Blossoms of Light is the annual winter light show at Denver Botanic Gardens’ York Street location in Denver, Colorado, and it is consistently ranked among the country’s top holiday light displays. For the 2026-2027 season the gardens confirm the show runs from Friday, November 20, 2026 through Sunday, January 10, 2027, open nightly from 4:30 to 9 p.m., with closures on Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving) and Friday, December 25 (Christmas). As of mid-October 2026 the gardens have not announced a specific new display for this season, so the returning light tunnel, illuminated garden paths and Science Pyramid feature are the anchors of the visit.
The show suits families, couples and anyone who enjoys a slower, walk-through light display rather than a drive-through one; most visitors spend one to two hours wandering the gardens. Tickets are timed and must be bought online in advance, since the gardens do not sell tickets at the door, and guests are asked to arrive within 30 minutes of the time printed on their ticket.
Stats at a Glance
- Venue: Denver Botanic Gardens
- City: Denver
- State: Colorado
- Dates: November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027 (closed Nov. 26 and Dec. 25)
- Hours: 4:30 to 9 p.m. nightly
- Tickets: Prices not yet announced as of October 2026; members get early presale access and discounted pricing
- Timed entry: Yes, arrive within 30 minutes of your ticketed time
- New for 2026: Not announced
What’s new for 2026
Denver Botanic Gardens has not published a specific new feature or zone for the 2026-2027 run of Blossoms of Light as of this writing, so check the gardens’ event page closer to opening for any updates. Returning highlights include the Science Pyramid, which the gardens have also used as a bookable private event space during the show, and a December 1 Sensory-Friendly Night from 5 to 8 p.m. designed for guests with sensory sensitivities.
The lights and displays
The show transforms the York Street gardens into a lit walking route through illuminated beds, trees and installations, including a light tunnel and glowing sculptures along the path. The gardens describe the event as filling the winter landscape with vibrant displays and immersive installations rather than a single centerpiece, so plan to walk the full route to see each lit area.
Tickets, prices and member nights
As of mid-October 2026, Denver Botanic Gardens lists 2026 Blossoms of Light ticket prices as still to be announced. Member presale access begins in tiers starting Wednesday, November 4, 2026 for President’s Circle members, followed by other membership levels on November 5 and 6, with public on-sale opening Monday, November 9, 2026. Tickets are timed entry and sold only in advance online, not at the door. Members also get their date-exchange fee (otherwise $5, available up to 72 hours before a visit) waived. Free parking is available in the gardens’ structure but fills quickly; nearby street parking requires a residential permit, so the gardens recommend RTD transit, biking or rideshare as alternatives.
Food, drinks and extras
Holiday treats and warm drinks are available for purchase at Offshoots Café and the Hive Garden Bistro inside the gardens during the show. The official event page does not list any additional paid add-ons such as train or carousel rides, cocktails, or s’mores kits for 2026, so budget for admission plus any café purchases.
Tips for your visit
Because tickets are timed and sold only in advance, buy early, especially for weekend dates or the member presale window if you belong. Arrive within 30 minutes of your ticketed entry time and allow one to two hours to walk the full route. Denver winter evenings are cold, so dress warmly and expect to be outdoors most of the visit; check the gardens’ calendar for weather-related closures. Free on-site parking fills fast, so arrive early or plan an alternate way to get there, and note the gardens’ two scheduled closures on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Explore more: every zoo and garden holiday light show for 2026, by state.
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Keeps your phone strapped to you, not in a loose-article bin. Zip it before the lift hill and walk straight off the exit ramp.
Rapids, log flumes and splash zones without the rice-bag aftermath. The touchscreen still works through the window, so you can still take photos.
Blossoms of Light 2026 at Denver Botanic Gardens FAQs
When is Blossoms of Light 2026?
Blossoms of Light runs from Friday, November 20, 2026 through Sunday, January 10, 2027, nightly from 4:30 to 9 p.m., with the gardens closed on Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25).
How much are Blossoms of Light tickets in 2026?
Denver Botanic Gardens had not released 2026 ticket prices as of mid-October 2026, listing them as to be announced. Members receive early presale access and discounted pricing, and should check the official event page for prices once they go on sale.
Do you need to buy Blossoms of Light tickets in advance?
Yes. Tickets are timed entry and sold only online in advance; the gardens do not sell tickets at the door, and guests should arrive within 30 minutes of the time on their ticket.
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Photo: Daderot / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.