Experience the magic of Christmas in Greeley, CO, where the holiday season is filled with festive events for everyone to enjoy. The Greeley Lights the Night Parade dazzles with illuminated floats, while the Festival of Trees showcases creatively decorated trees that will leave you in awe. Neighboring Windsor also adds to the charm with its quaint Christmas in Windsor celebration, featuring local artisans and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, Greeley's vibrant holiday festivities provide a perfect backdrop for creating treasured memories. From parades and light displays to festive markets and hands-on activities, there's something to delight holiday enthusiasts of all ages. Join in the joyous celebrations and feel the warmth of the community spirit throughout the season.
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The Top Christmas Events in Greeley
See these and even more events listed below!Greeley Holiday Light Displays
Greeley Lights the Night Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Greeley's streets come alive with twinkling lights and joyful sounds during the annual Lights the Night Parade. This community-driven event showcases illuminated floats crafted by local organizations and businesses. You can marvel at the creativity on display as each entry competes for the coveted "Best in Show" award. The parade route follows the historic Lincoln Park, established in 1870 as the city's first public park. Bundle up and join your neighbors for this cherished tradition that brings warmth to the cold winter night.
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Greeley Lights the Night Parade
Greeley Other Holiday Activities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees by local artists and organizations
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms Greeley into a forest of creativity. Local artists and organizations showcase their talents by decorating elaborate trees, each telling a unique story. Visitors can stroll through the display, admiring the intricate details and innovative designs. This event has its roots in the 1980s when it began as a small fundraiser for local charities. Today, it's grown into a beloved community tradition. Take a moment to vote for your favorite tree and contribute to the People's Choice Award.
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Santa's Downtown Workshop
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities in historic downtown buildings
Description:
Santa's Downtown Workshop breathes new life into Greeley's historic buildings. Each structure houses a different holiday activity, from cookie decorating to ornament making. This event highlights the city's rich architectural heritage, utilizing spaces that date back to the late 19th century. Visitors can create their own holiday cards using vintage printing presses, connecting them to Greeley's past. Explore the transformed downtown area and discover the hidden holiday treasures within each building.
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Nearby Events
Christmas in Windsor (Windsor)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm with a variety of holiday activities
Description:
Windsor embraces the holiday spirit with its charming Christmas celebration. The town's historic Main Street becomes a hub of activity, featuring local artisans, carolers, and festive decorations. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the quaint downtown area. Windsor's holiday tradition dates back to the early 1900s when the town's sugar beet industry brought prosperity and a desire for community celebration. Immerse yourself in the warm, small-town atmosphere as you explore the various holiday-themed activities and displays.
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Christmas Parade of Lights (Loveland)
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats and performers
Description:
As darkness falls, Greeley's streets ignite with the Christmas Parade of Lights. This nighttime spectacle features illuminated floats, dazzling performers, and music that fills the air. Spectators line the streets, their faces aglow from the passing lights. The parade route winds through downtown, showcasing the city's historic architecture. This event began in the 1990s as a way to bring the community together during the holiday season. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and find your spot along the parade route to witness this luminous celebration.
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Winter Wonderlights (Loveland)
What to Expect:
Interactive light and music show
Description:
Winter Wonderlights illuminates Greeley with a dazzling display of synchronized lights and music. This interactive show transforms the cityscape into a canvas of color and sound. Visitors can walk through tunnels of light and trigger musical effects with their movements. The event pays homage to Greeley's agricultural heritage by incorporating farm-themed light sculptures. Experience the joy of controlling the lights yourself as you explore this innovative and immersive display.
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Cheyenne Christmas Parade (Cheyenne)
What to Expect:
Western-themed holiday parade
Description:
Cheyenne's Christmas Parade blends holiday cheer with Western flair. Cowboys and cowgirls don their festive best, riding horses adorned with twinkling lights. The parade features unique entries like decorated tractors and vintage cars, celebrating the region's agricultural and automotive history. The aroma of roasted chestnuts wafts through the air as spectators line the streets. This event has been a staple of Cheyenne's holiday season since the mid-20th century. Watch as the Old West meets yuletide spirit in this one-of-a-kind parade.
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Estes Park Catch the Glow Parade (Estes Park)
What to Expect:
Mountain town parade with wildlife-themed floats
Description:
Estes Park's Catch the Glow Parade captures the essence of a mountain Christmas. Illuminated floats featuring local wildlife themes, such as elk and bighorn sheep, wind through the charming downtown. The backdrop of snow-capped peaks adds to the alpine atmosphere. This parade began in the 1980s as a way to extend the tourist season into winter. Visitors can warm up with locally-made cider while enjoying the twinkling lights against the dark mountain sky.
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Estes Park Catch the Glow Parade
Fort Collins Santa's Workshop (Fort Collins)
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa's workshop experience
Description:
Fort Collins transforms a local landmark into Santa's Workshop, offering an immersive North Pole experience. Children and adults alike can engage in hands-on toy-making activities, guided by Santa's elves. The workshop showcases the city's commitment to education and creativity, a tradition dating back to its founding as an agricultural colony in 1864. Visitors can craft their own ornaments using traditional techniques, creating lasting memories and unique decorations.
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Loveland Christmas Market (Loveland)
What to Expect:
European-style outdoor market with local artisans
Description:
Loveland's Christmas Market brings a touch of European tradition to Colorado. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase their wares in charming wooden stalls, reminiscent of classic German markets. The air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and fresh-baked treats. This market pays homage to Loveland's sister city relationship with Wuxi, China, by incorporating international elements. Browse handcrafted gifts and sample regional specialties as you soak in the old-world atmosphere.
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Christmas Walk in Downtown Longmont (Longmont)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of decorated historic buildings
Description:
Longmont's Christmas Walk invites visitors to step back in time as they explore the city's decorated historic district. Beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings are adorned with period-appropriate holiday decor. This self-guided tour offers a glimpse into Longmont's past, showcasing architecture from its founding in 1871. Participants can collect stamps in a holiday passport as they visit each location. Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of holidays past while admiring the carefully curated decorations.
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Christmas Walk in Downtown Longmont
Berthoud Snowfest (Berthoud)
What to Expect:
Snow sculpture competition and winter activities
Description:
Berthoud Snowfest celebrates winter with a unique snow sculpture competition. Artists from around the region transform blocks of snow into intricate works of art. This event pays tribute to Berthoud's agricultural roots by incorporating farm-themed sculptures. Visitors can try their hand at ice fishing or snowshoeing, embracing the winter season. The festival originated in the early 2000s as a way to boost winter tourism in this small Colorado town. Watch skilled sculptors bring their visions to life in this frosty celebration of creativity.
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Frederick Festival of Lights (Frederick)
What to Expect:
Community-wide light display competition
Description:
Frederick's Festival of Lights turns the entire town into a twinkling wonderland. Residents and businesses compete to create the most impressive light displays, resulting in a town-wide spectacle. This event began as a way to unite the community during the holiday season, reflecting Frederick's close-knit spirit. Visitors can take a guided trolley tour to see the best displays and learn about the town's mining history. Vote for your favorite display and contribute to the friendly competition that lights up Frederick each year.
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Firestone Christmas Celebration (Firestone)
What to Expect:
Small-town celebration with focus on local traditions
Description:
Firestone's Christmas Celebration embraces small-town charm with a focus on local traditions. The event features a tree-lighting ceremony using a living tree that grows larger each year, symbolizing the town's growth. This celebration began in the 1980s when Firestone was transitioning from a coal mining town to a suburban community. Visitors can participate in a community potluck, sharing dishes that reflect the area's diverse cultural heritage. Experience the warmth of a close-knit community as you join in Firestone's holiday traditions.
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Firestone Christmas Celebration