Winter at CSU 

Winter at Colorado State University brings crisp air, bright energy, and a fresh season of discovery for all who visit campus and the Fort Collins community. As snow settles across the foothills, visitors can enjoy athletic events, community gatherings, and signature Colorado traditions. Whether you’re cheering on the Rams in Moby Arena, kicking off the holiday season with the Parade of Lights, enjoying a performance at the University Center for the Arts, or exploring CSU programming and events during the National Western Stock Show, winter offers memorable ways to experience CSU and Fort Collins. 

Graduate School Fall Commencement Ceremony 

The winter season at CSU is a time to celebrate the achievements of our graduate scholars. On Dec. 19, CSU will honor its fall master’s and doctoral graduates during the Graduate School fall Commencement Ceremony at Moby Arena. Graduates from across all colleges will be recognized for their academic dedication and achievements. Families, friends, and the campus community are invited to join us in celebrating this significant milestone for our newest Ram alumni.  

Parade of Lights Preview

Colorado State University is proud to take part in Denver’s iconic Parade of Lights. Ahead of the main event, the hometown Parade of Lights Preview offers a close-up performance from the CSU Marching Band right here in Fort Collins on Dec. 5. Gather your friends and family, bring a lawn chair to watch along the route, then follow the band to the front of the University Center for the Arts for a short performance following the parade.    

On Dec. 6, the CSU Marching Band leads the Parade of Lights in downtown Denver. Join the CSU Alumni Association at their Parade of Lights reception from 4-6 p.m. with warm beverages, light appetizers, a holiday photobooth, and holiday cheer. The ticket fee is $15 for attendees 10 years old and up; free tickets for anyone under 10 years old.  Post reception enjoy VIP seating for the parade! 

CSU at the National Western Stock Show 

The National Western Stock Show returns Jan. 10–25, 2026. CSU has partnered with the National Western Stock Show for 120 years, and the 2026 event will feature CSU programming across seven locations. Highlights include a new home for CSU Ag Adventure & CAM’s Classroom on the 1st floor of the Hall of Education, expanded activities in all three Spur buildings, engagement from the Seedstock Merchandising Team in the Stockyards, programming from the Temple Grandin Equine Center, and new events. On Jan. 17, CSU Day will offer an Alumni Breakfast, Cam the Ram meet-and-greets, interactive campus partner booths, expanded Spur programming, and discounted tickets for the 11 a.m. Pro Rodeo. CSU Spur, being located within the ticket perimeter and across the street from the new Legacy Building, Ron and Cille Williams Yards, the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center, and the Equestrian Center, offers the opportunity to engage with more visitors and provide access to enhanced programming. More than 800,000 attendees experienced CSU’s engagement in 2025. 

 Key dates at National Western Stock Show: 

Ram Talks 

In partnership with Visit Fort Collins, Ram Talks is a mashup of CSU expertise and active community conversation, unleashing the creative insights and eye-opening shakeup that comes from taking a fresh look at the world around us. The spring series kicks off on February 11 at the Visit Fort Collins Welcome Center, offering engaging discussions and insights for the community. Ram Talks is free to attend, and all are welcome! Join us at 5 p.m. for appetizers and beverages; the program begins at 5:30 p.m. 

2nd Saturday at CSU Spur 

Presented by Canvas Credit Union, 2nd Saturdays at CSU Spur are free, family-friendly programming featuring many hands-on activities. Examples include cooking in the Spur kitchen, exploring the mock vet clinic and lab, observing veterinarians and horses at work, playing in the stream table, experiencing virtual reality (ages 9+), and strolling the rooftop greenhouse. Little Finch in the Hydro Building offers coffee, food, and full bar offerings for purchase. CSU Spur will not host a 2nd Saturday in January during the National Western Stock Show; however, it will be open all 16 days of the Stock Show with robust programming and events. The series resumes on February 14, 2026. 

CSU Athletics Sporting Events 

Winter athletics are in full swing! 

Basketball: 
Catch the excitement at Moby Arena as CSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball compete throughout the season. 

Swimming & Diving: 
Cheer on the Rams Swim & Dive team as they continue competition through the winter months. 

Golf (Winter/Spring Preseason): 
While championship play takes place in spring, early-season training and select events begin during the winter semester.  

Plan Your Visit 

Find more information about CSU, where to stay when you visit Fort Collins, what to experience in the broader Fort Collins community, and self-guided tour options by exploring the links on our menu. at