Last Few Days! 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.

This year, an interactive holiday show at the City and County Building will occur for about 8 minutes at 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., and then goes to a static holiday look until 10:45 p.m. (Light and music shows will not play on Mondays and there will be no lights on Tuesday, December 21).

In addition, 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 nightly from November 19 to January 1. 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 spectacular canvas spreading holiday cheer. This outdoor light show at features interactive visual imagery created by Denver artists projected across the station’s historic facade and synced with classic holiday music. The free show runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night through Monday, December 27.

Cherry Creek North

Cherry Creek North has created Winter Wanderland, a stunning canopy of more than 600 trees adorned with nearly a million twinkling lights across 16 blocks. As you stroll the route, you’ll find eight special musical trees, elaborately decorated with strands of lights choreographed to music in a timed show. At each musical tree, visitors can register for a $1,000 Cherry Creek North shopping spree.

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

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.

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.

The Civic Area features more than 275,000 LED lights and you can explore colorful displays from the “Let It Snow Playground” at the Boulder Public Library to the “Candy Cane Forest” at the Glen Huntington Bandshell.

You can also enjoy warm refreshments, seasonal caroling, free train rides around the park, and self-guided tours each Friday, December 3, 10 & 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Civic Plaza next to the Dushanbe Teahouse.

Above the city, a lighted star shines from Flagstaff Mountain, a local tradition since 1947. See the lights from November 21 through January 9.

Westminster

Westminster City Hall is adorned in thousands of colorful lights through the end of December. The Westminster Christmas tree is simply breathtaking.

Loveland

Loveland is awash in lights during the holidays from Winter Wonderlights at I-25 and Centerra to Loveland’s thriving downtown district to Christmas Walk in the Woods (starts Dec. 11 and has admission fee) on the west side of town.

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 13 through January 2.

Private Homes

Self-guided driving tours are a terrific 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.

Many homes hope to light up on Thanksgiving, while others may not throw the switch until December 1, so be patient and wait a bit if you are planning a longer drive from your home.

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

We’re looking for more 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

Figgyville 2021
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.

Git Lit
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!

Larsen Light Show
6198 Estes St., Arvada, 80004 (105.5 FM)
500,000 lights 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
14,063 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 75,000 lights synchronized to 45 minutes of music, 30 inflatables, singing trees, 125 blow molds and so much more!

Shelton Christmas House
19275 W. 84th Pl., Arvada, 80007
This is year 15 for lighting displays.

Aurora Homes

Apodaca House
908 S. Ventura St., Aurora, 80017
Thousands of lights, and yes, a holiday skeleton. Nightly from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Aurora Highlands neighborhood clocktower
3900 E-470 Ave., Aurora, 80019
Beautiful display at this neighborhood’s clocktower. Features a large ornament that you can walk through and pose for photos.

ChristSmith 2021
6533 S Quemoy Way, Aurora, 80016 (88.5 FM)

All pixel light display with more than 15,000 pixels, 10+ songs, singing Santa and tree. Runs Sunday to Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Forbes Firehouse
25209 E. Ellsworth Dr., Aurora, 80018 (93.1 FM)
Holiday lights blink and flash to music. Runs 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly.

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 55,000 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.

Muniz Light The Sky Christmas Show
19639 Maplewood Pl., Aurora, 80016 (89.9 FM)
20,000 LEDs light the sky to Christmas favorites.

Munoz House
1700 Florence St., Aurora 80010
Thousands of lights shine bright from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Pochubay House
18972 E. Carmel Cir., Aurora, 80011 (98.1)
1,400 lights sync to music.

Vrbas House
7221 S. Oak Hill Circle, Aurora, 80016
Bright and festive.

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)
Time for another new show. Display features about 2000 RGB LED pixels synchronized to a mashup of rocking Christmas music. Every bulb on the house is individually controllable and can be any color at any time.

New for 2021: Visitors can play with the brand new interactive Christmas lights where you can use a guitar, drum kit or a steering wheel to control 1,000 LED pixels in fun and exciting ways. Listen on your car radio or come hang out on the sidewalk and listen on the outdoor speakers. Show is 10 minutes and 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.

Lights of Prospect Village
16573 Prospect Lane, Broomfield, 80023 (93.5 FM)
Has more than 12,500 individual lights synced to music. Also a 17-foot tall tree. Mix of fun songs and Christmas tunes. Two 24-minute shows run on alternating nights Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m to 9 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For a personalized experience, when arriving, use your smartphone. Type vaneckofamilylights.remotefalcon.com on your phone’s browser (if it asks for location, say YES).That web page offers a jukebox-like experience where you can choose songs from a list.

The Murray’s
3510 W. 130th Place, Broomfield, 80020 (89.9 FM)
Now in its 17th year. Dances to music every night from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Osborn Family
16533 Prospect Lane, Broomfield, 80023 (90.3 FM)
5,300+ lights that change color and pattern set to 15 minutes of sequenced music. Show times: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday (will start at 5 p.m. the week of Christmas).

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

Lights at Schalleys
7148 S. Grant St., Centennial, 80122 (98.1 FM)
Dancing lights set to music.

Madison Way
7945 S. Madison Way, Centennial, 80122 (89.1 FM)
Synchronized lights and music. Show is approximately 30 minutes long and runs 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Lit until midnight on December 24, 25 & 31. Runs through New Year’s Eve.

Musical Lights of South Franklin Street
7152 S. Franklin St., Centennial, 80122
More than 30,000 lights synchronized to 14 holiday songs. Runs Sunday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Schmidt House
5492 S. Jasper Way, Centennial, 80015
Lights, trees and inflatables. (And that moon in the photo is real!)

The Stricker’s Winter Wonderland
6636 S. Lafayette, Centennial, 80121
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 and the new 22′ mega tree. Running live every night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through New Year’s Day.

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 is bigger and better than ever covering two houses. If you stop by you can play games for 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

Countdown to Christmas with the Peanuts Gang
19835 E. 41st Pl., Denver, 80249
Multi-colored lights, 2D and 3D characters and Christmas music. Features Charloe Brown, Snoopy on skates, Schroeder and Lucy at the piano, a Peanuts Christmas train and so much more. Runs 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly.

Fortna House
2780 S. Harrison St., Denver, 80210
More than 10,000 lights, a 35-foot decorated tree, 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.”

Holiday Sound and Light Extravaganza
2053 S. Clarkson St., Denver, 80210 (89.1 FM)
More than 7,000 lights coordinated to music. Enjoy a 25-foot tree of lights, snowflakes, stars and a snowman conducting it all! Music and light shows run every 20 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. nightly through New Year’s.

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

A Monet Christmas
860 S. Hudson St., Denver, 80246
More than 12,000 lights offer splashes of contrasting and complementary colors. This is the 27th year decorating the house.

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 35,000+ lights along with dozens of handmade elements.

Owen Winter Wonderland
6229 Iola Way, Englewood, 80111
Lights wrap around the house and backyard, too. The family has been lighting up the neighborhood for more than 20 years.

Erie Homes

Christmas Corner
1089 Northview Dr., Erie, 80516
Thousands of lights and hundreds of inflatables.

Fort Collins Homes

Bishop House
2412 Crabtree Dr., Fort Collins, 80521 (90.7 FM)
More than 100,000 lights decorate the front and back of the home. Musically-synced light show. Mini Christmas village, driveway arches, four 15-foot tall trees on the roof and so much more. Show runs nightly 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through Dec. 31.

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 2. See detailed show schedule here. Donations of nonperishable foods accepted for local food banks.

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 13th 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. Show runs daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Hazard Gingerbread House
10221 Fairgate Way, Highlands Ranch, 80126
DIY 6-foot candy canes and lollipops.

LIGHT at Cherry Hills Community Church
3900 Grace Blvd., Highlands Ranch, 80126
Experience the magic of Christmas from the warmth of your car as you drive throughout the Cherry Hills Church campus viewing programed lights and a festive story all streamed from a custom App. Reservations are required for this free event (choose from three time blocks each night) as space is limited nightly. Open 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through December 23.

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 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly through January 1, 2022.

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.

Monaco House
2928 Pierson Way, Lakewood
Beautifully decorated home.

Notter House
1969 S. Taft St., Lakewood, 80228 (89.9FM)
This is the first year for the homeowners doing programmed lights. Enjoy 25+ songs, including both Christmas and Hanukkah music.

Littleton Homes

Warren House
7664 S. Hoyt St., Littleton (90.7 FM)
Light show synchronized to 20+ songs.

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 mid-January. Access to the Ranch property is closed and entrance within the gates is not permitted. Still, the lights can be viewed from the warmth and comfort of your car from the parking lot and along Havana street. If you’re up for a winter evening walk, get a closer view by using the East West Trail.

Longmont Homes

Die Hard Christmas
2461 Mapleton Cir., Longmont, 80503
What! They couldn’t fit in a few more decorations?

Milliken Businesses

Nature’s Herbs and Wellness
3220 Center Dr., Milliken (95.1 FM)
More than 42,000 lights synced to a 25-minute, six-song playlist featuring both traditional and New Age Christmas music. You can hear the music by tuning into the radio station from your car in the Nature’s Herb’s parking lot. The display runs nightly from sundown to 9 p.m. through January 15, 2022.

Northglenn Homes

The Enchanted Forest
10821 Rosalie Dr., Northglenn, 80233
Thousands of lights. Santa has just arrived in his rooftop helicopter! New for 2021: Tinsley’s Teacups spinning around. Also the popular Berry Go Round and eight-foot-tall Ferris Wheel.

Parker Homes

Griswold Christmas!
23551 E. Holly Hills Way, Parker, 80138
A 50-year-old restored Santa, sleigh and reindeer, plus 30,000 lights cover the roof.

Lights on Larkspur
11837 Larkspur Dr., Parker, 80134 (97.1 FM)
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.

Parker Griswold Christmas
17259 Silver Mound Lane, Parker, 80134
Thousands of incandescent lights for a warm glow. Blow ups and a Santa greeting you from the roof.

Thornton Homes

Lights on Northlake
12804 North Lake Dr., Thornton (90.7 FM)
Musical light show sync’d with Christmas music! Show runs nightly 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. for about 60-minutes with 18 songs.

Santa’s Wonderland
12919 Magnolia Place, Thornton, 80602
Has decorated for 23 years. Nativity scene and driveway arch. New for 2021: a waterfall

Westminster Homes

Blue Christmas on 90th Court
9164 W. 90th Ct., Westminster, 80021
Features more than 5,000 individual lights and projectors to create a blue and white “snowfall” theme on the house. Plus, lawn ornaments and blow ups.

Christmas Train
7645 Hooker St., Westminster, 80030
25th anniversary! Train circles the house. Also has a ski lift, Ferris wheel, outhouse, tugging reindeer, elves and much more. (Note: The train does not run when it is snowing.) Runs 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. through New Year’s Eve night.

Daddy’s Crazy Christmas Lights
6330 W. 110th Pl., Westminster (104.9 FM)
Lights set to music which changes slightly every night.

Lights By David True
8560 W. 89th Ave., Westminster, 80021
Lights are programmed to Christmas music playing outside. Mr. True has been decorating the house for 30 years.

Lights on Newton
7320 Newton St., Westminster, 80030
Display is lit from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Christmas night.

Westminster Family Light Show
11407 W. 103rd Ave., Westminster, 80021 (93.5 FM)
Traditional and non-traditional music synced to 50,00 lights. This year they will be running a mixed play list. Even days will be up-beat, non-traditional music and odd days will be traditional holiday music. There’s also a photo station in the yard that lets you become part of the show and take pictures.Shows operate Sunday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Wrapped Up For The Holidays
11289 W. 103rd Dr., Westminster, 80021
Handmade yard displays of favorite characters. Lights run 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through December 25.

Wheat Ridge Homes

Candy Cane Lane
4712 Dover St., Wheat Ridge, 80033
The family has been doing this display for 18 years and it takes more than 50 hours to complete.

The Wonderful Christmas Light Show
4713 Carr St., Wheat Ridge, 80033 (90.5 FM)
Listen and watch an amazing display of lighting choreography as thousands of lights turn millions of colors set to favorite Christmas carols. This year the Magic Christmas Trees, Biggie Tree, Kaleidoscope and BabyTrees are the canvas upon which a palette of infinite hues bring a marvelous visual interpretation to songs of the season. Run through December from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.