Downtown Fort Collins Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Trees throughout Old Town glow with thousands of LED bulbs, illuminating downtown from La Porte to Magnolia. Visitors can stroll through the square, meet friends for an evening out, and skate under the lights.
Nov 6, 2026 – Feb 14, 2027 All ages
See more Christmas lights near Fort Collins
Plan Your Visit
Neighborhood
Old Town
Location
Tips & Advice
- Check the Old Town Square live webcam before heading downtown to get a real-time view of the square and its conditions.
- Use a listed parking garage at 209 E. Mountain Ave., 120 N. Mason St., or 165 Chestnut St. when driving downtown.
- Text FCLIGHTS to 888-777 for text alerts during the lighting ceremony if you want updates while attending.
- Bring your own skates or borrow a pair at no cost; the rink says hockey-style skates perform especially well.
- Bundle up for an evening stroll and possible time standing outdoors around the ceremony in Old Town Square.
Special Events & Promotions
- Skate rink admission, skate rentals and visits with Santa are free.
- The holiday lighting ceremony is on November 6, with live music and the trees lighting up.
- Santa arrives by firetruck with Comet the reindeer on November 27.
- Printed Santa portraits are available for purchase on site.
- Group reservations are available for the skate rink.
Links & Contact
Run by City of Fort Collins
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the holiday lighting ceremony include?
The ceremony in Old Town Square features live music, a short ceremony and the lighting of the trees.
Where do the holiday lights stretch through downtown?
The lights extend from La Porte to Magnolia, with trees throughout Old Town illuminated.
Can I skate beneath the lights?
Yes. Old Town Square has a synthetic skating rink; admission and skate rentals are free, and you can bring traditional ice skates.
Can families visit Santa during the season?
Santa’s Workshop welcomes children of all ages. Visits are free, families can take their own photos, and printed portraits are available to buy.
How can I check the Santa’s Workshop line before heading over?
Use the Old Town Square live webcam for a real-time view. Lines can be long, and visits earlier in December tend to have shorter waits.
Browse Christmas in Fort Collins
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.