Festival of Lights

About this event

Festival of Lights Returns to Downtown Loveland with More Holiday Fun Than Ever Before

Annual holiday kickoff celebrates the completion of the Heart Improvement Plan, bringing the community together across all five blocks of 4th Street

LOVELAND, CO. (October 27, 2026) - Downtown Loveland's beloved Festival of Lights returns Friday, November

20, from 5 to 8 p.m., bringing the community together for an evening of holiday traditions, family-friendly activities and festive entertainment. This year's celebration marks a special milestone as the Heart Improvement Plan (HIP) construction will be completed, allowing the festival to expand across all five newly improved blocks of 4th Street between Garfield Avenue and Washington Avenue for the first time.

With construction finished, visitors can experience the revitalized heart of downtown while enjoying more free family fun than ever before. The Festival of Lights will feature classic holiday favorites alongside new activities, creating an evening filled with festive experiences for all ages.

Festivalgoers can enjoy a variety of holiday activities throughout the evening, including:

• Sugarplum Artisan Market: Browse a festive market featuring local makers, artists and unique handmade and vintage goods.

• Meet Santa's Reindeer: Get an up-close look at Santa's special holiday visitors.

• Jingle Jam Zone: Enjoy live music and entertainment in a lively holiday atmosphere. Loveland Aleworks will be pouring frosty holiday brews and local food trucks will be selling treats.

• Meet Santa Claus: Snap a festive photo with Mr. Holly Jolly himself!

• Cheer-O-Meter: Cheer on your favorite performers on the community stage and watch our Cheer-O-Meter light up!

• Floats on Fourth: Stroll through the stationary float parade, featuring decorated floats, community performers, danc ers and more.

• Scrooge Takes the Stage: Keep an ear out for Scrooge, who will serve as this year's emcee and help lead the festivities.

• Watch Out for the Grinch: The Grinch will be wandering downtown, stirring up mischief and adding a little holiday chaos to the celebration.

• Live Community Performances: Cheer on local performers and enjoy entertainment throughout the festival.

• Free Holiday Art Activities: Get creative with free, family-friendly art activities that let kids and families make something festive to take home.

• Free Hot Chocolate and S'mores: Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and enjoy a classic s'mores treat while taking in the holiday festivities downtown.

• And More: Join in the holiday spirit with entertainment, activities and festive fun for the whole family.

Downtown's Tree will return to its traditional location on 4th Street in front of The Rialto Theater. The tree lighting will take place at 7:30 p.m. The lighting ceremony marks the official start of the holiday season in downtown Loveland and illuminates the newly completed 4th Street with festive holiday lights.

The Festival of Lights offers the perfect opportunity to explore downtown's independent shops, restaurants and gathering spaces while celebrating the completion of a transformative investment in the district. With all five blocks available for the celebration, visitors can experience the wider sidewalks, improved gathering spaces and enhanced streetscape that will help downtown Loveland continue to thrive as a destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and community events.

Whether continuing a cherished family tradition or experiencing the festival for the first time, community members are invited to bundle up, bring the family and kick off the holiday season in downtown Loveland.

Event Details:

What: Downtown Loveland Festival of Lights

When: Friday, November 20, 2026 | 5-8 p.m.

Where: 4th Street in downtown Loveland, between Garfield and Washington avenues

Tree Lighting: 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Free admission with many free activities; food and beverage available for purchase throughout the festival

Learn more: https://www.downtownloveland.org/festivaloflights https://www.downtownloveland.org/festivaloflights