No plans this weekend? That’s because you haven’t seen this list yet! Check out these can’t-miss events around Northern Colorado this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Invite a friend or two or bring the kids! After all, there’s something for everyone this weekend.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Northern Colorado
The festive fun is never-ending in Northern Colorado, so get ready for all things Santa Claus, Christmas lights, and holiday cookies across the region. You can also get an insider look at a working dairy farm, learn more about your favorite wildlife critters, and enjoy a new book and a brew!
Critter Chats: Winter Speaker Series
Where? 2637 Midpoint Drive, Fort Collins
When? December 12thÂ
Critter Chats at the Northern Colorado Wildlife Center are an exciting opportunity to learn more about wildlife and what we can do to help them. This Friday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, join in on the first iteration of the winter speaker series, with a presentation led by Jules Woolums. Woolums is the program coordinator at the CSU Environmental Learning Center. This event series’ targets adult audiences. Help give wildlife a second chance when you donate. Every gift helps animals in need and ensures that NoCo Wildlife can keep their hospital running strong in 2026.
Chase the Glow 4 Mile & 1 Mile
Where? 170 MacGregor Avenue, Estes Park
When? December 12th
The Chase the Glow run this weekend is the perfect way to get active as you run, walk or stroll through all of Estes Park’s holiday lights. The first 300 registered participants will receive a super cozy custom beanie. Enjoy wearable Christmas lights, hot chocolate and cookies, as well as a holiday themed course full of exciting, festive surprises. Enjoy the holiday lights at this community run/walk as you follow a paved 4 mile or 1 mile route throughout the mountain town, finishing up in Bond Park surrounded by the spectacular Christmas Village. Pricing starts at $46.19 for the 1 mile walk and $60.10 for the 4 mile course. Prices will increase as the event gets closer, so snag your spot now and save!
Longmont Lights Festivities
Where? Main Street, LongmontÂ
When? December 12th & 13th
This Friday and Saturday, head to Roosevelt Park in Longmont to catch the spectacular sight of millions of holiday lights. Enjoy a festive stroll around the park to get into the holiday spirit or lace up your skates and hit the ice at the Longmont Ice Rink and Pavilion. The Friday Festival will kick off the fun from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with hot cocoa carts, costumed characters, fire pits, and visits with Santa at the Senior Center. The night will wrap with a laser show at 7:45 PM. On Saturday, return at 5:00 PM for the Lights Parade in Downtown Longmont. Twinkling floats will make their way downtown, complete with Santa ending the parade and waving a goodnight to all!
Sleigh the Games — Holiday Adventure Festival
Where? 1125 Rooftop Way, Estes Park
When? December 12th-14th
Are you ready to Sleigh the Games? Get ready for a weekend of holiday games, friendly rivalries and pure winter fun in Estes Park. Grab your crew, pick your pass and get ready to jump into your new favorite winter tradition. Participants will slide, throw, sled, skate, tube, ride, balance and more as they take on fun games and competitions like the Snowball Battle Championship! If you think you have what it takes to be crowned the champs of Sleigh the Games, then sign up now. Spots are limited. The festival will be held at the Estes Park Event Complex. In between games, there will be contests, DJ sets, cold beer, hot chocolate, and adventures for all ages. All games are designed to be played with or without snow!
Fort Collins Trolley Holiday Open House
Where? 1801 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins
When? December 13th
The Fort Collins Municipal Railway Society volunteers are inviting the NoCo community to celebrate the festive season at the annual Jolly Trolley Holiday Open House this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This beloved event features free admission and plenty of holiday magic to go around for the whole family. Enjoy photos with Santa Claus, visits with therapy animals, and plenty of fun for all ages inside of the Mountain Avenue Trolley Barn. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be welcoming visitors aboard historic Car 25 for holiday photos, with furry “elves” from the Larimer Animal People Partnership therapy animal group bringing extra joy to the line. The celebration will continue with the chance to explore FoCo’s streetcar heritage up close, with volunteers onsite to serve complimentary hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn to keep everybody cozy and merry. Make sure to browse the selection of trolley-themed gifts if you have a train enthusiast on your Christmas shopping list!
Brewery Book Fair with Macdonald Book Shop
Where? 920 Dunraven Street, Estes Park
When? December 13th
This Saturday, get ready for a Brewery Book Fair from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Hosted by Macdonald Book Shop at Avant Garde Aleworks, this weekend activity is one you won’t want to skip if you love all things reading and craft beer. Get cozy in the taproom with a new book and a beer. Macdonald Book Shop will be onsite with a selection of bestsellers, so whether you want to snag a new read for yourself or you’re looking for a gift for the bookworm in your life, you’ll find it all! When you purchase a book during the event, you’ll also get a discount on drinks. Win win!
Local Art Show: Elcee Evershed
Where? 2000 East Prospect Road, Fort Collins
When? December 13th & 14th
FoCo’s Bath Garden Center will be hosting a free event this weekend, celebrating a local Fort Collins-based artist. Elcee Evershed will have her artwork on display all weekend at the Garden Center, so be sure to swing by and have a look. Art can be purchased directly from the artist via cash or Venmo, with 100% of the proceeds going to the artist. What will be on display? We’re glad you asked! Art prints that pop, greeting cards that are sure to elicit smiles, stickers that will stick with you and apparel that can be best described as wearable art! You can also find Elcee’s artwork here. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for someone on your Christmas list, this is a prime opportunity to support a local artist and give the gift of something unique and truly special!
Sweets Stroll
Where? 500 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes ParkÂ
When? December 14th
Visit Estes Park invites you to partake in the annual Sweets Stroll this Sunday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Bring your whole crew out for a full day of family-friendly fun. This year, the stroll will be part of the Sleigh the Games weekend festivities going on around Estes Park. Pick up your free Sweets Stroll punch card at the Estes Park Visitor Center. Have fun exploring downtown as you visit participating candy shops, ice cream parlors, chocolatiers and bakeries. Each participating location will be offering a complimentary treat to enjoy along the way. Once you’ve collected your stamps and savored your treats, keep your punch card as a holiday souvenir from the sweetest event of the season! Complimentary offerings will be available while supplies last, with participating locations this year including Mountain Berry Bakery, Flavors of the Rockies, Estes Park Candy & Jerky Depot, The Old Fashion Candy Store, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and many more!
3rd Annual Cookie Challenge
Where? 3745 Cleveland Avenue, Wellington
When? December 14th
The 3rd Annual Cookie Challenge at Owl Canyon Coffee in Wellington is sure to be one of this weekend’s sweetest events! Whether you’re a self-renowned baker, a decorator or simply a cookie enthusiast — everyone is invited to preheat their ovens and bring their A-game to the competition. This fun-filled, festive event is open to non-bakers as well. Come on out and cheer on your favorite competitors and sample sweet treats. Participants are asked to bring at least 2 dozen cookies and prizes will be awarded for most creative, best decorated, most festive and people’s choice! Registration is free but donations are welcome. If you plan on bringing cookies, organizers request that you use the online form to sign up to ensure this event can go off without a hitch. Get that oven hot and dust off that soon-to-be award-winning family recipe and snag your spot on the podium!
Winter WonDairy Tours
Where? 5821 West County Road 54E, BellvueÂ
When? Through December 28th
Morning Fresh Dairy Farm is offering Winter WonDairy Tours this holiday season, through the end of the month! Don’t miss your chance to see the family-owned and operated dairy farm in action this winter, complete with exciting festive-themed treats along the way. Take a wintery walk around the property, led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide, as you learn the origin of Morning Fresh Dairy and see the cows being milked on the Dairy-Go-Round! Visitors will also have the chance to explore the Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse, as well as the milk processing and bottling plant. If you’re lucky, you may even be introduced to the adorable calves. Sample the farm’s delicious flavored milks and creamy Noosa yogurt before you leave. Tours are priced at $12 and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Visitors are encouraged to dress according to mother nature, whether that be rain, snow or sunshine!
Family-Friendly Activities in NoCo This Weekend
The Christmas season is the best time to make lifelong memories with family and loved ones. Bring the kids to meet Santa’s Reindeer in Fort Collins or enjoy Dr. Seuss Story Time in Estes Park. If your little ones love all things figure skating, then the Winter Wonderland Ice Show in Greeley is the perfect weekend family outing!
Winter Wonderland Ice Show
Where? 900 8th Avenue, Greeley
When? December 12th & 13th
Greeley Ice Haus is hosting the Winter Wonderland Ice Show this Friday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Admission is priced at $10, with children ages 2 and under receiving free entry. Bring your friends and family out for what’s sure to be an amazing figure skating exhibition. There will be a second show on Saturday at 3:00 PM if you can’t make it out on Friday. Talented skaters will be taking the ice and lighting up festive cheer with dazzling performances. From graceful routines to high-energy performances set to festive music, this is the perfect way to celebrate the season!
Visit Santa’s Reindeer @ Bath Garden Center
Where? 2000 East Prospect Road, Fort Collins
When? December 13th
Are the kiddos getting hyped for Christmas? Take a family trip to Bath Garden Center for a visit from the big man’s reindeer! There will be various time slots on Saturday, starting at 8:30 AM and running until noon. Sip on hot cocoa, write letters to Santa, make crafts with Jingles the Elf, and get a family photo taken all in one spot! You can even shop for Christmas gifts and pick out a Christmas tree. Reservations are required and one ticket is good for one person. Admission is free for children under the age of 2 years old. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the day of the event inside the Garden Center at one of the registers!
Dr. Seuss Story Time
Where? 152 East Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park
When? December 13th
Macdonald Book Shop hosts a variety of events throughout the off season and enjoys collaborations with Estes Valley Library and shops around town. This Saturday, enjoy a Dr. Seuss Story Time from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM while the little ones hear the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and other exciting holiday book readings. There will be little gift bags available. Organizers request that families RSVP so there are adequate presents prepared for all little guests! This is a free event.
Enjoy Your Weekend in Northern Colorado
Christmas is truly just around the corner now, so make sure to check that list twice so you don’t miss anybody! Whether you need to do some last minute shopping or you want to kick back, relax and enjoy the magic of the season, you can do it all in Northern Colorado this weekend! Visit us again next week so you don’t miss out on the latest and greatest of NoCo happenings.