Our family recently embarked on an enchanting journey to Elitch Gardens’ Holiday Light extravaganza: Luminova in Colorado. Nestled in the heart of Denver, Luminova is a spectacular holiday event that combines the magic of Christmas with the thrill of amusement park rides. Here is our family review of Luminova:
Family Review of Luminova
Looking for something different? How about the Polar Express! Our Review Here.
A Glittering Wonderland at Elitch Gardens
Elitch Gardens is a renowned amusement park in Denver, and during the holiday season, it transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland with Luminova. The park is adorned with millions of twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages.
Wise Choices for a Seamless Experience
Our three kids, aged 3, 5, and 7, are avid amusement park enthusiasts, and Luminova proved to be the perfect blend of their two favorite things: rides and Christmas lights. To ensure a smooth and delightful experience, we made a few strategic decisions.
1. Advance Ticket Purchase
We kicked off our planning by purchasing tickets well in advance during the early bird special in November. Although this won’t help for this season, it’s a valuable tip for future visits and a way to save a few dollars per ticket.
2. Choosing the Right Night
Luck was on our side as we picked an unusually warm night in Denver, with temperatures hovering in the mid-50s. The pleasant weather added an extra layer of comfort, eliminating the need for excessive bundling up, warm-up breaks, or enduring chilling temperatures.
3. Opting for a Weeknight
We strategically chose a weeknight for our adventure, heeding advice about potential weekend crowds. Our decision paid off as we practically strolled onto every ride without waiting, enjoying an uncrowded and relaxed atmosphere.
Navigating the Evening
We started our adventure by heading straight to the ferris wheel upon arrival, a tip we picked up to avoid potential lines. The only other ride with a brief wait was the Sea Dragon, a thrilling experience that left some of us a little queasy.
The kids had a magical encounter with Santa, and the park’s family and kid ride area became our primary playground. The Blazin Buckaroo, a kids’ roller coaster, and the Carousel stole the show, becoming instant favorites.
More holiday rides? Check out our review of Santa’s Lighted Forest at the Georgetown Loop Railroad.
Additional Tips
- Parking: Opted for the main Elitch Gardens lot for convenience, and even lucked into the VIP lot at no extra charge.
- Arrival Time: Getting there when the park opens ensured a short wait for the ferris wheel.
- Santa Visit: Even if you don’t purchase a photo package, a visit with Santa is allowed.
Luminova Details
- Ticket Prices: Range from $24.99 to $29.99, with an early bird special at $20.
- Park Hours: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm on peak times, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on non-peak hours.
- Event Duration: Luminova continues until December 31.
More details on Elitch Garden’s Website: Here.
Looking to extend your holiday festivities? Check out our ICE! review at Gaylord Rockies.
A Magical Tradition in the Making
In conclusion, our first visit to Elitch Gardens for Luminova was an absolute success. The enchanting lights, thrilling rides, and strategic planning made for a memorable family experience. We’re already planning to make Luminova a cherished holiday tradition, and we look forward to returning to Elitch Gardens in the summer to explore the entire park.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a lover of holiday lights, or a family looking for a magical experience, Luminova at Elitch Gardens is sure to leave you with lasting memories. Thanks for joining us on our family review of Luminova! Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a joyous Luminova adventure!
