There's something magical about holiday lights! Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they can bring back childhood memories and get us excited about the coming holiday season at the same time. They're the warm fuzzies of the past, present, and future!
It's a holiday tradition in our family to spend one night each December driving around town to look at all the decorated houses. It's a simple and inexpensive way to create meaningful family memories while building excitement about the upcoming holiday. We bring blankets to make it extra cozy, turn on some of our favorite Christmas tunes, and hit the road!
Whether you plan to take a stroll around the block, drive around town, or check out one of the big holiday light displays in downtown Denver, we've got five fun ways to help you celebrate National Christmas Lights Day on December 1 — or any day you want to add an extra twinkle to your holidays!
1. Start with a giggle.
I think this joke is tree-mendous. I hope you like it a whole watt, too!
Q. What is green, covered in Christmas lights, and goes ribbit?
A. A mistle-toad!
2. Get crafty.
Add a little extra magic to any room in your house with a Light Up Holiday Picture!
This craft is fun, easy to make, and inexpensive since all of the items can be purchased at your local dollar store. It makes a great gift for teachers and neighbors, too!
Get our step-by-step instructions here.
3. Sip something seasonal.
Baby, it's cold outside! Before you head out to look at lights, fill up a thermos with a hot beverage to help keep you warm.
The flavor and aroma can add another dimension to the experience. By engaging more senses, you can actually make the experience more memorable!
Heat up some hot cocoa, swing into your favorite coffee shop, or try something new. My family enjoys a cup of wassail, a hot apple cider drink seasoned with cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Not only does it taste delicious, but it makes the house smell delicious, especially when we heat it in the slow cooker!
4. Add an extra element of fun.
Turn your outing into a scavenger hunt!
Prepare a list of holiday light displays or decorations to find. Your list can include specific types of decorations, colors, or themes. Create a separate list for each person with a special treat for whoever finds the most items on their list, or use one list to make it a group activity.
No time to create a list? We've done it for you!
Get a Holiday Light Scavenger Hunt printable here.
(Credit: MacaroniKID Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle, Rock, Lone Tree)
5. Go big.
During the holiday season, some of our favorite venues are transformed into dazzling displays of light and color. Continue a family tradition or create a new one.
Local light experiences include:
- Nov 16 - Dec 24: Camp Christmas at the Stanley Marketplace
- Nov 17 - Dec 30: Christmas in Color at 3 locations
- Nov 17 - Dec 31: Mile High Tree presented by Xfinity at Civic Center Park
- Nov 17 - Jan 7: Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
- Nov 24 - Dec 31: Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens
- Nov 24 - Dec 31: Hudson Holidays at Hudson Gardens
- Nov 24 - Jan 1: Trail of Light at Chatfield Farms
For see even more lights, check out the MacaroniKID event calendar. Look for the sparkle (✨) and Christmas tree (🎄) emojis to find illuminating experiences like tree lighting ceremonies, evening parades, drive-through light shows, and more!
