Winter is a season of enchantment, and Greeley, Colorado, knows how to capture that magic. As the snowflakes fall, the city comes alive with a flurry of festive events from the downtown corridor to the west side Family Funplex.
Ready to revel in winter fun? Visit Greeley and discover one of our fun holiday festivals and events.
Festival of Trees
November 29 to December 7
One of the highlights of the season is Greeley’s Festival of Trees. This annual celebration launches the Friday after Thanksgiving. Decorated trees transform the lobbies of the Union Colony Civic Center into a winter wonderland. Each display is the creative design of a community member, local organization, businesses or non-profit.
The nine-day Festival of Trees also features several ticketed special events for a variety of ages and interests:
Whoville Holiday
November 30 | 9 to 11:30 a.m.
A whimsical morning of grinch-themed fun. Enjoy face-painting, a scavenger hunt, crafts and so much more! Tickets are $20 per person and $16 for groups of 4+.
Whiskey Wonderland and Other Spirits of the Season
November 30 | 7 to 9 p.m.
Inviting all 21+ guests for unlimited whiskey and spirits tastings. Mingle with local distillers, nosh on delectable snacks and enter to win holiday hooch drawings. Tickets start at $70 per person.
Wine and Design
December 5 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while unleashing your holiday creativity with instructor-led glass fusion. Tickets are $52 per person
All the proceeds generated from Festival of Trees support the Union Colony Civic Center and the Greeley Philharmonic Guild.
Discover more details at greeleyfestivaloftrees.com.
Downtown Greeley Winterfest
November 30, December 7, December 14
Winterfest offers the ultimate winter wonderland experience in downtown Greeley over three incredible weekends.
Kick off the holiday season on Saturday, November 30 with “Light up Lincoln” and Holiday Open House Bingo. The following Saturday, take a winter walk through downtown Greeley’s “Holiday Lane Downtown” for unique holiday-themed display booths. The last Saturday of Winterfest is all about our local makers. There will a variety of workshops for creating unique, holiday gifts
Visit the Downtown Greeley website for more exciting Winterfest details.
Homesteader’s Holiday at Centennial Village Museum
December 7-8 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays at Centennial Village Museum’s signature weekend event. Enjoy historical house tours with a little extra holiday flair. Activities include candle dipping, festive crafts, musical entertainment, costumed interpreters, and more. Check out the museum gift shop to finish up your Christmas list.
Holiday Celebrations with Greeley Recreation
The holiday season in Greeley is a time for merriment and joy. Greeley Recreation has a sleigh-load of festive events to make your holidays even brighter.
Skate Your Turkey Off at the Greeley Ice Haus
November 29 | Noon to 5 p.m.
After feasting on Thursday, head over to the Greeley Ice Haus on Friday for the “Skate Your Turkey Off” event. Burn off that delicious turkey dinner with an afternoon of skating and grab the whole family to join in the post-feast fun. Admission is $10 and includes skate rental.
Winter Ice Show at the Greeley Ice Haus
December 13 | 6:30 p.m. and December 14 | 3 p.m.
Prepare to be dazzled by the Greeley Ice Haus Learn to Skate participants’ and Mountain View Skating Club’s figure skating exhibition. This showcase is a perfect holiday experience for the whole family. This year, enjoy guest performances by USA Figure Skating skaters Katie Holling, ranked 5th in the country, and William Church and Elizabeth Hansen from Illinois, ranked 2nd in the nation. Admission is $10 and children 2 and under get in for free.
Jingle Bell Jam at The Family FunPlex
December 13 | 5 to 8 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit with a “Jingle Bell Jam” at the family funplex. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, sip on hot cocoa, and create your own festive ornaments. It’s a day of holiday magic, and the best part—it’s free!
Skate with Santa at the Greeley Ice Haus
December 21 | noon to 1:30 p.m.
Another Santa sighting, this time at the Greeley Ice Haus. Lace up your skates and experience a different side of Kris Kringle. Don’t forget to capture the magic with selfies in the photo booth and be sure to get crafty with some festive creations. Admission is $10 and includes skate rental, the cheer is abundant and free!
Zumba® Holidance at the Greeley Recreation Center
December 18 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Join the free Zumba® Holidance class and let the music and moves add some natural endorphins to your holiday season. This class is suitable for ages 12 and up and is free for all to attend. Give yourself a break from holiday preparations and spend one hour focusing on fitness and fun.
No matter how you celebrate, there are plenty of opportunities to delight in beautiful light displays and make some fun holiday memories around Greeley this season.
Craft and Vendor Fairs
Holiday Bazaar at Island Grove Exhibition Building
November 30 to December 1
Shop from over 75 local vendors with one-of-a-kind gifts, crafts and holiday decor. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to visit, so bring the whole family for photos, smiles and holiday cheer.
Indie Arts at John Galt Coffee
November 30 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
35 local artists bring their handmade goods so you can find the best local gifts for everyone on your list. Coffee and treats will be provided by John Galt Coffee Co. while you shop!
Holiday Music and Performances
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at Union Colony Civic Center
December 4 | 7-9 p.m.
The holiday tradition continues! Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 35 years. Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.
Poinsettia Pops – Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra at Union Colony Civic Center
December 7 | 7:00 p.m.
A regional calendar highlight and Greeley’s favorite holiday tradition, your Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, Greeley Chorale and Greeley Children’s Chorale again take the stage in the poinsettia-adorned Monfort Concert Hall! Start the evening with the Magic Baton Melody Contest celebrating our winning Greeley-Evans School District 6 middle school student composer. Then, the musicians fill the hall with holiday spirit as they perform classic gems such as “The First Nowell,” “Sleigh Ride,” and Victor Hely-Hutchinson’s Carol Symphony. Sure to have you singing all the way home, the concert “wraps” up with the orchestra and choir performing “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” arranged by Mack Wilberg. Come experience the last night of the Festival of Trees and have your photo taken with Santa – all included with your ticket!
Twas The Night Before Christmas – The Stampede Troupe at Union Colony Civic Center
December 13 to 15, 20 to 22
“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But wait! A mouse is stirring – because Santa missed his house last year. Before you can say “Merry Christmas!”, you’re off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf and a spunky little girl who just won’t take no for an answer. Don’t miss this joyful tribute to the holiday season!
Colorado Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker at Union Colony Civic Center
December 13 to 15
With dancers gathered from many Northern Colorado dance studios, CDT’s own orchestra directed by Russell Guyver, and the Greeley Children’s Chorale; Colorado Dance Theatre is proud to present this endearing story of Clara and her magical nutcracker doll who transforms into her Prince and joins Clara on an enchanted trip through the Land of Sweets.
A Shining Christmas – The Greeley Chorale at UNC Campus Commons
December 14 | 7:30 p.m.
The Greeley Chorale is at its best during the holidays, this year with a concert of season favorites, popular Christmas songs and originally composed works dedicated to the spirit of the season. Expect large numbers as well as smaller group renditions, and a handful of solos drawn from the talent of their members.
Christmas Brass – Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra at First Congregational Church
December 21 | 7 p.m.
Under the direction of Dr. Frank Cook, Northern Colorado’s biggest, baddest and boldest brass section takes center stage for this spectacular evening of holiday hymns and carols! Resounding trumpets and triumphant horns declare the magic and majesty of the holiday season. The breathtaking artistry of the musicians resonate in intimate settings across Northern Colorado, one of which is in Greeley.
Create Your Own Holiday Presents
Crafty Teens at the LINC Library Innovation Center
December 2 | 5-6 p.m.
Teens can get involved and make some cute crafts for the holiday season! Learn fun handi-crafts like crocheting, knitting and hand-sewing with other teens.
Makers’ Workshops with Greeley Creative District
December 14 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Make lasting memories while creating winter-themed crafts and holiday gifts! Check out one of the many workshops happening in downtown Greeley at the LINC Library, Makers Mercantile & Studio, Showcase Art Center, Ginger Cat and Madison & Main. Some workshops require prior registration and a fee, while others are free and allow for drop-in attendance.
Volunteer this Holiday Season
Wreaths Across America at Linn Grove Cemetery Ceremony and Placing of Wreaths
December 14 | 10 a.m.
Help to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach children the value of freedom by volunteering to place wreaths at Linn Grove Cemetery following a Remembrance Ceremony.
35th Annual Community Gift Wrapping
November 26, 27, 28, December 3, 4, 5
Greeley Recreation needs volunteers to help wrap Christmas presents for underserved youth. Join them at the Rodarte Community Center to help make the holiday special for a local child.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Share with us at visitgreeley.com