Blossoms of Light – Festival Dates, Tickets, and More to See

DATE	TIME	ADDRESS
November to January	4:30 PM to 9:00 PM	Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street Location), 1007 York Street, Denver, Colorado, USA

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Last Update March 17, 2026

If you’re looking for a new, exciting way to celebrate the holidays this year, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, get to know everything you need to know about Blossoms of Light–a wondrous holiday celebration in Denver, Colorado.

What is Blossoms of Light

Blossoms of Light is a holiday lighting festival held yearly at the Denver Botanic Gardens in Colorado, USA. This wondrous celebration transforms the gardens into a sparkling wonderland of colors and lights, perfectly capturing the essence of the yuletide season.

Launched 40 years ago, the festival has become a favorite destination for friends and families to celebrate the holiday season every year.

Here are some of the highlights and features you can catch at Blossoms of Light:

Light Trail—This trail features over one million individual LED lights spread throughout the gardens.

Tunnel of Lights—You can walk through an illuminated tunnel that stretches across the grounds.

Sound-ReactiveDisplays—These immersive lights move and change along with holiday music.

Monet Pool Light Installations—You’ll find glowing orbs and floating lights reflecting off the water in this iconic area.

Light Projections—Large-scale light shows are projected directly onto buildings’ facades.

Seasonal Refreshments—You can grab hot chocolate and holiday treats at Offshoots Café or the Hive Garden Bistro.

When Does Blossoms of Light Take Place

This holiday lighting event is usually held from November to January, celebrating the holidays and bringing vibrant colors to the winter season.

Its previous edition took place from November 21, 2025, through January 11, 2026.

The dates for this year’s festival have not yet been announced by the organizers, but you can expect almost the same schedule this year based on previous editions.

If you wish to spend your holidays with this festival of light, then stay tuned or visit the gardens’ official website for the latest updates.

Where It’s Located and How to Get There

Denver Botanic Gardens is located at 1007 York Street, Denver, Colorado, USA. This public botanical garden in Cheesman Park serves as the backdrop for the breathtaking lighting displays featured in the festival.

If you are traveling from outside Denver, the nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (DEN). It sits about 25 miles northeast of the gardens, so you can easily grab a rideshare or hop on the light rail to get towards downtown.

Getting to the Festival Site from within Colorado:

Driving—You can take I-25 or I-70 toward downtown Denver and follow the signs for the York Street location.

Public Transit—Several RTD bus routes stop within a block of the entrance, including lines 10, 15, and 24.

Rideshare—Apps like Uber and Lyft are very active in the area and can drop you off right at the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center.

Cycling—The gardens are very bike-friendly and provide racks at the main entrance for those riding in from nearby neighborhoods.

Getting to the Festival from outside Colorado:

Flying—Book a flight into Denver International Airport, which serves almost all major domestic and international airlines.

Train—Amtrak’s California Zephyr stops at Denver Union Station, where you can easily transfer to a local bus or taxi.

Airport Rail—The A-Line commuter train runs from the airport to Union Station every 15 minutes for a quick trip into the city.

Rental Car—Most major rental agencies operate out of the airport if you prefer to have your own wheels for the drive to York Street.

You can also check out these other amazing holiday lighting events across the United States:

Mission Inn Festival of Lights

Lewis Ginter Lights

Festival Hours

The festival typically runs from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, giving you almost five hours to see all the colorful and eyecatching lighting displays the event has to offer.

It is worth noting that the gardens usually close their gates on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day so everyone can spend time with their families. For the rest of the season, however, the lights are on every night for you to enjoy.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend Blossoms of Light

Attending Blossoms of Light requires the purchasing of tickets, with prices that typically range from $22 to $33 depending on the date you choose to visit.

If you are a member of the Gardens, you can secure a discount with rates between $18 and $29, while children aged two and under can attend the festival for free.

Take note, however, that the prices mentioned above are from the 2025-2026 edition, so ticket prices for the next event may vary or change.

For the latest updates, you can visit the gardens’ official website and social media pages.

Festival Weather and What to Wear

The weather in Denver, Colorado, stays quite brisk from November through January, with daytime highs typically hovering between 8°C and 12°C.

Once the sun dips below the horizon and the festival lights flicker on, you can expect the air to turn sharp as temperatures plunge toward -4°C or even -9°C.

To stay warm and comfortable, here are some recommended clothing items to wear and bring:

Heavy winter coat—A thick, insulated parka is your best defense against the biting evening air.

Warm beanie—A snug hat will keep your ears from freezing and help you retain your body heat.

Insulated gloves—Keeping your fingers covered is a must if you plan on holding a cold camera or phone.

Thermal base layers—Wearing a thin, warm layer under your clothes makes a huge difference in how long you can stay outside.

Wool socks—Thick merino wool is perfect for keeping your toes toasty as you walk the garden trails.

Sturdy boots—Choose waterproof footwear with good grip to handle any potential icy spots on the path.

Soft scarf—Wrapping a scarf around your neck helps block the wind from sneaking into your jacket.

Where to Stay – Hotels Nearby

If you’re planning to stay overnight for the festival, here are some hotels in Denver that you can choose from:

Super 8 by Wyndham Denver Stapleton—This 2-star hotel is a solid, budget-friendly pick that covers all your basics with free parking and Wi-Fi. You can fill up on a complimentary breakfast before heading out, and the property even features a seasonal outdoor pool if you happen to visit during a milder stretch of the season.

Baymont by Wyndham Denver International Airport—This 3-star option is perfect if you’re flying in because it offers a scheduled airport shuttle and an indoor pool for a relaxing swim. You’ll also get a free breakfast and Wi-Fi included with your stay, making it a very convenient and high-value choice for travelers.

Courtyard by Marriott Denver Cherry Creek—This 3-star hotel provides a more modern vibe with air-conditioned rooms and a heated indoor pool to help you thaw out after a night in the cold. It’s located in a great spot for shopping and dining, and many rooms even offer beautiful views of the Denver skyline or the Rocky Mountains.

Where to Eat – Restaurants Nearby

For festivalgoers looking for a great meal before or after Blossoms of Light, check out these local dining spots in Denver:

Corinne Denver—This stylish American eatery at the Le Méridien hotel offers a warm and relaxing vibe. You can enjoy unique plates like crab croquettes or sweet corn cake eggs benedict, and definitely don’t skip their tangy key lime pie.

Mercantile—Located right inside the historic Union Station, this busy spot features a New American restaurant and an artisanal market. Their menu is built for comfort, serving up everything from a zesty fried chicken banh mi to a savory pork pastrami or a classic breakfast sandwich.

Alma Fonda Fina—This Michelin-starred Mexican gem was opened in late 2023 and has quickly become a local favorite. It is the perfect place to grab a fresh tuna tostada with avocado and lime or enjoy their elevated take on traditional tacos and hearty frijoles puercos.

More Places to Explore Nearby

Beyond the festival, Denver is packed with world-class attractions for you to check out:

Denver Art Museum — This place is huge—in the best way. With over 70,000 works, it’s known for its bold architecture and a rich collection of Indigenous art. You can take your time wandering through galleries from different eras, or try one of their “mindful looking” sessions and really sit with a single piece for a change of pace.

Downtown Aquarium — It’s more than just an aquarium. With over a million gallons of water and hundreds of species, there’s always something moving, gliding, or swimming past you. After spotting sharks and stingrays, you can check out the Under the Sea exhibit for a live mermaid show—or grab a bite while surrounded by glowing tanks.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science — This is the kind of place where curiosity takes over. You can walk among towering dinosaur fossils, dive into exhibits about space and the natural world, and then head to the planetarium for a quiet, awe-filled journey through the stars.

A Sparkling Conclusion: Final Words on Blossoms of Light

Blossoms of Light is a great and exciting way for you to celebrate the holiday season this year. With all the colorful and captivating light displays it offers, this festival provides the perfect setting for families and friends to gather and create new winter memories.

Beyond the lights, Denver is full of attractions and hidden gems for you to discover and explore. From museums to amazing dining spots, you can easily make your festival journey an unforgettable one.

So if you wish to celebrate the holidays in a grand, spectacular way, then Blossoms of Light must be on your bucket list.

FAQ

Is there on-site parking available for the festival? Limited free parking is available in the garden’s garage, but it fills up fast on event nights.

Are pets allowed to join me for the light show? No pets are permitted inside the gardens, though certified service animals are always welcome.

Can I smoke or vape while walking through the displays? The entire facility is smoke- and tobacco-free, including all electronic cigarettes and vaporizers.

Is the walking path accessible for wheelchairs and strollers? The mile-long path is paved and accessible, but stay alert for occasional icy patches.