Winter in Northern Colorado: A Lifestyle & Holiday Guide for 2025–2026

Winter brings a special kind of beauty to Northern Colorado. From festive lights to peaceful snowy mornings, each town takes on a warm, inviting glow. Whether you’re rediscovering local traditions or exploring the region for the first time, this curated guide highlights the most memorable experiences across Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Greeley, and beyond.

Thanksgiving Season & Early Winter Traditions

Fort Collins’s Holiday Atmosphere

Downtown Fort Collins Holiday Lights
A glowing display across 22 blocks, shining nightly through mid-February.
Event info:
https://downtownfortcollins.com/holiday-lights/

NoCo Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru
A one-mile animated light route at Colorado Youth Outdoors — a family favorite each season.
Tickets & details:
https://www.coloradoyo.org/winter-wonderland

Menorah Lighting – Old Town Square
A warm and welcoming Chanukah celebration hosted annually in Old Town.
Event details (Chabad Fort Collins):
https://www.chabadnc.com/
(Updated Menorah Lighting dates appear each December.)

NightLights – “The Big Blue Tree”
A meaningful annual event raising funds for Realities for Children, featuring live entertainment, cocoa, and the iconic blue tree lighting.
Event info:
https://www.realitiesforchildren.com/events/nightlights/

 Garden of Lights – Gardens on Spring Creek
A half-mile illuminated garden walk with themed displays, glowing flowerbeds, and seasonal surprises.
Tickets & information:
https://www.fcgov.com/gardens/garden-of-lights

Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day RunA lively four-mile run/walk through Old Town that brings together families, friends, and neighbors for a joyful start to the holiday season.
Details & registration:
https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/thanksgiving-run

Local Arts, Films & Performances
Thanksgiving weekend opens a variety of community events — from specialty films to comedy nights — perfect for a cozy evening out.
What’s happening locally:
The Lyric Cinema: https://lyriccinema.com/
Lincoln Center Fort Collins: https://www.lctix.com/
Downtown event calendar: https://downtownfortcollins.com/events/

Holiday Artisan Markets
Handcrafted art, décor, jewelry, and gourmet treats make these markets one of the best places to find thoughtful holiday gifts.
Fort Collins Holiday Artisan Market:
https://fcgov.com/recreation/artisan-market
(Dates may update seasonally.)

Loveland’s Holiday Atmosphere

Festival of Lights on 4th Street
Live music, festive stalls, local dining, and a tree-lighting ceremony bring downtown Loveland to life and officially welcome the holiday season.
Event details:
https://www.loveland.org/holiday-events
(Scroll for Festival of Lights schedule.)

12 Days of Christmas – Dwayne Webster Veterans Park
A classic drive-through holiday tradition featuring large-scale illuminated scenes.
Location info:
https://loveland.org/parks
(Event dates typically listed under seasonal events.)

Christmas Walk in the Woods – Savage WoodsA peaceful, beautifully illuminated forest trail offering a magical evening escape for couples and families.
Tickets & information:
https://www.christmaswalkinthewoods.com/

Old Town Fort Collins: Shopping, Dining & Winter Charm

Downtown Holiday Décor
Old Town glows with decorated storefronts, illuminated alleys, and warm, inviting restaurants throughout the season.
Holiday lights information:
https://downtownfortcollins.com/holiday-lights/
Old Town Spree
Shop-local incentives, drawings, and seasonal promotions create a festive atmosphere throughout November and December.
Event info:
https://downtownfortcollins.com/old-town-spree/
Dining & Breweries
Local restaurants, cafés, and craft breweries offer winter-inspired menus and cozy atmospheres.
Explore Old Town dining:
https://downtownfortcollins.com/eat-and-drink/

Where to Ice Skate in Northern Colorado

Old Town Square Rink – Fort Collins
A free synthetic rink with skate rentals included — simple, accessible winter fun.

EPIC – Fort Collins
A classic indoor option with rotating public skate times.

Promenade Shops Rink – Loveland
Outdoor skating surrounded by holiday lights and restaurants.

Longmont Ice Pavilion
A long-running outdoor rink open from late November through early March.

Greeley Ice Haus
Affordable daily public skate sessions and winter programming.

Northern Colorado’s Best Holiday Light Displays

Neighborhood Favorites

Fort Collins

• Woodford Ave.
• Kenwood Dr.
• Crabtree Dr.
• Ryeland Ct.
• Scenic Estates Dr.

Windsor & Severance

• Severance “Griswalds”
• Blossom Grove Ct.
• Grain Bin Dr.

Loveland

• Yew Dr.
• Arikaree Dr.

Community Holiday Events

Downtown Fort Collins Holiday Lights
A glowing display across 22 blocks, shining nightly through mid-February.
Event info:
https://downtownfortcollins.com/holiday-lights/

NoCo Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru
A one-mile animated light route at Colorado Youth Outdoors — a family favorite each season.
Tickets & details:
https://www.coloradoyo.org/winter-wonderland

Menorah Lighting – Old Town Square
A warm and welcoming Chanukah celebration hosted annually in Old Town.
Event details (Chabad Fort Collins):
https://www.chabadnc.com/
(Updated Menorah Lighting dates appear each December.)

NightLights – “The Big Blue Tree”
A meaningful annual event raising funds for Realities for Children, featuring live entertainment, cocoa, and the iconic blue tree lighting.
Event info:
https://www.realitiesforchildren.com/events/nightlights/

 Garden of Lights – Gardens on Spring Creek
A half-mile illuminated garden walk with themed displays, glowing flowerbeds, and seasonal surprises.
Tickets & information:
https://www.fcgov.com/gardens/garden-of-lights

Town-by-Town Highlights

Fort Collins

• • • Lighting ceremony
    • Garden of Lights
    • Old Town skating & Santa
    • First Friday Art Walk
    • Seasonal dining & boutiques

Loveland

• • • Festival of Lights
    • Christmas Walk in the Woods
    • 12 Days of Christmas
    • Centerra District winter lights

Windsor, Greeley & Wellington

• • • Windsor Wonderland
    • Greeley Holiday Open House
    • Wellington community lights

 Enjoying Winter Like a NoCo Local

• • 1. Explore a new town each weekend.
    2. Dress warmly for evening lights and outdoor events.
    3. Start a new annual holiday tradition.
    4. Shop and dine locally during the festive season.
    5. Share these experiences with friends, family, or visiting guests.

Why Winter in Northern Colorado Feels Like Home

Northern Colorado shines brightest during the winter months. The season celebrates community, connection, and the welcoming spirit that makes our region special. Whether you’re exploring neighborhoods, considering a move, or simply embracing the season, I’m always here to help you feel at home in NoCo.