Best free holiday light displays near Denver and the Front Range

DENVER — Walking through holiday lights is a wonderful way to experience the festive spirit, and in Denver, you don't always have to spend money to enjoy it. There are numerous award-winning and locally cherished holiday light displays around the city, though many of them require tickets.

However, there are also several areas in Denver and the surrounding metro area where people can walk through beautifully lit streets that offer shopping and dining options as well. These locations provide an excellent opportunity for families and friends to gather and celebrate the season without breaking the bank.

It's no surprise that Coloradans love their holiday light displays, as the tradition of decorating with lights is believed to have originated in Denver. The city has embraced this festive custom for nearly a century, and it continues to be a beloved part of the holiday season.

For those looking to save some money while still enjoying the festivities, here are some walkable areas in Denver that are beautifully decorated for the holidays:

Denver Highlights

• Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland – Lights strung throughout the neighborhood near the Cherry Creek Mall.
• Larimer Square – A block lit up with festive decor, featuring Santa appearances and carolers.
• Union Station – The building is illuminated with holiday colors and surrounded by light displays and photo opportunities.
• Denver City and County Building – This iconic structure is illuminated in dancing holiday colors.
• Mile High Tree, Christkindlmarket – Auraria Campus – A 7-story-tall conical illuminated tree that people can walk through, along with a holiday market village and carousel.
• Mile High Drone Show – Nightly drone shows at 7 p.m. just west of downtown.
• South Broadway – Denver – Lights strung on trees along South Broadway.
• 16th Street – Denver – Lights strung along trees.
• Interactive light installations at Wynkoop Plaza and 16th and Tremont – Unique displays that engage visitors.
• Projection on Daniels & Fisher Tower – A visually stunning display that adds to the holiday atmosphere.

Denver also continues its free lights recycling program, which successfully diverted over one ton of lights last year.

Front Range/Metro Area Highlights

• Downtown Englewood – Lights and shops along South Broadway.
• Belleview Park – A scenic spot adorned with holiday lights.
• Downtown Littleton – Main Street lined with local shops and sparkling lights.
• A Very Centerra Holiday – Loveland – A tour through Centerra streets and neighborhoods with lights and a scavenger hunt.
• Olde Golden – Lights along Clear Creek, History Park, Parfet Park, downtown, and the Golden Welcome Center.
• Olde Town Arvada – Features a large, lit-up holiday tree and festive decor.
• Westminster City Hall – Lit up trees and photo opportunities.
• Berthoud – Home to the largest lit-up tree in the state, standing at 80 feet tall.
• Lights at the Southglenn Mall – Trees around the shopping center are illuminated.
• Downtown Boulder – Lights along Pearl Street Mall and the courthouse.
• Central Park and Civic Area lights – Beautiful displays in these public spaces.
• Christmas light show at Grace Presbyterian Church – Littleton – A driveable holiday light display with radio sync.
• Loveland Stranger Things house – A unique holiday attraction featuring scenes from the popular series.

The love for holiday lights extends beyond the holiday season. In Denver, many neighborhoods keep their colorful displays up until the end of the National Western Stock Show in January. Most of the light displays listed will remain up into January, while some may be taken down after Christmas.

Notably, many neighborhoods across the state are adorned with festive holiday lights and may be worth exploring. Some, like Englewood, even host neighborhood competitions to showcase the best displays.

For those seeking a big, professional display, FOX31’s list of professional holiday light displays for 2025 is a great resource.

If you know of more festive places where people can enjoy holiday lights for free, feel free to share your suggestions.