Loveland Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Northern Colorado
Looking for Loveland Christmas events in 2026? From downtown tree lightings and festive parades to illuminated sculpture gardens and woodland Christmas displays, Loveland and nearby Northern Colorado communities have plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday season.
You can enjoy Christmas lights around Loveland, spend an evening exploring decorated streets in Fort Collins, or head toward Estes Park for mountain holiday traditions. With so many things to do near Loveland, Colorado, it’s easy to turn a holiday outing into a weekend getaway.
Here’s your guide to Christmas lights, holiday events, and seasonal activities happening around Loveland and Northern Colorado in 2026.
Loveland Christmas Events and Holiday Lights in 2026
From downtown celebrations to illuminated parks and woodland trails, these Loveland holiday events offer several ways to enjoy the season.
Downtown Loveland Festival of Lights – November 20, 2026
Friday, November 20 | 5–8 p.m. | Downtown Loveland
Downtown Loveland’s Festival of Lights returns to Fourth Street on November 20, bringing live music, holiday entertainment, and seasonal activities to the city’s newly renovated downtown streetscape. The celebration includes a tree lighting ceremony, holiday shopping, carriage rides, live reindeer, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus.
The event takes place along Fourth Street between Garfield Avenue and Washington Avenue, with activities planned across the newly completed downtown blocks. Families can enjoy the festive atmosphere, explore local shops, and watch the downtown holiday lights come on for the season. Check the official Downtown Loveland Festival of Lights page for event details.
All is Bright Tour at Centerra – November 13, 2026–January 1, 2027
Nightly, 5–10 p.m. | Centerra, Loveland
Centerra’s All is Bright Tour is a free, self-guided holiday lights experience featuring illuminated sculptures, festive installations, and interactive displays throughout Chapungu Sculpture Park, The Promenade Shops, The Marketplace, and nearby neighborhoods. Visitors can explore the displays on foot or by car, with opportunities to stop for photos, shopping, and dinner along the way.
Families can also participate in the Great Gift Hunt, which involves finding seven hidden presents throughout the route. The tour continues through January 1, making it one of the longer-running options for enjoying Christmas lights in Loveland, CO. Visit Centerra’s All is Bright Tour page for the tour map and event information.
12 Days of Christmas Display at Dwayne Webster Veterans Park
Loveland’s longtime 12 Days of Christmas Display has a new home at Dwayne Webster Veterans Park. The display features large holiday scenes inspired by the familiar Christmas song, including the partridge in a pear tree, pipers piping, and other characters from the twelve days.
Previously located at the Outlets of Loveland, now Loveland Yards, the display was relocated through a partnership involving Visit Loveland, the Winter Holiday Council, and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. It’s a nostalgic holiday tradition for longtime residents and an easy stop for visitors exploring Loveland’s seasonal decorations. Check local announcements for the display’s 2026 operating dates.
Christmas Walk in the Woods – December 12–31, 2026
December 12–31 | Savage Woods, Loveland | Select evenings
Christmas Walk in the Woods offers a quieter holiday experience with a self-guided trail illuminated by festive lights. Visitors can wander through wooded paths and discover seasonal scenes, including Santa’s House, the Elf Workshop, and a vintage 1968 Chevrolet Christmas truck decorated for the holidays.
Special evenings may include Dickens carolers, Tubas at Christmas, and visits from Santa. The 2026 event is scheduled from December 12 through December 31, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with admission prices varying by evening. Visit the official Christmas Walk in the Woods website to confirm operating hours, special performances, and ticket availability.
Fort Collins Christmas Events and Holiday Activities
Just north of Loveland, Fort Collins offers festive downtown streets, illuminated gardens, and drive-through holiday displays.
Old Town Fort Collins Holiday Lights
Lighting ceremony: November 6, 2026 | Downtown Fort Collins
Fort Collins kicked off its holiday season on November 6 with the Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony, illuminating more than 20 blocks of Old Town with festive lights. The displays remain up through winter, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy decorated streets, historic buildings, restaurants, and local shops even after the opening celebration.
For travelers comparing RV parks near Fort Collins, staying in Loveland provides access to Old Town and other Fort Collins attractions without needing to move the RV between destinations.
Garden of Lights at The Gardens on Spring Creek
The Gardens on Spring Creek hosts its annual Garden of Lights celebration, transforming the botanical gardens into a nighttime walking experience filled with colorful displays and illuminated garden features. Visitors can follow the designated route through the grounds while enjoying seasonal decorations and winter scenery.
The event typically requires timed-entry tickets, making advance planning worthwhile during popular evenings. Check the Gardens on Spring Creek’s official event calendar for confirmed 2026 dates, ticket information, and visitor guidelines.
NoCo Winter Wonderland
Colorado Youth Outdoors hosts NoCo Winter Wonderland, a drive-through holiday light attraction in the Fort Collins area. Visitors can enjoy festive displays from their vehicles, making it a practical choice for families with young children or anyone who prefers a warmer way to experience Christmas lights.
Because operating dates and admission details can change, check the organizer’s current schedule before planning your visit.
Estes Park Christmas Events and Mountain Holiday Traditions
Celebrate the holidays in the mountains with Estes Park’s illuminated parade, decorated Christmas trees, and festive downtown displays.
Catch the Glow Parade – November 27, 2026
Friday, November 27 | Downtown Estes Park
Estes Park’s Catch the Glow Parade takes place the day after Thanksgiving, bringing illuminated floats, holiday characters, and festive entertainment to Elkhorn Avenue. The parade is one of the town’s signature holiday traditions, with colorful displays traveling through downtown against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
Visitors should arrive early to find parking and a comfortable viewing spot, especially when traveling with children. If you’re comparing RV parks near Estes Park, Loveland can serve as a base for visiting the mountain community without towing your RV through Big Thompson Canyon. Check the official Catch the Glow Parade listing for the latest event details.
Festival of Trees at Estes Park Resort
The Festival of Trees brings decorated Christmas trees to Estes Park Resort, featuring displays created by local organizations, businesses, and community participants. Visitors can admire the different decorating styles and enjoy an indoor holiday activity during their mountain getaway.
It’s a convenient addition to a day spent exploring Estes Park, particularly when temperatures are too cold for an extended outdoor outing. Check the event calendar for current viewing dates and visitor information.
Estes Park Holiday Lights Driving Tour
Estes Park also offers a self-guided holiday lights driving tour through town, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy decorated neighborhoods, businesses, and seasonal displays at their own pace. You can combine the drive with dinner, holiday shopping, or a walk through downtown.
Winter weather can affect travel through Big Thompson Canyon, so check road conditions before heading west from Loveland and allow additional time if snow or ice is expected.
More Christmas Events Near Loveland, Colorado
Beyond Loveland, Fort Collins, and Estes Park, several nearby communities host holiday parades, light displays, and seasonal celebrations.
Greeley WinterFest and Festival of Trees
Greeley celebrates the holidays with downtown WinterFest activities and the annual Festival of Trees at Union Colony Civic Center. The Festival of Trees features decorated Christmas trees and seasonal displays, while downtown celebrations offer additional opportunities for holiday shopping and community entertainment.
Longmont Lights Parade – December 12, 2026
Longmont’s annual Lights Parade returns on December 12, bringing illuminated floats and festive entries through the community. The parade is part of the city’s holiday celebrations and provides another family-friendly option for visitors exploring Northern Colorado during December.
Berthoud Parade of Lights – December 5, 2026
Berthoud celebrates the holidays with its Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting on December 5 at Fickel Park. The event offers a small-town holiday atmosphere, with decorated parade entries and a community gathering centered around the Christmas lights.
Boulder Light Up the Holidays
Downtown Boulder begins its Light Up the Holidays celebrations on November 22, with seasonal decorations and illuminated displays throughout the downtown area. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere while exploring Pearl Street, local restaurants, and nearby shops.
These additional Colorado holiday events give visitors more opportunities to explore Northern Colorado beyond the usual summer attractions.
Family-Friendly Holiday Activities Around Loveland
From Christmas lights to visits with Santa, families can find plenty of holiday activities around Loveland without planning a packed schedule.
Visit Holiday Light Displays Together
Centerra’s All is Bright Tour, the 12 Days of Christmas Display, and downtown Loveland’s seasonal decorations are convenient options for families who want to enjoy several attractions in one outing. Some displays can be viewed from a vehicle, while others are better experienced on foot, so bring warm layers and comfortable shoes.
Plan a Santa Visit or Holiday Shopping Trip
The Festival of Lights includes opportunities to meet Santa, while downtown Loveland and nearby shopping centers offer seasonal shopping and entertainment. Families can browse local shops, enjoy a warm drink, and make time for photos before heading to an evening light display.
Enjoy Some Downtime at the Campground
Holiday travel can get busy, especially when you’re visiting several attractions over a weekend. Staying at a family-friendly RV park in Loveland gives you a place to return between outings, prepare meals, and spend time together without constantly moving between accommodations.
Plan a Christmas Weekend in Loveland and Northern Colorado
A weekend in Loveland gives you enough time to enjoy local holiday lights, explore nearby towns, and fit in a few seasonal activities.
Friday: Enjoy Downtown Loveland
Start your weekend with dinner downtown and a walk along decorated Fourth Street. Visitors arriving on November 20 can enjoy the Festival of Lights, while those traveling on other weekends can explore downtown shops, restaurants, and seasonal decorations.
Saturday: Explore Centerra and Local Holiday Displays
Spend Saturday visiting local attractions, then head to Centerra for the All is Bright Tour after sunset. You can also include the 12 Days of Christmas Display at Dwayne Webster Veterans Park, depending on its operating schedule.
Sunday: Take a Holiday Day Trip
Use your final day for Fort Collins, Estes Park, or another nearby community. Fort Collins offers decorated downtown streets and holiday shopping, while Estes Park is a good choice for visitors who want mountain scenery and seasonal attractions.
For more ideas on organizing a short trip, see how to plan a weekend RV getaway in Northern Colorado.
What to Know About Winter RV Camping During the Holidays
Holiday RV trips in Northern Colorado require a little extra preparation, especially when freezing temperatures and winter road conditions are possible.
Prepare Your RV for Freezing Temperatures
Check your furnace, propane supply, batteries, and water system before traveling. Heated potable-water hoses, protected plumbing, and an appropriate cold-weather setup may be necessary depending on the temperatures and your RV’s design.
You can also prepare for winter RV camping in Loveland by reviewing cold-weather setup tips, winter driving considerations, and other practical details before your trip.
Check Road Conditions Before Traveling
Weather can change quickly along the Front Range and in the mountains, especially when you’re traveling toward Estes Park. Check the Colorado Department of Transportation’s COtrip website for current road conditions, closures, and travel alerts before leaving the campground.
Confirm Campground Availability and Winter Policies
Before planning a December RV trip, confirm that your preferred campsite is available and suitable for cold-weather use. You should also review the resort policies before your winter stay and ask about any seasonal utility procedures or arrival requirements.
Why Stay in Loveland for Northern Colorado Holiday Events?
Loveland sits near I-25 and US-34, making it a convenient starting point for exploring several Northern Colorado communities without changing accommodations every night. You can spend one evening enjoying Loveland’s holiday lights and another visiting Fort Collins or Estes Park.
Loveland RV Resort offers full-hookup RV sites, on-site laundry, pet amenities, and access to nearby shopping and restaurants. Its location allows RV travelers to keep their rigs parked while exploring the area in a smaller vehicle, which can be particularly helpful during colder months.
You can also explore the Loveland area for restaurants, outdoor recreation, shopping, and other attractions to enjoy between holiday events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Loveland Christmas Events
What are the best Christmas events in Loveland, Colorado?
Popular 2026 events include the Downtown Loveland Festival of Lights on November 20, Centerra’s All is Bright Tour, the 12 Days of Christmas Display, and Christmas Walk in the Woods.
Where can I see Christmas lights in Loveland, CO?
You can visit downtown Loveland, Centerra’s All is Bright Tour, Dwayne Webster Veterans Park, and Christmas Walk in the Woods. Check each attraction’s schedule before visiting.
Are there free Christmas events in Loveland?
Yes. The Downtown Festival of Lights and Centerra’s All is Bright Tour are free to attend. Some other attractions, including Christmas Walk in the Woods, charge admission.
What Christmas events are happening near Fort Collins?
Fort Collins offers downtown holiday lighting, Garden of Lights at The Gardens on Spring Creek, and NoCo Winter Wonderland. Dates, admission, and reservation requirements vary by event.
Is Estes Park worth visiting during Christmas?
Yes. Estes Park features holiday lights, the Catch the Glow Parade, and seasonal displays surrounded by mountain scenery. Winter road conditions should be checked before traveling.
Can you go RV camping in Loveland during December?
Winter RV camping may be possible with the right equipment and an available cold-weather campsite. Contact Loveland RV Resort to confirm current December availability, hookups, and winter procedures before booking.
Celebrate the Holidays in Northern Colorado From Loveland RV Resort
From the Festival of Lights in downtown Loveland to the illuminated streets of Fort Collins and the mountain celebrations in Estes Park, there’s plenty to enjoy during the 2026 holiday season. You can plan a weekend around a favorite event or spend several days discovering Christmas lights and local traditions throughout Northern Colorado.
Loveland RV Resort provides a convenient home base near I-25 and US-34, with full-hookup RV sites and access to the surrounding communities. If you’re planning a holiday RV trip, check winter site availability, confirm event schedules, and reserve your stay at Loveland RV Resort before heading out.