Seasonal delights to savor together

We are lucky to live in a region where each new season offers a unique flavor of fun! Heading into the winter holidays means that the daylight hours might be shorter but the opportunities for family bonding are plentiful.

Night lights

It’s no secret that the Gardens on Spring Creek are a delight in the spring, summer and fall. The winter season finds the Gardens growing and glowing with hundreds of thousands of twinkling LED lights. Tickets are required and a timed entry allows families to wander this wonderland and discover the displays together. A favorite destination is the color blossom show on the great lawn. This installation features 700 blossoms united with color and light to add twinkle to your season. Check hours of operation and purchase your tickets.

At the intersection of Hwy 34 and I-25 your family will find a hidden gem that sparkles in winter. Tucked behind the north-east corner of the Promenade shops retail center, the Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra hosts Loveland Winter Wonderlights. This free event features an open-air stroll through a park transformed by lights and music. A 30-minute synchronized program guides you through the park and runs continuously from 5 to 9pm. Make your visit especially meaningful by bringing canned goods to donate to a collection for the Larimer County Food Bank. Learn more and view the schedule for select live programs.

Skate date

For families who like a little excitement with their “togetherness,” ice skating is the perfect blend of thrill and sometimes spill. Skaters gather at the Greeley Ice Haus, where open sessions are available and private parties can be booked. Wear your snuggliest sweater for a little extra padding and head out on the ice! Dates and times for public skating sessions can be found on their website.

Does your family prefer more of a spectator role? To see how ice dancing is done by the pros, visit the Greeley Ice Haus on December 10 or 11 for the Razzling Dazzling Skating Spectacular. This annual ice show is hosted by the Mountain View Skating Club and sanctioned by the USFSA. Admission is $7 and kiddos 2 and under are free. Reserve your tickets by calling 970-350-9402.

Toboggan ride

Don’t deflate that inner tube just yet, “summer floats” transition nicely to “winter slides” when you climb a hill and let gravity (or mom) pull you through the powder. Weather permitting, you can find several sled-worthy hills in northern Colorado. Look no further than the Aggie Greens Disk Golf Course (across from Holiday Twins Drive in), in Fort Collins for a hill that welcomes beginners and toboggan aficionados. Loveland’s prime hill is easily the one at Kroh park just west of the North Monroe Avenue. It can get pretty crowded, so be sure to get there early!

Whether sliding, gliding, or twinkling, enjoy the arrival of winter. Take advantage of living in northern Colorado and savor the seasonal fun to be had with your family this winter break!