Community Spotlight: Winter Events in Old Town Fort Collins
Winter is a wonderful time to explore Old Town Fort Collins. Not only are monthly events like the First Friday Art Walk and the Third Friday Foodie Walk ongoing throughout the season but there are also several fantastic celebrations and activities planned. Here are a few of our favorites:
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Tiny Tot Halloween
Old Town District
October 31—10 am to 1 pm
October is almost over, but there’s still plenty of time for kids to celebrate Halloween in Old Town Fort Collins! On October 31st from 10 am to 1 pm many of the shops will be open for a safe and fright-free trick-or-treating. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day of costumes, candy, and connection.
Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Old Town Square
Nov 1—5:30 pm to 7 pm
Every year, Old Town Fort Collins is bathed in the glow of hundreds of sparkling holiday lights hanging from the trees and adorning its charming historic storefronts. Several streets will be closed to motorized traffic on November 1st from 4:30 to 7:00 or so for the Lighting Ceremony, many of the shops will be setting up retail sales in front of their buildings, and Space Force will be performing live music on the Old Town Square stage.
Downtown Santa’s Quest
Old Town Shops
Nov 15—Dec 15
From mid-November until mid-December, 60 uniquely named Santa figurines will be placed throughout the shops and storefronts of participating businesses. Find at least 40 of these secret Santas, and you can enter your quest card online for a chance to win one of twelve $100 Downtown Gift Cards.
Old Town Square Skating Rink
Old Town Square
Select days, November 27—January 26
Once the weather gets cold, the Old Town Square Skating Rink opens up. Hours may be subject to change, but when the weather allows, both skating and skate rentals are free for all ages. From the day after Thanksgiving through December 24, Santa will also be available at his nearby workshop, taking holiday requests and wishes.
31st Annual Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run
Start: Intersection of W. Mountain and S. College
November 28—9 am
The Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run has been a tradition since 1993. The first year had only 700 participants, but participation has since grown to several thousand runners each year. This year, the Thanksgiving Run has partnered with RamStrength, a local non-profit organization that provides financial support to local cancer survivors.
- A free kids Fun Run associated with the event will start at 8:45 am on Oak Street Plaza and Mason Street.
Colorado Makers Market
Aztlan Community Center
November 30 & December 1
The Colorado Makers Market celebrates local vendors and goods by creating a space to offer their wares directly to the community. Find a huge variety of unique local and handmade items at the Colorado Makers Market, including locally made foods, stunning art, and innovative decor, and support local creators in the process.
Holiday Open House and Boutique at The Avery House
The Avery House
December 14—11 am to 2 pm
December 15—1 pm to 4 pm
328 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521
The historic Avery House will be opening its doors to the public for free tours and photos with Santa in a beautiful setting, rich with history. In addition, a delightful array of handmade gifts and treasures will be available for purchase at the nearby Avery Carriage House.
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Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
Penny Leigh Sebring is a Cohere member, experienced freelance writer, neophyte speculative fiction author, founder of Kiki’s Castle Independent Press, LLC, in Fort Collins, CO, and a gatherer of information and imaginary friends.