Fort Collins Christmas Lights 2025

Discover 21 verified christmas lights in Fort Collins and nearby areas.

Welcome to your guide for Fort Collins Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city’s festive spirit shines bright each winter. Fort Collins Christmas lights transform the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods into a warm, glowing celebration of the season.

One of the highlights is the dazzling Old Town Fort Collins display, featuring thousands of lights across 22 blocks, plus the mile-long drive-through light show at Winter Wonderland near Fort Collins. These beloved neighborhood favorites offer both walkable trails and drive-through experiences to enjoy.

This guide covers free displays, ticketed events, drive-through lights, and walking trails so you can discover the best light displays and make the most of your holiday visit in Fort Collins.

All Christmas Lights Around Fort Collins

Downtown Fort Collins Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Fort Collins, CO
Free

Annual lighting ceremony with thousands of LED lights.

Experience the magic as Fort Collins ushers in the holiday season with its annual Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Thousands of vibrant LED lights will illuminate Old Town Square and surrounding streets, creating a dazzling spectacle. Enjoy live music and a...

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationLive Music

Garden of Lights Winter Holiday Lights Festival

Fort Collins, CO
$$

Half-mile illuminated pathway through botanic gardens

Experience the enchantment of the Garden of Lights Winter Holiday Lights Festival, a magical transformation of the botanic gardens. Wander a half-mile loop adorned with colorful grapevines, towering flowerbeds, and dancing blossoms, all aglow with vibrant displays. Meet Santa Claus...

Holiday Light DisplaysFestive DecorationsSanta Visits

Floats on Fourth Holiday Float Display

Loveland, CO 12 mi from Fort Collins
Free

Stationary holiday float displays during Festival of Lights

Experience the charm of downtown Loveland's Festival of Lights with the unique Floats on Fourth event. Instead of a traditional parade, local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups showcase creative, stationary holiday displays. Wander through decorated vehicles, trailers, and themed installations...

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationFestive Decorations

Christmas Walk in The Woods

Loveland, CO 13 mi from Fort Collins
$$

Enchanting light displays and festive backdrops in a woodland setting.

Step into a magical winter wonderland at the Christmas Walk in The Woods. This enchanting event features dazzling light displays throughout the woods, creating a festive atmosphere. Visitors can capture holiday memories with themed backdrops, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy...

Holiday Light DisplaysSanta VisitsCarols

Loveland Festival of Lights

Loveland, CO 13 mi from Fort Collins
$

Stationary parade with 'Floats on 4th' and holiday market.

Experience the magic of the Loveland Festival of Lights, a cherished hometown tradition. This festive event illuminates Downtown Loveland with dazzling lights, live music, and a special tree lighting ceremony. Explore the unique 'Floats on 4th' stationary parade, meet Santa...

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationSanta Visits

Longmont Lights

Longmont, CO 29 mi from Fort Collins
Free

Millions of holiday lights illuminating Roosevelt Park

Longmont Lights transforms Roosevelt Park into a winter wonderland with millions of dazzling holiday lights. Experience the festive Friday Festival with hot cocoa, costumed characters, and a spectacular laser show. Don't miss the Saturday Lights Parade through Downtown Longmont, culminating...

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationSanta Visits

Light Up the Holidays

Boulder, CO 41 mi from Fort Collins
$

Downtown Boulder's annual holiday celebration with light displays and community events.

Downtown Boulder transforms into a winter wonderland for the 'Light Up the Holidays' celebration. Kicking off with the 'Switch on the Holidays' event, the city illuminates the Boulder County Courthouse and Pearl Street Mall. Families can enjoy free visits with...

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationSanta Visits

WinterFest 2025

Boulder, CO 42 mi from Fort Collins
$$

Historic Chautauqua site with Flatirons backdrop

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at WinterFest, Chautauqua's cherished annual celebration. This event offers a delightful array of activities for all ages, from enchanting carriage rides and a whimsical fairy forest to visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Explore...

Holiday MarketFamily FriendlyLive Music

Winterfest at Orchard Town Center

Westminster, CO 43 mi from Fort Collins
Free

Santa's arrival and tree lighting ceremony.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Winterfest, featuring Santa's grand arrival and the magical lighting of the Orchard Town Center's magnificent tree. Kids can join the fun at elf training camp activities and crafting stations, while everyone can...

Santa VisitsTree LightingFamily Friendly

Noel Northglenn

Northglenn, CO 47 mi from Fort Collins
$

Annual holiday kick-off with Santa, crafts, and carriage rides.

Join Northglenn for a magical kick-off to the holiday season at Noel Northglenn. This beloved event features a visit from Santa Claus, free kids' crafts and games, and cozy s'mores by the fire. Enjoy festive carriage rides, an indoor snowball...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyChildrens Activities

Thornton WinterFest

Thornton, CO 48 mi from Fort Collins
$$

Winter festival with drone show and fireworks

Thornton WinterFest transforms Carpenter Park Fields into a winter wonderland. Families can visit Santa, enjoy ice skating, and marvel at ice-carving demonstrations. Don't miss the dazzling holiday drone show and a spectacular fireworks display. Explore the Holiday Marketplace for unique...

Holiday Light DisplaysSanta VisitsIce Skating

Christmas at Gaylord Rockies

Aurora, CO 56 mi from Fort Collins
$$$

ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"

Step into a winter wonderland at Gaylord Rockies for Christmas! Experience the magic of ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!", a breathtaking display of ice sculptures. Enjoy thrilling indoor snow tubing, festive gingerbread decorating, and outdoor ice...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Laramie Winter Lights Festival

Laramie, WY 56 mi from Fort Collins
$

Community light festival supporting local charities.

Experience the magic of the Laramie Winter Lights Festival at Washington Park, a dazzling outdoor light display designed to celebrate the season. This community event offers enchanting light installations, complimentary hot cocoa, and charming horse-drawn carriage rides, all while supporting...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyCommunity Celebration

Christmas 2025 at the Ranch

Tabernash, CO 56 mi from Fort Collins
$$$

Top-rated Christmas destination with skiing and spa.

Experience a truly enchanting Christmas at Devil's Thumb Ranch, a top-rated holiday destination. They offer a magical escape with festive activities like caroling, cookie decorating, and visits from Santa. Enjoy world-class skiing, cozy evenings by the fire, and gourmet dining...

Family FriendlyHoliday SeasonWinter Activities

McGregor Skate Grand Opening & Tree Lighting

Denver, CO 58 mi from Fort Collins
$$

LoDo's newest ice rink with holiday festivities.

Kick off the holiday season at McGregor Square with the grand opening of the McGregor Skate Ice Rink and a festive tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy dazzling ice skating performances, capture memorable photos with Santa, and watch 'The Grinch' on the...

Holiday Light DisplaysIce SkatingTree Lighting

Grand Illumination at Denver Union Station

Denver, CO 58 mi from Fort Collins
Free

Annual tree lighting ceremony with Santa and live music

Denver Union Station hosts its annual Grand Illumination, a magical evening to kick off the holiday season. The event features live music from the Denver Dolls, a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and culminates in the breathtaking lighting...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsLive Music

Luminova Holidays at Elitch Gardens

Denver, CO 58 mi from Fort Collins
$$

Colorado's largest holiday light spectacular with park rides.

Prepare to be dazzled by Luminova Holidays, Colorado's largest holiday light spectacular returning to Elitch Gardens in November 2025. Wander through over 4 million twinkling lights, explore larger-than-life displays, and enjoy festive rides. Meet Santa, stroll through candy cane tunnels,...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Denver Zoo Lights

Denver, CO 58 mi from Fort Collins
$$$

Private after-hours event rentals at Denver Zoo during Zoo Lights.

Denver Zoo transforms into a magical wonderland for Zoo Lights, offering enchanting after-hours private event rentals. Guests can explore dazzling light displays and illuminated animal habitats, creating an unforgettable experience. Various indoor and outdoor venues are available, catering to groups...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFestive Atmosphere

Denver Holiday Favorites

Denver, CO 59 mi from Fort Collins
$$

A city-wide celebration of holiday traditions and light displays.

Denver transforms into a winter wonderland with a spectacular lineup of holiday favorites. From dazzling light displays at the Botanic Gardens and Zoo Lights to the enchanting Mile High Tree and nightly drone shows, there's magic around every corner. Explore...

Holiday Light DisplaysChristmas MarketFamily Friendly

Blossoms of Light

Denver, CO 59 mi from Fort Collins
$$

Mile-long illuminated path through winter gardens.

Experience Denver's most cherished holiday tradition, Blossoms of Light, celebrating 40 years of enchantment. This dazzling event transforms the winter gardens into an illuminated wonderland with vibrant displays and immersive installations. Wander a mile-long path showcasing plant collections under the...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top Christmas light displays in and around Fort Collins?

The top displays include the extensive Old Town Fort Collins lights covering 22 blocks downtown and the Winter Wonderland drive-through light show on County Road 5. Additionally, the Garden of Lights at the Gardens on Spring Creek offers a beautiful walking trail with festive light sculptures.

What is the difference between drive-through and walkable Christmas light options in Fort Collins?

Drive-through options like Winter Wonderland allow you to enjoy a mile-long light display from the warmth of your vehicle, ideal for families or groups. Walkable options, such as Old Town Fort Collins and the Garden of Lights, offer immersive experiences where you can stroll through decorated streets or trails and enjoy close-up views of the displays.

When do Fort Collins Christmas lights typically start each year?

The holiday lights in Fort Collins usually begin in early November, with the Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony kicking off the season in early November, and many displays running through mid-February or late December.

Are there free Christmas light displays available in Fort Collins?

Yes, many displays in Old Town Fort Collins are free to enjoy, including the downtown light installations and neighborhood displays. Some residential areas also offer free neighborhood displays, while ticketed events like Winter Wonderland and Garden of Lights provide additional experiences.

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