From the Festival of Lights downtown, to Winter Wonderlights at Chapungu Sculpture Park, Loveland sure knows how to put people into the holiday spirit!
Make your way downtown to check out Loveland’s Festival of Lights, including the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony, on 4th Street in Downtown Loveland, on November 22. This family-friendly event even features a stationary parade this year along 4th street, just east of Lincoln Ave.
Winter Wonderlights at Chapungu Sculpture Park – presented by Denver 7, iHeart Media and Centerra – kicks off November 23. This year’s event is even bigger and brighter with a new expansive event footprint offering more twinkling lights and experiences. In addition, enjoy the new Cocoa Cabana holiday open-air lounge, Holiday Market and Santa’s Workshop happening on Live Nights — Nov. 23 and Dec. 13 and 14 (Note: Santa will only be present Dec. 13 and 14).
Here are the details for both free community events.
More Merriment at Winter Wonderlights
Winter Wonderlights brings one of the top free choreographed holiday light shows in the state to Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra for six weeks, running nightly from Nov. 23 through Jan. 1, 2025. Signature Live Nights, with live entertainment, themed activities, live reindeer, ice carving and a brand-new holiday market, will take place Nov. 23 and Dec. 13, and 14, 2024 from 4:30 – 9 p.m. Also, during Live Nights, guests can relax in the Cocoa Cabana and cozy up to a fire pit to watch the light show while enjoying a local brew or festive winter beverage with friends and family. Children young and young-at-heart can visit with princesses, holiday characters or superheroes on select Live Nights, and those who have been naughty or nice can share their wishes with the jolly ‘ol man himself at Santa’s Workshop by Centerra on Dec. 13 and 14. Check the website for a detailed schedule of events and updates for Live Nights activities and special guest appearances.
NEW: Cocoa Cabana
During Winter Wonderlights special Live Nights on Nov. 23 and Dec. 13 and 14, visit the new Cocoa Cabana to soak in the light show while sipping festive winter beverages including the signature Winter Wonderlights Holiday Mule, indulge in espresso martini variations or order a hot spiked (or NA) cider and cocoa, as well as enjoy light snacks from onsite vendors. This holiday-inspired version of an open-air beverage lounge is situated on the Great Lawn at Chapungu and guests of all ages are welcome. The Cocoa Cabana is perfectly positioned for guests to sit back and relax while watching on-stage performances and the light show with seating amongst tables surrounded by patio heaters. Visit from 4:30 – 9 p.m. on Live Nights. One percent of all profits from the Cocoa Cabana will be donated to Winter Wonderlight’s non-profit partner the Larimer County Food Bank. Guests can donate via this link, using an onsite QR code or by bringing non-perishable foods on Live Nights to benefit the local food bank and support local families in need this holiday season (visit the Loveland Ford or Loveland GMC dealerships to drop off donated food items on non Live Nights).
NEW: Market + Music + Magic
Also new this year, Live Nights will feature a festive holiday market featuring local artists, crafters, small businesses and vendors. Be sure to pick up Loveland’s annual Collectible Ornament at the market. Each year, the Loveland Winter Holiday Council partners with a local artist to produce a limited-edition collection of holiday ornaments. This year’s ornament, “Five Goldens Ringing” by Jim Hingten ($30) features a family of golden retriever dogs ringing bells. Each ornament is one-of-a-kind, numbered, and includes the artist’s bio and the meaning behind the design. It will be sold at this year’s holiday market, as well as at the Loveland Visitors Center (5400 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland).
Live music performances on Chapungu’s stage will include three beloved bands. On Nov. 23, grab your swing dancing shoes and catch the Don Elwood Big Band. One of Colorado’s favorite brass band groups, Guerilla Fanfare, will perform on Dec. 13, and the talented Kutandara takes the stage with their marimbas on Dec. 14. Each Live Night, the bands will perform two, 30-minute sets — at 6:30 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m.
Festival of Lights Returns
Festival of Lights in Downtown Loveland returns on Nov. 22, 2024, and features live music and entertainment, the annual tree lighting ceremony, holiday market, carriage rides, Santa and more. New this year, Floats on 4th, a stationary parade, will extend the celebration by two blocks along 4th Street, from Washington to Lincoln. Marching bands, dancers and entertainers will move through the crowd, bringing the parade to life. The event runs from 5-8 p.m.
Nov. 22 Downtown Festival of Lights Opening Night Schedule:
- 5 p.m.: Santa arrives
- 5:20-7:30 p.m.: Community performances (on the Main Stage)
- 5-7:30 p.m.: Community performances (on the Art & Music Stage)
- 7:30 p.m.: Tree lighting ceremony (on the Main Stage)
12 Days of Christmas
12 Days of Christmas Display is a holiday light event featuring a larger-than-life, drive-by illuminated display based on the classic Christmas Carol, the 12 Days of Christmas, from Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Dwayne Webster Park (422 W. Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland).
