42 things to do this holiday season in and around Fort Collins
The holiday season is officially here.
And while you may still be planning your Thanksgiving dinner, there's plenty more to look forward to in Northern Colorado as more winter holidays approach.
Here's our rundown of festive things to do this season in and around Fort Collins.
Visit Santa Claus
Jolly Old Saint Nick will be stationed around Fort Collins this season, including at his satellite Old Town Square and Foothills mall workshops.
Santa's full Northern Colorado schedule:
Old Town Square: Following his arrival at noon on Friday, Nov. 24, Santa will be in Old Town Square from noon to 6 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 10 and daily from Dec. 13 through Dec. 23; noon to 4 p.m. Christmas Eve
Foothills Mall, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy.: Beginning Nov. 24, 3-7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 3; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays from Dec. 4-15; daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 16-23; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas Eve
Don't forget his reindeer...
'Tis the season at Bath Garden Center, 2000 E. Prospect Road. Starting in early December, Santa's reindeer will be stationed at the Fort Collins nursery and ready for some holiday visitors. The reindeer are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. Registration is required and costs $5 per person. You can register ahead of time at bathgardencenter.com/events.
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Go skating
Strap on your skates and take a spin around Fort Collins' area ice rinks this winter. If you're looking for a truly seasonal experience, head to Old Town Square's quaint rink, which opens Nov. 22, pop over to the outdoor ice rink at The Promenade Shops at Centerra, or enjoy the indoor rink at Fort Collins' city-run Edora Pool Ice Center.
Tune your radio dial
Get in the spirit with Northern Colorado holiday radio stations. Holiday tunes are already being featured on 107.3 FM, while KOSI 101.1 will make its annual Christmas switch Nov. 16.
Let it shine
Chanukah menorah lighting
When: Thursday, Dec. 7
Where: Foothills mall
Celebrate Chanukah with a menorah lighting celebration at Foothills mall. The menorah will be lit each night of Chanukah in the center of the mall. The timing of the ceremony was still to be determined at the time of this list's publication.
Editor's note: Check in with the Coloradoan for forthcoming details on additional Chanukah celebrations in Fort Collins.
Holiday tree lighting ceremony at Foothills
When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Foothills Mall
Help kick off Foothills Mall's holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony, featuring Santa's arrival in a horse-drawn carriage, photos with Santa, complimentary carriage rides, holiday performers, a family photo booth, DJ and more.
Lighting of the 'Big Blue Tree'
When: 6-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave.
Realities for Children's iconic NightLights, or "big blue tree," is coming back to First Presbyterian Church, bringing awareness to issues of child abuse and neglect in Northern Colorado. The tree is made up of 30,000 programmable LED lights, which will switch on at the tree's annual lighting ceremony. The ceremony also includes live music, free hot drinks and holiday treats and an appearance by Santa Claus.
Timnath holiday lighting festival
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1
Where: Downtown Timnath
Watch little Timnath do it up big with its holiday lighting festival, which will include live music performances, carriage rides, food trucks, photos with Santa and one of his reindeer, kids activities and more.
Windsor Wonderland
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Boardwalk Park, Windsor
Watch Boardwalk Park transform into a "Windsor Wonderland" of lights, food trucks and holiday activities. This annual holiday celebration will include a 4:30 p.m. appearance by Santa Claus and the town's annual holiday proclamation and tree lighting ceremony.
Where are your favorite holiday lights? Cast your vote for Northern Colorado's best holiday lights displays
Festival of Lights
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17
Where: Downtown Loveland
Kickoff the holidays in downtown Loveland with the annual Festival of Lights, featuring live music and entertainment, a holiday art market, carriage rides, Santa Claus and a tree lighting outside Rialto Theater.
Winter Wonderlights
When: 5-9 p.m. from Saturday, Nov. 18 to Jan. 1
Where: Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, 5995 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland
Stroll through Chapungu Sculpture Park, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland with more 200,000 lights, LED snowflakes and illuminated African stone sculptures this holiday season. Winter Wonderlights features free 30-minute music and light shows every night, with special programming — including performances, activities and vendors ― on Saturdays Nov. 18, Dec. 2 and Dec. 16.
Winter Wonderland drive-thru lights display
When: 5:15-8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday from Nov. 23 to Dec. 16 and nightly from Dec. 18 to Christmas
Where: Colorado Youth Outdoors, 4927 County Road 36
Take in holiday lights without having to leave your car at Colorado Youth Outdoors' Winter Wonderland — a one-mile drive-thru display featuring thousands of tree lights, jingle bells, wildlife-themed light sculptures, Santa and more. Tickets are required and cost $25 per vehicle or $60 per party bus. Proceeds will benefit Colorado Youth Outdoors. To reserve your time slot, visit nocowinterwonderland.com.
Garden of Lights
When: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 8-23
Where: The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins
Stroll through The Gardens on Spring Creek's winter wonderland — a half-mile loop of sparkling grapevines, flowerbeds and various other holiday lights displays. Garden of Lights will feature a range of entertainment as well as nightly appearances by Santa Claus. Gates close at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 12 years and older, $5 for children ages 5-11 and free for children 4 years old and under. For a schedule of Garden of Lights entertainment or to purchase tickets, visit fcgov.com/gardens.
Take in a show
Face Vocal Band Christmas concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: The Lincoln Center performance hall, 417 W. Magnolia St.
Acclaimed all-vocal rock band Face Vocal Band is back in Fort Collins, bringing holiday classics with an a cappella twist to the Lincoln Center stage. Tickets for its "Best. Christmas. Ever!" holiday concert start at $25 and can be purchased at lctix.com.
Michael Martin Murphey's Cowboy Christmas
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26
Where: The Lincoln Center performance hall
Country singer-songwriter Michael Martin Murphey is bringing the sights and sounds of Christmas to Fort Collins with this multimedia show featuring dramatic lighting, video and music from Murphey's best-selling Christmas albums. Regular tickets are $35 to $71 and can be purchased at lctix.com.
A Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30
Where: The Lincoln Center's Magnolia Theatre
Formerly the first violinist of the Boston String Quartet, classical crossover artist Blue Violin will help usher in the Lincoln Center's holiday season with this intimate performance melding the electric and acoustic violin. Regular tickets are $30 and can be purchased at lctix.com.
Carolfest
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1
Where: Old Town Square
Head to Old Town Square for some old fashioned Christmas caroling from the Choice City Singers. This free event will start at 6:30 p.m. and last one hour.
Silvertones present "Home for the Holidays"
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: The University Center for the Arts' Griffin Concert Hall
The Larimer Chorale's senior Silvertones choir is back with its annual holiday concert, featuring favorites like "Over the River and Through the Woods," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and more. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at larimerchorale.org.
Canyon Concert Ballet presents "The Nutcracker"
When: Dec. 7-10
Where: The Lincoln Center performance hall
Let Canyon Concert Ballet transport you to the fantastical world of dancing nutcrackers, battling mice and lands of sweets and snow with its latest production of holiday classic, "The Nutcracker." The Fort Collins ballet company will put on six shows from Dec. 7-10. Last year's production sold out, so be sure to nab tickets before it's too late. Regular tickets range from $35-$45 and senior, student, group and children's tickets are $29-$39. To purchase some, visit lctix.com.
Tuba Christmas
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Oak Street Plaza
It's a tuba Christmas, y'all! Head to Old Town, where tuba, sousuaphone and euphonium players will delight a packed Oak Street Plaza with this free annual holiday concert.
Celebrations of Light and Love
When: Dec. 12-13
Where: The Lincoln Center's Magnolia Theatre
Inclusive dance troupe Dance Express will be putting on "Celebrations of Light and Love," a seasonal, eclectic dance experience this December. There are three performances planned over Dec. 12 and 13. Tickets range in price from $10 to $22 and can be purchased at lctix.com.
A Candelight Christmas
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave.
Join the Larimer Chorale for its annual holiday concert, featuring a mix of seasonal music, chamber classics and contemporary songs — all woven together with inspirational readings and poetry. Tickets are $30 and available at larimerchorale.org.
Improv for a Claus
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15
Where: The Lincoln Center's Magnolia Theatre
The Parker Players bring their family-friendly holiday sketch show to Fort Collins, using local news and holiday stress to highlight the humor around the season. Regular tickets are $20 and senior, student, children's and group tickets are $15. All ticket proceeds go toward the Feed My Starving Children organization. Tickets can be purchased online at lctix.com.
Here for the Hoedown holiday dance recital
When: Sunday, Dec. 17
Where: The Lincoln Center performance hall
Join the Just for Kix dance studio for its annual holiday recital, featuring performers of all ages. Regular tickets are $20, student tickets are $18 and children five and under get free admission. To purchase tickets, visit lctix.com.
Rocky Mountain High School's "Holiday Stocking"
When: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18
Where: The Lincoln Center performance hall
Enjoy this 90-minute collage performance of holiday music peresented by the student musicians of Rocky Mountain High School. Regular tickets are $14 and children's tickets are $7. To purchase tickets, visit lctix.com.
Dust off your ugly sweaters
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Foothills Mall
The Sweaty Sweater 5K is back for another spin around Midtown Fort Collins. The 5K kicks off from Foothills at 9 a.m., with a kids one-mile race starting at 10. The race is followed by an ugly sweater contest, beer and hot chocolate. Registration is $40 for the 5K, $10 for the kids one-mile race and $10 to compete only in the ugly sweater contest. To register or learn more, visit frontrangefreeze.com.
Get a taste of the holidays
A pop-up Christmas bar? It's a miracle!
Miracle, a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar, has opened at The Post Chicken & Beer, 1002 S. College Ave. — bringing its kitschy Christmas décor and themed holiday cocktails through Dec. 31. Reservations at Fort Collins' Miracle pop-up can be made through OpenTable.
Holiday high tea class
When: Sunday, Dec. 3
Where: Ginger and Baker's Teaching Kitchen, 359 Linden St.
Learn how to bake, build and enjoy your very own holiday high tea, featuring cucumber and egg salad sandwiches, cranberry orange scones and mini gingerbread cupcakes. Tickets are $95 each and available at gingerandbaker.com/the-teaching-kitchen.
Gingerbread house decorating class
When: Friday, Dec. 22
Where: Ginger and Baker's Teaching Kitchen
Create some major curb appeal at Ginger and Baker's holiday gingerbread decorating class, where you'll be given a pre-assembled gingerbread house and everything you need to make it the sweetest house on the block. This class is open to all ages, though children 12 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $85 and available at gingerandbaker.com/the-teaching/kitchen.
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Seasonal baking at The Cooking Studio
When: Dec. 20 and 23
Where: The Cooking Studio, 123 N. College Ave.
Yule log, anyone? Fort Collins cooking school The Cooking Studio will be teaching the ins and outs of the popular Christmas treat with a pair of special seasonal baking classes. The classes are open for anyone 15 years old and older. Registration is required and costs $94 per person. Space is limited, so secure your spot at the-cooking-studio.com.
Do some holiday shopping
Holiday Artisan Market
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24 and 25
Where: The Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive
Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every other Saturday from Oct. 21 to April 6, including holiday markets with extended hours Dec. 9 and Dec. 16
Where: Foothills Mall
Winter Maker's Market
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: New Belgium Brewing, 500 Linden St.
Fort Collins Holiday Gift Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3
Where: Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St.
Family Band Holiday Market
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: The Lyric, 1209 N. College Ave.
Colorado State University's annual poinsettia sale
When: Dec. 2 and 4
Where: 1707 Centre Ave.
Handmade Market NoCo
When: Various dates in November and December
Where: Various locations around Fort Collins
Nov. 26: Ginger and Baker
Dec. 2: Salt Road Brewing
Dec. 3: Mythmaker Brewing
Dec. 9: Crooked Stave
Dec. 10: Maxline Brewing
Dec. 16: SweetWater Brewing
Dec. 17: Ginger and Baker
Christmas tree guide: How to cut your own tree at national forest, state park sites near Fort Collins
Enjoy some holiday classics at The Lyric
Whether you consider "Die Hard" a Christmas movie, it (and more) is on The Lyric's lineup of classic holiday films this December. Buy your tickets ahead of time at lyriccinema.com.
Dec. 7: The Muppets Christmas Carol
Dec. 14: Home Alone
Dec. 21: Die Hard
Dec. 23: Jingle All the Way
Dec. 28: Gremlins
Free family-friendly holiday fun
Jingle Mingle
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Front Range Village Shopping Center, 2720 Council Tree Ave.
Head to Front Range Village for free train rides, festive music, a craft station, appearances by Santa and his reindeer and hot chocolate (while supplies last.)
Visit The Senior Center's holiday village
Take in the sights of the season with a visit to the Fort Collins Senior Center's miniature holiday village, which will be up in its lobby from Monday, Dec. 4, through New Year's Eve. All ages are welcome and there is no fee associated with perusing the holiday village.
Holiday open house and boutique
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: The Avery House, 328 W. Mountain Ave.
Experience a Victorian Christmas with the Avery House's annual holiday open house and boutique. The historic Fort Collins home's halls will be decked out for the holiday and open for free tours. Avery's Attic, a holiday boutique, will also be open for shopping in the Avery House's historic carriage house.
Trolley holiday open house
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Mountain Avenue trolley barn, 1801 W. Mountain Ave.
Travel back in time to when streetcars were the mode of public transit in old Fort Collins. The Fort Collins Municipal Railway Society, which runs two refurbished streetcars along Mountain Avenue in the summer, will be opening its Mountain Avenue trolley barn to the masses for a free holiday open house. The event will include an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will arrive by trolley, hot chocolate and trolley-related gifts for sale.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: 42 things to do this 2023 holiday season in and around Fort Collins
