Along with a hefty dose of merry and bright, December in Fort Collins is filled with live music and fun events taking place all month long. Here are just some of the festivities that deserve a spot on your calendar!
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Stroll through Downtown for Holiday Lights
Downtown Fort Collins is the place to be for twinkling lights and plenty of holiday spirit. Every night through Valentine's Day, the lights will be turned on in Old Town Fort Collins. Twenty-two blocks of downtown are illuminated with thousands of strands of lights in alleyways, along sidewalks, and among tree-tops. The impressive display of low-energy and sustainable LED lights can be enjoyed anywhere along College Avenue, the northern boundary of Laporte Avenue, and continuing south to Magnolia Street. Trees are lit along Walnut Street, Linden Street, Pine Street, Old Town Square, Oak Street Plaza, and Mountain Avenue as well.
Enjoy Beautiful Holiday Light Displays
Visiting holiday light displays is a festive and fun activity for the entire family!
The Gardens on Spring Creek in their annual Garden of Lights showcase a half-mile loop of perennial flower beds, huge sculptural flowers, grapevines, butterflies, a holiday village, and other favorite garden creatures—all constructed entirely from holiday lights.
For a magical 1-mile long drive-thru experience of holiday light displays, visit the Fort Collins Winter Wonderland to see outdoor and wildlife-themed light sculptures.
Holiday Artisan Markets
Holiday artisan markets are taking place throughout the month of December in and around Fort Collins. Check out our Holiday Market blog for all of the hottest spots to grab locally handcrafted goods!
Holiday shows at the Lincoln Center
The Lincoln Center has a long lineup of holiday-themed shows to get you in the Christmas spirit this month. The 43rd annual The Nutcracker is Dec. 4-7.
The nutcracker theme continues with a few additional shows including the Contemporary Dance Academy's Clara and the Nutcracker is Dec. 13 and 14. Check out The Lincoln Center's website for more information on events and to purchase tickets.
Live Holiday Show at Oak Street Plaza in Downtown Fort Collins
The 19th annual Tuba Christmas will be at the Oak Street Plaza on December 7th at 2pm performing live music for all to enjoy! Join 100 musicians playing traditional Christmas Carols played in 4-part harmony on tubas and euphoniums under the direction of Cecil Gutierrez.
Santas Quest
Kids of all ages will enjoy Santas Quest! From November 15 - December 15 head to Downtown Fort Collins to search storefronts and in stores for hidden Santa figurines. Find 40 of the 60 Santas to be eligible to win a $100 Downtown Gift Card! To learn more, head to Downtown Fort Collins' website.
Live Music
The Lyric
Head to The Lyric on December 12 to check out the Candlelight Concert Series featuring Vivaldi's Four Seasons and more! More information can be found on The Lyric's website.
Live on the Lanes at 830 North
830 North combines bowling and music with a packed lineup for the month of November. With a combination of free and paid shows, you're sure to find something you like! Be sure to hit Tejon Street Corner Thieves on December 30. Check out their event calendar for their full music schedule.
Rock out at The Aggie
The historic Aggie Theatre, a live music institution in Fort Collins for over 100 years, plays host to several great shows this month. Check out their website for more information. Highlights include The JOHNNYSWIM Christmas Show on December 7 and An Evening with Melvin Seals & JGB on December 14.
Tunes at Washington's and The Armory
Washington’s is a historic 900-person venue in Old Town Fort Collins and regularly hosts big names. Catch The Motet and That Eighties Band this month! The Armory is a more intimate 200-person capacity venue with state-of-the-art acoustics. Be sure to get tickets Michael Kirkpatrick's show! Check out the full line up at the Bohemian Live Music website.
Rhythms at the Rat
Magic Rat, located in Old Firehouse Alley adjacent to The Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town, offers swinging sounds on tap weekly, from big-name artists to local late-night jam sessions. All of these fun concert events are free to enjoy. Check the calendar for all shows taking place throughout the month and current updates.
Other Can't Miss Events
Live Comedy at The Comedy Fort
Hosting regular open mic nights, nationally renowned comedians, and burlesque shows, The Comedy Fort is Fort Collins's only comedy club and home to events all month long that you can find here. Be sure to catch Jackie Fabulous, Beth Stelling, and Adam Cayton-Holland!
Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art WalkTM
Put your walking shoes on and head out on the Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art WalkTM on December 6! The First Friday Art Walk is a free monthly, self-guided tour that celebrates creativity, culture, and community in Downtown Fort Collins. With 30 participating businesses all over the downtown area, art walk showcases a spectrum of artistic styles to entertain and engage amateurs and art aficionados of all ages, interests and backgrounds.
Fort Collins Foodie WalkTM
The Fort Collins Foodie WalkTM happens the 3rd Friday of every month, the Foodie Walk gets you into businesses that provide food or food related products, like spices, cooking supplies, cheese, and olive oil! It's a great way to discover new recipes, products you can't live without, and new places to patronize. This free event runs from 5pm to 8pm and features interactive opportunities and seasonal flavors all in an exciting tasting experience!
