This time of year is especially beautiful in NOCO as the downtowns come alive with holiday shoppers, visits from Santa and bright lights that make it all sparkle. Put these holiday lighting ceremonies on your calendar so you can be a part of the season’s festivities.
Fort Collins
- When: Friday, Nov. 7
- Where: Old Town Square
- Details: Live music by Guerilla Fanfare Brass Band (5:30-7 p.m.); holiday lighting ceremony (6:30 p.m.).
Loveland
- When: Friday, Nov. 21
- Where: Along 4th Street and in the Foundry Plaza
- Details:
- Main stage in the Foundry Plaza: performances by Lighthouse Dance, Loveland Choral Society, Garfield Elementary, Old Man Charm and the Resurrection Elementary Bella Voce Choir (5:20-7:30 p.m.); holiday lighting ceremony (7:30 p.m.)
- Art and music stage on 4th Street: Santa arrival celebration with The Grinch (5 p.m.); live entertainment by DJ Brian Howe (5:20-7:30 p.m.).
Estes Park
- When: Saturday, Nov. 22
- Where: Bond Park
- Details: Pictures with Santa, kids’ crafts and horse-drawn carriage rides (3:30-5:30 p.m.); holiday lighting ceremony (5:30 p.m.).
Longmont
- When: Saturday, Nov 22
- Where: Longmont Library
- Details: Music, crafts, holiday performances, sweet treats, warm drinks and a visit from Santa (6 p.m.); holiday lighting ceremony (6:30 p.m.).
Greeley
- When: Saturday, Nov. 29
- Where: Lincoln Park
- Details: Holiday Open House with crafts, treats, music and chances to win a gift basket (10 a.m.-5 p.m.); holiday lighting ceremony with carolers, sweet treats and a visit from Santa (5:30 p.m.).
Wellington
- When: Saturday, Nov. 29
- Where: Downtown
- Details: Petting zoo in Centennial Park (2:30-4:30 p.m.); holiday lighting ceremony with a visit from Santa at a local business (5 p.m.).
Timnath
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6
- Where: Timnath Community Park
- Details: Visit from Santa, performances by local bands and choirs, ice sculptures, food trucks and artisan market vendors (12-2 p.m.). No holiday lighting ceremony.
Windsor
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6
- Where: Boardwalk Park
- Details: Carriage rides, inflatables, face painting, food trucks, s’mores and live music by the bFlatirons and Windsor Middle School Choir (4-7:30 p.m.); Santa arrival by Great Western Railway train (4 p.m.); holiday lighting ceremony and holiday proclamation read by Mayor Julie Cline (4:15 p.m.); photos with Santa (4:30-7 p.m.); Deck the Streets holiday parade (7 p.m.).
Berthoud
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6
- Where: Downtown
- Details: Craft and cookie making, letters to Santa drop-offs, blacksmithing demonstrations and photos with Santa (all day); Berthoud Parade of Lights (5 p.m.); caroling and holiday lighting ceremony (5:45 p.m.).
Johnstown
- When: Sunday, Dec. 7
- Where: Downtown
- Details: Gingerbread house decorating, s’mores, food trucks, a visit from Santa and his reindeer and other festive activities (2-5 p.m.); holiday lighting ceremony (5:30 p.m.).
