Every winter, northern Colorado comes alive with holiday lights. From historic downtowns wrapped in twinkling strands to creative light shows that stretch for miles, there’s no better time to explore the region.
While Winter Wonderlights has come to a close, Loveland and its neighboring communities have plenty of displays, lighting ceremonies and celebrations to keep the magic alive. Make Loveland your home base for holiday festivities across northern Colorado, where the season’s best traditions are just a short drive away.
Loveland: The heart of the holidays
Festival of Lights
Downtown Loveland along 4th Street
Nov. 21 | 5–8 p.m.
Downtown Loveland lights up the season with this local favorite. Enjoy live entertainment, carriage rides, a holiday market and the community tree lighting. Santa will make an appearance, and local shops and restaurants will stay open to welcome visitors. Free and open to the public.
12 Days of Christmas Display
Dwayne Webster Veteran’s Park on 401 W. 13th St.
Nov. 21–Jan. 1 | 5–9 p.m.
Take a drive by this illuminated display featuring larger-than-life scenes from the classic Christmas carol. It’s a free, family-friendly tradition that brightens the park every evening of the season.
Christmas Walk in the Woods
Savage Woods at 1750 Savage Rd.
Dec. 13–31 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) | 5–8 p.m.
This self-guided walk winds through a wooded trail decorated with lights, handcrafted backdrops, and festive touches like Santa’s House and the Elf Workshop. Admission fees apply.
A Very Centerra Holiday
The new All is Bright Tour will be held across Centerra, including Chapungu Sculpture Park. This festive holiday experience features newly imagined light displays, transforming the area into a vibrant winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a specially curated holiday music streaming site to accompany their stroll through the lights, while interactive fun continues with The Great Gift Hunt, a family-friendly scavenger adventure inviting guests to find seven “lost presents” hidden around Centerra to win prizes.
On Dec 7th from 11am to 3pm, head to the Loveland Holiday Market at the East Gateway Visitors Center. Find the perfect gifts from a variety of Colorado-made artisan vendors, enjoy visits with Santa, an Alpine Sledding Hill, S’mores roasting and more.
Don’t miss Santa’s Workshop at The Promenade Shops at Centerra on December 13th and 20th. Two days with multiple opportunities to meet Santa, as well as skate with Buddy and Jovie from Elf and more!
Check out all the holiday fun happening this season at A Very Centerra Holiday – centerra.com/holiday
Boulder: Lights beneath the Flatirons
Switch on the Holidays
1300 Pearl St.
Nov. 23 | 2-7 p.m.
Boulder’s holiday season begins with the annual lighting of Pearl St. and the Civic Area. The event features live music, Santa’s arrival and thousands of glowing bulbs strung along one of Colorado’s most walkable downtowns.
Snow Much Fun
Boulder Public Library and Civic Area
November to January (exact dates TBD)
Hundreds of thousands of LED lights turn Boulder’s Civic Area into a bright winter scene. Follow lighted paths, scan QR codes for augmented reality surprises and enjoy a cup of cocoa from nearby cafés.
Winterfest at Chautauqua Park
Chautauqua Park at 900 Baseline Rd. (visit their website for parking options)
Dec. 12–13
At the base of the Flatirons, this annual event lights up Chautauqua’s historic cottages and trees. Visitors can stroll the grounds and enjoy festive programs throughout the weekend.
The Boulder Star
Flagstaff Mountain
November to early January
A tradition since 1947, the Boulder Star shines high above the city each winter. See it from downtown or drive up Flagstaff Mountain for a closer look.
Estes Park: Mountain glow and holiday cheer
Festival of Trees
Estes Park Resort
Nov. 12–Dec. 14 | Kick-off event Nov.12 from 5–7 p.m.
Dozens of decorated trees fill the Estes Park Resort lobby, creating a festive backdrop for an event that supports local nonprofits. The display is free and open to the public.
Holiday Lights Driving Tour
Downtown and Neighborhoods of Estes Park on 1700 Colorado Peaks Dr.
Nov. 22–Jan. 1
Take a self-guided drive through Estes Park to see decorated homes, storefronts and public displays. Don’t miss Bond Park’s Pixel Pine Tree Light Show, where music and lights come together for a one-of-a-kind performance.
Catch the Glow Parade
Elkhorn Ave.
Nov. 28 | 5:30 p.m.
More than 40 illuminated floats and local groups line downtown for this long-running holiday parade that attracts thousands of spectators each year.
Fort Collins: Classic lights and cozy streets
Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Old Town Fort Collins
Nov. 7 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Old Town’s holiday lights are a northern Colorado tradition. More than 20 blocks of trees and buildings glow with energy-efficient LED lights that stay lit through February.
Winter Wonderland
Colorado Youth Outdoors at 4927 County Rd. 36
Nov. 27–Dec. 31
This drive-through event features 200,000 lights, animated displays and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The attraction raises funds for local outdoor youth programs.
Garden of Lights Winter Holiday Lights Festival
The Gardens on Spring Creek on 2145 Centre Ave.
Dec. 12–28
A half-mile walking loop of glowing flowers and trees makes The Gardens on Spring Creek a local favorite. Timed entry tickets are required and tend to sell quickly.
Greeley: Tradition with a bright twist
Festival of Trees
Union Colony Civic Center at 701 10th Ave.
Nov. 29–Dec. 6
Enjoy creative tree designs, live music and visits with Santa during this annual celebration that supports local arts and community organizations.
Winterfest, including Light Up Lincoln and Holiday Lane
Lincoln Park and Downtown Greeley
Nov. 29 and Dec. 6
Lighted displays, carriage rides and seasonal activities fill downtown during this weeklong event that brings families together year after year
Longmont: Small-town glow, big holiday energy
Longmont Lights Festival
Roosevelt Park at 700 Longs Peak Ave.
Dec. 12 and 13 and lights display lasts all season
Warm up with cocoa, enjoy live music and take in the light displays throughout Roosevelt Park. The family-friendly event also features Santa’s Workshop and fire pits for gathering. Can’t make it that weekend? The park stays illuminated all season long, offering a scenic spot for an evening walk or a few laps around the adjacent ice rink.
Longmont Lights Parade
Main Street and Kimbark Street
Dec. 13 | 5 p.m.
Community groups and lighted floats parade down Main Street to close out Longmont’s weekend of festivities.
Berthoud: Festive lights and community spirit
Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Mountain Avenue and Fickel Park
Dec. 6 | 5 p.m.
Join the annual lighted parade through downtown Berthoud, followed by caroling, a tree-lighting ceremony and local shopping specials.
A Very Merry Berthoud
Downtown Berthoud
Dec. 6 | All day
Celebrate the season during A Very Merry Berthoud, a full-day festival that fills downtown with lights, music and holiday activities for all ages. Take photos with Santa, enjoy wagon rides, listen to carolers, make s’mores, decorate cookies, go ice skating and shop local markets. This event brings together local nonprofits and businesses for a day of small-town connection and holiday cheer.
Winter Craft Fair
Berthoud Recreation Center
Dec. 6 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
While not strictly a light display, this indoor craft fair complements the holiday lighting events in Berthoud and offers a nice tie-in for visitors exploring the town’s holiday offerings and want to purchase local gifts for loved ones on their shopping list.
Plan your stay in the Sweetheart City
From foothill towns to city streets, northern Colorado shines all season long. Staying in Loveland puts you at the center of it all, just a short drive from Fort Collins, Boulder, Longmont, Berthoud, Estes Park and Greeley.
With comfortable lodging, walkable downtown attractions and plenty of holiday fun close by, Loveland is the perfect place to stay while exploring northern Colorado’s lights and festivities. Plan your trip today!