The Denver Zoo Lights have been a tradition for over 30 years. photo by Simone DiFalco, collage by Evelyn Jackson
Many activities and attractions are now opened up for the holiday season in Colorado.
Now that December is here, different holiday events in Colorado are open to anyone looking for some seasonal spirit. Whether venturing into a beautiful outdoor attraction or a festive indoor activity, there are many experiences offered in the area. The state of Colorado has many exclusive advantages to embrace the holidays, such as the several outdoor venues including the Denver Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. Both of these locations have opened up their own magical experiences to emphasize the festive month for all.
One of the most popular attractions known in Denver is the Zoo Lights, which first opened on November 22nd. The Zoo Lights are open until January 5th and this event is extremely trendy through the entire month of December. The lights cover over 80 acres of space, and there are nearly 3 million lights. This event is admirable because the installations are so captivating and beautifully designed. The location of these lights largely highlights the importance of the variety of animals, so some of the light structures are replicas of zoo animals. The holiday attraction is open to all ages, and was created for festive family occasions, but also for friends and significant others to hold on to a memorable sight.
The Denver Zoo offers some special dates within the season, including Adult Night and Sensory-Friendly Night. Adult Night took place on the first day the Zoo Lights opened – November 22nd. This night is special for anyone above the age of 21, and is a great opportunity for parents or couples to peacefully absorb the breathtaking scenery. Sensory-Friendly Night will take place on December 31st and this occasion is meant for those with any sensory processing disorders. This option brings holiday spirit to everyone in the public, but specifically highlights the importance of creating an alternative option that is more comfortable and inclusive. The event also offers snacks and drinks, including a warm and cozy hot chocolate to hold onto while strolling through the radiant scene. The Denver Zoo Lights are a great option when looking for something fun to bring you into the holiday season the right way.
Another well-known activity Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens, which highlights the beautiful plants that the location features. The event started on November 20th, and will go through January 12th. This attraction is not only special for the state of Colorado, but it is also one of the most recognized holiday light shows in the entire nation. The lights featured on the plant collections are all LED in order to emphasize the Botanic Gardens’ value of sustainability. The lights are colorful and mesmerizing, and the holiday music only makes them brighter. This experience is also perfect for friends and family, but people can also schedule times to host a party or to even get engaged. The venue offers a “Merry and Bright Engagement Package” that makes the setting more enchanting for special moments like these. The setting of the Botanic Gardens is currently extremely festive as the winter holidays approach.
Outside of holiday light shows, another event fit for winter is an opportunity to decorate cookies at Sugar Bloom Cookie, an event venue in Westminster. This location offers year-round cookie decorating classes, but is now open for more festive activities through the month of December. This includes “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” that happened earlier this month, “Snowflakes and Sparkles,” which gets into decorating with pastel colors, “Grinch,” which offers Grinch-themed cookies to decorate, and many more Christmas and Hanukkah-themed classes until the end of 2024. This choice is excellent for getting into the right spirit for the winter. Another plus to this fun event is that the owner, Andrea Goossens, is a champion from a baking competition on Food Network. She hosts all of the decorating classes at her shop, so participants are able to learn more about baking along with some cheerful tips and tricks when it comes to holiday decorating.
The state of Colorado presents so many joyous adventures to enjoy with friends and family as the merry and bright festivities are getting started. The state takes pride in the opportunity for people to come together and visit the unique things that are valued. Tis’ the season to seek out and experience something new and captivating.
