Top 7 Fort Collins Christmas Activities & Events in 2024

Introduction

Looking for events or activities to do in Fort Collins this Christmas? Don't worry, we are here to help. As the holiday season approaches, Fort Collins in Northern Colorado—often called the Choice City and known as the craft beer capital of Colorado—transforms into a festive winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, cheerful music, and seasonal celebrations.

Here's our recommended guide to the best Christmas activities in Fort Collins in 2024. 

Downtown Holiday Lights - Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail

Located in the heart of Old Town Square, the Downtown Holiday Lights transform 22 blocks of Historic Fort Collins into a sparkling winter wonderland. Beginning in mid-November and continuing through Valentine's Day, the display illuminates nightly from dusk until 10 pm with thousands of twinkling Warm & LED Lights draped across trees, buildings, and charming alleyways.

The lights stretch along College Avenue, Mountain Avenue, and Walnut Street, with highlights in Oak Street Plaza and hidden alley nooks perfect for quiet strolls. Public parking is available nearby, including the Old Town Parking Structure at Mountain Avenue and Remington Street, making it easy to access this festive experience.

Whether you're enjoying a romantic evening or a family outing, the Downtown Holiday Lights offer a free, unforgettable way to capture the magic of the season in Fort Collins.

Garden of Lights at The Gardens on Spring Creek

Enter a fairy-tale world this December at the Garden of Lights, where The Gardens on Spring Creek transform into a glowing winter wonderland. On select nights, the gardens come alive with hundreds of thousands of LED lights weaving through illuminated flowerbeds, glowing grapevines, and shimmering butterflies. It's a half-mile journey filled with joyful holiday scenes.

Event Schedule:
Thursday, December 26 – Sunday, December 29, 2024

The event runs nightly from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with gates closing at 8:00 pm. Christmas Event Tickets are available at $12 for children 12 years old and above, including adults, $8 for kids aged 5–11, and free for children four and under. Members receive a 20% discount, so grab your tickets early to reserve your perfect night under the lights.

Located at 2145 Centre Avenue in Fort Collins, the gardens provide onsite parking and overflow options nearby. Group together, grab a cup of hot cocoa and explore this holiday escape—where every twinkle and sparkle makes you feel like a kid again.

North Colorado (NoCo) Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Lights

Cozy up in your car and experience the magic of the NoCo Winter Wonderland, a mile-long drive-through light show at Colorado Youth Outdoors in Timnath. Since 2020, this festive tradition has delighted visitors with over 200,000 twinkling lights and stunning wildlife-themed sculptures, creating an unforgettable holiday display.

The event runs nightly from November 28 through December 31, 2024 with hours from 5:00 pm to 8:45 pm. Admission is $25 per vehicle, with tickets available for purchase at nocowinterwonderland.com.

Located at 4927 E County Road 36 in Fort Collins, this enchanting drive-through experience is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit on a chilly winter evening. It's a heartwarming tradition for your whole family. Even better, proceeds support local non-profits, turning it into a meaningful way to give back to the community.

Santa's Workshop and Ice Skating in Old Town Square

Slide into the holiday spirit in Old Town Square, where you can meet Santa in his workshop. Share your wish list, enjoy some holiday cheer, and snap photos with Santa—visits are free. Families are welcome to take their pictures or purchase professional prints.

You can also put on your skates and glide across the Old Town Square's ice skating rink for free. Skates are complimentary, and the rink is open on select days throughout the month.

Santa's Workshop Schedule:
December 18 – December 23, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
December 24, 2024 at 12:00 PM – 4:00 pm

For more information, you can call the Downtown Development Authority at 970-484-2020 or email them at oldtownsquare@fcdda.com

TUBA Christmas in Fort Collins

Experience the joy of TUBA Christmas, a beloved holiday tradition. Join over 90 tuba and euphonium players as they perform traditional Christmas carols on December 07, 2024 at 2 pm at Oak Street Plaza (145 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, CO 80524).

Come sing along and fill downtown with holiday spirit! Bring your family and friends to this free musical celebration where everyone joins in the fun. Whether you're a music buff or just love the holidays, you'll find yourself smiling and singing along. Don't be surprised if you're still humming these festive tunes on your way home!

Want to learn more? Check out tubachristmas.com.

First Friday Art Walk

Step into the heart of Fort Collins with the First Friday Art Walk, a free monthly celebration located in the lively downtown district. Every first day of the Month, from 6:00–9:00 pm, explore Old Town's galleries, museums, and charming shops along College Avenue, Walnut Street, and nearby blocks—all brimming with creativity and inspiration.

Let your inner artist thrive as you admire captivating works and meet talented local creators. Enjoy complimentary admission to venues like the Museum of Art Fort Collins. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a fun outing, this event promises an unforgettable evening.

Fort Collins Christmas Foodie-Walk

Create holiday memories at December's Downtown Foodie Walk! On the third Friday evening of each month, downtown's culinary gems invite you to gather friends for a delightful evening of seasonal tastings. Discover perfect hostess gifts, sample artisanal chocolates, and collect inspired ideas for your holiday entertaining.

Visit any participating downtown shop during this free event. Each Foodie shop shares festive treats, perfect for a girls' night out, mother-daughter evening, or anyone seeking holiday inspiration.

Ready to Bring the Christmas Magic Home?

After exploring the festive charm of Fort Collins this Christmas—like the First Friday Art Walk, the Holiday Open House at the Avery House, or the joyous tunes of Trumpets for Christmas—why not bring that same spirit into your home? At Cozy Cottage & Co., we've curated a stunning collection of Rustic and Vintage-Themed Christmas Décor to help you recreate the magic of the season.

Visit Our Home Decor Store in Fort Collins or Shop Christmas Decor Online to find everything you need to transform your space into a cozy home winter wonderland. Let the magic of Fort Collins inspire your holiday décor—your Cozy Christmas is waiting!