Dec. 12 – 28 | Nightly
This December, let your holiday spirit shine at Garden of Lights!
Explore our beautifully transformed botanic gardens as you stroll along a whimsical half-mile loop, glowing with colorful grapevines, towering flowerbeds, dancing blossoms, and vibrant displays.
Visit with Santa (onsite nightly through Dec. 23) and enjoy other live entertainers while you warm up with a hot cocoa or beverage from our full bar. New this year, don’t miss our Ice Forest, where you may catch a glimpse of the magical Ice Queen herself on select nights.
You won't want to miss this magical experience — where every step illuminates a world of wonder!
TICKETING INFORMATION
This timed admission event runs nightly (except Dec. 24 & 25) with entry from 5 to 8 p.m. Grounds will be cleared at 9 p.m. Purchase tickets early for best prices and to ensure your preferred date and time!
Pricing (Members receive a 20% discount):
Santa Richard
Dates: Dec. 12–23
Take a festive family photo, share your wish list, or just say hello—Santa looks forward to meeting you!
Ice Queen
Dates: Dec 12–18 & Dec. 26–28
On select nights, glimpse the beautiful Ice Queen in her element as you stroll through our new Ice Forest display. The queen will briefly greet guests as they experience her icy domain (not a full meet-and-greet opportunity). Brought to The Gardens through Magical Moments.
Sugar Plum Furries
Dates: Dec. 26–28
Take photos and be entertained by this wonderful troupe of therapy dogs spreading holiday cheer.
All of our musical acts will feature holiday favorites to enjoy!
Russick Smith
Dates: Dec. 12 & 26
Russick Smith is a cellist and multi-instrumentalist lauded for his unique outdoor performances and diverse musical collaborations. He's on a mission to fight cynicism with wonder.
Foothills Madrigal
Date: Dec. 13
The Foothills Madrigal Singers are a small group of folks who enjoy acapella music across the ages. They are based at Foothills Unitarian Church and perform at venues across Colorado, including the Colorado Renaissance Festival.
Basic A Cappella
Date: Dec. 14
Bassic A Cappella is a group of 17 unique voices from CSU—they are very excited to sing at The Garden of Lights!
Mainstreet A Cappella
Dates: Dec. 15 & 18
Mainstreet A Cappella is a dynamic CSU vocal ensemble renowned for its captivating a cappella performances. Dedicated to spreading joy and fostering a sense of community through music, Mainstreet A Cappella continues to push the boundaries of vocal performance.
Brian James Kitrell
Date: Dec. 16
Brian James Kittrell is an Americana-Rock-Bluegrass musician from the Ohio River Valley who crash landed and made his home in Fort Collins.
Veronica May
Dates: Dec. 17 & 27
If you want to laugh and cry and fall in love with music-making, Veronica May would love for you to be a part of her musical family. Whether behind an electric guitar, piano, mic, or podium, Veronica May is here to entertain and educate on matters of the heart and matters of mental health.
Surround Sound A Cappella
Dates: Dec. 19 & 22
Surround Sound Quartet sings four-part a cappella harmony, barbershop style. Their repertoire ranges from jazz to show tunes, '40s and '50s to traditional barbershop. They bring classics from the past to the present with our unique and lively style and rich blend.
Crispy Watkins
Dates: Dec. 20 & 23
Crispy Watkins, a bard of Appalachian spirit-folk, weaves folk tales and tunes rooted in ancestral wisdom. With a heart for community and the Earth, their music offers somatic soul care, honoring the interconnectedness of all beings.
Mountain Buddies
Date: Dec. 21
Mountain Buddies play music for kids featuring songs full of laughs, inspiration, imagination—with a side of nostalgia for the grown ups in the room.
Gavin Courtman
Dates: Dec. 28
Gavin Courtman is a guitarist who uses a robust pedalboard to create all-encompassing soundscapes.
Garden of Lights tickets are non-refundable. Garden of Lights is an all-weather outdoor event. Please review our Event Refund Policy.
