Christmas Events for Kids in Fort Collins (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

8 min read

The Fort Collins area has 6 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Fort Collins on November 6 to NoCo Winter Wonderland in Fort Collins, which runs through December 31. 3 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Colorado, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 6 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Fort Collins for 2026, in Fort Collins and Loveland
  • First: Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony, Fort Collins, November 6. Runs latest: NoCo Winter Wonderland, Fort Collins, through December 31
  • Free: Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony, Santa's Arrival at Old Town Square and Santa's Workshop in Old Town Square
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Christmas events for kids in Fort Collins

5 confirmed events for kids in Fort Collins, soonest first.

Tree lightingFree

Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony

  • When: Friday, November 6, 2026, 5:30 to 7 pm
  • Where: Old Town Square, Fort Collins
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

The annual Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony marks the start of the holiday season in Old Town Square on Friday, November 6, 2026. Live music plays on the stage from 5:30 to 7 pm, and a short ceremony begins at 6:30 pm just before the lights come on. Trees throughout Old Town are lit with thousands of LED bulbs, and the lights stay on through mid-February.

The event is free. Roads around the square close at 3 pm, and parking is available in the Old Town, Civic Center and Firehouse Alley garages. The city encourages walking, biking and transit. The event takes place at Old Town Square, 19 Old Town Sq., Fort Collins, CO 80524. Admission is free. No registration is needed. Ages: All ages.

Parent tip: Park in a garage or arrive by bike or bus, since nearby streets close at 3 pm. Dress for the cold.

Host
Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (opens in a new tab)
Address
Old Town Square, 19 Old Town Sq., Fort Collins, CO 80524
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (opens in a new tab)

Santa and Mrs. Claus

NoCo Winter Wonderland

  • When: Thu November 26, Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Sun November 29, Thu December 3, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Thu December 10, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Thu December 17, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22, Wed December 23, Thu December 24, Fri December 25, Sat December 26, Sun December 27, Mon December 28, Tue December 29, Wed December 30 and Thu December 31, 2026, 5:15 to 8:30 pm
  • Where: Colorado Youth Outdoors campus, Fort Collins
  • Cost: From $25 per vehicle
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

NoCo Winter Wonderland is a 15-minute drive-thru holiday light show on the Colorado Youth Outdoors campus in north Fort Collins. Santa, Mrs. Claus and mischievous elves take over the grounds, along with five of Colorado's big game species and a new feature for 2026. The elves are electrified and dance to holiday songs.

The show runs on select nights from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, with timed entry from 5:15 to 8:30 pm. Tickets are sold per vehicle through the event ticket page, starting at $25, and guests drive through a tunnel during the show. The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit's youth outdoor programs. The event takes place at Colorado Youth Outdoors campus, 4927 E. County Road 36, Fort Collins, CO 80528. Cost: From $25 per vehicle. Registration is required. Ages: All ages.

Parent tip: Buy a timed vehicle ticket ahead of time. Kids can stay in the car in pajamas, which makes it an easy evening for little ones.

Host
Colorado Youth Outdoors (opens in a new tab)
Address
Colorado Youth Outdoors campus, 4927 E. County Road 36, Fort Collins, CO 80528
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Colorado Youth Outdoors (opens in a new tab)

Santa visitFree

Santa's Arrival at Old Town Square

  • When: Friday, November 27, 2026, 11:30 am
  • Where: Old Town Square, Fort Collins
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Santa makes his grand entrance to Old Town Square by firetruck on Friday, November 27, at 11:30 am, along with Comet the reindeer. The Downtown Development Authority recommends coming early for a good view of the arrival.

After Santa arrives, Santa's Workshop and the free skate rink open for the season. Visits with Santa are free, and the reindeer is cared for by Jessen Reindeer Ranch. The arrival kicks off a month of daily visits at the workshop. The firetruck arrival gives children a lively moment to watch, and the nearby workshop and skate rink are open right afterward. The event takes place at Old Town Square, 19 Old Town Sq., Fort Collins, CO 80524. Admission is free. No registration is needed. Ages: All ages.

Parent tip: Arrive early for a good view of the arrival.

Host
Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (opens in a new tab)
Address
Old Town Square, 19 Old Town Sq., Fort Collins, CO 80524
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (opens in a new tab)

Santa visitFree

Santa's Workshop in Old Town Square

  • When: Fri November 27 (noon to 6 pm), Sat November 28 (noon to 6 pm), Sun November 29 (noon to 6 pm), Fri December 4 (noon to 6 pm), Sat December 5 (noon to 6 pm), Sun December 6 (noon to 6 pm), Wed December 9 (noon to 6 pm), Thu December 10 (noon to 6 pm), Fri December 11 (noon to 6 pm), Sat December 12 (noon to 6 pm), Sun December 13 (noon to 6 pm), Mon December 14 (noon to 6 pm), Tue December 15 (noon to 6 pm), Wed December 16 (noon to 6 pm), Thu December 17 (noon to 6 pm), Fri December 18 (noon to 6 pm), Sat December 19 (noon to 6 pm), Sun December 20 (noon to 6 pm), Mon December 21 (noon to 6 pm), Tue December 22 (noon to 6 pm), Wed December 23 (noon to 6 pm) and Thu December 24 (noon to 4 pm), 2026
  • Where: Old Town Square, Fort Collins
  • Cost: Free visits, printed portraits for purchase
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Santa's Workshop in Old Town Square is open on select days from Friday, November 27 through Thursday, December 24, 2026, generally from 12 to 6 pm and until 4 pm on Christmas Eve. Kids of all ages are welcome to stop by and share their holiday wishes. Visits are always free, families can take their own photos, and printed portraits are available to purchase on site.

Santa takes time with each child, and waits can stretch to hours depending on the day. The organizers say lines are usually shortest early in the season. The live Old Town Square webcam shows the crowd in real time. The workshop is closed December 1 to 3 and December 7 and 8. The event takes place at Old Town Square, 19 Old Town Sq., Fort Collins, CO 80524. Admission is free. No registration is needed. Ages: All ages.

Parent tip: Go early in December for shorter lines, and check the live webcam before you head downtown. See the hours calendar for exact open days.

Host
Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (opens in a new tab)
Address
Old Town Square, 19 Old Town Sq., Fort Collins, CO 80524
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (opens in a new tab)

Holiday lights

Garden of Lights

  • When: Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Mon December 14, Tue December 15, Wed December 16, Thu December 17, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22, Wed December 23, Sat December 26 and Sun December 27, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
  • Where: The Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins
  • Cost: Children 3 to 17 $8 to $12, adults $12 to $16, ages 2 and under free
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Garden of Lights turns The Gardens on Spring Creek into a winter wonderland from December 11 to 27, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm, with grounds closing at 9 pm. A half-mile path winds past immersive displays, dancing blossoms and thousands of shimmering lights, and a new rivers of light display debuts this year.

Santa Claus visits nightly through Christmas from 5 to 8 pm at Everitt Pavilion, the Ice Queen appears in the Northwest Grove Ice Forest from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and live musical acts perform from 5:30 to 8 pm. Hot cocoa and a full bar are available. Entry is by timed ticket, and the event is closed on December 24 and 25. A separate adults-only night is on December 10. The event takes place at The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80526. Cost: Children 3 to 17 $8 to $12, adults $12 to $16, ages 2 and under free. Registration is required. Ages: All ages.

Parent tip: Tickets are timed and prices vary by date and time, so buy early. $1 SNAP/EBT tickets are available by phone or on site.

Host
The Gardens on Spring Creek (opens in a new tab)
Address
The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80526
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom The Gardens on Spring Creek (opens in a new tab)

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Fort Collins? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Loveland

1 confirmed event for kids in Loveland, soonest first.

Holiday parade

Festival of Lights

  • When: Friday, November 20, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
  • Where: 4th Street between Garfield and Washington, Loveland
  • Cost: Free, some activities may cost extra
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Loveland's Festival of Lights on Friday, November 20, from 5 to 8 pm debuts holiday lighting along 4th Street. The night features live music and entertainment, a tree lighting at 7:30 pm in front of the Rialto Theater, live reindeer, a holiday market and carriage rides.

Kids can meet Santa's reindeer and Santa Claus, watch for the Grinch wandering the streets, and join free holiday art activities. Free hot chocolate and s'mores are on offer, and a stationary float parade lines two blocks of 4th Street with marching bands and dancers moving through the crowd. The event takes place at 4th Street between Garfield and Washington, 201 E. 4th St., Loveland, CO 80537. Cost: Free, some activities may cost extra. No registration is needed. Ages: All ages.

Parent tip: Park early, since downtown fills up. Dress warmly for the 7:30 pm tree lighting.

Host
Loveland Downtown District (opens in a new tab)
Address
4th Street between Garfield and Washington, 201 E. 4th St., Loveland, CO 80537 (near Fort Collins)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Loveland Downtown District (opens in a new tab)

Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Colorado Christmas train rides page.

Fort Collins Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
6 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Fort Collins and Loveland
Season
November 6 to December 31, 2026
Free events
3
Kinds of events
Santa visit, tree lighting, holiday parade and Santa and Mrs. Claus
Last checked
See every event on a December calendar

Plan your December

When each Fort Collins Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Fort Collins on November 6; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Looking further afield? Our Colorado Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, CO, Boulder, Pueblo, Greeley and Grand Junction. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

2026 Christmas events are coming in late November

More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.

The story of Christmas in Fort Collins

In Fort Collins, Christmas arrives with a switch. Each November the Old Town trees glow with thousands of lights, and a Victorian house built in 1879 opens its doors to families for a holiday visit.

How Fort Collins celebrates

The big kickoff is the Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony, when the Old Town trees light up for the season. In 2014 Mayor Karen Weitkunat flipped the switch at Oak Street Plaza after music, cookies, hot cocoa and cider. Trees along Walnut and Mountain avenues, Linden and Pine streets and Old Town Square all glow, and the city switched to LED strands that used about 90 percent less power. Another tradition is the Victorian Christmas at the Avery House, an 1879 home that opens for free tours each December, with a holiday boutique in the carriage house.

Christmas last year in Fort Collins

The 2025 Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony took place on Friday, November 7, in Old Town Square. Live music ran from 5:30 to 7 p.m., a short ceremony began at 6:30, and then more than 65,000 individual lights came on across more than 334 downtown trees. They glowed each evening until February 14, 2026. In December, the Avery House held its holiday open house on December 13 and 14, with free tours, Santa photos and a boutique where gifts cost from 50 cents to $50. The Garden of Lights at The Gardens on Spring Creek ran from December 12 to 28, with an all-new Ice Forest.

Fun facts about Christmas in Fort Collins

A local legend says the city's love of lights goes back to the early 1900s, when Florence "Flossie" Busby lit her home with hundreds of candles during a hard winter. Downtown Fort Collins began as a military fort in the 1860s, so its Christmas lights shine on very old streets. The downtown display covers 22 block faces, from College Avenue south to Magnolia Street, and stays up through Valentine's Day. There is even a lesser-known ice rink behind Old Town Square, a favorite spot for hot cocoa.

Trains and Christmas near Fort Collins

Fort Collins families who love trains have several day trips to choose from. The Colorado Model Railroad Museum in Greeley runs a huge, realistic HO layout with 20,000 miniature trees and play areas for kids. In Granby, the Moffat Road Railroad Museum shows Colorado's largest permanent Christmas model train display during its holiday season, and offers a Family Train Ride. Farther south in Golden, the Colorado Railroad Museum has a 15-acre railyard with more than 100 historic railcars to explore.

Traditions today

  • Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony: Live music and a short ceremony in Old Town Square, then tens of thousands of lights come on across downtown trees.
  • Old Town Christmas lights: Lit trees line Walnut, Linden and Pine streets, Mountain Avenue and Oak Street Plaza, and stay up through Valentine's Day.
  • Victorian Christmas at the Avery House: Free tours of an 1879 home decorated for the holidays, with Santa photos and a boutique in the carriage house.
  • Avery's Attic holiday boutique: A little shop in the Avery Carriage House where gifts cost from 50 cents to $50.
  • Garden of Lights: A half-mile walking loop of lit grapevines and flowerbeds at The Gardens on Spring Creek, with Santa greeting families on many nights.
  • Hot cocoa and the ice rink: A small ice rink behind Old Town Square is a favorite family stop for hot cocoa.

A fact for kids

Fort Collins has more than 334 trees wrapped in lights downtown, and one local legend says it all started with a woman who lit her house with hundreds of candles.

Questions about Christmas in Fort Collins

When do the Old Town Fort Collins Christmas lights turn on?

They turned on Friday, November 7 in 2025, at the Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Old Town Square. Music started at 5:30 p.m., a short ceremony began at 6:30, and the lights came on afterward. The date changes a little each year, so check our Fort Collins Christmas events guide on this page for this season.

How many lights are in downtown Fort Collins at Christmas?

The 2025 display used more than 65,000 individual lights across more than 334 trees in the downtown area. They were lit each evening from November 7, 2025, to February 14, 2026. Little ones can count the glowing trees as they walk, which turns a stroll into a game.

Where do the Fort Collins holiday lights run?

The display runs from College Avenue south to Magnolia Street and covers 22 downtown block faces. Lights are in alleys, along sidewalks and in treetops. Trees are lit along Walnut, Linden and Pine streets, Old Town Square, Oak Street Plaza and Mountain Avenue, so families can wander in any direction.

Who turns on the Fort Collins lights?

It varies by year. In 2014, Mayor Karen Weitkunat switched on the lights at a free event in Oak Street Plaza, with music, cookies, hot cocoa and cider before the lights came on at 6:30 p.m. In 2025 the lights came on after live music and a short ceremony in Old Town Square.

Are the Old Town Fort Collins lights LED?

Yes, the downtown display uses low energy LED strands. When the 2014 display was announced, the city said LED lights saved about 90 percent of the power compared with standard lights. That is a nice thing to tell kids: the town can have thousands of glowing trees while using much less electricity.

What is the legend of Flossie Busby in Fort Collins?

It is a local legend, not a documented history. The story says that in the early 1900s, Florence "Flossie" Busby decorated her home with hundreds of candles during a harsh winter, and the story credits her with sparking the city's love of holiday lights. It is a fun story to share with kids.

What is the Avery House in Fort Collins?

The Avery House is a Gothic-style home at 328 W. Mountain Avenue, built in 1879. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and the Poudre Landmarks Foundation bought it in 1974. It is decorated for a Victorian Christmas each December.

What happens at the Avery House holiday open house?

Families can take free tours of the historic home, visit a holiday boutique called Avery's Attic in the carriage house, and get free photos with Santa using their own camera or phone. In 2025 it ran Saturday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, December 14, from 1 to 4 p.m.

What was Christmas like in Victorian times, for kids?

The Avery House is a good way to explain it. Guided tours share 19th century holiday customs and show vintage ornaments, so children can see how families decorated long ago. You can tell kids that many homes then had no electric lights, which helps explain the candle legend of Flossie Busby.

What is the Garden of Lights in Fort Collins?

It is an annual holiday walk at The Gardens on Spring Creek, a half-mile loop with glittering grapevines, flowerbeds and whimsical sculptures. In 2025 it ran nightly from 5 to 9 p.m., December 12 to 28, except December 24 and 25, with local musicians and a new Ice Forest.

Does Santa visit the Garden of Lights?

Yes, in 2025 Santa greeted families nightly through December 23. Timed entry tickets were required, and prices were $12 for adults, $8 for ages 5 to 11 and free for ages 4 and under. Our Fort Collins Christmas events guide on this page has the current season's dates and details.

Is there an ice rink near Old Town Square?

Yes, a lesser-known ice rink sits behind Old Town Square. It is described as a spot for family fun and hot cocoa. Rink hours and prices change by season, so look at our Fort Collins Christmas events guide on this page before you go, and bring mittens for little hands.

How did Fort Collins begin?

Downtown Fort Collins echoes its origins as a military fort in the 1860s. By the time the Avery House was built in 1879, it was a growing town. That history makes a nice talking point on a lights walk, since the lit streets are part of the oldest area of town.

Why do the downtown lights stay up until Valentine's Day?

The lights are scheduled to shine each evening until February 14 rather than coming down right after Christmas. In 2025 that meant November 7 to February 14, 2026. The sources do not explain why the date was chosen, but it means families get a long season to visit.

Who saved the Avery House?

The Poudre Landmarks Foundation bought the Avery House in 1974 for $79,000. The house had been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, in hopes of improving the chances it would be preserved. Today the foundation hosts the Victorian holiday open house each December.

What is the best way to get to the Old Town lights with kids?

Plan for crowds on lighting night. In 2025 the city expected heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic and encouraged people to take MAX, walk or bike. Check our Fort Collins Christmas events guide on this page for the current parking and timing tips, and dress warmly for an evening outside.

How do I explain Christmas lights to a toddler?

Keep it simple: in winter the nights are long and dark, so people hang lights to make the town bright and cozy. In Fort Collins, you can ask your child to spot the biggest lit tree in Old Town Square or count how many trees on a block are glowing.

Is there a Christmas model train display near Fort Collins?

Yes. The Moffat Road Railroad Museum in Granby has Colorado's largest permanent Christmas model train display, and its holiday season is listed as running November 27 to January 3. The museum also offers a Family Train Ride, so it makes a fun winter day trip for young train fans.

Which train museum near Fort Collins is closest?

The Colorado Model Railroad Museum in Greeley is the closest on our list. It has a huge, realistic HO model railroad with wide walk-in aisles, 20,000 miniature trees, a 1919 caboose and kids' play areas. It is open Monday and Thursday to Sunday, so confirm hours before you go.

Can kids see real historic trains near Fort Collins?

Yes. The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden has a 15-acre railyard with more than 100 historic railcars, a restoration roundhouse, a depot museum and an HO layout. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, with diesel, steam and Galloping Goose rides on scheduled days.

Sources

  1. Holiday Lights Will Sparkle in Downtown Fort Collins on Friday, Nov. 7, NoCo Style
  2. Old Town welcomes holiday season with lights, Colorado State University SOURCE
  3. Unwrapping the history and hidden gems of Christmas in Northern Colorado, North Forty News
  4. Holiday Open House & Boutique at the Avery House, Poudre Landmarks Foundation
  5. Avery House (Fort Collins, Colorado), Wikipedia
  6. Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail, Visit Fort Collins
  7. Garden of Lights returns to brighten Fort Collins, North Forty News
  8. Moffat Road Railroad Museum, Rally Takes the Train
  9. Colorado Model Railroad Museum, Rally Takes the Train
  10. Colorado Railroad Museum, Rally Takes the Train

Fort Collins Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What are the best Christmas events for kids in Fort Collins this year?

We confirmed 6 for the 2026 season, and 3 of them are free. Good places to start: Garden of Lights (Dec 11 to Dec 27), NoCo Winter Wonderland (Nov 26 to Dec 31) and Santa's Workshop in Old Town Square (Nov 27 to Dec 24). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Fort Collins?

Yes, 3 of the 6. Two worth planning around: Santa's Arrival at Old Town Square (Nov 27) and Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony (Nov 6). Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.

Where can kids meet Santa in Fort Collins?

5 events here include a visit with Santa. Popular picks are Festival of Lights in Loveland (Nov 20). Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.

Is anything on for kids in Fort Collins on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes, three events run on Christmas Eve or later. NoCo Winter Wonderland runs through Dec 31 and Garden of Lights runs through Dec 27.

Do we need tickets or reservations?

For 3 of the 6 events, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in, and each listing says which is which.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Fort Collins?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Fort Collins Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 4, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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