The annual Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony kicked off the holidays in Old Town Square on November 1 when the light display was illuminated for the first time this season. “The activation of the holiday lights is one of my favorite activities to be involved in every year,” says Parks Director Mike Calhoon. “The event is always full of joy and anticipation, and it showcases not only the beautiful downtown we all get to enjoy, but also the investment and hard work of our staff and community partners.”
Fort Collins Downtown Xmas Lights
The downtown holiday lights are installed each year as part of a collaborative effort between the City’s Parks Department, the Downtown Development Authority, and contract partner SavATree, LLC, who help to install and remove the lights from more than 334 trees in the downtown core.
The installation of the holiday lights began in September and takes about six weeks to complete. There are more than 65,000 individual lights placed in trees throughout Old Town. Every night from November 1 through Valentine’s Day, the lights are turned on in Old Town. Twenty-two block-faces of downtown are 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. Be sure to stop by downtown Fort Collins to see the wonderful lights and enjoy shopping or enjoy a delightful meal during the holidays!