This Iconic Holiday Event in Colorado is the One Thing You Must Do This Season

Christmas in Colorado is hard to beat. The entire state truly remembers the reason for the season, and I love watching all of the charming small towns transform into winter wonderlands. One of my favorite things to do for Christmas in Colorado is swing by the Denver Zoo to see the Zoo Lights. Denver goes all out during the holiday season, and you’ll find plenty of amazing holiday events in Denver to keep your holiday merry and bright, but the Denver Zoo Lights is one of those iconic holiday events in Colorado that you simply can’t miss. 

Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo has been a tradition for over 30 years! Each year, families bring their kids to this magical holiday event to begin their own holiday traditions, and it just warms my heart. 

More than three million lights adorn the park’s 80+ acres during the holiday season. Now, the Denver Zoo is a must-see attraction year-round, but seeing all your favorite animals lit up as holiday displays is truly something special. Kids will have a blast wandering through the displays, and parents might just find their inner kids coming out to play, too.

Dates and times for the Denver Zoo Lights:

November 23, 2024 — January 5, 2025

• Sunday—Thursday: 5 p.m.—8 p.m.
• Friday—Saturday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Tickets to the Denver Zoo Lights can be purchased on the zoo’s website. Adults 16+ are $28 per person, kids 3-15 are $21, and tiny tots two and younger are free. This is one Christmas activity in Colorado that can get packed as we get closer to Christmas Day, so if you want to beat the crowds, make plans to visit Denver Zoo Lights on a weekday rather than a weekend. 

Folks can also add on special enhancements to make the evening that much more special. This includes getting a winter warmer souvenir cup, a sweet treats package, a Christmas light necklace, and more! There are also beer packages for the adults.

There will be kiosks throughout the zoo for hot chocolate, apple cider, pretzels, and more. Hot chocolate seems like a no-brainer, right? Wandering through a Christmas lights display with a cup of hot chocolate is a must.

Sensory-Friendly Night takes place on December 31, 2024. This specially curated evening is perfect for those with sensory processing disorders. There will be a variety of accommodations, including fewer crowds, low-volume music, and special quiet rooms. 

The Denver Zoo Lights is one of the best holiday events in Colorado, and it’s one you won’t want to miss! Share this article with someone you want to visit this iconic holiday event with. 

For more epic adventures, check out our ultimate guide to winter in Colorado.