While the holidays can be stressful and difficult, seeing all the lights and decorations around town always cheers me up. The colors and brightness bring back a sense of childhood whimsy that leaves me begging for snow and running to my “Jingle Bell Junk” playlist.
Admiring holiday lights can be one of the best ways to get out of the house and into the seasonal spirit. Grab your best friends, your significant other or your family and go look at some lights.
Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light
Denver’s York Street Botanic Gardens illuminates for its Blossoms of Light event every year. The garden grounds are adorned with glowing LED light displays, bringing the flora to life. According to the Botanic Gardens’ website, Blossoms of Light started in 1985 to invite people to enjoy the gardens in the colder months.
Located just over an hour from campus, Blossoms of Light began on Nov. 20 and runs every night until Jan. 12. Prices vary by night, but the student-discounted tickets are between $24 and $26. Advanced ticket purchases are required.
While I have never attended this event, Blossoms of Light has been recommended to me by several friends, and I am intent on going this year. The Gardens are gorgeous during the day, and I can only imagine how beautiful they’ll be ornamented by festive light. I will be grabbing my jacket and making the drive.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Electric Safari
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo hosts its Electric Safari Event yearly. Electric Safari features glowing blow-up animals and animal light sculptures. Participants can walk the zoo grounds, visit their favorite creatures and pose with the massive installations for photos.
The event runs every night from Dec. 6 to Jan. 1 this year, excluding Christmas Eve. Advance tickets are required and can be purchased for $24 on the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s website. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a 25-minute drive from campus.
I went to the Electric Safari two years ago and enjoyed it, even for the price. The event is a splurge activity, but I took some Instagram-worthy pictures and enjoyed the vibe of the zoo after hours. Just make sure to wear layers, it gets chilly on the mountainside.
Colorado Springs’ Festival of Lights Parade
The city of Colorado Springs holds the non-profit Festival of Lights Parade annually. Organizations and businesses enter glowing floats and parade down Tejon Street in the spirit of the holidays.
The Parade will be on Dec. 7, beginning at 5:50 p.m. The family-friendly event is free to attend, and three downtown garages will be offering free parking that night. The Parade begins at Tejon and Boulder streets and ends at Tejon Street and Vermijo Avenue, roughly a 15-minute drive from campus.
I last attended the Festival of Lights Parade in high school, but I remember it well. Tejon Street was lined with families of all ages, and the floats were creative and colorful. I was decidedly underdressed, though, so bundle up and bring a hot drink with you.
Light the Spine
Club decorations will line the spine Dec. 11 through Dec. 19, closing out finals week. Students living in dorms without transportation can still enjoy some holiday cheer for free by walking between Summit Village and University Center.
SGA is sponsoring the Light the Spine event for the third time, providing clubs with $100 each to create a lighting display on a peg board. SGA says the event is an opportunity for clubs to showcase themselves while celebrating the holidays.
I just learned about Light the Spine as a senior, so I plan to take a stroll across our beautiful campus to enjoy the displays. I am excited to see how clubs illuminate the Spine with lightboards.
Just drive around
If you’re balling on a budget, it’s always fun to drive around neighborhoods and enjoy the light displays people add to their homes. It’s great for bonding with friends over people’s lighting takes or even getting in the holiday spirit solo. And it is much warmer than the other four events!
Aside from gas, driving around and spectating is free. The Mountain Shadows neighborhood, just 10 minutes from campus, has some gargantuan houses with big lighting budgets. Pine Creek, 15 minutes from campus, always has some cute décor.
I have been perusing the Pine Creek light selection since I was a child. One house three minutes from my childhood home always decorates like Christmas is going out of style, with at least five nativity sets, plenty of angels and various other lighting elements. While I would never hurt my neighbors’ eyes like that, it is always fun to see what they add each year.
Photo by Kaylie Foster.