Denver is the birthplace of colored lights for outdoor winter holiday displays. The tradition began as a lightbulb moment for David Dwight Sturgeon, a Denver electrician, who in 1914 dipped light bulbs in red and green paint and strung them in a tree outside his family’s home to delight his ill, housebound son.

Befittingly, 110 years later the Mile High City annually hosts some of the nation’s most spectacular light displays: the lavishly illuminated City and County of Denver Building, the 9NEWS Parade of Lights and the popular Blossoms of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG).

With Daylight Savings Time over and the sun setting before 5 p.m., Blossoms of Lights provides a bright spot during the long nights of November and December. The glow show runs from Nov. 20 through Jan. 12 at the York St. location. Last year, more than 195,000 visitors turned out to see more than a million lights throughout DBG’s 1007 York Street campus.

“We cannot compare attendance numbers across the country,” Associate Director of Public Events Allison Kiehl said. “We don’t have access to that information. But each year, we are included in national, and sometimes international, press about the best holiday light events including the Today Show, U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Fodor’s, House Beautiful and Martha Stewart Living.”

Kiehl shined some light on the history of DBG’s show, the installation process and had her own lightbulb moments as she answered questions about how best to enjoy the event.

Blossoms of Lights debuted at DBG in 1985, and like any garden has grown and changed each year.

“In 2015 we introduced special features to the event in addition to the traditional string lights. Since then, we have continued to add new features to the event, as well as changing the color palettes in each garden,” she said.

These nights, all the lights are the more environmentally friendly LEDs. DBG’s public events team designs and plans the event. Installation begins immediately after Labor Day and requires two months for six staff members along with hired crews to complete. Each year, the team switches up the lights.

“The Plains Garden and the Crossroads pedestal will debut a new design. There will be new content for the tunnel display. We have expanded our herd of deer, and they will be placed in a new garden this year,” Kiehl said. “The knitted balls got a light refresh and will be displayed in a new garden this year.”

As soon as the new year arrives and the lights are unplugged, the crew begins planning the coming year’s event.

“It is nearly a year-round planning process,” said Kiehl. “We look at what worked, what needs to be tweaked, what we want to return, what we want to retire and how we can change up color combos and décor layout to create a fresh experience for returning visitors.”

Blossoms of Lights not only lures lots of visitors to DBG in the dead of winter, but also generates income for the Gardens’ operations.

DBG Chief Financial Officer John Calderhead said: “Blossoms of Light is one of the Gardens’ critical and most enduring revenue sources, thanks to its nearly seven-week run and the new features that keep visitors coming back to make it part of their holiday traditions. The proceeds support our general operations and fund a wide range of programs, from plant research and conservation to children’s education and community outreach.”

Blossoms of Lights often sparks the initial connection with the community.

“Blossoms of Light is a festive and unique way to showcase the Gardens during the winter months when most plants are dormant and a visit to the Gardens may not be on people’s radar,” Kiehl said. “Our living collection of plants and trees twinkle and dazzle, adorned with lights and special décor. The event is also a wonderful entry point to the Gardens for many, and this initial experience often compels them to visit during the spring and summer to see our other offerings.”

Kiehl offered the following bright ideas in response to questions about attending Blossoms of Lights, open 4:30 to 9 p.m. daily:

General public ticket sales started Nov. 11. Are any tickets available at the box office? Or do tickets need to be purchased in advance?

“Tickets must be purchased in advance. No walk-up sales. Tickets can be purchased on our website, by phone (720-865-3500) or in person at our tickets desks in the main Visitor Center and in the Freyer–Newman Center during regular business hours.”

Are Blossoms of Lights tickets rain/snow or shine?

“Yes, except in a few rare cases when the temperature is really low. If we have to cancel a date, all ticket holders are notified by email and can reschedule their visit or receive a refund.”

Do you offer ticket discounts other than for DBG members? Any coupons or codes or anything like that?

“New this year, we have a few value dates early. Seniors, children and military also receive discounted tickets. We do not have ticket codes or other special offers.”

When are the best times to visit? Best days of week? Best time of evening? When is the busiest?

“This is always a little tricky to predict, but the dates prior Thanksgiving and weeknights in early December are quieter. The closer we get to Christmas, the busier the event becomes. With that said, if you want to attend close to Christmas and New Year’s, buy tickets early because those dates always sell out well in advance.”

Do people need to plan to wait in line before entering?

“Ticket holders may have to wait in line to get their tickets scanned. We have multiple box office staff so it’s usually a pretty smooth flow. On sold-out nights, expect to wait a little longer.”

Obviously, people need to dress for winter weather and wear sturdy footwear, right?

“Definitely! Nearly the entire event takes place outdoors.”

Any special advice for attending with children?

“Bundle them up because you may be outside for up to an hour. Strollers and carriers are permitted.”

Any special advice for attending with elders or people who are disabled?

“Wheelchairs and walkers are permitted. We also have a few wheelchairs that can be borrowed on a first-come, first-served basis. The path through the event is nearly one mile long and is all paved, but there may be some uneven areas. Elder or disabled guests can be dropped off in front of the Gardens if parking is a challenge.”

What are your best parking tips?

“Since the Gardens is in a residential neighborhood, parking can be a challenge. We have a free parking structure, but on busy nights, that fills quickly. Street parking is available in the neighborhood, but please check street signs as some blocks are permitted for resident use only. Plan extra time to find parking and anticipate walking a few blocks. We encourage guests to carpool, cycle, use public transportation or use ride shares.”

To warm up or use restrooms, are people able to go inside the various DBG buildings?

“The Orangery, Boettcher Center lobby and Marnie’s Pavilion are open for people to warm up and use the restrooms. The Orangery and Marnie’s Pavilion balcony may be closed occasionally during Blossoms of Light to support private events. The Tropical Conservatory is closed during the event.”

Are food and drink available for guests to purchase?

“Yes, the Hive Garden Bistro and Offshoots Café are open. Both restaurants serve light dinners, sweet treats, roasted nuts and hot beverages.”

Anything inside people don’t want to miss?

“There are holiday botanical displays and décor in the Orangery and Boettcher Center lobby with poinsettias and other festive plants.”

Will the gift shop be open during the event?

“The Shop at the Gardens is open during Blossoms of Light and features an incredible selection of holiday décor including ornaments, candles, menorahs and more!”

What are your photography policies at the event?

“Photography for personal use is permitted. Professional portraits and commercial photography are not allowed. Tripods and drones are not allowed. There are so many great spots for selfies, but we encourage guests to be mindful of the flow of traffic and other visitors’ experiences if they stop to take photos.”