Holiday lights will sparkle in Downtown Fort Collins on Friday, Nov. 1
The annual Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony is set to kick off the holidays in Old Town Square on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, when the light display will illuminate for the first time this season. Live music will be performed on the stage in Old Town Square from 5:30-7 p.m., with a short ceremony taking place at 6:30 p.m. before the lights turn on.
“The activation of the holiday lights is one of my favorite activities to be involved in every year,” says Parks Director Mike Calhoon. “The event is always full of joy and anticipation, and it showcases not only the beautiful downtown we all get to enjoy, but also the investment and hard work of our staff and community partners.”
Street Closures and Business Access
New this year, Walnut Street and the 200 block of Linden Street (between Walnut and Jefferson streets) will be closed to all vehicle and bicycle traffic ahead of the event.
From 3-8:30 p.m., Walnut and Linden streets will transform into a pedestrian-only zone where businesses have been invited to set up activities and retail sales along their frontage of the street. Community members are encouraged to arrive early to shop and dine before the lighting ceremony.
Starting at 4:30 p.m., Mountain Avenue closures will also take effect. Closures will include eastbound Mountain Avenue from College Avenue to Remington Street. Westbound from the crosswalk near the parking garage to College Avenue access to the Old Town parking garage on Mountain Avenue will remain open.
Event Location and Parking
The holiday lighting ceremony occurs on the stage in Old Town Square, with lights turning on throughout Downtown Fort Collins. Event attendees should expect a high volume of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic before and after the event.
Parking garages are located at the following locations:
- 209 E. Mountain Ave. (Old Town Garage)
- 120 N. Mason St. (Civic Center)
- 165 Chestnut St. (Firehouse Alley)
Additionally, attendees are encouraged to use public transportation (MAX), which runs until 10 p.m., or walk or bike to the event. Extra bike racks will be available on the north side of Walnut Street.