Every weekend, 7NEWS compiles a list of some family friendly events you might enjoy. ‘Tis the season for holiday lights and merriment, and these Denver traditions are sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Here are picks for the 7 (and more) best things to do in Denver, the 2015 Holiday Edition.
Monday - Sunday
Southwest Rink at Skyline Park
What: Grab your family and friends and head Downtown for some ice skating in Skyline Park. Skate rental is $2, or bring your own pair and skate for free.
Where: Skyline Park at 16th Street and Arapahoe, Downtown Denver, Colo.
When: Daily, various times daily through Feb. 15th (Check website for details)
Admission: Free ($2 skate rental or bring your own.)
More Information: downtowndenver.com
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Monday - Sunday
Homestead Holidays
What: Check out Golden’s newest holiday tradition. Clear Creek History Park has been set aglow for the holidays. Stroll through this scenic three-acre park in downtown Golden, gazing at the thousands of twinkling lights that illuminate the trees and historic buildings.
Where: Clear Creek History Park, 11th Street and Arapahoe, Golden, Colo.
When: Open Nightly, from sunset to midnight (Runs through Jan. 25th)
Admission: Free
More Information: goldenhistory.org
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Monday – Sunday
A Hudson Christmas: Holiday Light Show
What: Experience the festive holiday light show that is A Hudson Christmas. Stroll along the one-mile path winding through Hudson Gardens that has been illuminated with hundreds of glimmering lights and glowing displays. Admission also includes wagon rides and a visit with Santa.
Where: Hudson Gardens and Event Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, Colo.
When: Monday – Sunday: 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (Runs through Jan. 2nd, excluding Dec. 24 and 25. Check website for details.)
Admission: $11 – Adults; $9 – Members/Military; $8 – Kids 4-12 years; Kids 3 and under are free.
More Information: hudsongardens.org
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Monday - Sunday
Zoo Lights
What: Light up your holidays with this annual tradition at the Denver Zoo. Nearly doubled in size this year, the colorful illuminations will span 70 acres and feature more than 150 animated animal sculptures swinging from the trees, jumping across lawns, hiding in bushes and appearing in places you’d never expect. You can also look forward to live animal demonstrations, nightly entertainment and delicious holiday treats.
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street, Denver, Colo.
When: Open Nightly: 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. (Runs through Jan. 3rd)
Admission: $13 – Adults; $11 – Seniors; $9 – Kids (3 to 11 years); Kids 2 and under are free (Member discount available.)
More Information: denverzoo.org
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Monday - Sunday
Blossoms of Light
What: Stroll through a tunnel of twinkling lights and admire the Gardens all draped in elegant designs to celebrate the holiday season. This annual tradition runs through January 2nd. Roasted nuts, sweet treats and hot beverages will be available for purchase.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver, Colo.
When: Open Nightly: 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. (Runs through Jan. 2nd)
Admission: $13 – Adults; $10 – Kids 3-15 years; Kids 2 and under are free. (Member discounts available.)
More Information: botanicgardens.org
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Monday - Sunday
Trails of Lights
What: Away from the city lights nestled at the base of the foothills, the Trails of Lights at Chatfield Farms offers a more rustic, yet equally as dazzling, display of holiday lights. As you walk along the winding path, you’ll enjoy watching the lights dance, synchronized to music along the route. Be sure to take advantage of the free hayrides every Friday and Saturday night.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, Colo.
When: Open Nightly: 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. (Runs through Jan. 2nd)
Admission: $14 – Adults Fri-Sat ($11 – Sun-Thur); $11 – Kids 3-15 years Fri-Sat ($8 - Sun-Thur); Kids 2 and under are free. (Member discounts available.)
More Information: botanicgardens.org
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Thursday - Sunday
Living Lights
What: Take a fantastical journey through an indoor twinkling tropical rainforest or an outdoor adventure through glowing gardens featuring larger-than-life sculptures. Interactive exhibits will feature live animals, and give you the opportunity to learn about these “Living Lights,” bioluminescent and luminescent animals, along the journey.
Where: Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 West 104th Avenue, Westminster, Colo.
When: Thursdays - Sundays: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. (Weekends through Jan. 10th, excluding Dec. 24, 25 and 31. Check website for specific dates.)
Admission: $10 – Adults; $8 – Seniors; $6 – Kids (2 to 12 years); Kids under 2 are free (Member discounts available.)
More Information: butterflies.org
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Thursday – December 31st
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
What: Make this Downtown Denver tradition part of your New Year’s celebration. Two firework shows will offer revelers of all ages a chance to ring in the New Year. Bring the family to catch the early fireworks show at 9 p.m., or wait for midnight and the official start of the New Year. Fireworks can be seen from various spots around downtown, but the 16th Street Mall will put you right in the middle of the celebration.
Where: 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, Downtown Denver, Colo.
When: Thursday: 9 p.m. and 12 Midnight
Admission: Free
More Information: downtowndenver.com
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The 7 Best Things to Do article will be on holiday hiatus until the week of January 4th. If you have a future event that you want featured in our 7 Best Things To Do This Weekend article, send an email to carrie.ripes@kmgh.com.