The tree in Festival Park is up, the lights Downtown are strung and it’s nearly time to celebrate the holidays and make memories with our family, friends and community.
The Season of the Star is a magical and joyous time of year in our Town. It starts the Saturday before Thanksgiving with the beloved Starlighting celebration Downtown hosted by the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Town.
Starlighting festivities run from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, and the Starlighting ceremony begins at 5 p.m. More information is available at CastleRockStarlighting.com . Keep a close eye on the Rock as the Star is lit at approximately 5:30 p.m., with fireworks following immediately. As the Star comes to light, so will the Town’s Christmas tree and holiday decorations to brighten our season until Jan. 20 as the National Western Stock Show wraps up.
And, Starlighting is just the beginning. Make sure you experience all that Castle Rock’s Season of the Star has to offer. Join us for a family-friendly holiday event or grab your mittens and scarves and enjoy a stroll, drive or trolley ride through the Town’s seasonal Downtown light displays. Don’t miss your opportunity for family photos, celebration, community spirit and good cheer — and remember to shop and dine local.
2023 Season of the Star events:
Festival Park Starlight Market
Friday, Dec. 1, 3 to 8 p.m. and 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 live holiday music.
Reindeer Games
Saturday, Dec. 2, 1 to 4 p.m.
Philip S. Miller Park
Santa and his live reindeer are paying us a visit at the winter-themed wonderland at Philip S. Miller Park. Enjoy holiday fun for the whole family including free s'mores, hot chocolate, sleigh rides, train rides, crafts, writing letters to Santa, outdoor games and an obstacle course. Parents, don’t forget your cameras, Santa will be photo-ready.
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’s Chair. Bring your cards and letters for Santa and drop them off in our dedicated mailbox, and then enjoy roasting marshmallows and making s’mores, hot chocolate and other family-friendly fun at this free event.
Downtown trolley rides
Nov. 20 through Dec. 26*
Mondays and Tuesdays, 5 to 7 p.m.
*No rides 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 Encore Parking Garage entrance on South Street between Wilcox and Perry streets and the Douglas County School District parking lot entrance on Sixth Street between Wilcox and Perry streets. The trolley will pick up at each location every 10 minutes starting at the Encore Garage.
Start a new tradition or continue an old one while you enjoy everything the season has to offer in Castle Rock. More information is available at CRgov.com/StarSeason.
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Need to talk to the Town? Dial 720-896-TOWN (8696) to reach a menu for help with frequently asked questions or live assistance during business hours.