Magic of Lights Colorado Springs is an annual holiday lights event that takes place in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The event features a spectacular display of lights and festive decorations that transform the city into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors to Magic of Lights Colorado Springs can experience a drive-through light show, where they can admire elaborate light displays set up along a designated route. The lights are synchronized to holiday music, creating a mesmerizing and enchanting atmosphere. The event showcases a variety of themed light displays, including Santa Claus and his reindeer, elaborate snowflakes, sparkling Christmas trees, and other traditional holiday symbols. The lights are vibrant and colorful, illuminating the night and spreading holiday cheer.
If you are hunting for the top places to see Colorado Springs Christmas light displays (and Christmas lights in other parts of Colorado), you’re in the right place. We’ve collected a list of all of our favorite ways to see the annual holiday lights throughout the Pikes Peak region and maybe a brief stop in Denver if you’re feeling super ambitious. We’ve also included a few other ways to experience the holiday lights without driving too much.
We ve collected a list of all of our favorite ways to see the annual holiday lights throughout the Pikes Peak region and maybe a brief stop in Denver if you re feeling super ambitious. The downtown area is also awesome because you can really winterize your holiday adventure with a visit to the ice skating rink located in Acacia Park.
The lights are vibrant and colorful, illuminating the night and spreading holiday cheer. Magic of Lights Colorado Springs is not only a visual delight but also a fun experience for the whole family. Visitors can drive through the light displays at their own pace, taking in the beauty and magic of the event.
Lighting the way to the holidays: A roundup of displays and trains in Colorado
Santa waves as the new Santa Express Train locomotive pulls into the Cañon City Santa Fe Depot this month. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad’s new holiday-themed locomotive will lead passengers through the canyon to the North Pole throughout the holiday season.
Parker Seibold, The Gazette
Colorado looks good no matter what season you catch her, but the holidays are when she really shines — like Hollywood and Hallmark created the perfect set for a feel-good Christmas flick and transported it to our backyards.
Nathaniel Hibbs, left, sits on a bench and enjoys the snowflake lights over a water feature with his parents Cheryl and Larry Hibbs at Blossoms of Light, Dec. 21, 2021, at Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver.
Timothy Hurst, The Gazette
One of the few upsides of an earlier sunset is more time to enjoy the region’s seasonal man-made spectacles, from professional lights displays that can be savored on foot or from your car (while sipping cocoa), to twinkling adventures where someone else does the driving.
Here’s a roundup of holiday lights events and train trips kicking off this month, for those who want to get a jump on the spirit (and the tickets):
Nov. 18-Jan. 1: Magic of Lights — Drive-thru holiday lights at Pikes Peak International Raceway, 16650 Midway Ranch Rd, Fountain.
More than a mile of lights and dozens of displays, including life-sized dinosaurs, an animated. 32-foot-tall Barbie doll and super-sized Bigfoot Monster Truck, greet cruisers through the seasonally bedazzled raceway south of the Springs. Nightly shows start Friday and run through New Year’s Day.
Nov. 18-Dec. 31: Santa Express Train and Holiday Rides — Royal Gorge Route Railroad, 401 Water St., Cañon City.
A lead engineer and Santa Claus take the helm of the historic railroad’s Santa Express Train, which this year chugs to the North Pole and back in a newly remodeled and overhauled 1969 engine. The railroad’s Holiday Train taps the same spirit, sans Santa, with a round- trip jaunt through the Royal Gorge in decorated railcars.
Nov. 18-Nov. 27, Dec. 1-4, 8-11 and 15-31: Bridge of Lights Christmas Drive-Thru — Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, 4218 Colorado Road 3A, Cañon City.
The Royal Gorge Bridge launches its inaugural lights event starting Friday and running (mostly consistently) through New Year’s Eve. Visitors can check out the lit-up park, then roll on to an illuminated America’s Bridge for breathtaking views of the nighttime gorge and the moonlit Arkansas River almost 1000 feet below.
Nov. 18-Jan. 1: The Polar Express Train Ride — Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Ave., Durango.
From America’s Bridge to America’s Railroad, for a themed ride on a vintage steam train inspired by the holiday classic book and movie. Riders of all ages get an immersive experience, with chef-created hot chocolates, treats and more, as they head to the North Pole to collect Santa and see a light show set to holiday tunes.
Nov. 18-Jan. 7: Blossoms of Light — Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver.
More than 1 million eco-conscious LED lights transform the Gardens’ York Street location into a “twinkling winter wonderland of holiday blooms,” an annual extravaganza that’s been cultivating seasonal spirit in the Mile High City since the ‘80s.
Nov. 25-Jan. 1: Trails of Light — Denver Botanic Gardens’ Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton.
Wander a winding path edged with lights on a walking tour through this vast historic property-turned-glimmering garden of delights in the Colorado countryside. The route, just under a mile, twists through the former Hildebrand Ranch to the 1880s homestead and a children’s play area-turned-Christmas village.
Nov. 25-Jan. 1: Luminova Holidays — Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver.
This second-annual light fest at the downtown Denver theme park features millions of bulbs strewn over 200,000 square feet of “immersive outdoor entertainment,” with a 65-foot Christmas tree, 300-foot candy cane tunnel and ornamented rides.
Nov. 26-Jan. 14: Holiday Headframe lights — Various locations, Victor and Cripple Creek
Starting at sundown on the 26th, drivers can take a self-guided tour through the “greatest gold camp in U.S. history” and site of the last great American mining boom in the 1890s. Download a free map for directions to the towns’ historic headframes — towers erected above mine shafts — many of which are adorned with giant lighted decorations to celebrate the season. Displays are lit weekend evenings, Nov. 26-Jan. 14, and nightly Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.
Cost: $35-$40 per car
It is a great opportunity for families and friends to come together and create lasting memories during the holiday season. In addition to the drive-through light show, Magic of Lights Colorado Springs also offers other attractions and activities. These may include visits from Santa Claus, holiday-themed photo opportunities, and hot cocoa stands. There may also be opportunities for visitors to participate in interactive displays or enjoy live entertainment. Magic of Lights Colorado Springs is typically held during the holiday season, usually starting in late November and running through December. The event provides a magical experience for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. Overall, Magic of Lights Colorado Springs is a captivating holiday lights event that showcases the beauty and magic of the season. From elaborate light displays to interactive attractions, this event offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. It truly captures the essence of the holiday spirit and brings joy and wonder to all who attend..
Reviews for "Enchanting Colorado Springs: A Guide to its Illuminated Sights"
1. Jessica - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to the Magic of Lights Colorado Springs display, but I was left feeling disappointed. The lights were not as vibrant as I expected and many of them seemed to be dim or not even working. The route itself was also quite short and we drove through it in just a few minutes. Overall, it just didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Andrew - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Magic of Lights Colorado Springs, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The displays were underwhelming and lacked creativity. It felt like they just put up some basic lights and called it a day. The ticket prices were also quite steep for what was offered. I expected a more immersive and awe-inspiring experience, but it just didn't deliver.
3. Lisa - 1 star - I would not recommend Magic of Lights Colorado Springs to anyone. It was a complete waste of time and money. The displays were repetitive and seemed outdated. The music that accompanied the lights was also generic and uninspiring. I left feeling very underwhelmed and wishing I had spent my evening doing something else. Don't bother with this one.
4. Mark - 2 stars - I had heard great things about Magic of Lights Colorado Springs, but I was disappointed with my visit. The lights were mediocre, with many of them flickering or not working at all. It felt like a rushed display that lacked attention to detail. The layout of the drive-through was confusing and poorly organized, leading to traffic congestion and frustration. Overall, it was not worth the price of admission.
5. Sarah - 3 stars - While Magic of Lights Colorado Springs had some enjoyable moments, I found it to be a bit underwhelming overall. The displays were hit or miss, with some being quite impressive and others falling flat. The route was also shorter than I anticipated, and I felt like we were done with the experience too quickly. It had potential, but it was not as magical as I had hoped.