5 places to see Christmas lights in Colorado

The popularity of Christmas lighting throughout homes and businesses during the month of December is undeniable.

In fact, satellite imagery from NASA recently reported that certain cities shine between 20 to 30 percent brighter during the holiday season(1) – and the Front Range of Colorado is no exception.

With many families often driving around aimlessly in search of that magical holiday lighting display, Swingle has compiled a list of their own in order to make your journey merry and bright for everyone. Here are Swingle’s 5 places to see Christmas lights in Colorado.

Where: Hudson Gardens, 6115 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120

When:

November 24 and 25

December 1, 2 and 3, 8, 9 and 10

Nightly, December 15 through 24

Nightly, December 26 through 31

Hours: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Hudson Gardens festive holiday light show will inspire you and your family with twinkling lights and glowing displays throughout the one-mile outdoor walkway. Stroll along the pathway while you sip on hot chocolate and experience a dazzling display of color and sound the entire family will enjoy.

Where: Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms, 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80128

When:

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

November 24 – December 24

Hours: 4:30 – 8:30 PM (last entry is 7:30 PM)

Daytime hours close early at 3:30 PM during Santa’s Village

Santa and his friends move to Chatfield Farms in November! Chatfield Farms is transformed into a magical village. Join us for a new and exciting holiday experience for all ages. Hop on the hayride to catch a short movie at Santa’s cinema and find unique holiday gifts in his workshop.

Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206

When:

November 24 – January 1 (includes December 24, 25 and 31)

Hours: 5:00 – 9:00 PM

Daytime Garden hours close early at 4PM during Blossoms of Light

This annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms our York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland. Be amazed by the grand illuminated O’Fallon Perennial Walk and the Romantic Gardens, along with thousands of twinkling lights draped elegantly amongst the property for a truly one-of-a-kind holiday display.

Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street, Denver, CO 80205-4899

When:

December 1 – December 31

Hours: 5:30 – 9:00 PM

Daytime admission (including membership) does not include Zoo Lights

Denver Zoo will close at 5:00 PM (gates close at 4:00 PM) and reopen at 5:30 PM for Zoo Lights

Denver Zoo will be closed Christmas day (December 25)

Zoo Lights will span through 60 acres of Denver Zoo’s campus, with nightly entertainment, animal encounters, Santa meet-and-greets and, of course, illuminated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected.

Where: The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80526

When:

December 1 – January 7

Hours: 5:00 – 9:00 PM

Stroll through the whimsically decorated and twinkling Gardens lit by hundreds of thousands of LED lights. See your favorite perennial flower beds, huge sculptural flowers, a brilliant blue pond, grapevines, butterflies, and a Primordial Forest with dinosaurs—all created entirely from holiday lights! New this year, due to construction on the Drake Campus, Woodward, Inc. will be moving and incorporating their Holiday Display into the Gardens of Lights. During the weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), visit with Santa, listen to holiday music, make seasonal crafts, and enjoy warm drinks. Check the schedule for entertainment, Santa, and other attractions!

So, pack up the car, heat up the hot chocolate, get out your scarfs and gloves and prepare to be amazed by some of the most inspiring holiday lighting designs in Colorado.

(1)Taken from the article Christmas Lights Can Be Seen From Space By NASA Satellites: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ 2014/12/17/christmas-lights-seen-from-space_n_6338578.html