It’s a Castle Rock Christmas!
The end of December brings pure magic to Castle Rock! This month, you can catch enchanting performances of The Nutcracker, take cozy carriage rides through downtown’s twinkling lights, and experience traditions that make the season unforgettable. Glide through Festival Park in a horse-drawn carriage, enjoy the stunning Christmas Symphony, or hop on the free Town Trolley to soak in all the festive decorations.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, December 18
CHANUKAH AT THE STATE CAPITOL
Join Governor Polis, state dignitaries, and the broader Denver community for an evening of Jewish pride and celebration! Enjoy free BBQ, donuts, hot drinks, a fire show, dreidel drop, balloon art, entertainment, and the grand Menorah lighting ceremony on the West Steps.
Fun for all ages with mascots and more!
Colorado State Capitol West Steps, 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
TEMPO SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER
Join Tempo School of Performing Arts for their 3rd Annual performance of The Nutcracker! Watch talented students bring this beloved holiday classic to life in a celebration of dance, music, and seasonal magic at Douglas County High School.
Douglas County High School, 2842 Front St, Castle Rock
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $17–$24
Thursday–Sunday, December 18–21
THE NUTCRACKER OF CASTLE ROCK
Experience the magic as this classic story unfolds! Follow a young girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages battle against the evil Mouse King.
Journey through a snowstorm into the Land of Sweets in this beloved community tradition celebrating the magic of the season.
Castle View High School, 5254 N. Meadows Dr, Castle Rock
Thurs.–Sun., 6:00 p.m.; Sat.–Sun., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20
Thursday–Friday, December 18–January 30
MAGIC OF LIGHTS RETURNS TO PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
The track transforms into a dazzling drive-through holiday spectacular featuring over two million lights and Colorado’s longest light tunnel! Enjoy festive scenes like Toyland, Winter Wonderland, and Reindeer Road, plus the Jolly Holiday Village with photos with Santa, s’mores, and games. This family-friendly experience offers per-vehicle pricing and runs nightly through January 30.
Pikes Peak International Raceway, 16650 Midway Ranch Rd, Fountain
Mon.–Thurs., 5:30–9:00 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 5:30–10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $23.81
Thursday–Saturday, December 18–January 4
DOWNTOWN CASTLE ROCK CARRIAGE RIDES
A Castle Rock holiday tradition returns! Enjoy magical carriage rides through downtown’s festive decorations each week through January 4.
Reserve your spot in advance for this enchanting experience that captures the spirit of the season.
Rides accommodate four-to-five people based on weight.
Festival Park, 300 2nd St, Castle Rock
Wed.–Fri., 4:30–8:30 p.m.; Sat.–Sun., 5:00–8:00 p.m. (through Jan. 4; excluding Nov. 27, Dec. 24, 25, 31)
Tickets: $40 per carriage
Saturday, December 20
STROLLER SAFARI – SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION – HAPPY HOWLIDAYS
Celebrate the end of the year with your Stroller Safari family! Come together for one final event before heading into a new year, making memories with little learners at this special holiday edition. The Zoo loves watching each child grow and wants to celebrate with you!
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs
9:00–10:30 a.m.
Tickets: Members $15.75, Non-members $29.75 (infants 0-12 months free)
Saturday–Sunday, December 20-21
THE RINGMASTER’S CHRISTMAS
Christopher Keller and an incredible cast of young circus acrobats bring big laughs in this rambunctious tale! When old ringmaster Seymour Frumple has had it with Christmas, flying reindeer, talking monkeys, and mischievous elves appear from a magical trunk on a mission to reawaken his Christmas wonder.
Breathtaking circus performances meet big laughs in this show perfect for the whole family!
The Millibo Art Theatre, 1626 S. Tejon St, Colorado Springs
Sat., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. 1–2 p.m.
Tickets: $15 single, $50 family four-pack
CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY
Celebrate the season with one of Colorado Springs’ most cherished traditions! The Colorado Springs Philharmonic and the Colorado Springs Chorale join forces to fill the holidays with music, joy, and inspiration for every generation at the magnificent Pikes Peak Center.
Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 South Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs
Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $46
Sunday, December 21
PIKES PEAK PHILHARMONIC CONCERT: JAZZ
Join the Pikes Peak Philharmonic for the second concert of the season exploring musical genres! Enjoy Ellington’s “The Nutcracker,” Williams’ “Escapades” from Catch Me if You Can, Shostakovich’s “Jazz Suite No. 2,” and selections from Polar Express. Music Director Dr. Luciano R. Silvestri, Jr. provides fascinating background information starting at 2:15 p.m.
Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs
3:00 p.m. (pre-concert talk at 2:15 p.m.)
Tickets: Adults $20, Seniors/Military/Students/Music Educators $14, Children 12 and under free
AN EVENING WITH THE IRISH TENORS
The acknowledged Celtic music kings return! With ten best-selling CDs to their credit, The Irish Tenors have stood the test of time as one of PBS’s biggest money makers. Audiences of all ages love their authentic performances that consistently earn full houses and standing ovations. The Irish Tenors are the real deal!
Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 13071 Bass Pro Dr, Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m. (doors at 5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Starting from $67
NEXT WEEK: Wednesday, December 31
COSMIC COUNTDOWN – A FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
Ring in the New Year without staying up until midnight! This out-of-this-world celebration features objects from outer space, mini rocket launches, space jewelry creation, and many more space-themed activities. Enjoy live demonstrations and join the big New Year countdown, then explore the Museum before and after your ticket time.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8–$20 (does not require General Admission ticket)
NOON YEAR’S EVE AT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF DENVER
Bring the glitz and glam of Times Square NYE, all before bedtime! Ball drops happen every hour from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. out on the plaza in SNOW DAYS, the seasonal outdoor experience. Enjoy festive music, special New Year’s-themed programming, and more in this one-of-a-kind family-friendly celebration!
Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Childrens Museum Dr, Denver
9:00 a.m. (ball drops 10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Tickets: $17.75–$19.75 (must be purchased at Museum day-of, first-come first-served; members free)
SHARKY’S NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH
Join Sharky for a family celebration featuring a buffet meal, balloon drop, live entertainment, mascot appearances, party favors, games, and more! Two seatings available, and your ticket includes validated parking and half-off exhibit admission at Downtown Aquarium.
Downtown Aquarium, 700 Water St, Denver
11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $59.11, Kids 3-10 $44.57, Kids 2 and under free
ZOO LIGHTS SENSORY FRIENDLY NIGHT AT THE DENVER ZOO
Join an inclusive evening for guests who would enjoy a sensory friendly night to see the Zoo Lights! Enjoy reduced crowds, no strobing effects, low-volume music, quiet rooms, and sensory kits available upon request. With 80 acres boasting over three million lights, experience tradition, family fun, and sparkling features that bring brilliant smiles!
Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver
5:00–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19–$26
NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH FEATURING DISCO REVUE
Ring in 2026 at Phil Long Music Hall’s ultimate New Year’s Eve Bash! Enjoy a delicious buffet, midnight champagne toast, and electrifying performances by Disco Revue and opening act Tim Glenn. Dress in your finest formal attire for a night of non-stop dancing, drinks, and exciting prizes. Dinner and midnight champagne toast included with every ticket!
Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 13071 Bass Pro Dr, Colorado Springs
8:30 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.)
Tickets: From $49
A Cozy Crystal Valley Christmas
Christmas shines a little brighter in Castle Rock, with twinkling lights, festive parades, and cozy traditions around every corner. Whether you’re carrying on favorite family rituals or starting new ones of your own, this is a community that truly embraces the spirit of the season. Discover beautifully crafted ranch-style and two-story homes by D.R. Horton, Richmond American, and Taylor Morrison (final opportunity!) starting from the $600s — where Christmas memories are made and the holidays feel right at home.
