There is something magical about bundling up with the kids to stroll through a wonderland of twinkling holiday lights. It’s a tradition that warms up even the coldest December nights. This year, see lighted animal and insect sculptures, play a festive round of miniature golf, or watch a parade of lighted holiday floats. Here are some of the fun places to catch the glow of the season.

1. FREE 9NEWS Parade of Lights

Dec. 2, 8pm, and Dec. 3, 6pm. Cuddle up and be part of this traditional holiday event with floats, marching bands, and a visit from Santa. Downtown Denver. downtowndenver.com/pol-2016

2. Blossoms of Light at York Street

Through Jan. 1. See new designs and favorites incorporating thousands of twinkling lights throughout the gardens. HoloSpex 3D glasses add a fun twist. Warm drinks and treats are available for purchase. Seasonal entertainment presented on select evenings. $8-$13, free for age 2 and under. Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver. botanicgardens.org

3. FREE Country Christmas and Parade of Lights

Dec. 2, 5-8pm. Celebrate the season with s”mores, hayrides, and the parade of lights. Historic Downtown Erie. eriechamber.org

4. FREE Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination

Through Dec. 31. See tens of thousands of lights from Denver’s Union Station up the 16th Street Mall to the City and County Building. Downtown Denver. downtowndenver.com

5. Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Dec. 9-23 and Dec. 25-Jan. 1, 5:30-8:30pm. See more than 85 light sculptures, 50 acres of lights, and wild animals. Santa Claus will be taking holiday wishes each night through Dec. 23. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs. cmzoo.org

6. Holiday Lights Mini Golf

Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-23, Dec. 26-Jan 1, 5:30-9pm. Putt your way through more than 100,000 twinkling lights as 54 holes of miniature golf are transformed into a sparkling journey. $8-$10 for unlimited viewing/golf, discount for Hyland Hills/City of Westminster residents. Light holiday treats and beverages available for purchase. Adventure Golf and Raceway, Westminster. adventuregolfandraceway.com

7. Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Dec. 2, 6pm. Be part of an annual community event with Santa Claus, children caroling, and the mayor lighting the tree. George Di Ciero City and County Building, Broomfield. broomfield.org

8. A Hudson Christmas Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-24, and 26-31, 5-8pm. Enjoy thousands of twinkling lights in majestic trees, visit with Santa, go on a wagon ride, and make magical memories for the whole family. $6-$9. Hudson Gardens & Event Center, Littleton. hudsongardens.org

9. FREE Lakewood Lights Featuring the Mayor’s Tree Lighting

Dec. 2-3, 5:30-8:30pm. Come to Lakewood’s annual holiday celebration featuring museum tours, tractor pulled hay-wagon rides, and photos with Santa. Lakewood Heritage Center, Lakewood. lakewood.org/holidaylights/

10. FREE Lights of December Parade

Dec. 3, 6pm. Watch a holiday parade featuring community organizations, floats, high school marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Pearl Street Mall, Boulder. downtownboulderholidays.com

11. Living Lights

Dec. 21-Jan. 7, 6pm. See an indoor-and-outdoor holiday lighting event that illuminates some of nature’s most fascinating wonders: invertebrates. Learn all about bioluminescence, fluorescence, and biofluorescence. Enjoy s”more roasting, carolers, princesses, ice sculptures, music, and a hot chocolate bar. Visit the website for pricing. Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster. butterflies.org

12. FREE Longmont Lights Dec. 9. 5-9pm. Enjoy the illumination of Roosevelt Park with fire pits, Santa’s workshop, food trucks, an ice show, and more. Roosevelt Park, Longmont. longmontcolorado.gov/recreation

13. FREE Longmont Lights Holiday Parade

Dec. 10, 5pm. Watch a parade with a winter wonderland theme among holiday lights. Main St., Longmont. longmontcolorado.gov/recreation

14. FREE Louisville Parade of Lights

Dec. 2, 7pm. See musical entertainment, a living nativity, petting zoo, and visits with Santa, along with the Louisville Arts District First Friday Art Walk 5-6:30pm. Main St., downtown Louisville. louisvillechamber.com

15. Trail of Lights

Through Jan. 1, 5:30-9pm. Enjoy colorful lights, warming hut, hot drinks, free hayrides, and different lengths of trails. $6-$11, free for age 2 and under. Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Littleton. botanicgardens.org

16. Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo

Dec. 2-Jan. 1. Explore 70 brilliant acres full of illuminated animals running, jumping, or soaring where you least expect them. See the 15 sculptures from Washed Ashore illuminated for night-viewing as well. Prices vary depending on date. $2 discount for purchasing online. Discounted Value Night tickets Dec. 2-15. Denver Zoo, Denver. denverzoo.org

Courtney Drake-McDonough

Courtney Drake-McDonough is a Denver native, writer, editor, and mom of four.

Lydia Rueger

Lydia Rueger is an Arvada-based freelance writer, mom, and author.