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Home > Programs > shop fort collins first

Home for the Holidays, Shop Fort Collins First

Money Spent in Fort Collins Stays in Fort Collins

Locally owned businesses add value to our community—they contribute to our Fort Collins uniqueness. Local retailers and restaurants hire other local businesses for their business support, plus, our Fort Collins shops and restaurants employ our neighbors, family members and friends.

Think Local, Shop Local

For every $100 spent at a local shop, $45 remains in the community.

Top 10 Lame Excuses NOT to Shop Fort Collins First

  1. 10. I love wasting time at the Post Office waiting in line to return items that don’t fit.
  2. 9. Fort Collins doesn’t have enough variety even though Front Range Village, Foothills Mall and Old Town offer more than 100 different stores.
  3. 8. I think the drive on I-25 to Denver is scenic…it reminds me of Kansas.
  4. 7. Gas prices have dropped – it only costs $55 to fill my gas tank!
  5. 6. Aunt Edna didn’t speak to me all year after the gift I ordered online didn’t arrive in time…and that’s a good thing.
  6. 5. I’m training for a marathon and use the lack of parking in Denver as training.
  7. 4. Paying $.50 per hour in Downtown Parking Garages ruins my chances of collecting all 50 state customized quarters.
  8. 3. I have tons of free time to waste driving to other communities.
  9. 2. I’m just not in to supporting local businesses and the community – it’s not how I roll.
  10. 1. Who needs parks, road improvements, and police services anyway?

Fort Collins Holiday Event Listing

  • Visit Santa at the Mall: Monday, Dec 1st-Wednesday, Dec 24th

    at Foothills Mall
    Visit Santa at the Foothills Mall. Check website for detailed schedule. More »

  • Old Town Ice Skating Rink: Monday, Dec 1st-Sunday, Feb 1st

    at Old Town Square
    Come enjoy a true Old town experience...outdoor skating right in Old Town Square. Skating = $2/skate rental = $1. More »

  • Garden of Lights: Monday, Dec 1st-Wednesday, Dec 31st

    Gardens on Spring Creek
    Visitors to The Gardens on Spring Creek will be treated to festive decorations throughout the month of December. The Children’s Garden and its whimsical residents, a ladybug, butterfly, dragonfly, and giant watering can, will be lit by tens of thousands of LED lights to charm both children and adults. The visitor center will be open late the first three weekends of December so visitors can stop in for free hot cider and chocolate, and holiday sweets. The Garden of Lights will be open from December 1 through December 31 from 5 – 9 PM. The visitor center will stay open until 8:30 PM on December 4 - 6, 11-13, and 18 - 20. Admission is free.    More »

  • Santa's Workshop in Old Town Square: Wednesday, Dec 3rd-Wednesday, Dec 24th

    at Old Town Square
    Meet Santa in Old Town Square! Santa also speaks Spanish and Sign Language. More »

  • Girls' Night Out Shopping Event: Friday, Dec 5th

    at Downtown Fort Collins
    Come enjoy great friends, shopping, and special treats at participating stores in Downtown. More »

  • First Friday Gallery Walk: Friday, Dec 5th & Friday, Jan 2nd

    at Dowtown Fort Collins
    Held the first Friday of every month from 6-9:00pm. Old Town Fort Collins galleries remain open for this self-guided tour, refreshments are served, many offer changing exhibits so there is always something new to see each month. More »

  • Gifts from the Gardens at the Gardens on Spring Creek: Saturday, Dec 6th

    Gardens on Spring Creek
    Gifts and holiday decorations from local artists More »

  • Kids' Kristmas: Saturday, Dec 6th

    at Old Town Square
    Free day of entertainment for the younger generation. Life-size holiday and winter characters, activities, entertainment and more! More »

  • Gift Giving Advisors in Foothills Mall: Saturday, Dec 6th, Saturday, Dec 13th & Saturday, Dec 20th

    at Foothills Mall
    Looking for that special gift? The Gift Advisors are ready to help you. More »

  • Fragrant Holiday Centerpiece : Monday, Dec 8th

    Gardens on Spring Creek 2145 Centre Avenue
    Create a custom, holiday centerpiece made with fragrant mixed evergreens and eucalyptus to take home. Seasonal fresh flowers will be used to create a long-lasting centerpiece to grace your holiday table.  Bring clippers or hand-size pruners to cut materials with.   Advance registration is required. Fee, including materials: $37 member; $42 non-member. Instructor:    Kris Colwell, AIFD                                                                     More »

  • Holiday Marketplace: Saturday, Dec 13th

    at 123 North College Ave., Opera Galleria
    Local food, locally made custom gifts & more! More »

  • A Family Holiday, featuring TUBA Christmas: Saturday, Dec 13th

    at Old Town Square
    This FREE event, open to all ages includes a variety of entertainment and is a wonderful community gathering.  Families can enjoy holiday music, magic, comedy and juggling. This will be an interactive day of holiday fun for everyone in the family. More »

  • First Night Fort Collins: Wednesday, Dec 31st

    at Downtown Fort Collins
    New Year's Eve- December 31st, 2008 - Come join in the fun downtown for the 12th annual First Night Fort Collins 2009!  Enjoy the wonderful and diverse entertainment presented at this non-alcoholic New Year's Eve celebration. Purchase your ticket/button starting December 20th. Venues fill quickly, arrive early. More »

  • Beginning Watercolor at The Gardens: Saturday, Jan 10th & Saturday, Feb 28th

    Gardens on Spring Creek 2145 Centre Avenue
    Learn fundamentals of the watercolor medium, different techniques, how to set up a color palette, & the importance of shapes and values. Taught by Karen Ramsay. Call for fee information & to register. More »

  • Watercolor at The Gardens: Monday, Jan 12th & Tuesday, Jan 13th

    Gardens on Spring Creek 2145 Centre Avenue
    Build on the fundamentals of painting while learning about color, shape & values. Students should be familiar with drawing & watercolors. Taught by Karen Ramsay. 6 sessions. Call for fee and to register. More »

  • Bringing Back the Victory Garden: Saturday, Jan 17th

    Gardens on Spring Creek 2145 Centre Avenue
    If you spend the winter perusing seed catalogs & wondering which varieties to grow then don't miss this photo presentation of Colorado vegetable & small fruit gardens. Call for fee & to register. More »

  • Wild & Secret Gardens of Colorado: Saturday, Jan 17th

    Gardens on Spring Creek 2145 Centre Avenue
    Cold & snowy out? Stay warm inside while viewing this photo presentation of nature's gardens along the Front Range . See how nature is the best inspiration for our home gardens. Call for fee & to register. More »

  • Designing the Mixed Border: Saturday, Jan 24th

    Gardens on Spring Creek 2145 Centre Avenue
    Mixed borders are a friendly mingling of small trees, shrubs & perennials. Learn how to let your plants "mix it up" in a distinctly Western style. Call for fees & to register. 2 part class (2nd class 1/31/09) More »

  • The Art of Grafting: Saturday, Feb 14th

    Gardens on Spring Creek 2145 Centre Avenue
    Learn the art & science of grafting trees by making grafts of two different conifers. Call for fees & to register. More »

  • Successful Seed Starting: Saturday, Feb 21st

    Gardens on Spring Creek 2145 Centre Avenue
    Get a head start on your spring garden by starting seeds indoors - successfully! Call for fees & to register. More »

More Information

Learn how your tax dollars support necessary community services

We’re fortunate to live in one of the most perfect spots in America, support the local economy and quality of life—Shop Fort Collins First!

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