Here are 7 amazing things you must experience in Colorado this holiday season.
1. Denver Zoo Lights.
Address: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
Zoo Lights runs every night from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. December 4, 2015 to January 3, 2016
Zoo Lights will nearly double in size this year, spanning 70 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. Running December 4 until January 3, is one of Denver’s most anticipated events, which is a great opportunity for folks of all ages to enjoy the holidays or kick off the New Year with family, friends and colleagues.
2. Parade of lights.
DEC 4 2015 – DEC 5 2015
- Presented By: Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc.
- Address: 16th Street Mall, Denver, CO 80202
- Cost: Free
- Location: Downtown Denver
- Time: Friday: 8 p.m.; Saturday: 6 p.m.
Begin your holiday season at the spectacular 41st Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. The two-mile parade route in Downtown Denver is the stage for Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition. The FREE holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate floats, and, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Grab your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever!
3. The Polar Express.
17155 W. 44th Avenue, Golden, CO 80403
All passengers will enjoy hot chocolate and a treat served by your personal chefs who will also read the THE POLAR EXPRESS story on the way to the North Pole to pick up Santa! While Santa visits each car, your chefs will lead you in specially selected Christmas carols on the return to Durango. All the kids aboard the train will receive a special gift from Santa!
4. Southwest Rink at Skyline Park
Skyline Park is the place to be this holiday season! Southwest Airlines and the Downtown Denver Partnership invite you to grab your family and friends and head to 16th and Arapahoe in Downtown Denver to the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park!
5. Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival.
Wed. Feb. 3, 2016 – Sun. Feb. 7, 2016
Saturday and Sunday highlight the event with the Winter Carnival Street Events and the Night Show Extravaganza. The Street Events feature local Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club kids being pulled on skis behind horses right down main street in downtown Steamboat. A crowd favorite, the “Donkey Jump”, sends kids soaring off a jump for up to 40, or even 50 feet. So much fun for the whole family!
6. Blossoms of light.
Dates & Times:
Open nightly, Nov. 27, 2015 through Jan. 2, 2016
Including Christmas eve, Dec. 25, New Year’s eve and New Year’s day
5:30-9 p.m. (lights on until 9:30 p.m.)
Blossoms of Light is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Denver Botanic Gardens is proud to host this annual family-friendly event that has become a tradition for people across Colorado. The 2015 event features new elements, including the return of the grand illuminated O’Fallon Perennial Walk and the Romantic Gardens. Enjoy thousands of twinkling lights throughout the Gardens, as well as the always anticipated HoloSpex glasses.
7. Electric Safari.
Electric Safari’s 21st annual holiday lights display of almost 1 million lights and more than 40 animated light sculptures. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24). Additional activities include the Santa Zone, Dec. 9-11 and 16-23; Special Electric Safari Pony Rides, 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 17-Jan. 2. 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado, 719-633-9925, cmzoo.org