Your Complete Guide to Northern Colorado's Winter and Holiday Activities for 2025–2026

by Jason Levi

Northern ColoradoHolidaysWinter Fun

Your Complete Guide to Northern Colorado's Winter and Holiday Activities for 2026–2027

Jason Levi & Carrie Levi

CLHMS | GUILD | REAL Luxury Division · The Levi Group Colorado | Real Broker, LLC

Published 2025-11-26 • Updated 2026-10-31

Direct Answer

What are the best winter and holiday activities in Northern Colorado?

Highlights for the 2026–2027 season include the Downtown Fort Collins Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 6, the Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run on Nov. 26, the Loveland Festival of Lights on Nov. 20, Windsor Wonderland on Dec. 5 and the Garden of Lights at The Gardens on Spring Creek in December, plus ice skating at Old Town Square and the year-round Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC).

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When the calendar turns to November, towns all over Northern Colorado start to glow. Streetlights, holiday markets, ice rinks, and walks under sparkling alleys all come together to create a small-town charm and a sense of community. If you've lived here for a long time or are just thinking about moving here, now is a wonderful time to see what makes this area feel like home.

Updated October 31, 2026. Event dates come from organizers and local event listings and can change, so check each event’s official page before you go.

Thanksgiving Weekend: Kicking Off the Season

Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run (Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026). This four-mile run/walk is staged in downtown Fort Collins on Thanksgiving morning, and the free Gobble Gobble Kids’ Run (about a third of a mile) starts from Oak Street Plaza. It is one of the city’s favorite family traditions.

Holiday Lights in Fort Collins

Fort CollinsLights and Tree Lightings

Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony — Fri., Nov. 6Live music from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Old Town Square, with a short ceremony at 6:30 p.m. before the lights turn on. According to the City of Fort Collins, the downtown lights shine each evening through Feb. 14, 2027.

NightLights Tree Lighting — Tue., Dec. 15:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave. Free.

Garden of Lights — select dates Dec. 11–275 to 9 p.m. at The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., with timed entry. Adult tickets start around $12 and kids’ tickets around $8; closed Dec. 24 and 25.

Holiday Events in Loveland, Windsor, Wellington and Greeley

NoCoAround Northern Colorado

Loveland Festival of Lights — Fri., Nov. 205 to 8 p.m. on 4th Street in downtown Loveland, with a holiday market.

Christmas Walk in the Woods, Loveland — select dates Dec. 12–315 to 8 p.m. at 1750 Savage Road; closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Windsor Wonderland — Sat., Dec. 54 to 7 p.m. at Boardwalk Community Park, 100 N. 5th St., with a tree lighting at 4:15 p.m. and a parade at 6:30 p.m.

Wellington Parade of Lights — Sat., Dec. 5Time and route to be announced by the town.

Greeley Festival of Trees — Nov. 21 to Dec. 5Public sessions at the Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave.

Greeley WinterFest: Holiday Lane and Light Up LincolnSaturdays Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 at Lincoln Park and 9th Street.

Ice Skating Around Northern Colorado

Old Town Square Skate Rink, Fort Collins: the outdoor rink typically opens in late November and runs through the holiday season, and admission has often been free. Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC), Fort Collins: a year-round indoor rink at 1801 Riverside Ave. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, Loveland: a seasonal outdoor rink; check the rink’s site for this year’s dates.

Why Winter Is a Great Time to Explore Northern Colorado

If you are thinking about moving here, holiday events are a great way to see each town’s personality: Old Town’s lights, Loveland’s downtown festival, Windsor’s small-town parade. Winter can also be a good time to buy, with less competition than spring. Read our best time of year to move to Northern Colorado and Northern Colorado relocation guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a free ice rink in Fort Collins?

The outdoor Old Town Square Skate Rink typically opens in late November, and admission has often been free. Check the rink's page for this season's dates and rental fees.

Where can I skate indoors in Fort Collins?

The Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) at 1801 Riverside Ave. is a year-round indoor rink.

What holiday light events are in Loveland?

The Loveland Festival of Lights is on Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. on 4th Street downtown, with a holiday market. The Christmas Walk in the Woods runs on select evenings Dec. 12 to 31.

When is the Fort Collins holiday lighting ceremony in 2026?

The Downtown Fort Collins Holiday Lighting Ceremony is Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, in Old Town Square, with music from 5:30 p.m. and the ceremony at 6:30 p.m. The lights stay on each evening through Feb. 14, 2027.

When is Windsor Wonderland 2026?

Windsor Wonderland is Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Boardwalk Community Park, with a tree lighting at 4:15 p.m. and a parade at 6:30 p.m.

Who are Jason and Carrie Levi?

Jason and Carrie Levi are CLHMS-certified luxury Realtors with the GUILD distinction who co-lead The Levi Group Colorado with Real Broker, LLC in Fort Collins. They specialize in Fort Collins, Timnath, Windsor, Loveland, and Northern Colorado, serving buyers and sellers, and were recognized in the 2026 RealTrends Verified rankings as a Top Team by Volume and by Sides.

Summary

Turkey trots, holiday lights and ice rinks across Fort Collins and Loveland make Northern Colorado winters festive.

Love Northern Colorado's seasons? Contact The Levi Group Colorado to find a home close to the festivities.

Carrie Levi & Jason Levi — The Levi Group Colorado | Real Broker, LLC CLHMS | GUILD | REAL Luxury Division · 300 Boardwalk Dr, #6b, Fort Collins, CO 80525 · (970) 426-8916 · jason@thelevigroup.net