Season of the Star

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The holidays are a special time of year in Castle Rock. From the Saturday before Thanksgiving when the Star is lit for the holiday season until it's turned off at the end of the National Western Stock Show in January, the Season of the Star is a celebration of lights, the beauty of our Town and festive events. Get in the holiday spirit with these family-friendly activities held throughout Town. And visit downtown to enjoy the festive holiday decor including hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights during the Season of the Star from Nov. 18, 2023 to Jan. 20, 2024

Starlighting

Saturday, Nov. 18
2 to 6 p.m.
Downtown Castle Rock

Join the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce for the annual Starlighting festivities including hot chocolate/adult beverages, food trucks, nonprofit booths, strolling entertainers, and live entertainment. The Starlighting ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. with the actual lighting of the star at approximately 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by fireworks.

More information is available on the Castle Rock Chamber website.

Festival Park Starlight Market

Friday, Dec. 1, 3 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Festival Park

Kick off your holiday shopping with Castle Rock's premier craft and food market. Shop from more than 40 vendors including unique crafts, art, specialty items, roasted chestnuts, salsa, tamales and more. Get that impossible-to-shop-for person a gift while enjoying the 40-foot decorated tree, hot cocoa, food trucks and holiday music.

Reindeer Games

Saturday, Dec. 2
1 to 4 p.m.
Philip S. Miller Park

It’s holiday fun for the whole family! Enjoy kid-friendly activities in a winter-themed wonderland including live reindeer, Santa (parents bring your cameras!), s'mores, hot chocolate, sleigh rides, train rides, outdoor games and an obstacle course. Kids will receive a prize at the end of the obstacle course while supplies last.

Storytellers and S'mores

Saturday, Dec. 9
5 to 7 p.m.
Festival Park

Santa and some of his friends are stopping by Festival Park to read holiday favorites from our giant Storyteller Chair. Enjoy roasting marshmallows, making s'mores, hot chocolate and other family-friendly fun at this free community event.

Free Downtown Trolley Rides

Nov. 20 through Dec. 26
Mondays and Tuesdays
5 to 7 p.m.

Note: No rides on Dec. 25
See the Downtown holiday decorations in style with a free ride on the Town Trolley brought to you by the Castle Rock Downtown Alliance. Pickup/drop-off points are at the parking garage entrance on South St. between Wilcox and Perry streets and the Douglas County School District parking lot entrance on Sixth St. between Wilcox and Perry streets. The Trolley will pick up at each location every 10 minutes starting at the parking garage. 

More information is available on the Downtown Castle Rock website.

Carriage Rides

Nov. 24 through Dec. 30
Wednesday through Sunday evenings

Tickets must be reserved in advance
A Castle Rock Holiday Tradition, the Downtown Castle Rock Carriage Rides will be back for the 2023 holiday season. In-person ticket sales will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the Philip & Jerry Miller Library. Online Ticket Sales will begin at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

More information is available on the Downtown Castle Rock website.