossoms of Light vs. Trail of Lights: Which Denver Botanic Lights Event Should You Choose?
| What You Want | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Easy public transit + urban convenience | Blossoms of Light |
| A peaceful farm setting | Trail of Lights |
| A classic “Denver Botanic lights” experience | Blossoms of Light |
| More space, fewer crowds | Trail of Lights |
| Perfect pairing with Denver dining | Blossoms of Light |
| A kid-friendly farm-style winter walk | Trail of Lights |
Both offer a magical way to celebrate the season—we enjoy visiting both every year.
Tips for Enjoying Denver Botanic Lights
- Tickets must be purchased in advance online. There are no tickets available on site.
- Buy tickets early—both events sell out quickly.
- Dress warmly and wear footwear suitable for winter conditions (including potential snow and ice on the trails). There are warming huts, but it can be quite chilly and sometimes windy after the sun goes down.
- Aim for early time slots for easier parking and lighter crowds.
- Bring your phone or camera fully charged; these two Denver Botanic lights experiences provide endless photo moments.
- Check the official Denver Botanic Gardens website before visiting for updates, accessibility notes, and weather closures.
Denver Botanic Lights: Where to Stay
There are countless cozy and unique places to stay in Denver for your visit. We've highlighted a few hotels that place you close to all of the holiday festivities.
| Brown Palace Hotel | Historic hotel in downtown Denver, beautifully decorated and offering a holiday high tea. This is an ideal spot to enjoy Denver's holiday activities, such as the German Christmas Market. |
| Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver | Full service hotel in the heart of downtown with fitness center and private parking. |
| Flora House Denver | This top rates B&B is just minutes away from the Botanical Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Zoo. It offers suites, a peaceful setting, and easy parking. |
You Might Also Enjoy
- Top Denver Holiday Activities to Experience this Season
- Top Things to Do in December in Colorado
- Denver German Christmas Market, a Festive Guide
- Best Colorado Ski Towns for Families
- Car Rental Tips for Your Colorado Winter Vacation
- A Local’s Guide: 12 Unique Things to Do in Colorado
- Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter
- Local's Guide to the Best Day Trips from Denver
- Denver Botanic Gardens in Winter
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Travel Resources
We recommend booking through our preferred travel booking sites below.
| Air Travel | SkyScanner |
| Lodging | Booking.com, VRBO.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld |
| Tours and Activities | Viator.com, GetYourGuide.com, TakeWalks.com, Tinggly.com |
| Car rentals | Discovercars.com |
| Travel insurance | Squaremouth |
| Bike and scooter rentals | BikeBookings.com |
| Train tickets | RailEurope |
| Bus tickets | Busbud |
This looks amazing and SO festive! We have something similar at the Missouri Botanical Garden and love going every couple of years!
We’ve visited similar light displays at other US Botanic gardens. They are wonderful locations for light displays.
I’ve been to Denver 4 times, but never during the holidays. Although a bit expensive, I think I would really enjoy the lights at the botanical garden. I don’t celebrate the holidays too much, but I do love doing tours of the lights and looking at people’s decorations.
The light displays are wonderful to enjoy during this season!
This looks gorgeous – so many lights – so. magical at this time of year.
Thank you for the feedback, the lights are beautiful!
These are beautiful. Love a reason for a domestic trip in winter!
Great!
Wow, these both look like great options to enjoy the magical holiday lights in Denver. I do like the rural setting of the Trail of Lights and the agritourism aspect, though!
The farm setting is quite magical.
Seeing lights like this is such a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season. I like that one of them is accessible by public transportation, makes for a great holiday activity for someone visiting without a car.
Denver’s holiday attractions, including Blossoms of Light and also the Christmas market, are easily accessible by public transport, which is wonderful!
This looks stunning. I really love the reflections in the water. It makes everything magical. I have to add this to my list and get to Denver at the holidays.
Hope you’re able to visit Denver around the holidays!
Hello! Both places look like a pure magic! I suppose, easy transport access is an important thing, but tranquility of a remote area is also a factor. If I could, I would visit both.
Hope you have a chance to visit both!
Such a lovely post! The information are so detailed and, even though I have no plans to visit Denver soon, it made me feel like I want to!
Thank you for the feedback!
I love all the great light scenes you can find at the holiday season. It looks like the Denver Botanical lights are a special treat. I am sure that LED lights have changed the whole holiday light scene. I love when you get those beautiful reflected views too! Not sure whether I would choose the Blossoms of Light or the Trail of Lights. So planning time for both would be perfect.
It’s tough choosing between the two. If you’d enjoy the lights reflecting on the water, Blossoms of Light may be the better option if you can only visit one.
These gardens remind me of a Michigan botanical garden that offers holiday lights in the winter. I love the lights, but not the cold weather.
Some evenings it can be quite mild, but we’ve also visited on very cold evenings as well.
The Denver Botanic Lights appear to be an enchanting destination to explore. The transformation with the stunning lights at night is captivating. Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos and helpful advice.
Thank you for the feedback!
I loved how you captured the magic of the Botanic Lights, especially the glowing light tunnels that turn the gardens into such a festive and immersive experience. Your tip about buying the tickets in advance as these are not sold on site is particularly helpful for planning the visit.
Thank you! This does require some advanced planning due to no onsite tickets, but it’s definitely worth the up front time.
Love these displays! I haven’t been to Denver in years but my next visit might have to be during the holidays.
It is a fun city to explore during the holidays!
These lights are stunning, I love how trees looks so blue. Such a festive feeeling!
Thank you, the light displays are beautiful.
Every year we say we should go. Maybe this is the year!
Hope you can visit!
I just love the return of the holiday light festivals in Washington DC area. Now I wish I could see the beautiful two events in Denver. They look amazing!
We’ll have to add the DC lights to our list too!
So pretty! As someone from Mumbai, I always admire real winter moments like these.
The light displays are even more magical with snow on the ground (which we don’t always have).
This looks absolutely magical! I haven’t experienced the Denver Botanic Gardens lights yet, but your guide makes it so easy to plan. Blossoms of Light looks especially beautiful, and I love that it’s all outdoors with so many creative displays. Definitely adding this to my holiday must-do list!
Thank you for the feedback! It is a wonderful, festive experience.
What a beautiful post. I haven’t visited Denver in over 25 years – I had a pen pal there as a teen and was lucky enough to visit her as part of a school exchange program. A wonderful time and this post has brought back amazing memories – thank you!
Glad you had a chance to visit Denver, sounds like a fun experience.
Both would be amazing to experience. And, both would be a first of me of this style of festive lights.
Hope you have a chance to visit one day.
Both look beautiful and worth your time. I love the light display shows where you get to walk through a world of lights. The Denver Botanic Lights would be a first for me to visit, second I would visit the Trail of Lights.
Walking through a forest of lights is a wonderful experience!
What a beautiful post! I loved all the details about Denver Botanic Lights! I enjoyed how you paint a vivid picture of the gardens transformed with festive lights, and the bit about the light-tunnel and glowing pathways really brought it to life. Being from the southeast, I often think about going to Colorado around Christmastime, or in the winter for a little snow! I’m definitely adding this to my holiday-season itinerary! Your photos and practical info (ticket suggestions, date ranges, and the vibe of the crowd) make it so easy to plan.
Thank you for the feedback. Colorado is such a fun place at Christmas-time, whether you’re in the mountains or in the front range cities.