This post was updated on November 20, 2018 to include information and recommendations for the 2018 holiday season.
From Fort Collins to Loveland and Estes Park to Greeley, the Northern Colorado region knows how to welcome Santa Claus. With events and workshops taking place before Thanksgiving and past New Year’s Day, you’ll get your fill of reindeer, elves and holiday festivities this year.
Gather up your wish lists, put on your most festive holiday sweaters, and hit the town for shopping, singing and plenty of fun. On our guide, you’ll find parades, one-time events, seasonal workshops and tons of Santa sightings!
Foothills | Fort Collins
Beginning November 17 | Get directions
Santa arrives at Foothills in Fort Collins in November and will be in residence through Christmas Eve! When you come to visit, you can also shop in the mall and skate The Pond Ice Skating Rink. For full information on holiday activities and visiting hours, click here.
Santa’s Workshop in Old Town | Fort Collins
Beginning November 17 | Get directions
In one of Fort Collins’ favorite annual celebrations, Santa’s Workshop is setting up in Old Town on November 17th and will be available for visits and family fun through Christmas Eve. His workshop is open from 12 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday, and visits are free! Be sure to bring your own camera so you can snap a photo. For full details, click here.
Catch the Glow Christmas Parade & Celebration | Estes Park
November 23, 12 p.m. | Get directions
This one-time event on November 23rd ushers in the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving with a musical parade, holiday lights, strolling animal characters, family hayrides and visits with Santa Claus in Bond Park from 12 to 2 p.m. Following the festival, the annual parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m. For more details, click here.
The Promenade Shops at Centerra | Loveland
Beginning November 23 | Get directions
During weekends beginning November 23rd and every day from December 22nd through 24th, you can meet Santa Claus at Loveland’s Promenade Shops at Centerra. Bring your camera during event hours (see those here) and don’t miss out on the festive horse-drawn carriage rides departing from the ice rink!
Colorado Model Railroad Museum | Greeley
Beginning November 24 | Get directions
Saint Nick is making visits to Greeley’s Colorado Model Railroad Museum on November 24th, December 14th and 15th, December 21st and 22nd and Christmas Eve. These events vary from members only and open to the public; you can get full information on the event page here. And be sure to check out other events during the season, including National Lionel Train Day, screenings of The Polar Express, and the museum’s new holiday collection.
Bath Garden Center | Fort Collins
Beginning November 30 | Get directions
Bath Garden Center will host Santa Claus every Friday and Saturday between November 30th and December 22nd. For just $10 per family, you can visit Santa, take photos in the festive greenhouse, and shop seasonal plants and Christmas trees. Find complete details like admission hours and activities on the event page here.
The Gardens on Spring Creek | Fort Collins
Beginning December 1 | Get directions
As part of the Gardens’ annual Garden of Lights celebration, you can visit with Santa, listen to holiday music, make seasonal crafts, and enjoy warm drinks every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through January 1st. The festive light display is open every single evening including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. You’ll find full event details here.
NightLights | Fort Collins
December 1, 6 p.m. | Get directions
This one-day event in Fort Collins is hosted annually by local charity Realities for Children. Beginning at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, this free event will feature live holiday music, hot soup and hot drinks, pictures and visits with Santa, and a contest to win a 33lb Chocolate Santa from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory! Get all the details in addition to fundraiser and donation info here. Don’t forget to bring a toy donation so you can contribute to Santa’s Workshop Toy Drive.
Holidays at the Village | Fort Collins
December 1, 1 – 5 p.m. | Get directions
On December 1st, families can visit Front Range Village to see the courtyard transformed into a gingerbread village. There, you’ll find Santa’s sleigh and Father Christmas himself! Bring a camera, bring your leashed pups, and enjoy things like holiday crafts, hot cocoa and themed events in participating stores. For more information, click here.
Santa’s Workshop at Centerra | Loveland
December 8, 15 and 22, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Get directions
For three Saturdays during December, Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves are setting up free Santa’s Workshops at The Group, Inc. office at 5401 Stone Creek Circle in Loveland! While Santa collects wish lists, all the boys and girls can decorate ornaments, participate in coloring contests and listen while Mrs. Claus reads stories. Then, families can head outside for cookies, hot cocoa and complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides! You can get the full details here.
In conjunction with the Workshops, Centerra will host a winter canned food drive to benefit The House of Neighborly Service. All non-perishable, pre-packaged food items may be dropped off in the donation box located just inside the entrance to The Group’s office and will also be accepted during normal business hours when Santa’s Workshop is not in session.
Santa Visits the Mishawaka | Bellvue
December 8, 1 – 4 p.m. | Get directions
During the entire month of December, The Mish will be celebrating the season as a true winter wonderland. Attractions include outdoor s’more stations, ornament craft stations, hot drinks, two huge outdoor trees and food specials. Santa is making his way to this wonderland for one appearance on December 8th. Bring your own camera to snap a photo with Father Christmas and you can grab a free cup of coffee for parents and a free cup of hot cocoa for kids! For more information, check out the event page here.
Christmas Walk in the Woods | Loveland
December 14 – 23 | Get directions
Just west of Loveland lies The Savage Woods which hosts a terrifying haunted attraction during the Halloween season. But during the merrier holidays, lights, cheer and Father Christmas himself light up the trees. Beginning December 14th, you can enjoy carolers and music, see light displays and meet Santa on December 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd from 5 to 9 p.m. Other dates are also available without Santa visits. To purchase tickets online and get more details, click here.
Happy holidays!
In the comments below, let us know how your family celebrates the holidays in Northern Colorado! Do your kids have a favorite local Santa?
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