Garden of Lights in Fort Collins near the intersection of Prospect Avenue and College Avenue 
Photo Credit: The City of Fort Collins
Garden of Lights in Fort Collins near the intersection of Prospect Avenue and College Avenue Photo Credit: The City of Fort Collins

Holiday cheer is here

Garden of Lights in Fort Collins near the intersection of Prospect Avenue and College Avenue
Photo Credit: The City of Fort Collins

It’s time to pack away the pumpkins and turkeys and whip out the trees and twinkling lights. No matter which holiday you celebrate, December is the time for warm, fuzzy feelings. To celebrate the new season, here is a list of events that would fill even Scrooge with holiday spirit.

1. Everyone loves curling up in a blanket and getting cozy, so why not do it in a horse drawn carriage? Horse drawn carriages scream winter and the holidays, and everyone should have at least one ride each year. Old Town Fort Collins and the Promenade Shops at Centerra are offering rides in these magical sleighs. The Promenade Shops at Centerra are offering them for free and Old Town Fort Collins’ rides vary in price.

 Promenade Shops at Centerra:

                  Sunday, Dec. 9 from 12-4 p.m.

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                  Sunday, Dec. 16 12-4p.m.

                  Sunday, Dec. 23 12-4p.m.

Old Town in Fort Collins:

                  Dec. 1 through 31

                  Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 5-9p.m.

                  Saturdays and Sundays from 12-9p.m.

2. Ice skating around with your friends or even a date can make for a perfect winter day. The Promenade Shops at Centerra has an ice rink already up and running for the season.

 Promenade Shops at Centerra:

                  Open now through Jan. 6

                  Monday-Friday from 2-9p.m.

                  Saturdays  from 10a.m.- 9p.m.

                  Sundays  from 11a.m. -6p.m.

For more information visit: http://theicerinkattheshops.com

3. The Elf on the Shelf hunt in the Front Range Village is back. An elf is hidden somewhere in participating stores; find each elf and record their names for a $250, $200, or $175 gift card prize. Happy  hunting!

For more information visit: http://www.shopfrontrangevillage.com/go/mallEvents.cfm?eventID=2145406289

4. Caroling is a staple for many holidays around this time. This year in Old Town on Dec. 7, the 21st annual Carolfest is coming back to town. Simply meet in front of the Opera Galleria at 6:30 PMp.m., receive your sheet music and warm up those vocal cords.

For more information visit: http://downtownfortcollins.com/events.php/detail/15/1

5. Nothing dazzles and amazes like an outdoor light show. Garden of Lights is now through Dec. 31 in Fort Collins near the intersection of Prospect Avenue and College Avenue. Thousands of LED lights sparkle in the gardens screaming holiday cheer. To walk through the display is completely free, but donations are welcome.

For more information visit: http://www.fcgov.com/gardens/

6. The annual Winter Wishes Light show at Edora Pool and Ice Center (EPIC) is back again. This ice skating performance is put on by learn-to-skate students. Buy your tickets and get ready for a stunning show.

7. The Lincoln Center in Fort Collins is the go-to for holiday plays and musicals. This year they picked a classic loved by all, The Nutcracker. Shows start on Dec. 6 and tickets are on sale now.

For more information visit: http://www.fcgov.com/lctix/show.php?id=398

8. Not everyone loves eating buckets of food during the holiday season. The Jingle Bell Run is a 5K run starting at the CSU oval. But, don’t be confused, this is not the average 5K. Runners come decked out in holiday costumes and bells on their shoes. Not only are there awards for the fastest runners, but also for the best costumes.

For more information visit: http://jinglebellnortherncolorado.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1026110

9. The Chabad of Northern Colorado is hosting four Giant Menorah Lightings in Greeley, Loveland, Fort Collins, and at the Lory Student Center at Colorado State University. Each event includes Jewish holiday music and traditional Hanukkah foods.

For more information: http://www.jewishnco.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/595857/jewish/Menorah-Lightings.htm

10. For those who don’t put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving, here is a list of Christmas tree farms and lots to find the perfect tree. The National Forestry Service also sells $10 permits for those who want to go hiking through the woods for their very own, handpicked Christmas tree. A Christmas Tree cutting area is provided by the U.S. Forest Service and  will be in operation Dec. 3 to Dec. 11 near Red Feather Lakes.

                  Windsor Christmas Trees:  33741 State Highway 257, Windsor

                  Treeland Christmas Trees: 3050 S. College Ave., Fort Collins

                  Harmony Gardens: 4315 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins

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  • M

    Mrs. MarcelloDec 3, 2012 at 10:02 am

    The Garden of Lights is awesome! They have carolers and hot apple cider on the weekends, too!

    Reply