Goings Orthodontics rounded up the top 5 family-friendly events in Northern Colorado to help you make the most of the season with your favorite people. Between twinkling lights, small-town parades, holiday art shows, and winter activities like ice skating, there’s something festive happening every weekend.
Fort Collins Art Walk
If you’re looking for something fun to do that’s not tied to snowflakes or Santa, the First Friday Art Walk on December 5th is a perfect pick. As one of the local favorites of Fort Collins events, this tradition celebrates the creative pulse of the community with an open invitation to explore local galleries, studios, and shops at your own pace.
Hosted by the Downtown Development Authority, this self-guided event features everything from fine art to bold, eclectic pieces. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media in a wide variety of styles, making it easy to connect with something new or unexpected. It’s casual, welcoming, and open to all ages.
Windsor Wonderland
Windsor Wonderland brings the magic of the season to life in one joyful evening. Held at Boardwalk Park on Saturday, December 6, this free event runs from 4 to around 7:30 p.m. and offers something fun for every member of the family. Kids can enjoy inflatables, face painting, and s’mores while parents grab a bite from local food trucks or enjoy the live music.
Santa arrives at 4 p.m. by Great Western Railway train. Soon after, the town’s holiday spirit lights up with the annual tree lighting and a special proclamation from Mayor Julie Cline. Families can take photos with Santa from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and with live music from the bFlatirons and Windsor Middle School Choir. The evening wraps with the Deck the Streets holiday parade.
It’s a fun and festive way to kick off the season that’s located just four minutes away from Goings Orthodontics’ Windsor office!
Deck the Hall: Julie Rieken’s Art Stockings
For a quiet, creative break from the holiday rush, head to the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising to see Deck the Hall: Julie Rieken’s Art Stockings. This exhibit features a unique collection of handcrafted stockings, each one used as a canvas by northern Colorado artist Julie Rieken. Through embroidery, beading, and detailed stitching, Rieken shares personal memories and reflections in every piece.
The exhibit is open through December 20 and offers a thoughtful, family-friendly experience for anyone who enjoys storytelling through art.
Ice Skating
Lace up your skates and enjoy one of winter’s most classic pastimes. Fort Collins offers two great spots for ice skating—indoors or outside—so your family can enjoy the fun no matter the weather.
The Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC) is the city’s largest indoor rink and welcomes skaters of all skill levels during Public Skating hours. With affordable admission ($6 for kids, $7 for adults) and $3 skate rentals, it’s an easy and active way to spend an afternoon. Whether you’re learning the basics or practicing spins, EPIC makes winter exercise feel like play.
If you’d rather be outdoors, Sheldon Lake at City Park transforms into a natural ice rink during the colder months. Once the ice reaches a safe thickness of 6 inches, the city opens the lake for skating and pond hockey. Staff regularly clear and smooth the ice to keep it safe and fun for everyone. There’s no admission fee; just bring your skates and enjoy the crisp Colorado air.
Both options are just a short drive from Goings Orthodontics’ Windsor and Fort Collins offices, making them perfect for a post-appointment activity or weekend family outing. Be sure to check their respective websites or calendars before you go!
Garden Of Lights
This December, Fort Collins events don’t get more enchanting than Garden of Lights at the Gardens on Spring Creek. Dr. Goings and the team at Goings Orthodontics love this one for its mix of nature, creativity, and pure holiday magic.
The half-mile walking trail glows with animated blossoms, twinkling grapevines, and whimsical floral displays that transform the garden into a winter wonderland. Families can grab a hot cocoa or drink from the full bar, visit Santa through December 23, and even spot live entertainers along the way.
New this year is the Ice Forest, where the Ice Queen may appear on select nights, adding another layer of wonder to an already magical evening. Tickets are affordable for all ages, and children four and under get in free, making it a perfect night out for the whole family.
Make The Season Merry, Bright, And Full Of Smiles With Windsor And Fort Collins Events
Northern Colorado has so many ways to celebrate, connect, and enjoy the season, and we hope this list helps you make memories with the people who matter most. If you or your child is thinking about braces or clear aligners, or you need a check‑in before the celebrations continue, Goings Orthodontics is here to help. Our Fort Collins and Windsor teams love supporting families through every season, and the holidays are no exception. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and step into the new year smiling.
