Downtown Fort Collins has posted its 2026 Holiday Hub, the season's guide to what is happening in Old Town between now and the new year, and the first fixture is already in place: Santa's Workshop in Old Town Square, where visits with Santa are free through December 24.

Santa's Workshop, through December 24

Kids of any age can stop by the workshop in Old Town Square to tell Santa what they want this year. Visits cost nothing, and the Downtown Development Authority posts the workshop's hours on its schedule page, since Santa keeps set days and times.

Old Town Spree, through December 31

The Old Town Spree is the district's shop-local promotion: shopping at participating downtown businesses between November 1 and December 31 enters shoppers to win. The participating businesses and the rules are listed on the Downtown Fort Collins site.

Foodie Walk, November 20, and First Friday, December 4

Two monthly downtown nights land in the season. The Fort Collins Foodie Walk is on Friday, November 20. The First Friday Art Walk follows on Friday, December 4.

A scavenger hunt and a gift card

The Holiday Hub also lists a Winter Lights Scavenger Hunt around Old Town, a list of restaurants open on the holidays, a dog-friendly shopping guide and a winter lodging guide for visitors. The Downtown Fort Collins gift card is accepted at more than 160 restaurants and retailers in the district and can be bought online.

Getting downtown

Old Town Square sits at College and Mountain avenues. The MAX bus rapid transit line from the CSU campus and south Fort Collins stops at the Downtown Transit Center a few blocks away, and the district has several public parking garages. New holiday events are added through the season, so the Holiday Hub and the downtown events calendar are the places to check, and the Downtown Development Authority answers questions at 970-484-6500.

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