The annual Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony, sponsored this year by Fort Collins Connexion, is set to kick off the holidays in Old Town Square on Friday, Nov. 6, when the light display will illuminate for the first time this season.
Live music will be performed by Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band 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.
“There’s a moment right when the lights switch on when you can feel the whole square take a breath and smile,” says Parks and Recreation Director LeAnn Williams. “It’s one of my favorite nights of the year. The holiday lighting program is a big part of what makes Fort Collins feel like home, and it gives all of us a reason to bundle up, gather together and support the local businesses and restaurants that make downtown so special.”
The lighting program, which is collaboratively funded by the City of Fort Collins, the Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown General Improvement District, provides the ideal backdrop for residents as they enjoy all the amenities of the downtown area throughout the winter season. This year’s lighting ceremony is sponsored by city partner Fort Collins Connexion.
“We’re thrilled to help bring this tradition to life for our community,” says Chad Crager, executive director of Connexion. “Connexion is locally owned by the people we serve, so being part of a night that brings neighbors together feels like a natural fit. We hope everyone comes downtown, soaks in the lights and enjoys the start of the season.”
New this year, The Gardens on Spring Creek will bring a little extra magic to Oak Street Plaza with a special light installation created just for downtown. Visitors can stop by to view the display, snap a few photos and learn about the upcoming Garden of Lights event.
Street closures and business access
Street closures near the event zone will be in place starting at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 6. The closures include:
- Walnut Street (between College and Mountain avenues)
- The 200 block of Linden Street (between Walnut and Jefferson streets)
- Mountain Avenue (eastbound and westbound, between College Avenue and Remington Street)
- Remington Street (between Mountain Avenue and Oak Street, parking garage access will remain open)
Event location and parking
The holiday lighting ceremony will occur 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 can be found 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), carpool, walk or bike to the event.
Additional information about the Downtown Lighting Program
The downtown lights are funded and installed each year as part of a collaborative effort between the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown General Improvement District. Contract partner SavATree helps to install and remove the lights from more than 334 trees in the downtown area.
The installation of the holiday lights begins in September and takes about six weeks to complete. There are more than 65,000 individual lights placed in trees throughout Old Town, which will be illuminated each evening from Nov. 6 through Feb. 14, 2027.
For more information on street closures, business participation and details of the lighting ceremony, click here.
