Contact: Loveland Downtown Partnership:  970-541-4333 or LovelandPartnership.org 

Kick off the holiday season Wednesday, Nov. 29 at the downtown Loveland “Festival of Lights” and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony!

The festivities begin at 5 p.m. in front of the Loveland Museum at Fifth & Lincoln where the first 500 attendees to arrive will receive a glow-in-the-dark candle.  Everyone can then join the barbershop quartet in a caroling procession to Rialto Square.

Once in Rialto Square, the Loveland Chorale Society will perform their sacred, secular and jazzy holiday carols until Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive by sleigh.  At 6 p.m., Santa & Mrs. Claus, along with the new Mayor of Loveland, will lead the countdown for the lighting of the 24-foot Christmas Tree.

After the tree lighting, everyone is invited to take photos, enjoy hot chocolate provided by Meals on Wheels, warm themselves by a crackling fire, or enjoy a local craft beer from Loveland Aleworks, Grimm Brothers or Crow Hop Brewery, and maybe even try a little Glühwein from Decadent Saint Winery!

Other activities include free glow-in-the-dark face painting, horse-drawn carriage rides, sing-along with carolers, performances by the tiny dancers from Lighthouse Dance Studio, a Disney Snow Princess Show or watch a Christmas Tale that comes to life right before your eyes. Father Christmas and other fun holiday characters will be on the streets greeting guests, and more!

In the spirit of giving and support for our community, attendees are welcome to bring donations of needed supplies and personal items for the 137 Homeless Connection.

This is a true hometown, downtown holiday celebration that you will want to make a family tradition year after year!  The event is free and open to the public.