Celebrate the festive spirit of Thornton with our detailed guide. For Thornton connoisseurs and newcomers alike, our guide is your ticket to unforgettable experiences.
Experience the enchanting Blossoms of Light, where beautiful, illuminated gardens make the holidays come alive. Spark your festive spirit with the dazzling animal-centric displays of Zoo Lights. And the colorful drive-through light show known as Christmas in Color is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Thornton
See these and even more events listed below!Nearby Events
Blossoms of Light (Denver)
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays synchronized to music
Description:
Denver Botanic Gardens transforms into a luminous paradise during Blossoms of Light. This annual tradition features over a million LED lights artfully arranged throughout the gardens. Visitors can stroll through tunnels of light and witness trees wrapped in colorful illuminations. The event's highlight is the interactive light displays that dance in sync with holiday tunes. You can even wear special HoloSpex glasses to enhance your viewing experience. The gardens, established in 1951, showcase Colorado's diverse plant life while embracing the spirit of the season.
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Zoo Lights (Denver)
What to Expect:
Animal-shaped light sculptures
Description:
Denver Zoo comes alive after dark during Zoo Lights, an illuminated safari through 80 acres of dazzling displays. Life-sized animal sculptures crafted from thousands of lights create a glowing menagerie. Towering giraffes, playful penguins, and majestic lions shine brightly against the night sky. As you explore, the gentle rustling of nocturnal animals adds to the ambiance. Children can embark on an enlightening scavenger hunt to learn about wildlife conservation. This beloved event has been delighting visitors since 1990, evolving alongside the zoo's commitment to animal welfare and education.
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Christmas in Color (Denver)
What to Expect:
Drive-through synchronized light show
Description:
Christmas in Color revolutionizes holiday light viewing with its immersive drive-through experience. Visitors cruise through a vibrant landscape of over 1.5 million lights, all perfectly synchronized to festive music broadcast directly to your car radio. Towering candy canes, glowing arches, and animated displays create a kaleidoscope of color. The event's unique format allows you to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of your vehicle. This modern take on holiday lights began in Utah in 2015 and has since expanded to multiple locations, including Denver.
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Trail of Lights (Littleton)
What to Expect:
Historic farm setting with vintage decorations
Description:
Littleton's Trail of Lights winds through the picturesque Chatfield Farms, a historic homestead dating back to the 1860s. This unique setting blends rustic charm with holiday cheer, featuring antique tractors adorned with twinkling lights and vintage farm equipment repurposed as festive displays. The crisp winter air carries the scent of pine as you wander along illuminated paths. Visitors can warm up with hot cocoa while admiring the century-old cottonwood trees wrapped in shimmering lights. The event pays homage to Colorado's agricultural heritage while celebrating the season.
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Denver Christkindl Market (Denver)
What to Expect:
Authentic German-style Christmas market
Description:
The Denver Christkindl Market brings a slice of Old World tradition to the heart of the city. This lively marketplace recreates the atmosphere of a classic German Christmas bazaar, complete with wooden stalls and traditional decorations. Artisans and vendors offer unique handcrafted gifts, from ornate nutcrackers to delicate glass ornaments. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked strudel and spiced Glühwein. You can join in spirited folk dances or listen to live Alpine music. Established in 2000, the market has become a cherished part of Denver's multicultural holiday celebrations.
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Mile High Tree (Denver)
What to Expect:
Tallest digital tree in North America
Description:
The Mile High Tree stands as a technological marvel in downtown Denver. Soaring 110 feet into the sky, this free-standing structure is the tallest digital tree on the continent. Its 60,000 LED lights create a mesmerizing display of patterns and colors, visible from blocks away. The tree's interior offers an immersive light show experience, surrounding visitors with dazzling animations. You can groove to a diverse playlist of holiday tunes that accompany the light displays. Introduced in 2019, the Mile High Tree has quickly become an iconic symbol of Denver's innovative approach to holiday celebrations.
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A Colorado Christmas (Denver)
What to Expect:
Celebration of Colorado's holiday traditions
Description:
A Colorado Christmas showcases the unique holiday customs of the Centennial State. This event highlights local artisans, featuring handcrafted ornaments inspired by Colorado's landscapes and wildlife. Visitors can sample regional holiday treats, from Palisade peach preserves to Rocky Mountain oysters. Live performances celebrate the state's diverse musical heritage, from cowboy ballads to Native American flute melodies. You can learn about the history of skiing in Colorado through vintage equipment displays. This event, which began in 2018, aims to preserve and share the distinctive holiday traditions that have evolved in Colorado over the past 150 years.
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Holiday Flea (Denver)
What to Expect:
Curated mix of vintage and modern local goods
Description:
Holiday Flea transforms a Denver warehouse into a bustling marketplace that bridges past and present. This carefully curated event brings together local artisans, vintage collectors, and innovative designers under one roof. Shoppers can discover one-of-a-kind gifts, from retro ski posters to handcrafted jewelry made from recycled materials. The event pulses with energy as DJs spin vinyl records, creating a lively atmosphere. You can participate in hands-on workshops to create your own holiday decorations. Launched in 2015, Holiday Flea reflects Denver's thriving maker culture and commitment to supporting local businesses.
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Christmas at Gaylord Rockies (Aurora)
What to Expect:
Indoor winter wonderland with ice sculptures
Description:
Christmas at Gaylord Rockies transports visitors to a frosty paradise without leaving the comfort of indoors. The centerpiece of this extravaganza is a vast collection of intricate ice sculptures, hand-carved by master artisans from around the world. Maintained at a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit, these frozen marvels depict beloved holiday scenes and characters. The event also features an elaborate model train display that winds through miniature Colorado landmarks. You can test your skills on the snow tubing hill or glide across the indoor ice skating rink. This immersive experience, which debuted in 2018, combines cutting-edge technology with traditional holiday elements.
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St. Nick's Christmas and Collectibles (Littleton)
What to Expect:
Year-round Christmas store with antique ornaments
Description:
St. Nick's Christmas and Collectibles in Littleton stands as a testament to enduring holiday traditions. This year-round Christmas emporium houses an extensive collection of vintage and antique ornaments, some dating back to the early 1900s. The store's shelves brim with unique decorations from around the world, each with its own story. Delicate glass figurines from Germany sit alongside hand-painted Ukrainian eggs. You can explore the evolution of holiday decor through the decades, from Victorian-era tinsel to mid-century aluminum trees. Established in 1976, St. Nick's has become a cherished destination for collectors and holiday enthusiasts alike.
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St. Nick's Christmas and Collectibles