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Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony#

holiday lights wrapped around tree

Date: Friday, November 3, 2023
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.  |  Lights are expected to turn on at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Old Town Square

The Downtown Holiday Lights will be illuminated on Friday, November 3. Join us in Old Town Square for the lighting ceremony from 5:30-7 p.m. The lights are expected to turn on after a short countdown at 6:30 p.m.

FAQs#

Street parking and parking garages are available throughout Downtown Fort Collins. The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony brings thousands of people to Downtown Fort Collins every year, so prepare for limited parking availability and traffic congestion. Additionally, visitors can expect road closures and detours surrounding Old Town Square including "No Parking" on Linden Street for safety during the event. 

We suggest taking alternative transportation to the event.

  • Hop on the MAX at your nearest bus stop and get off at the Downtown Transit Center (view the route and schedule)
  • Carpool with family and friends
  • Hire a rideshare to drop you off near Old Town Square

The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony takes place in Old Town Square

The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony brings thousands of people to Downtown Fort Collins every year, so prepare for limited parking availability and traffic congestion. Additionally, visitors can expect road closures and detours surrounding Old Town Square including "No Parking" on Linden Street for safety during the event. 

  • Find street parking or space in a parking garage and walk to Old Town Square
  • Catch a ride on the MAX at your nearest bus stop and get off at the Downtown Transit Center (view the route and schedule), then enjoy a short walk to Old Town Square
  • Carpool with family and friends
  • Hire a rideshare to drop you off near Old Town Square

5:30 p.m. - The event kicks off with music from Soul Station

6:25 p.m. - City representatives share a few words

6:30 p.m. - City representatives lead the crowd through a short countdown to turn on the lights

6:31 - 7 p.m. - Soul Station plays music while the crowd enjoys the sparking lights 

Downtown Holiday Lights#

Every night from the first week in November through Valentine's Day, the lights will be turned on in Old Town Fort Collins. 22 block-faces of downtown will be illuminated with thousands of strands of lights in alleyways, along sidewalks, and within 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 will be lit along Walnut Street, Linden Street, Pine Street, Old Town Square, Oak Street Plaza, and Mountain Avenue as well.

The Downtown Holiday Lights is a partnership between the City of Fort Collins and Downtown Development Authority.