The holiday season is in full swing! This time of year, our vibrant communities come alive with festive cheer and a myriad of events that promise to make the season truly magical. From dazzling light displays to charming markets and Santa visits to enchanting ballets, Northern Colorado is a hub of winter wonder.
Whether you’re a local seeking new traditions or a visitor eager to experience the unique charm of Northern Colorado during the holidays, there’s something for everyone in this snowy corner of the state. Let the festivities begin!
When: November 18–January 1, 5–9 p.m.
Every year, Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra transforms into
Winter Wonderlights. From mid-November through early January, the 26-acre park is illuminated with more than 200,000 lights, including holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, LED mappable snowflakes, illuminated stone sculptures as well as a music and light show every single night. And the best part is it’s all free and open to the public! For complete information on this year’s event, including the live performance and local vendor schedule, check out
the event page.
When: November 24–December 2, Varying Times
Head to the lobbies of the Union Colony Civic Center for one of Greeley’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Festival of Trees! Enjoy several days of festive, family-friendly fun, featuring beautiful illuminated trees decorated by the community. During public hours, visitors can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage, participate in the silent auction, or attend one of the many signature events happening throughout the event. Plus, you might just see Santa and Mrs. Claus! Keep in mind the event is not open to the public on November 28 or 30. All proceeds made during this event will support the Union Colony Civic Center and the Greeley Philharmonic Guild.
When: November 24–December 24, 12–6 p.m.
Share your hopes and dreams with Santa in Old Town Square all season long! He arrives by horse-drawn carriage on November 24th and will be stationed in his workshop on varying days and hours all the way through Christmas Eve. Visitors are encouraged to visit early in the season when there are virtually no lines — especially on weekdays during the first three weeks. Parents are welcome to take their own photos but professional photos are available for purchase. Otherwise, visits with Santa are completely free!
When: December 1, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the season with the
Timnath Holiday Lighting Festival, a free event taking place in Old Town Timnath. The evening kicks off with the illumination of Main Street and festivities continue with local performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, live reindeer, kids’ activities, food trucks, and much more. And, of course, don’t miss your opportunity to visit with and get your pictures with Santa!
When: December 2, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
The Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce and its partners are hosting a brand new tradition this year:
Holiday Lane Downtown and Holiday Lane Drive (more on that below!). Holiday Lane Downtown will feature stunning holiday displays, plus performances from local dance companies, marching bands and more. Holiday-themed attire is encouraged for this free event!
When: December 2, 4–8 p.m.
Windsor Wonderland kicks off with the arrival of Santa, who will be traveling from the North Pole by train. After he arrives at 4 p.m., enjoy a host of holiday activities, including the annual tree lighting, food trucks, and activities for all ages. Santa will stick around for complimentary professional pictures; just make sure you’re in line by 7:30 p.m. This community event is completely free and open to the public!
When: December 2, 7:30 p.m.
Get in the holiday spirit with the CSU choirs, including the Chamber Choir, conducted by James Kim, the Concert Choir, conducted by Nathan Payant, and the University Chorus, conducted by Seth Pendergast. Tickets for the
All Choral Holiday Concert are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $4 for youth under 18, and free for CSU students. The performance will take place in Griffin Concert Hall on CSU’s campus.
When: December 2, 9 + 16, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Visit Santa’s reindeer at Bath Garden Center on three select Saturdays leading up to their big day! The reindeer are stopping by to pick up letters and wish lists to bring back to the North Pole — so don’t miss out on this special opportunity. And while you’re at the garden center, shop for some gifts or pick out your Christmas tree! Reservations are required to visit Santa’s reindeer, so be sure to reserve your spot
here.
When: December 3, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Don’t miss the biggest and best annual holiday craft fair in Northern Colorado: the
Fort Collins Holiday Gift Festival. This curated marketplace will feature an array of fine arts, handmade crafts, delectable food, home decor, and unique holiday gifts, all of which is locally made. And don’t miss the holiday concert starting at noon! Admission is free.
When: December 7
A special menorah lighting is taking place at Foothills Mall on December 7! The menorah will be lit each night of Chanukah — so if you miss the first night, there are plenty of opportunities to be a part of this meaningful tradition. Plus, enjoy activities for all ages, including entertainment, food, music, and crafts!
When: December 7–10, Varying Times
Get swept up in the magic of the season as Canyon Concert Ballet returns to the Lincoln Center stage with the annual classic Christmas favorite,
The Nutcracker. Performing alongside the Fort Collins Symphony, CCB will tell the story of Clara and her adventures to a wonderful world, where toys become larger than life and the Nutcracker defends her from the evil Mouse King. Set to Tchaikovsky’s inspired score, this ballet will enchant audiences both young and old.
Get your tickets to one of the performances on Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday!
When: December 8–23, 5–9 p.m.
Open every evening December 8th through December 23rd, this local holiday attraction has become a favorite in the NoCo community. The gardens, flower beds, sculptures, ponds and cornfields will be lit by hundreds of thousands of LED lights. Santa will be at the gardens every night until 8 p.m., as well as Foothills Madrigal Holiday Carolers, a Sugar Plum Furry dog troupe, a LED performer, and other live entertainment acts. Plus, warm up with festive hot cocoa and other holiday offerings available at the full bar.
Garden of Lights is $10 for adults and children ages 12 and up, $5 for children ages 5–11, and free for children under 4 — and garden members receive a 20% discount!
When: December 9, 9 a.m.
Don your ugliest holiday sweaters and participate in the
Sweaty Sweater 5K Run/Walk or the Kids’ 1-Mile, benefiting an Adopt-A-Family program in our local community. Adopt-A-Family is an outreach ministry run by Serve 6.8 that partners with local churches, businesses and the community to help meet the tangible needs of local families at Christmas time. This fun and festive event is for everyone — whether you are casually walking, running for an award, or simply prancing toward the finish line for beer and hot chocolate!
When: December 9, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
In addition to Greeley’s new Holiday Lane Downtown, don’t miss
Holiday Lane Drive, an enchanting drive-thru light display. Pack up the car and cruise through Island Grove Regional Park to enjoy the incredible lights adorning the park from the comfort and warmth of your car. Admission is just $5 per car or $10 per car with more than 10 seats.
When: December 9 + 10, Varying Times
Make it a Victorian Christmas at the
Poudre Landmarks Holiday Open House and Boutique on December 9 and 10! The Avery House will be open for tours with free admission, while their holiday boutique is open inside the historic Carriage House. Here, you can shop for gift items, including homemade English toffee, jams and cookies, plus antique needleworks, holiday decor, ornaments, Ravenna capes, and much more. Santa will also be on site to take photos from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday and 2–4 p.m. on Sunday!
When: December 9–31, 5–8 p.m. (Closed Christmas Eve + Day)
If you loved Creepy Walk in the Woods during the fall, return to The Savage Woods in Loveland for
Christmas Walk in the Woods, featuring way less creepiness and way more festiveness! Each night between December 9 and 31 (excluding Christmas Eve and Day), the woods will be open for exploration. Enjoy twinkling lights under the stars — plus a visit from Santa and carolers on select evenings and hot chocolate for sale! For tickets and more details, click
here.
When: December 14–16, 7 p.m.
The brass section of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra is taking center stage for this joyful showcase of holiday hymns and carols. Under the direction of Dr. Ken Singleton, the orchestra will prominently feature resounding trumpets and triumphant horns at this holiday concert taking place at various churches in the area. They will be playing at Windsor First United Methodist Church on the 14th, Fort Morgan United Methodist Church on the 15th, and Greeley First United Methodist Church on the 16th. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Get your tickets
here!
When: December 15 + 16, Varying Times
Contemporary Dance Academy takes centerstage at The Lincoln Center for a full-scale production of
Clara and the Nutcracker, featuring a combination of talented students and guest artists. The whole family will love the magic, joy and sweetness of this enchanting performance! Get your tickets for Clara and the Nutcracker
here.
When: December 16, 9 a.m.
This jolly event is another race to help support Adopt A Family, which will be serving thousands of local families in need this holiday season. And there are a few races to choose from — including the 10K, 5K and a free kids fun run, which means the whole family can join in! All 10K and 5K participants will receive a Santa Catch beanie and a finisher medal. Stick around for the awards ceremony and the free post-race hot cocoa bar, music, food and more! Register for Santa Catch
here.
Happy Holidays!
What holiday events in Northern Colorado are you looking forward to this year?
Photo Courtesy of the Town of Timnath
