The Most Festive Northern Colorado Holiday Events

Festive Holiday Light Displays 

Nothing says holiday spirit like thousands of twinklinge lights.  But where can you find the best displays?  Any of these three noteworthy spots will leave you awestruck and amazed. 

Garden of Lights 

The Gardens on Spring Creek is an 18-acre botanic garden that gets dolled up for the season to become the Garden of Lights. Located at 2145 Centre Avenue in Fort Collins, this is one of Northern Colorado’s best holiday traditions. In addition to their already wow-worthy display, Woodward Inc has also provided some of their famed holiday decorations to make the Garden of Lights even more sensational! 

The gardens are open every night from 5:00PM-9:00PM. On weekends, visitors can also visit with Santa, enjoy holiday music, make seasonal crafts and warm up with hot holiday drinks.  Sign us up! 

Winter Wonderlights 

Loveland has a spectacular display at the annual Winter Wonderlights event. Located in Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra in Loveland just east of the shops, visitors can enjoy a number of activities on site. LED mappable snowflakes, holiday string lights and 30-minute music and light shows go on every night from 5:00 PM-9:00PM. Plus, Winter Wonderlights also features the largest inflatable igloo in Colorado. Who knew? 

While the event is free to the public, visitors are asked to bring either canned food to benefit the Larimer County Food Bank or an unwrapped toy to benefit Santa Cops. 

Brewery Lights 

Budweiser Brewery Lights is a dazzling Northern Colorado holiday tradition where guests can marvel at over a million twinkle lights. The Budweiser brewery is transformed into a massive holiday display with something for everyone (including a kid zone!) 

While Brewery Lights is a free family event appropriate for all ages, patrons can also upgrade to one of their three paid packages for an extra something special, including a brewery tour, partakinge in a fire pit with s’mores kits or enjoying a private igloo. How romantic!  

Holiday Parades 

What’s something that instantly sets the stage for merriment? A ho, ho, hometown holiday parade! In Northern Colorado, that means a traditional parade of lights to bring the community together. 

Downtown Holiday Lights 

The Downtown Holiday Lights in Fort Collins is a local favorite — and for good reason! After the lighting ceremony at the beginning of November, over seven blocks are illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights until Valentine’s Day. Streets, alleyways, storefronts and treetops are illuminated along College Avenue between LaPorte Avenue and Magnolia Street. It’s a dazzling display that shouldn’t be missed! 

Greeley Lights the Night Parade 

The Greeley Lights the Night Parade has been held in downtown Greeley for over 24 years and is a family tradition for many. The parade features entries from locals including bands, horses, dance troops and classic cars. The event also has several tasty treats, a lighting ceremony and even a visit from Santa himself! Hope you’ve been good this year… 

Holiday Performances 

Long gone are the days when carolers would grace your doorstep with a song. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of other ways to enjoy holiday melodies in Northern Colorado this season! 

Loveland’s Annual Holiday Sing-Along 

Warm-up your vocal cords for Loveland’s Annual Holiday Sing-Along at the Rialto Theater!  Loveland’s very own Sharon Sheets leads the audience in classic and contemporary holiday songs for a truly memorable experience. 

The Nutcracker 

Enjoy a winter classic at the Rialto Theater with a production of The Nutcracker. Offered on numerous days and with several showtimes, it’s sure to fit into even the most demanding holiday schedule. 

Bells of the Rockies 

Ring in the holidays (literally) with an astounding performance by Bells of the Rockies. This gifted ensemble plays everything from traditional to contemporary and everything in-between. 

The Many Moods of Christmas 

The Many Moods of Christmas, presented by the Loveland Choral Society, is an auditory tapestry of the nativity along with some Christmas classics sprinkled in. Tickets are a steal at $18! 

Ice Skating 

Like any cheesy holiday rom-com, no Christmas season would be complete without a visit to an ice skating rink. And Northern Colorado certainly has plenty to choose from! 

Old Town Square Skate Rink 

Channel your inner Michelle Kwan (or Wayne Gretsky) and head down to Fort Collins’ Old Town Square Skate Rink. Admission and skate rentals are free and you even have the chance to glide along with Waddles the penguin! 

The Ice Rink 

The Ice Rink at The Promenade Shops at Centerra is conveniently located off I-25 and Highway 34 in Loveland. Surrounded by over 75 specialty shops and restaurants, there’s no lack of things to do after you skate your heart out. 

Dorsey Lake 

Enjoy outdoor ice skating on Estes Park’s Dorsey Lake. Skates are available at the Sweet Memorial Program Building (no fee or deposit for visitors/members of the YMCA). 

Other Festivities 

Looking for something exceptionally unique? Then check out these other awesome Northern Colorado holiday events. 

Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest 

One of the biggest perks of the holiday season is a Christmas cocktail. If you agree, the Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest has you covered!  With over 150 wines from Colorado wineries, there are delectable vintages for even the most discerning palate. Cheers! 

The Colorado Makers Market 

Looking for a gift that will really “wow” this holiday season? Then head down to the Colorado Makers Market, where local artisans and vendors gather to sell their one-of-a-kind goods directly to the public. It’s a celebratory shopping experience unlike any other. 

Jingle Bell Run 

The holidays are all about giving, and what better way to help those in need than participating in the annual Jingle Bell Run to benefit the Arthritis Foundation? Run or walk the 5k course in your favorite holiday costume and enjoy the festivities at the finish line! 

So grab your mittens and head out for some of Northern Colorado‘s holiday events!  They’re sure to add some magic and merriment to your Christmas season. 

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