Denver Christmas in Color 2026 Returns with Three Drive-Through Holiday Light Shows Across Colorado

Denver families and holiday visitors in 2026. The drive-through light attraction, which features a tunnel of lights and animated scenes set to music that guests can listen to via their vehicle radios, will take place at Red Rocks in Morrison, Water World in Federal Heights and Colorado Karting Circuit in Centennial.

This year’s addition is a new south site in Centennial while the popular attractions return to Morrison and Federal Heights. There will be twice the amount of lights at Red Rocks, more projections and a new musical lineup to entice previous visitors.

The three-site layout also provides additional ease for festive travels. Tourists are able to choose a destination that is more accommodating to their hotel or neighbourhood than traveling throughout the Denver metro area for a holiday evening.

Denver Christmas in Color 2026 Brings Festive Attractions to Three Locations

Christmas in Color offers a seasonal experience that combines large-scale lighting installations with synchronized music. Visitors remain inside their vehicles as they follow illuminated routes through colourful displays, animated scenes and tunnels.

The attraction uses millions of lights across its shows and creates a coordinated visual experience through music played on vehicle radios. This format allows families, couples and groups of friends to enjoy the celebrations together without walking through an outdoor exhibition.

The 2026 expansion gives visitors three geographical options across Greater Denver.

Each destination offers the same core drive-through concept, although the Red Rocks location includes specifically announced enhancements.

Travellers should compare individual venue schedules before choosing a location. The organiser sells admission per vehicle and provides location-specific booking options.

Red Rocks Christmas Lights Return With a Bigger Display

The Red Rocks Christmas in Color experience returns to Morrison on 20 November 2026, offering an expanded festive attraction west of Denver. The organisers have doubled the lighting installations and introduced additional projections alongside a completely refreshed music selection.

Visitors will access the drive-through route through Entrance 2. The combination of animated displays, colourful tunnels and synchronized music offers a convenient Christmas activity for families travelling by car. https://www.redrocksonline.com/

Red Rocks also gives visitors staying in western Denver or nearby communities an alternative to travelling across the city. The larger display makes this location particularly relevant for returning guests who want to experience something different in 2026.

Water World Celebrates Nine Years of Christmas Light Displays

Water World in Federal Heights welcomes Christmas in Color for its ninth year, continuing a seasonal tradition in northern Denver. The attraction opens on 20 November 2026, according to Denver’s official tourism organisation. Things to Do on Christmas Weekend+1

Visitors can experience illuminated Christmas scenes and light tunnels without leaving their vehicles. The familiar location provides another option for travellers staying in northern metropolitan communities.

Families planning a holiday outing can choose Water World for its established seasonal programme. The drive-through arrangement also helps groups enjoy the decorations together during Colorado’s colder evenings.

Centennial Welcomes a New Christmas Attraction for 2026

Centennial joins the Christmas in Color programme for the first time in 2026, introducing the attraction at Colorado Karting Circuit. The new venue opens on 27 November 2026, expanding festive entertainment choices across southern Denver. visitdenver.com

The location offers travellers staying around Centennial and neighbouring southern communities a more convenient option for a Christmas lights outing.

Visitors can expect animated festive scenes, synchronized music and colourful illuminated pathways. The addition strengthens the geographical coverage of the event and gives families more flexibility when planning evening activities.

Christmas in Color Tickets, Opening Dates and Visitor Information

Christmas in Color charges admission by vehicle rather than individual passenger. Travellers should check the official booking platform for current prices, available dates and entry arrangements.

Confirmed 2026 opening dates

• Red Rocks: 20 November 2026
• Water World: 20 November 2026
• Centennial: 27 November 2026

Denver’s official tourism website confirms these dates and identifies all three venues as ticketed attractions. Things to Do on Christmas Weekend

Visitors should select their preferred location before purchasing tickets. The event organiser publishes individual schedules and ticket options at Christmas in Color.

Essential Winter Driving Tips for Denver Holiday Travellers

Colorado’s winter conditions can affect evening journeys, particularly when snowfall or icy roads reduce visibility. The Colorado Department of Transportation advises motorists to inspect their vehicles and check road conditions before travelling. Colorado Department of Transportation

Travellers should follow these precautions:

• Check road conditions through COtrip.
• Inspect tyres, brakes, headlights and windscreen wipers.
• Carry warm clothing, water and emergency supplies.
• Allow extra journey time during snowfall.
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Colorado also enforces seasonal traction requirements on relevant sections of Interstate 70, including the corridor towards Morrison. Drivers should check applicable rules before travelling. Colorado Department of Transportation

Christmas in Color Supports Schools and Military Families

The 2026 programme also encompasses community events via Glow for Good. Christmas in Color has donated 600 Water World tickets and 200 Centennial tickets to Vet Tix for the military community at-large.

Participating schools will be able to also collect funds via their appointed booking codes. For every eligible ticket purchased, $5 will be contributed to the school associated with that booking code.

This reflects a community element added to the holiday programme, and the opportunity for local families to support charities taking part in the programme.

Denver Christmas Travel Gains More Festive Evening Options

This expansion offers Denver travellers even more options to plan Christmas activities in the metro region. Now with two venues back and one new site, travellers can plan an illuminated trip to other areas of Colorado.

The new family experiences this year include the new Water World legacy and the Centennial’s fresh hosting location. Red Rocks highlight operates the new Water World legacy and the Centennial’s fresh hosting spot.

Official and verified tourism sources: Visit Denver – Holiday Light Events

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