family activities
Catch the holiday spirit
Light shows, performances, toy drives, and carriage rides L e a H a ns o n
T
his time of year is always busy with holiday fun and festivities. It is also a fun time to get together with family and friends and even to host out-of-town guests. Check out the following for ideas on what to do. Also be sure to see what the Parent calendar has to offer.
Canyon Concert Ballet presents The Nutcracker this season at two northern Colorado venues. Tickets range from $22-$32 and group rates are available.
Light shows and tours
Come experience the spirit of the season with family-favorite holiday tunes and a few concert band specialties performed by the Northern Colorado Concert Band. Refreshments are provided following the concert.
Garden of Lights at the Gardens at Spring Creek 2145 Center Ave., FC , Dec. 6-Jan. 1, 5-9pm
Admission is free and there is a $2 suggested donation per person. Take a look at The Gardens lit by thousands of beautiful lights. Perennial flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, and a brilliant blue LED pond are all created entirely from holiday lights! During weekends, meet Santa, listen to holiday music, see the Sugar Plum Hairies (canine fairies), and enjoy warm drinks. Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Holiday Light Show and Toy Drive 121 E. Lake St., FC, Dec. 5, 7-9; Dec. 9-10, 5-8pm; Dec. 16, 6-8pm
Every year, the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon hold a holiday toy drive and light show benefiting Toys for Tots. Hot cocoa and cider are served, and Santa will meet children and collect donations for the toy drive. Kid-friendly performances Scrooge, The Musical 4747 Marketplace Dr; Johnstown, Beginning Dec. 5
The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is pleased to offer Scrooge, The Musical! The musical occurs multiple nights per week in December. Visit www.ColoradoCandle light.com for more information. Canyon Concert Ballet’s The Nutcracker The Lincoln Center; 417 W. Magnolia St., FC Dec. 13-15, the Rialto; 228 E 4th St, LV Nov. 30-Dec. 1
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Spirit of the Season by the Northern Colorado Concert Band Ridgeway Classical School, 1800 South Lemay Ave; FC, Dec. 16, 7pm
Little Women Colorado State University Center for the Arts; 1400 Remington Street, FC, Sundays Dec. 1-15 at 2pm, Evenings Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 at 7:30pm
A new stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel explores the coming-of-age adventures of four “little women.” Tickets are $8 for kids under 18 and $18 for adults. Christmas in Candyland Ice Show Greeley Ice Haus; 900 8th Ave., GR, Dec. 13 at 6pm
Don’t miss this holiday event hosted by Greeley Ice Haus in partnership with the Mountain View Skating Club. Admission for adults is $7, Children 2 and younger are free. Go online to www. greeleyicehaus.com for more information. Other Special Events Stove Prairie Winter Festival 3891 Stove Prairie Rd; Bellvue, Dec. 7, 10am-4pm
The Stove Prairie Winter Festival put
on by students and parents of Stove Prairie Elementary offers many opportunities to fill your seasonal gift list. Over 50 local artisans will display and sell their wares at booths throughout the building and grounds. Parents and staff will serve chili and other foods. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Old Town Fort Collins
Colorado Carriage is a local, familyowned business and provides festive horse-drawn carriage rides in Old Town Fort Collins during the holiday season. Bundle up and enjoy hot cider while you travel through historic downtown via a horse-drawn carriage. Visit www.coloradocarriage.com for specifics on rates and to make reservations. 2013 Greeley Festival of Trees Union Colony Civic Center; 701 10th Ave, GR, Nov. 29-Dec. 7
This annual, anticipated event features beautifully decorated trees, a silent auction, kids’ activities, live performances, and many special events. Go online to http://greeley gov.com/festivals/FestivalOfTrees.aspx for details including hours of operation. Windsor Wonderland Dec. 7 noon–5pm
Santa Claus arrives by train at noon at the corner of 5th Street and Boardwalk and will exit the train at Boardwalk Park. Kids can take pictures with Santa and enjoy many winter activities including a horse-drawn wagon ride, listening to holiday carolers, a petting zoo, and a tree lighting!