TOP 33 Holiday 'To Do's' in NoCo - FREE Printable

​The holidays in Northern Colorado are full of magic, from twinkling lights and cozy community events to steaming cups of cocoa and plenty of festive fun all month long. Whether you love exploring light displays, need to finish your shopping, or just want to enjoy peppermint treats, NoCo has something for you. We’ve put together the Top 33 Holiday To-Do’s across Northern Colorado so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the season. Put on your gloves, gather your friends and family, and let this list help you make the most of the holidays.

1. Drive through NoCo Winter Wonderland
   Pack the fam into the car and cruise through the mile-long, drive-thru light display at Colorado Youth Outdoors in Fort Collins — expect elves, Santa & Mrs. Claus, plus wildlife-themed light sculptures. To learn more, visit the NoCo Winter Wonderland website. nocowinterwonderland.com+1
2. Attend the Downtown Fort Collins Holiday Lighting Ceremony
   Join the fun in Old Town Square for the official lighting ceremony, with live music, a countdown, and thousands of LED lights illuminating 22 blocks. To learn more, check out the NoCo Holiday Light Trail info. visitftcollins.com
3. Stroll the Gardens on Spring Creek for Garden of Lights
   Experience a magical half-mile loop of glowing grapevines, towering flowerbeds, dancing blossoms, plus Santa visits and entertainers. To learn more and buy tickets, head to the Gardens on Spring Creek’s event page. Fort Collins, Colorado+1
4. Visit Loveland’s Festival of Lights
   Celebrate downtown Loveland (4th Street & The Foundry) with a tree lighting, live performances, carriage rides, reindeer, Santa and more. To learn more, go to the Downtown Loveland Festival of Lights page. Loveland Downtown District+1
5. Drive by the “12 Days of Christmas” display at Dwayne Webster Park
   Enjoy a larger-than-life, drive-through animated light show based on the classic carol. To learn more, check out the Visit Loveland Light Trail information. visitloveland.com
6. Go on the Christmas Walk in the Woods
   Take a walk through a rustic, wooded pathway at Savage Woods in Loveland, with lighted backdrops like Elf Workshops, Santa’s House, and a vintage Christmas truck. To learn more, see the NoCo Light Trail. visitloveland.com
7. Celebrate WinterFest in Greeley
   Over three weekends (Nov 29–Dec 13), downtown Greeley lights up with makers’ workshops, carriage rides, live music, and a tree lighting in Lincoln Park. To learn more, check out the Downtown Greeley WinterFest page. Downtown Greeley+1
8. Tour the Festival of Trees in Greeley
   Head to the Union Colony Civic Center to see beautifully decorated trees, a gingerbread village, Candy Cane Lane (with Santa), and more. To learn more, go to the Greeley Festival of Trees site. Greeley
9. Shop local at Loveland holiday artisan markets
   While doing holiday events in Loveland, check out the Makers’ booths on 4th Street during the Festival of Lights for local art, gifts & handmade finds. To learn more, visit the Downtown Loveland event page. Loveland Downtown District+1
10. Take a winter weekend trip to Estes Park
    Visit for a charming holiday drive or walking tour through the town’s festive lights — a cozy escape from the city (no official website needed here, just plan a scenic trip).
11. Go ice skating
    Look for seasonal outdoor ice rinks around Fort Collins, Loveland or Greeley (local rinks often pop up mid-November – check community rec center sites for updates).
12. Sip hot cocoa in downtown Fort Collins
    After the lighting ceremony, grab a hot cocoa (or seasonal coffee) from a local cafe and soak up the twinkling trees around Old Town Square.
13. Walk through Fort Collins’ lit storefronts
    In the evenings, stroll through downtown to admire festive holiday décor, beautifully lit shop windows, and holiday spirit on 4th Street-style blocks.
14. Do a neighborhood light drive
    Pick a few fun neighborhoods in NoCo (Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley) and go on a drive to spot the most creative residential light displays.
15. Cut down or pick your Christmas tree
    Visit a local Christmas tree farm (many around NoCo) and make a day of cutting your tree + sipping cider.
16. Attend a “Shop Small” holiday weekend
    Support local makers and small businesses during holiday-themed open houses and pop-up markets in Loveland, Greeley, and Fort Collins.
17. Start a holiday lights photo scavenger hunt
    Make a list — candy canes, Santa hats, reindeer, wreaths — and snap pics as you walk or drive through your favorite lit-up spots.Take a magic walk under downtown Fort Collins lights
    Even outside event nights, Old Town stays lit through Valentine’s Day. Wander the LED-lit trees and alleys. To learn more, see Visit Fort Collins’ light trail. visitftcollins.com

1. Enjoy a holiday brunch or dinner downtown
   Plan a festive meal at a favorite restaurant in Fort Collins or Loveland, then walk off your food through the holiday lights afterward.
2. Drop off letters to Santa in Greeley
   At WinterFest in Greeley, kids can visit the North Pole Mailbox and drop in their wish lists. To learn more, check out the WinterFest page. Downtown Greeley
3. Take a carriage ride during Loveland’s Festival
   Enjoy a horse-drawn ride through downtown Loveland after dark, paired perfectly with the lighted floats and live music. To learn more, go to the Festival of Lights site. Loveland Downtown District
4. Make a holiday lights + dinner night a tradition
   Combine a drive-through light tour with a cozy dinner — either treat it like a date night or a family outing.
5. Catch live holiday music
   At many of the lighting ceremonies (Loveland, Fort Collins), there are choirs, carolers, or community performances. (See respective event pages above.)
6. Give back while celebrating
   Volunteer or donate at one of the holiday events (Greeley WinterFest, Festival of Trees) — it’s community + cheer + meaning.Host a “Lights + Movie” night
   After driving through the lights (NoCo Winter Wonderland or neighborhood tour), cozy up at home with a holiday classic.
7. Mix up the towns
   Instead of staying in one place, pick an evening to hop between Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley — see multiple types of light displays in one night.
8. Plan a sunset stroll before lights
   Go for a walk just before dusk, then stick around as the lights come on — it’s a beautiful transition from day to holiday glow.
9. Explore a winter craft or holiday market
   Browse local art, handmade gifts, home decor, and seasonal goods. (Tie this in with Festival of Lights or small-business weekends.)
10. Take a holiday dessert tour
    Hop between two or three downtown cafés — hot cocoa at one, gingerbread cookie at another, peppermint latte at a third.
11. Snap your holiday card photo
    Use twinkling lights along Old Town or the Gardens on Spring Creek as your backdrop for a festive photo with friends or family.
12. Catch special holiday pop-up events
    Keep an eye out for gallery shows, winter workshops, or wellness classes happening in NoCo during the season — local venues get in the spirit.
13. Try a “30 lights in 30 minutes” challenge
    Choose a neighborhood or downtown loop, set a timer, and see how many distinct light displays or decorated houses you can spot — makes for a fun game.
14. End with a reflective, cozy moment
    Find a patio or fire-pit-friendly spot (ask around local restaurants or cafés), sip something warm, and take in the lights — pause, reflect, and enjoy the season.

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