Discover the magic of the holiday season in Fort Collins, CO, where festive events create an enchanting winter wonderland for locals and visitors alike. The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony transforms historic downtown into a vibrant spectacle, with thousands of lights illuminating Old Town Square. Glide under the stars at the Old Town Square Skate Rink, surrounded by charming historic architecture.
For hands-on fun, Santa’s Workshop offers a unique opportunity to craft your own holiday toys with local artisans. These events, among many others, make Fort Collins a must-visit destination for celebrating Christmas with warmth and wonder.
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The Top Christmas Events in Fort Collins
- The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony
- The Old Town Square Skate Rink
- Santa’s Workshop
- Holiday Lights Tour
- Winter Farmers Market
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Garden of Lights at the Gardens on Spring Creek
- Christmas Bird Count
- Handmade Gifts Market
- Holiday Craft Fair at the Northside Aztlan Community Center
Fort Collins Holiday Light Displays
The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Simultaneous illumination of downtown buildings
Description:
Fort Collins' historic downtown transforms in an instant as thousands of lights flicker to life simultaneously. This annual ceremony marks the official start of the holiday season in the city. Visitors can witness the dramatic moment when Old Town Square and surrounding buildings are bathed in a warm glow. The tradition dates back to the early 1900s when the first electric lights were installed in the area. Stroll through the newly illuminated streets and admire the intricate light displays adorning local businesses.
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The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Holiday Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Guided tour of Fort Collins' most elaborate residential light displays
Description:
Embark on a journey through Fort Collins' most dazzling residential light displays. This guided tour showcases the creativity and dedication of local homeowners who transform their properties into illuminated spectacles. Learn about the history of holiday light displays in Fort Collins, dating back to the 1950s. The tour highlights sustainable lighting practices and energy-efficient displays. Visitors can vote for their favorite house, with the winner receiving a community award. The twinkling lights create a mesmerizing tapestry against the night sky, offering a unique perspective on the city's neighborhoods.
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Garden of Lights at the Gardens on Spring Creek
What to Expect:
Botanical-themed light sculptures
Description:
The Gardens on Spring Creek transform into a luminous landscape with intricate light sculptures inspired by Colorado's flora and fauna. Towering flowers, glowing insects, and shimmering trees create a unique botanical nightscape. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, each telling a story of the region's natural beauty. The event highlights the importance of native plant species and conservation efforts. Warm up with locally-sourced hot beverages as you explore the illuminated pathways. This display offers a distinctive blend of horticulture and artistry, celebrating the natural world in a dazzling array of lights.
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Garden of Lights at the Gardens on Spring Creek
Fort Collins Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Farmers Market
What to Expect:
Focus on locally-produced winter crops and artisanal goods
Description:
Fort Collins' Winter Farmers Market showcases the bounty of local winter harvests and artisanal creations. Vendors offer an array of cold-weather crops, preserves, and handcrafted goods unique to the region. Visitors can sample warming beverages made from local ingredients. The market continues a long tradition of community gatherings that dates back to the city's agricultural roots in the 1800s. Engage with local farmers and artisans to learn about sustainable winter farming practices in Colorado's climate. This market provides a cozy, intimate alternative to larger holiday shopping events.
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Handmade Gifts Market
What to Expect:
Emphasis on locally-sourced materials and traditional crafting techniques
Description:
Fort Collins' Handmade Gifts Market showcases artisans who use locally-sourced materials and traditional crafting techniques. Each item tells a story of Colorado's natural resources and artistic heritage. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of various crafting methods, from woodworking to textile arts. The market revives age-old techniques once common in the region's early settlements. Engage with makers to learn about the origin of their materials and the inspiration behind their creations. This event offers a thoughtful alternative to mass-produced gifts, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and connection to local culture.
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Holiday Craft Fair at the Northside Aztlan Community Center
What to Expect:
Celebration of diverse cultural traditions through crafts
Description:
The Northside Aztlan Community Center hosts a craft fair that celebrates the diverse cultural traditions of Fort Collins. Artisans from various backgrounds showcase crafts that reflect their heritage, from Native American beadwork to Latino papel picado. The fair honors the center's namesake, the Aztlan movement, which promotes cultural pride and community empowerment. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops to learn traditional craft techniques. The aroma of global holiday treats fills the air as local food vendors offer seasonal specialties. This event provides a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the multicultural fabric of Fort Collins through art and craft.
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Holiday Craft Fair at the Northside Aztlan Community Center
Vintage Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Focus on authentic vintage holiday items from different eras
Description:
Step back in time at Fort Collins' Vintage Holiday Market, featuring authentic holiday items from various decades of the 20th century. Vendors offer carefully curated collections of decorations, toys, and gifts that span from the Victorian era to the 1980s. The market is held in a restored historic building, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors can learn about the evolution of holiday traditions and design trends through the years. Expert collectors share stories behind unique pieces, offering insights into American cultural history. This event provides a rare opportunity to acquire genuine vintage holiday treasures and experience the charm of Christmases past.
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Fort Collins Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Incorporation of local landmarks into set design
Description:
Fort Collins' production of The Nutcracker Ballet weaves local landmarks into its enchanting set design. Familiar city scenes blend seamlessly with the classic story, creating a unique Fort Collins twist on the beloved holiday tale. The performance features live orchestral accompaniment, bringing Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life. Audience members can spot references to historic Old Town buildings and natural landmarks throughout the show. This adaptation pays homage to the city's rich cultural heritage while maintaining the timeless charm of the original ballet. The production showcases the talent of local dancers and musicians.
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Fort Collins Other Holiday Activities
The Old Town Square Skate Rink
What to Expect:
Open-air skating in the heart of historic downtown
Description:
Glide across the ice under the open sky in the heart of Fort Collins' Old Town Square. This seasonal rink offers a unique outdoor skating experience surrounded by historic architecture. The crisp winter air invigorates skaters as they circle the rink. You can rent skates on-site or bring your own for a spin. The Old Town Square, once a gathering place for early settlers, continues its legacy as a community hub with this winter attraction. Skaters of all skill levels are welcome to enjoy this charming winter pastime.
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The Old Town Square Skate Rink
Santa’s Workshop
What to Expect:
Interactive toy-making experience with "elves"
Description:
Step into a bustling workshop where toys come to life before your eyes. Local artisans, dressed as Santa's helpers, demonstrate traditional toy-making techniques using wood, fabric, and other materials. Visitors can try their hand at crafting a simple toy to take home. The workshop pays homage to Fort Collins' history as a hub for skilled craftsmen in the late 19th century. Children and adults alike marvel at the intricate creations and the skill of the artisans. This hands-on experience offers a glimpse into the art of toy-making rarely seen in today's digital age.
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Christmas Bird Count
What to Expect:
Citizen science project contributing to national bird population data
Description:
Join fellow bird enthusiasts in Fort Collins' annual Christmas Bird Count, part of a nationwide citizen science initiative. Participants contribute valuable data on local bird populations, continuing a tradition that began in 1900. The count covers various habitats within a 15-mile radius of the city, offering a comprehensive snapshot of avian diversity. Experienced birders guide newcomers in identifying and recording species. Learn about the impact of urban development on bird populations and conservation efforts in the area. This event combines holiday spirit with environmental awareness, allowing participants to actively contribute to scientific research.
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Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
What to Expect:
Incorporation of local history into the service
Description:
Fort Collins' Candlelight Christmas Eve Service intertwines local history with traditional holiday observances. The service takes place in one of the city's oldest churches, dating back to the 1870s. As candles flicker, stories of the city's early settlers and their holiday traditions are shared alongside familiar carols. Participants can view historical artifacts displayed in the church, offering glimpses into Christmases past. The service incorporates elements from various denominations that have shaped Fort Collins' religious landscape over the years. This event offers a reflective and historically rich experience, connecting present-day celebrations with the city's heritage.
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Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Jingle Bell Run
What to Expect:
Route showcasing historic Fort Collins landmarks
Description:
Lace up for Fort Collins' Jingle Bell Run, a festive race that winds through the city's most iconic historical landmarks. Runners don holiday attire and jingle bells, creating a symphony of sounds as they traverse the course. The route passes by well-preserved 19th-century buildings, offering a unique perspective on the city's architectural heritage. Participants learn about the history of each landmark through informative signs along the way. This event combines physical activity with local history education, providing a dynamic way to experience Fort Collins' past. The run concludes with a celebration in Old Town Square, where finishers can warm up and share their experiences.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Parade of Lights (Loveland)
What to Expect:
Parade floats incorporating local historical themes
Description:
Fort Collins' annual Holiday Parade of Lights illuminates downtown streets with a procession of glowing floats. Each float incorporates elements of local history, from pioneer days to modern innovations. The parade route follows the original streets laid out by the city's founders in 1864. Spectators line the streets to catch glimpses of intricate light designs and creative interpretations of Fort Collins' past and present. Local marching bands provide a lively soundtrack to the event. This unique blend of history and holiday cheer offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors and residents alike.
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Holiday Festival at the Rialto Theater (Loveland)
What to Expect:
Showcase of local performing arts groups
Description:
The historic Rialto Theater hosts a vibrant festival celebrating Fort Collins' diverse performing arts scene. Local choirs, dance troupes, and theater groups present holiday-themed performances on the century-old stage. The festival honors the theater's role in the community since its opening in 1920. Visitors can enjoy a variety of acts, from traditional carols to contemporary interpretations of holiday classics. Between shows, explore the theater's restored Art Deco architecture and learn about its storied past. This event highlights the wealth of artistic talent in Fort Collins and provides a platform for local performers to shine.
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Holiday Festival at the Rialto Theater
Holiday Lights at Chapungu Sculpture Park (Loveland)
What to Expect:
Integration of light displays with Zimbabwean stone sculptures
Description:
Chapungu Sculpture Park's holiday light display creates a unique fusion of art and illumination. Twinkling lights intertwine with the park's collection of Zimbabwean stone sculptures, casting dramatic shadows and highlighting the artworks in new ways. Visitors can explore the illuminated paths, discovering how the play of light transforms familiar sculptures. The event pays tribute to both Western holiday traditions and African artistic heritage. Learn about the symbolism behind the sculptures and their cultural significance. This distinctive display offers a thought-provoking and visually striking experience that bridges cultures and celebrates artistic expression.
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Holiday Lights at Chapungu Sculpture Park