Snow or no snow, Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St., will turn into a winter wonderland once again, as Blossoms of Light puts on its annual seven-week extravaganza Dec. 1-Jan. 20. A team of 120 volunteers and a private contractor spent some four weeks assembling the display. Over one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs will illuminate the plants and hardscapes throughout the world-famous 23-acre gardens. Several beautiful, romantic kissing spots will be created once again, and the popular HoloSpex glasses will be available once again to magically transform each twinkling light into a classic, shimmering winter snowflake. Each night, seasonal entertainment will be provided. Indoors in the Gates Garden Court, a captivating display of seasonal plants will be on display. To help fight the winter chill, piping hot beverages will accompany a plentiful menu of savory snack offerings served up throughout the Gardens. The Gardens’ indoor Conservatory will be closed during Blossoms of Light. Admission to Blossoms of Light costs $9/adults, $7/seniors 65+, $6/kids 4-15 years, with children 3 and under admitted free of charge. Botanic Gardens members pay $2 less at each level. Tickets can be purchased 9a.m.-5p.m. at the Gardens, or event day 6-8:30p.m. You may also pre-purchase tickets through TicketsWest at any King Soopers and at the Guest Services Desk at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Call Denver Botanic Gardens, 720-865-3500, or visit www.botanicgardens.org for information. A few blocks to the north, at 23rd Ave. between Colorado Blvd. and York St., the Denver Zoo invites you and your family to enjoy Zoo Lights, Dec. 7-Jan. 6. Wildlife meets wild lights at the 17th annual Zoo Lights spectacular. This eagerly awaited holiday tradition will shine brighter than ever with added animal viewing opportunities, more than 38 brilliantly illuminated acres of lights and the requisite opportunity for children to visit Santa Claus in a slightly out-of-the-ordinary environment. Again featured this year: multiple animated animal sculptures and elegantly-crafted animal ice carvings created by Santa’s helpers. Festivities will also include carolers, instrumental groups, dancers and the Conservation Carousel. Warming stations throughout the zoo will offer hot chocolate, cider, soft bread pretzels and steamy cappuccino. Several special events are also planned for Zoo Lights this year, including Members Preview Night, Wild Ice, Kwanzaa and Zoo Year’s Eve. The Zoo Lights Member Preview takes place Dec. 6, 5-9p.m. This exclusive event will allow members a less crowded sneak-peak at Denver Zoo’s largest annual celebration before it is unveiled to the public the following night. You don’t have to be a member to enjoy Wild Ice, Dec. 15-23, 5-9p.m. Families will be treated to a special ice-carving garden filled with Santa’s elves’ finest work. The holiday spotlight will shine on Kwanzaa, Dec. 26-30, 5-9p.m. Gather with friends, family and the community to celebrate the holiday of Kwanzaa, a tradition that honors African American families, communities and culture through African dance, music, and education. On the brink of a brand new year, children can also experience the fun of Zoo Year’s Eve, a wild New Year’s Eve party beginning at 5p.m. on Dec. 31 with entertainment, activities and crafts that lead up to an early countdown to New Year’s at 9p.m. It’s the perfect night for families to celebrate together without stretching the limit on bedtime! Admission to Zoo Lights is $8/adults; $6/seniors 65+, and $4 for children 3-11. Members receive a $2/person discount. Info, visit www.denverzoo.org, or call 303-376-4800.