Blanketed with snow and shimmering with colorful lights, Fort Collins is an idyllic winter destination. From early November and up to mid-February, the Downtown is beautifully illuminated and decorated.
Old Town Fort Collins Christmas Lights (November 3, 2023–February 14, 2024)
Old Town Fort Collins, stretching for about seven blocks, is glowing with thousands of white light garlands, covering archways, alleys, and treetops. The restaurants and shop windows are no less beautiful, creating the atmosphere of a winter wonderland. Lights are abundant on College Ave., Laporte Ave., Magnolia St., Walnut Ave, Linden St., and Pine St. The newly renovated Old Town Square, one of the main gathering spots in the city, features various entertainment and activities. More illumination can be seen south of Downtown by the First Presbyterian Church at 531 S. College Ave. The giant blue LED holiday tree features 25,000 programmable pixel lights with various visuals effects and colors.
Gardens on Spring Creek Holiday Lights (December 8–23, 2023)
Community Botanic Garden of Fort Collins is another must-see during the holidays. The annual Garden of Lights display features a half-mile loop trail illuminated by hundreds of thousands of LED lights. Whimsical displays, huge flowers, butterflies, and various creatures turn the garden into a real winter wonderland. The enchanted forest, a blue LED pond, and a John Deere tractor are among the highlights. Visitors can also see the Color Blossom Show at the Great Lawn, with 700 lighted blossoms, which will surely put you in a holiday spirit. Tickets start at $10 for adults and $5 for children. The lights go on from 5 to 9 pm.
NoCo Winter Wonderland (November 18, 2023–January 1, 2024)
A new Winter Wonderland experience in Fort Collins features a colorful twinkling lights extravaganza at 4927 County Rd 36. The highlights include outdoor and wildlife-themed light sculptures as well as a one-mile-long illuminated trail with lighted trees, falling snow, and more. Santa visits and hot chocolate are available as well. The display runs from 5 to 8 pm from late November to Christmas Day (included).
Winter Wonderlights (November 18, 2023–January 1, 2024)
The historic city of Loveland puts out a sparkling display in December. Winter Wonderlights can be viewed at The Chapungu Sculpture Park. The highlights include a 20-foot (6-m) LED Christmas tree, illuminated African stone sculptures, and the nightly light and music shows. The illumination runs from 5 to 9 pm, with light shows taking place every 30 minutes. Visitors can also enjoy the Loveland Light Trail, which connects private and public holiday lighting displays across the city.
Residential areas
Many residential areas in Fort Collins go over the top with their Christmas decorations. Homes worth visiting include Bishop House, located at 2412 Crabtree Dr., Fort Collins, 80521. The house features over 100,000 beautiful lights and a musically synced light show. Decorated trees on the roof, driveway arches, and the Mini Christmas Village can be seen from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. throughout December.
