Season of the Star
Visitors can head to Downtown Castle Rock to take in the holiday decor and enjoy hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights. The townwide celebration begins when the Star is illuminated the Saturday before Thanksgiving and continues until late January. A variety of festive, family-friendly events and activities take place across town throughout the season.
What to Expect
Castle Rock holiday celebration featuring hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Castle Rock
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Town of Castle Rock
Food & Drink
At Starlighting, visitors can find hot chocolate, adult beverages and food trucks; the Starlight Market features food vendors, roasted chestnuts, salsa, tamales and hot cocoa.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy carriage ride tickets in advance, since they must be bought ahead and there are no rides on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Eve.
- Head downtown on a Monday or Tuesday evening to ride the free Town Trolley, which comes by each stop about every 12 minutes.
- Stay through the whole Starlighting ceremony, because the fireworks go off right after the Star is lit.
- Bring your camera to Reindeer Games at Philip S. Miller Park, where kids can visit Santa and take train and hay rides.
- Dress warmly for Storytellers and S'mores at Festival Park, where families roast marshmallows outdoors and listen to Santa read holiday favorites.
Special Events & Promotions
- Starlighting on Saturday, November 21: the Star is lit, followed by fireworks.
- Festival Park Starlight Market on December 4 and 5, with more than 40 vendors.
- Reindeer Games at Philip S. Miller Park on Saturday, December 5.
- Storytellers and S'mores with Santa at Festival Park on Saturday, December 12 (free).
- Free Town Trolley rides on Monday and Tuesday evenings, November 23 to December 29.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the Starlighting?
The Castle Rock Chamber hosts an afternoon downtown with hot chocolate, adult beverages, food trucks, nonprofit booths, and strolling and live entertainment. The ceremony ends with the Star being lit, followed right away by fireworks.
How do the free trolley rides work?
The Town Trolley runs Monday and Tuesday evenings from November 23 to December 29. It has three stops: the Encore Parking Garage entrance on South Street, the west crosswalk near Third and Perry streets, and the school district parking lot entrance on Sixth Street. It comes by each stop about every 12 minutes on a figure-eight loop of Downtown.
Do I need tickets for the carriage rides?
Yes, buy carriage ride tickets in advance. Rides run November 22 through January 3. There are no rides on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Eve.
What can I find at the Festival Park Starlight Market?
More than 40 vendors sell crafts, art, specialty items, roasted chestnuts, salsa and tamales. There's also a 40-foot decorated tree, hot cocoa, food trucks and holiday music.
What is there for young kids?
Reindeer Games at Philip S. Miller Park has Santa visits, hot chocolate, train and hay rides, and outdoor games. At the free Storytellers and S'mores in Festival Park, Santa reads from a giant Storyteller Chair while families make s'mores and write letters to Santa.
More Christmas Events Near Castle Rock
More Christmas Events near Castle Rock
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.