Back To Previous PageIf you’re looking for some last-minute holiday happenings to hit up, look no further than Fort Collins. There are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit. And from 5Ks to concerts and balloon drops, when it comes to ringing in 2022, Fort Collins is the place to be.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
STROLL THROUGH DOWNTOWN FOR HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Downtown Fort Collins is chock full of 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 treetops. 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 HOLIDAY LIGHT displays
Visiting holiday light displays is a festive and fun activity for the entire family!
The Gardens on Spring Creek’s annual Garden of Lights showcases 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.
LOL ALL NIGHT LONG
Last spring, Fort Collins’ first comedy club in 30 years, The Comedy Fort, launched in the former Old Town music venue Hodi’s Half Note. Ever since the club has been bringing a solid string of funnymen and women to town. This week, check out The Fort Showcase on Dec. 30 with headliner Anthony Crawford. And for New Year’s Eve laughs, Usama Siddique (of America’s Got Talent acclaim) will close out the year in style on Dec. 31. Check the website for tickets and additional acts. Guests are required to show either proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative Covid test within 72 hours of check-in to attend shows.
Address: 167 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
LIVE music and a balloon drop at the sundance
Join the Sundance Steakhouse and Saloon for its New Year’s Eve bash featuring music by Brett Hendrix. Bid farewell to 2021, ring in 2022, and begin a year-long celebration of Sundance's 40th anniversary. Every ticket includes a glass of champagne (or sparkling cider) at midnight and, of course, our famous balloon drop with over $5,000 worth of giveaways! Table tickets include a buffet meal, including prime rib. Visit the website for more details and tickets.
Address: 2716 E Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Double trouble at the lyric
The Lyric will host a New Year’s Eve bash, dubbed Double Trouble, beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 31. All three theaters will be open for DJs, dancing, and movies. Visit the website for details. Tickets are $30 at the door. Proof of vaccination or negative covid test required.
Address: 1209 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Celebrate New YEAR’s at The Elizabeth
Whether you’re looking to boogie down to New Orleans’s style funk or enjoy the more mellow ambiance of live jazz on New Year’s Eve, you can celebrate at The Elizabeth Hotel’s Magic Rat or Sunset Lounge with their extended holiday hours. Crescent City Connection will bring booty-shaking grooves to The Magic Rat starting at 9 PM while jazz pianist Owen Ostermueller will be playing at The Sunset Lounge beginning at 8 P.M.
Address: 111 Chestnut St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Irish STYLE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Lucky Joe’s will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party with live music performed by Carlos Barata, a champagne toast at midnight, and a special NYE menu with food and drink specials. Tickets will be $10 at the door. For those with an earlier bedtime, celebrate New Year’s Eve Irish style with the Lucky Joe’s Irish New Years Celebration at 5 PM with a toast honoring our friends in Ireland.
Address: 25 Old Town Square, Fort Collins, CO 80524
ROCK OUT AT THE AGGIE
The historic Aggie Theatre, a live music institution in Fort Collins for over 100 years, hosts two end-of-month highlights, including Boombox featuring Backbeat Brass with the Bordas Brothers on Dec. 30. And finally, the New Year’s Eve Celebration brings Head for the Hills with Wood Belly to the stage on Dec. 31. Reserve tickets online in advance. Proof of vaccination required.
Address: 204 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Resolution Run 5K
Run out the old year and welcome the new! One of Fort Collins’ oldest races, the Resolution Run, is back for its 38th year. Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolution with a family-friendly 5K along neighborhood streets starting and finishing at Edora Pool Ice Center. Kids, strollers, dogs, and walkers welcome! Finish in under 20:22 to earn a special prize. The race is held after sunset; organizers provide glow sticks by the bucket, and everyone is encouraged to show off their bright clothes and lights. For registration and more information, visit this website.
Ice Skating underneath twinkling holiday lights
Two great options for outdoor ice skating can be found in Downtown and Midtown Fort Collins. The downtown rink is located at the center of Old Town Square with free admission and skate rentals. Find the skate rink calendar with hours here. Another wonderful option is the outdoor ice-skating rink at Foothills Mall, which happens to be the largest outdoor rink in Northern Colorado. This rink is adorned with festive holiday decorations and surrounded by great dining and shopping options. Find the rink hours here.
