The annual tradition to kick off the holiday season.
The Loveland Downtown District welcomes Loveland residents and surrounding communities to visit downtown for the return of their annual Festival of Lights event on Friday, November 17th from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. along 4th Street from Railroad Avenue to Lincoln Avenue.
The Festival of Lights marks the official kickoff to the holiday season with a traditional celebration featuring the lighting of a 25-foot Christmas tree in front of the historic Rialto Theater.
“The Festival of Lights Celebration is always a joyful and entertaining event in Downtown Loveland,” said Sean Hawkins, Executive Director of the Loveland Downtown District. “We’re thrilled to be adding Floats on Fourth this year and invite everyone to come enjoy all downtown has to offer and get into the holiday spirit.”
This free community event features live performances across two stages, including acts by Lighthouse Dance, RCS Bella Voce Choir, Garfield Elementary Choir, School of Rock, and Off the Chart – a barbershop quartet. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a grand entrance at 5:00 PM on the Main Stage, leading up to the traditional tree lighting ceremony with Ebenezer Scrooge at 7:30 PM. New this year, we’re adding a Cheer-o-Meter created by Loveland CreatorSpace!
Attendees can also start their holiday shopping early at downtown’s local retailers and boutiques, with select stores open late. Shoppers can explore a pop-up holiday art market hosted by The Valentine Flea, featuring handmade and vintage items from local artists and vendors.
The festival offers entertainment for all ages, including Floats on Fourth performances, food vendors, kids’ art activities, free carriage rides, and live reindeer from The Jessen Reindeer Ranch. Guests can warm up with s’mores and hot cocoa provided by Meals on Wheels of Loveland & Berthoud. Visitors are encouraged to book reservations at downtown restaurants, bars, and breweries who will be offering many great festival specials and discounts this year.
New This Year: Floats on Fourth
Loveland’s Festival of Lights is growing with a new addition: Floats on Fourth, a stationary parade! Join us along 4th Street between Lincoln and Washington as festive, themed floats and live performers light up the night. Local businesses and organizations are invited to showcase their creativity in this unique celebration!
Festival of Lights Schedule:
• 5-8 p.m. – Floats on Fourth Stationary Parade (4th Street from Lincoln to Washington)
• 5 p.m. – Santa Arrives (Main Stage)
• 5:15-7:30 p.m. – Community Performances (Main Stage)
• 5-8 p.m. – Music by DJ Howe (Art Stage)
• 7:30 p.m. – Tree Lighting Ceremony with Ebenezer Scrooge (Main Stage)
For more details on the Festival of Lights, visit downtownloveland.org/festivaloflights (https://www.downtownloveland.org/festivaloflights) or follow the Loveland Downtown District on Facebook @DowntownLoveland or Instagram @dtown_loveland.