🌟 November in Fort Collins: Lights, Laughs & Local Love

Happy Monday, Fort Collins! November is here — and with it comes twinkling lights, cozy nights, and plenty of reasons to get out and explore. From the Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony and CSU’s Snow Days to live music, art walks, and holiday markets, this month is packed with that signature FoCo sparkle. Here’s everything lighting up the city this November.

How many LED lights brighten up Downtown Fort Collins each winter season?

A) About 25,000

B) Around 50,000

C) Over 100,000

Click an option to vote

Fort Collins’ Forgotten Corners: Cool (and Kinda Creepy) Abandoned Spots

Whether you’re gearing up for the Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony, chasing live tunes all month long, or lacing up for the Turkey Trot, Fort Collins is glowing with things to do. Here’s your guide to making the most of this cozy, event-packed month.

🌟 Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony – Nov. 7

22 blocks. Thousands of LED lights. One magical moment. 🎄

Downtown Fort Collins transforms into a glittering winter wonderland starting November 7, with lights stretching from Laporte to Magnolia. Catch live music from Guerilla Fanfare in Old Town Square (5:30–7 p.m.) and a short ceremony at 6:30 before the switch flips and the city shines bright. The lights stay on through February, so plenty of time for those festive selfies under the trees!

🎿 CSU Snow Days – Nov. 7–9

Winter stoke meets Ram pride! CSU and Ikon Pass team up for three days of ski films, giveaways, and fireside chats leading up to the Rams vs. UNLV football game. Expect rail jams, career panels, outdoor rec vendors, and a serious dose of snow-season excitement — even before the first flakes fly.

🦃 Turkey Trot – Nov. 27

Before you dig into that pumpkin pie, hit the pavement! The Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run returns with a four-mile route starting at 9 a.m. (kids run free!). Proceeds benefit RamStrength, supporting local cancer survivors. So yes, you can feel good and justify that second slice.

🚗 NoCo Winter Wonderland – Nov. 28–Dec. 31

Load up the car, cue the holiday playlist, and cruise through the glowing light tunnels at Colorado Youth Outdoors’ drive-thru spectacular. This family favorite runs weekends through mid-December, then nightly until New Year’s Eve. $25 per vehicle — priceless for the smiles.

🌲 Don’t Miss This Month

🎓 Ram Talks – Nov. 5 & 19 at the FoCo Welcome Center: Interactive sessions blending CSU expertise and local insight.
🍷 Fort Collins Foodie Walk – Nov. 21: Wander Old Town and taste your way through creative bites and sips.
🖼️ Wolverine Farm 10-Year Anniversary Party – Nov. 15: Live art, exhibits, and good vibes all night.

What's Happenin' in Fort Collins: Event Listings

Monday, November 3

Red Fever: The Indigenous Influence on Western Culture - The Lyric, Fort Collins | 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Ticketed

Film screening: RED FEVER - The Lyric, Fort Collins | 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM | Ticketed

Ancestral Medicine: Awaken and Create Your Own Medicine with Beverly - Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary & Clinic, Fort Collins | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Ticketed

Tuesday, November 4

Disney Princess Trivia w/ Solana Tattoo - Venue TBD, Fort Collins | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Ticketed

The Northern Colorado New Horizons Band Fall Concert - Venue TBD, Fort Collins | 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Recurring every 10 days | Ticketed

Happy Hour Yoga - The Movement Apothecary, Fort Collins | 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM | Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Friday | Ticketed

Want more? See the full calendar → Fort Collins Event Calendar

🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?

Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs.

🧠 Need a brain break?

Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.

🍔 Who’s Got the Best Burger in Fort Collins?

From classic roadside burgers to chef-crafted patties piled high with local flair, FoCo’s burger scene is sizzling. We’re rounding up the juiciest contenders in town—now it’s your turn to crown the one that rules them all. 🍟🔥

Vote now and let’s settle this beef once and for all →

💌 Light It Up, FoCo!

November in Fort Collins is basically a highlight reel of why we love this city — from snow days and ski movies to glowing trees and good tunes. So grab your mittens, call up your crew, and get ready to soak in the sparkle all month long.

💡 Trivia Answer: C) Over 100,000 lights dazzle downtown each year — all energy-efficient LEDs!

—Your What’s Happenin’ Fort Collins crew 💛