Most Spectacular Christmas Light Displays in the Denver Area

Driving or strolling through a fairyland of outdoor light displays is a holiday treat that costs no more than gasoline or shoe leather. And there’s no place prettier than Denver/Boulder, especially when the snowy backdrop is the real deal. Here’s a list of the best Christmas lights in the area for the 2021 season. Our list includes professional and municipal displays and private homes.

We’ve put together a Google map for the home lights to make it easier to plot your visits. To see the map, just scroll down past the pictures of the lights.

We’re updating continuously, so send your suggestions to laura@milehighonthecheap.com (please include the address and a photo, if this is a private home):

Public Displays

Downtown Denver

Christmas is a time when even those most ardent suburbanites come downtown. The opulent light display decorating the City and County Building (at Civic Center Park) from the ground floor to the dome has been a holiday tradition since 1935 and the lighting is spectacular by any measure.

More than 100,000 lights festoon the trees of the 1.25 mile-long 16th Street Mall. Ride the FREE mall shuttle and gaze at the magical scene.

Strings of white lights strung across Larimer Street between 14th and 15th Streets provide a brilliant and festive setting for great dining and shopping (window or otherwise).

You may also want to check out the Mile High Tree on the 16th Street Mall at Welton Street. The seven-story tall “tree” features more than 60,000 lights with a light and music show every 15 minutes most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from November 20 through January 2. You can even step inside the tree.

Union Station

Merry & Bright Lights at Union Station transforms the exterior of Denver’s landmark train station into a festive canvas spreading holiday cheer. This outdoor light show at features exciting animations, historic Denver photos, visual creations by Denver artists and more, all synced with classic holiday music. The free show runs from 5 p.m. to 10 pp.m. each night through Thursday, December 31.

Visitors can can also enjoy two floats from the 2020 Downtown Denver Partnership Parade of Lights that will be on display outside Denver Union Station from November 27 through January 3. Find a full schedule of events here.

Cherry Creek North

Cherry Creek North has created Winter Wanderland featuring a canopy of more than a half million twinkling lights dressing 600+ trees across 16 blocks. As you stroll the route, you’ll spot eight of the trees adorned with vibrant hanging strands of lights choreographed to music during timed shows.

New this year: Guests can also explore Domino Effect, an interactive art installation featuring 120 brightly colored dominoes, each with its own sound profile. 2021

Golden

Golden’s impressive holiday lights transform the charming town into a winter wonderland with downtown, the Clear Creek Walking Path, Golden History Park, Parfet Park and the Visitors Center spectacularly illuminated with an estimated 45,000 bulbs.

A single giant evergreen tree in front of the Golden Visitors Center is wrapped in approximately 5,000 lights all on its own. The lights shine bright through February 15.

Highlands Ranch

“Light” Christmas at Cherry Hills Community Church is a drive-through light display. Driving along the one-mile route (the experience lasts about 25 minutes), you will hear a wonderful Christmas story, drive through the largest pixel tree in Denver and experience a spectacular light show like you’ve never seen.

Open Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays from November 27 through December 24. FREE, but but you must reserve a timed-entry ticket for your vehicle. Go here to reserve your ticket.

You may reserve multiple days and times. Each night there are two different time slots from which you may choose. Group A will be from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Group B from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. You may arrive anytime during the time windows you choose.

Once you’ve reserved your free ticket, download the Light at Cherry Hills app from the Apple App Store or on Google Play. 3900 Grace Blvd., Highlands Ranch.

Littleton

Historic Downtown Littleton decks itself out in millions of multi-colored lights that adorn the trees along Main Street. Shop the merchants as you stroll block after block.

Aurora

Aurora Municipal Center is a bright festival of with sparkling lights on the building exterior and walkways.

Boulder

Boulder’s Snow Much Fun festoons downtown Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall and the Civic Area with thousands of lights and illuminated ornaments.

The plaza in front of the Boulder County Courthouse (between 13th and 14th Streets) features lighted trees, an “electric fountain” and a canopy of lights. Don’t miss your chance for some photo ops on the courthouse lawn with a holiday bear and reindeer family.

Experience the Boulder Bandshell illuminated in a classic candy cane theme. Creekside Play Area is lit in frozen-themed colors.

Above the city, a lighted star shines from Flagstaff Mountain, a local tradition since 1947. See the lights from November 22 through January 10.

Also, the tree trunks at Civic Center Park (west of Broadway between Canyon and Arapahoe) are wrapped in holiday lights. Download your 2020 map here.

Westminster

Westminster City Hall is adorned in thousands of colorful lights through the end of December. With this year’s staffing shortages, there may be fewer lights, but it’s still beautiful.

Loveland

The Loveland Light Trail is a free city-wide light trail, connecting 10 independent light displays and attractions across Loveland. It runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through January 1.

This self-guided tour connects Winter Wonderlights at I-25 and Centerra and nearby lights to Loveland’s thriving downtown district, the Loveland Holiday Council Display at Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, ending at Christmas Walk in the Woods (starts Dec. 1 and has admission fee) on the west side of town.

The light trail map is viewable online here and a physical copy is available for pickup at the Loveland Visitors Center, 5400 Stone Creek Circle. 

Loveland Winter Wonderlights is at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. Each night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., visitors will revel in holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, illuminated African stone sculptures, the only 20’ LED mappable Christmas Tree in the state and 30-minute music and light shows each evening starting at 5:30 p.m. It’s open from November 14 through January 1.

Private Homes

Self-guided driving tours are a terrific (and safe) option this holiday season.

All these displays, often synchronized to Christmas music, are put on by regular people, at their own expense, and it takes an incredible amount of time and creativity. So visit and let them know you appreciate it.

Some are collecting money for charitable causes. If a radio station is listed, tune your car radio to that station to listen to the coordinated music. Please be considerate of these folks’ neighbors.

If a website or Facebook page is listed, make sure to visit and check out the hours, start dates, and any additional information that you need to know.

You’ll find a map for private home displays at the end of the listings.

We’re looking for homes to showcase, so if you know of one please email laura@milehighonthecheap.com with the address, any details and a photo, if you have one.

Arvada Homes

Candyland 2020
5026 W. 61st Place, Arvada, 80003
Dancing LED lights feature holiday music. Tons of candy canes.

Figgyville 2020
7519 Braun Way, Arvada, 80005
The Figliolino Family’s light display grows every year. There’s a 12-foot Grinch!, Rudolph and his friends from Misfit Toy Island, Elsa, Minions and Santa Claus. The lights on the house dance to different holiday songs.

Happy Holidays House
13970 W 89th Loop, Arvada, 80005 (92.7 FM)
Every night be submerged into a great Christmas light show from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy a 30-foot mega tree, a quartet of singing trees and 6 mega screens all synced to music!

North Pole Dog Rescue House
11183 W. 78th Ave., Arvada, 80005
The North Pole Dog Rescue House has slowly grown over 10 years to be one of Arvada’s best displays. Featuring a jingle bell lane, winter wonderland, backyard lights, and (because the homeowners foster canines in need) a whole section dedicated to rescue dogs!

Peace on Earth
10102 W. 60th Ave., Arvada, 80004
14,414 watts of vintage lights.

Pruitt’s Christmas Village Light Show
6645 Alkire Ct., Arvada, 80004 (89.1 FM)
Show plays continuously Sunday to Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Includes 45 minutes of music, singing trees, 60,000 lights synchronized to 45 minutes of music, 30 inflatables, singing trees, 60 blow molds and more.

Aurora Homes

It’s A Wonderful Light
4822 S. Picadilly Ct., Aurora, 80015
The award-winning “It’s a Wonderful Light” display sparkles brightly and spreads Christmas cheer with more than 50,000 lights! This display is a tribute to the family’s two children who have autism. It also benefits the Autism Society of Colorado through the #SPREADLIGHT campaign. You will see a variety of colors in the display which represents the incredible variety of the autism spectrum.
Donations collected for Autism Society of Colorado.

Chenango Place
18611 E. Chenango Place, Aurora, 80015
23,000+ lights. Santa is on the roof. Snoopy and Woodstock are ice skating. Also, check out the other homes on the block as almost all are decorated.

Endless Holiday Fun
3063 S. Laredo, Aurora, 80013
From Santa and Garfield, to Yoda, Olaf and a parrot in a palm tree. Thomas the Train, Santa in the outhouse; the list goes on and on. You can actually see the glow from a block away!

Brighton Homes

Fields House
12105 Monaco Dr., Brighton, 80602
Lights are on from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Be sure to bring your letter for Santa.

Broomfield Homes

Broomfield Lights
5061 Yates Circle, Broomfield (91.3 FM)
Every bulb on the house is individually controllable and can be any color at any time. The result is 10 minutes of awesome Christmas music with dazzling lights and effects. There are both outdoor speakers or listen on your radio. Runs every evening from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Christmas Musical Light Show
16719 Cathedral Way, Broomfield, 80023
A musical light show you have to see to believe. New songs added each week. Runs nightly 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through January 5.

You can watch this video of last year’s show to get an idea of what’s in store.

The Murray’s
3510 W. 130th Place, Broomfield, 80020 (89.9 FM)
Now in its 16th year. Dances to music every night from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Castle Rock Homes

Case’s X-Treme Holiday Lights
4028 Ashcroft Ave., Castle Rock, 80104
Over 12,000 lights all programmed to multiple holiday songs. Castle Rock DJ and Sounds way of giving back to the community!

Centennial Homes

The Stricker’s Winter Wonderland
6636 S. Lafayette, Centennial, 80121
Come see why this display was voted one of the “Denver Post’s Best.” The LED’s, videos and music will take your breath away. Get a glimpse of Santa and his sleigh, along with many other of your favorite characters including The Grinch. Watch Santa’s elves hard at work and listen to Santa tell the story of The Night Before Christmas. And if that wasn’t enough…check out Whoville. Running live every night from 4:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. through New Year’s Day.

The Severson Holiday House
3855 E. Mineral Place, Centennial, 80122
Thousands of lights and lasers figurines. Window display with many different Christmas adventures. Don’t miss the Grinch in the window. Runs nightly from 4:45 p.m to 10:30 p.m.

Cannava House
6388 S. Dexter St., Centennial, 80121
Light show syncs to music from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly.

Festive Lights of Franklin Street
7152 S. Franklin St., Centennial, 80122
25,000 lights dance to 14 songs. Runs Monday to Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Madison Way
7945 S. Madison Way, Centennial, 80122 (89.1 FM)
Synchronized lights and music. Show is approximately 30 minutes long and runs sunset to 10 p.m., sunset to midnight (December 24 & 25). Runs through December 31.

Shuey House
5169 S. Pitkin St., Centennial, 80015
Lights dancing to music.

Commerce City Homes

Onstott Christmas Extravaganza
10046 Fraser St. (near 104th & Chambers), Commerce City, 80022 (88.9 FM)
Show plays continuously weekdays 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Show syncs to 24 songs (about 1 hour and 45 minutes) with 27,000+ lights and figurines.
Donations collected for Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Godek’s Christmas Display
21580 Orleans Circle, Commerce City
Lighting display including a 15-foot star with games and prizes.
Donations collected for Homeless Veterans.

Conifer Homes & Churches

Conifer Community Church
9998 Havekost Rd., Conifer, 80433
Gorgeous dancing display. Park and sit with 40 minutes of songs and dancing lights on a continuous loop. Sunday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Through January 6.

Denver Homes

Fortna House
2780 S. Harrison St., Denver, 80210
More than 8,000 lights, animation and music at times. Santa is stuck upside down on the chimney with kicking legs and his elf has a call-out that says “sorry boss.” If you stop by on weekends, you’ll find an outdoor cardboard cutout Santa photo booth.

A Monet Christmas
860 S. Hudson St., Denver, 80246
More than 12,000 lights offer splashes of contrasting and complementary colors. This is the 26th year decorating the house.

Santa’s Gingerbread Candy Cottage
2324 S. Columbine St., Denver, 80210

Stevens House
2053 S. Clarkson St., Denver, 80210 (89.1 FM)
Almost 8,000 lights coordinated to music. Enjoy a 20-foot tree of lights, stars, bushes, and a snowman conducting it all! Eight-minute music and light shows, run every 20 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. daily through New Year’s.

Participating with LightsForBites.org to raise money for Food Bank of the Rockies.

Windsor Gardens neighborhood
595 S. Clinton St. (entrance at Alameda & Clinton), Denver, 80247
This active adult neighborhood has about 3,700 residents. Dozens of buildings and townhomes are decorated by the residents, with a contest for the best decorated. The loop around the neighborhood is about 2 miles.

Englewood Homes

Kloewer Family Christmas
5041 S. Elati St., Englewood, 80110
A display of 45,000+ lights along with dozens of handmade elements.

Erie Homes

Erie North Pole
1089 Northview Dr., Erie, 80516
Thousands of lights and hundreds of inflatables.

Fort Collins Homes

Bishop Duplex
1461 / 1463 Edora Rd., Fort Collins, 80525
Nearly 25,000 lights decorate the front and back of the home. Mini Christmas village, driveway arches, inflatables, motion lights, two full teams of reindeer and Christmas music.

Franktown Homes

Franktown Festival of Lights
575 N. White Tail Dr., Franktown, 80116 (90.7 FM)
More than 200,000 lights span two acres. Features a custom light show synchronized to music every 20 minutes. Frosty’s Forest walking trail. Drive through a 15-foot ornament and see the 13-foot Ferris wheel with Disney and Sesame Street characters. It’s easy to spend an hour exploring the grounds.

Open nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through January 3. See detailed show schedule here. Donations of nonperishable foods accepted for local food banks.

Golden Homes

Lighting Up Golden
1460 Normandy Rd., Golden, 80401
More than 10,000 lights and over 50 vintage blow molds. The show has been running for 7+ years. Catch it from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday.

Mesa View
480 Mesa View Way, Golden

Greeley Homes

Artz House
1712 37th Ave., Greeley
“For forty years my Aunt and Uncle — Jim and Jo Perry, lovingly displayed these Christmas lights in Morrison. Last year they passed the torch on to us. May they bring joy, peace, and hope to you and yours this holiday season!” — The Artz Family.

Henderson Homes

Dottavio House
11577 Paris St., Henderson, (97.5 FM)
More than 20,000 led lights synchronized to more than a dozen songs, broadcasted on an FM radio station for everyone to listen from the comfort of their car. This is the 12th year for the display.

Highlands Ranch Homes & Churches

Cottoncreek Manor
9971 Cottoncreek Dr., Highlands Ranch, 80130
Award winning house with more than 100,000 lights which include deer, angels, Snowmen as well as a full-size sleigh and Santa. Come and get a picture with Santa and enjoy the lights. Lights are on daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Freeland House
9711 Bucknell Way, Highlands Ranch, 80129 (90.1 FM)
25,000 lights set to 5 hard rockin’ Christmas tunes. Tune to 90.1 to jam along with a 16 foot tall Santa sleighing on his guitar.

Grace Presbyterian Church Christmas Display
9720 U.S. Hwy 85 N (at Highlands Ranch Pkwy & Santa Fe Dr.), Highlands Ranch, 80125
Christmas light display synchronized to music broadcast over FM radio. Look for a sign showing the station frequency when you pull into the driveway. Food truck on site sells hot cocoa and dessert crepes. Show runs daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Hazard Gingerbread House
10221 Fairgate Way, Highlands Ranch, 80126
DIY candy canes and lollipops.

Orcutt House
9355 Wolfe Dr., Highlands Ranch

Severson Home
2880 Canyon Crest Lane, Highlands Ranch, 80126
Display features lots of snowmen, snowflakes and lighted trees. They also have an across-the-street lighted banner. Please come by and see the lights.

Star Wars: The Battle for the North Pole
9973 Blackbird Place, Highlands Ranch, 80130
The Christmas Spirit is strong in this house. The home is decorated on all four sides, so you can’t miss it, with the main display featuring the characters of Star Wars. Out back, Santa is landing on the roof above a world of dinosaurs and more! Lights are on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday.

Twiss House
1596 Meyerwood Circle, Highlands Ranch, 80129 (93.9 FM)
Musical light show nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Lakewood Homes

Martin House
831 S. Kline Way, Lakewood, 80226
50,000+ lights, tons of inflatables, gingerbread house.

Kipling Court
Kipling Court & W. Keene Place, Lakewood

Littleton Homes

Bogle House
10252 Bentwood Circle, Littleton, 80124

Lone Tree Homes

Lone Tree Light Show
354 Neptune Ct., Lone Tree, 80124
Now in its 10th season offering lights synchronized to holiday favorites. Shows runs Sundays to Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Schweiger Ranch Holiday Display
10822 S. Havana St., Lone Tree, 80124
Come and enjoy the display of holiday lights through January 1. Access to the Ranch property is temporarily closed due to COVID restrictions. You can see amazing views from the parking lot and along the trail.

Longmont Homes

Foraker House
2461 Mapleton Circle, Longmont, 80503
The family has been putting up displays for 17 years.

Longmont Grizzwolds
69 Baylor Dr., Longmont, 80503

Morrison Homes

Miles House
4317 S. Arbutus Way, Morrison, 80465
Lights play to music and a mail box to Santa so bring your letters and your cheer.

Braun Street
4370 Braun St., Morrison

Parker Homes

Lights on Larkspur
11837 Larkspur Dr., Parker, 80134 (97.1 FM)
Third annual Christmas light show, with thousands of LED lights synchronized to music. Show runs 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. Runs through New Year’s Day.

Lights in Meridian
10662 Hillrose St., Parker, 80134

Thornton Homes

Santa’s Wonderland
12919 Magnolia Place, Thornton, 80602

Westminster Homes

Christmas Train
7645 Hooker St., Westminster, 80030
Train circles the house. Also has a ski lift, Ferris wheel, elves and much more. Runs 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. through New Year’s Eve night.

Westminster Family Light Show
11407 W. 103rd Ave., Westminster, 80021 (93.5 FM)
Traditional and non-traditional music synced to 28,000 lights. Shows operate Sunday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.