Denver Botanic Holiday Lights at Chatfield Groupon Deal

Groupon is offering a deal to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Trail of Lights at the discounted price of $10 for two admissions (usually would run you $19). Deadline to buy this deal is end of the day today, Tuesday Nov. 29.You get your choice of paths at Chatfield -- a short trail of twinkling lights takes visitors directly to the children’s play area with its antique tractors. and a tree house of retired elves, while an extended path allows visitors to explore the decorated Green Farm homestead and decorated barn and silo. The event runs from December 2 to January 1 from 5:30-9:30PM.  DBG's Chatfield preserve is located in Littleton, near Chatfield Dam.

@Denver's Holiday Lights Kickoff Nov. 25

Photo courtesy of Visit Denver

In December of 1975, fresh off the train from Chicago, I made my first visit to downtown Denver, and you can imagine my total amazement at unexpectedly stumbling into the Parade of Lights. I've lived in a lot of cities, some big and some small, and I feel fairly confident that nowhere is as magical as downtown Denver during the holiday season. So let's get down to it, shall we? At  6PM on Nov. 25 the city's Grand Illumination event will light up downtown, from Denver Union Station to the City and County Building as part of the Winter in the City. And best of all, watching is FREE!

The highlight of the event will be at 6:45PM, when the city "Lights the Lights" at the City and County Building across from Civic Center Park. A bit earlier, at around 6:30PM, Denver Union Station will be ablaze with brightly colored floodlights illuminating the historic structure in the heart of Lower Downtown and its lighted tree in front. A special viewing of the model railroad will take place after the lighting in the basement of Denver Union Station. Thousands of lights at Skyline Park, D&F Tower and all along the 16th Street Mall will add even more magic to this special evening.

And, keep in mind that the Parade of Lights will be held at 8PM Friday, December 2, with an encore on Saturday, December 3 at 6PM. Also FREE. The parade winds through downtown Denver, starting in front of Civic Center Park and the City and County Building on Bannock Street at 14th Avenue.Can't make it? 9News will air the parade live at 8PM on Friday, Dec.2.

Also, Keep in mind that Denver's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks shows are scheduled at 9PM and Midnight on Denver's 16th Street Mall. It is recommended that viewers stand along the 16th Street Mall for optimal viewing. Take an RTD bus, because the trains are a zoo.

Holiday Lights Shine Across Denver

We are going to the Parade of Lights tonight and I can't wait. Nothing gets us more in the holiday spirit that trekking down to Hudson Gardens or Botanic Gardens for a stroll beneath the holiday lights. Denver is lucky to have numerous festive light shows and most are priced fairly. Fill your flask with peppermint schnapps and +Enjoy!

Denver City and County Building - The building will be lit every night starting Friday, December 3rd and will remain on until the end of the Stock Show in late January.Note: Photographers nights will occur every Sunday through December. The lights will be on from 5:45PM to 10:45PM each night.  On Photographers nights the street lights in Civic Center park will be turned off to accommodate photography of the building.

Blossoms of Light -- A perennial favorite at the Denver Botanic Gardens on York St.  They will be turned on December 3rd and run through January 2nd from 5:30PM to 9:30PM.  Don't miss the mistletoe balls that are strategically placed for smooching. There is an admission fee of $9.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors (+65) and kids.

The Trail of Lights -- Part of the Denver Botanic Gardens.  The hours are fees are the same as the Blossoms of Light (see above).

The Wild Lights at the Denver Zoo -- Run form December 10 – January 2nd. hours from 5PM to 9PM.  There is an admission charge for Wild Lights, $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (+65) and kids. They have two new features this year that only happen from the 17th to 21st. Ice Carving from 5PM. to 8PM and Fire Dance from 6PM to 8PM. Note: We love this event, but it can be very crowded and family oriented. If screaming toddlers set your teeth on edge, pick a night that is really, really cold. The warmer the evening, the more kids.

Living Lights - Located at the Butterfly Pavilion, this newest entry in Denver's festive light show is inside and great for those who want to beat the cold. If you haven't been to the Buttery Pavilion, you should go. It is a very cool place to mingle with all kinds of amazing creatures. Please note that this show has a limited run, from
December 11th to the 19th, 5:30PM to 8:00PM., adults are $10.00 and senior (+65) and kids are $8.00.

Hudson Holiday Lights -- The lights are at the Hudson Garde3ns on South Santa Fe Drive in Littleton and are created in conjunction with MOA (Museum of Outdoor Arts) in Englewood.  Last year was their first year for holiday lights and they won .  They won awards last year for creative use of lights and promise to have a even better display this year.  The lights shine from 5:00PM. to 9:00PM. The dates are Fridays and Saturdays from November 19th to December 12th, then nightly from December 17th to January 2, prices are Adults, $9.00, Seniors (+60) $8.000, Kids 4-12 $6.00.


Main Street in Downtown Littleton is a wonder of lights running the full length of Main Street. the lights are on every night and they are FREE. They usually run on the same schedule as the Denver City and County Building, until the end of Stock Show.