Crystal Valley Blog

Star Lighting This Weekend in Castle Rock!

POSTED November 17, 2022

The Season of the Star begins this weekend in Castle Rock with the lighting of the star on the Rock, with family friendly activities downtown for all ages. Plus there are plenty of other things to do from comedy and concerts to dramatic performances – with plenty of family-friendly entertainment for audiences all over town!

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, November 17

CASTLE ROCK TOY DRIVE
From now through December 9, the Outlets at Castle Rock has partnered with Ferrari of Denver to present the 14th Annual Holiday Toy Drive and Rally for Rocky Mountain Children. Help the Outlets collect special gifts to bring miles of smiles to the patients at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. Drop off unwrapped gifts at the Outlets at Castle Rock at Customer Service in the Food Court and over 100 luxury vehicles filled with holiday cheer, caravan to Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children and deliver toys to patients. 

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Free

BRIAN REGAN LIVE
Critics, fans and fellow comedians agree: Brian Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country with Vanity Fair calling Brian, “The funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly calling him, “Your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.” Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Brian’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills the most beautiful venues across North America, visiting close to 100 cities each year.

On February 23, 2021, Brian premiered his second Netflix stand-up special, Brian Regan: On The Rocks, which was shot at Tuachan Center for the Arts, an outdoor amphitheater in Utah. Brian’s first Netflix special, Brian Regan: Nunchucks And Flamethrowers, premiered to rave reviews on November 21, 2017, and is also available as a vinyl album.

Brian stars in his own Netflix series, Stand Up And Away! With Brian Regan, which premiered on Christmas Eve 2018Brian and Jerry Seinfeld Executive Produce the four-episode original half-hour series that combines sketch comedy and stand-up. 

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$68
Phone: 719-575-9632

Thursday-Saturday, November 17-19

ANNUAL POTTERY SALE
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the annual pottery sale with items ranging in price from $10. These hand-crafted pieces of pottery range from cups, goblets, plates and bowls to platters and decorative vases. 

Castle Rock Rec Center, 2301 N. Woodlands Blvd., Castle Rock
9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
OPEN TO EVERYONE

THE NUTCRACKER OF PARKER
The 18th Annual Nutcracker of Parker presents all of your favorite community cast starting with the grand waltz of the holiday party where Herr Drosselmeyer (played by Oleg Dedogryuk) presents Clara and Fritz with their Christmas Gifts. That evening Clara and her Nutcracker Prince wake to an army of mice, and Clara finds herself below her own Christmas Tree. The Nutcracker Prince eloquently wins the battle over the Mouse King.

Together, the Prince and Clara venture through the Land of Snow and to the Land of the Sweets, where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy & her gallant court of dancers from every kingdom. From Spanish Chocolate to Mother Ginger & Her Gingersnaps, this is the whimsical ballet of the season and meant for the entire family to enjoy!

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
Thurs.-Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25
Phone: 303-805-6800

THE ADDAMS FAMILY
They’re your everyday, normal family who love each other as every family does. But tonight, things are about to get weird…

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, is a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: From $29
Phone: 303-805-6800

Friday, November 18

SINATRA TRIBUTE: HE’S BAAAACK
He’s BACK….the legendary….the one, the only….Sinatra Sensation LIVE. Derek Evilsizor is back by very popular demand for a dazzling show at Cherokee Ranch & Castle. Grab your Rat Pack, swing and swagger for the best Sinatra show in the country. Doppelganger, Derek Evilsizor is high energy, with off-the- charts charm and good humor as he engages everyone with his truly uncanny impersonation of a young Frank Sinatra. Retro skinny ties, hats, and little black dresses are encouraged for a nostalgic trip to the Las Vegas strip! Event includes delicious charcuterie appetizers at 7:00 p.m. Reservations are required and non-refundable.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $79.75 + Service Fee
Box Office: 303-688-5555

Friday-Saturday, November 18-19

KEVIN NEALON
Emmy and SAG-nominated actor, comedian, and author Kevin Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’sSaturday Night Live. He has received critical acclaim for his role in the Showtime series Weeds. Nealon’s self-produced, edited, and hosted web series Hiking with Kevin is exclusively available on his YouTube channel of the same name. In the series, Kevin interviews his A-list celebrity friends on hikes throughout the country. Most recently, Nealon starred in CBS’s Man with a Plan during all four seasons. Kevin’s extensive television credits include Golden Globe and SAG-nominated Weeds, the titular voice role of Glenn Martin, DDS, two critically acclaimed stand-up specials for Showtime, and multiple appearances on Monk, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Still Standing and more. 

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $40
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday-Sunday, November 18-20

TRAIL OF LIGHTS
Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms takes you along a winding path glistening with lights that illuminate the Colorado countryside. Tucked into the foothills under the dark sky, the glow of lights can be seen for miles. Two different routes – one just under a mile and one shorter include eye-popping sights and sounds. Along the walking trail are illuminated cottonwoods, boxelders and pine trees lining the pathway through the Green Farm, Crossroads, Deer Creek Discovery Children’s Play Area and 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead. 

Fun features this year:

  • New this year: Lights in the amphitheater synchronized to music
  • Synchronized music in children’s play area
  • Singing Christmas trees
  • Two three-sided light tunnels
  • Illuminated antique and model tractors on display
  • Hot beverages, nuts, kettle corn as well as fudge and caramels are available for purchase from our vendors with cash or credit card

Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton
5:00-8:30 p.m.
Admission: $12-$16
Info: 720-865-3500

Saturday, November 19

CASTLE ROCK STAR LIGHTING
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 Castle Rock and festive events. Get in the holiday spirit with these family friendly activities held throughout town. 

Ongoing festivities throughout the day include strolling carolers, dance groups and other live entertainment on every corner.  There’s a kids’ zone, hot chocolate and games to entertain the kiddos as well as adult beverages and plenty of food trucks.  Non-profit and sponsor booths will line the streets offering holiday goodies and trinkets.  Santa Claus visits (2:00-4:15 p.m.) and the chili supper at the Firehouse complete this Norman Rockwell experience.

The Castle Rock “Lighting of the Star” has been a community event shared by residents dating back to 1936. The same spirit of volunteerism, generosity and love of tradition exists today as Castle Rock businesses and residents prepare to celebrate the season for the next six weeks! The Starlighting ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m. and the actual lighting at 5:30 p.m. followed by fireworks.

Downtown Castle Rock, 
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
OPEN TO EVERYONE

RFK – A ONE-MAN PLAY
This tour-de-force one-man show breathes new life into the backstory of the Kennedy family. RFK creates a very human portrait of a politician and revisits some of the iconic moments in U.S. History. Author Jack Holmes expands the well-known facts of a politician’s life into a stirring metaphor for the struggle to believe in our government and in ourselves. James O’Hagan-Murphy returns in his award-winning performance as RFK!

By late summer, 1964, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy was a deeply wounded man. Still in shock and consumed with grief and guilt over the assassination of his older brother, President John F. Kennedy, on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, he was at a crossroads. The 1964 presidential election was approaching and President Lyndon Johnson, who had been dangling the possibility of a vice-presidential role to RFK, finally called Kennedy over to the White House to tell him his decision. The result of that meeting and the subsequent direction for the next, and last, four years of Robert Kennedy’s life are the focus of this play.

 “This play is like an evening with RFK brought back to life, to remind us of the real American Dream.” —NYTheatre.com; “Overwhelmingly accurate” —Theodore C. Sorensen, Speechwriter, Special Counsel and Adviser to President John F. Kennedy

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $68.50 + Service Fee
Box Office: 303-688-5555

FAMILY FESTIVAL: DENVER CONCERT BAND
Start your Holidays with festive selections, with a program that begins with the full symphonic grandeur of the band, followed by traditional favorites to get you into the holiday spirit. The theme focuses on family and children. And for those who are young, and young at heart, there may even be a special appearance from the North Pole.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$40
Phone: 720-509-1000

Sunday, November 20

DENVER ACADEMY OF BALLET: NUTCRACKER
The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet about a young girl who receives a nutcracker as a gift. The nutcracker turns into a Prince and takes her to the Land of the Sweets and is a perennial favorite every year.

The Denver Academy of Ballet was established in 2001 to offer the best technical training available to students interested in pursuing a career in dance and to those who simply wish to have fun. 

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
12:00 & 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$45
Phone: 720-509-1000

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
The progressive rock group with a huge worldwide fan base will appear again for one day only for their highly anticipated Winter Tour, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More. Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) performs their multi-platinum rock opera, a story set on Christmas Eve when a young angel is sent to Earth to bring back what is best representative of humanity. The story follows favorite TSO themes of “strangers helping strangers” and “the kindness of others,” as a young girl reunites with her distraught father. You’ll hear fan favorites Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24. Wizards in Winter, A Mad Russian’s Christmas, and classics including, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Christmas Canon, Music Box Blues, Good King Joy, Promises to Keep, and This Christmas Day. 

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $29-99.50+

NEXT WEEK: Monday-Wednesday, November 21-23

WARREN MILLER’S DAYMAKER
From Alaska to Greece, British Columbia’s Monashee mountains and beyond, the 73rd annual ski and snowboard film, Daymaker, will replace the mountains in your mind with imagery that frees your mind. Join Crazy Karl Fostvedt, Michelle Parker, Katie Burrell, Hana Beaman, Daron Rahlves, Ryland Bell, Cam Fitzpatrick, Connery Lundin, and more out on the hill. Miller’s crew hit Snowmass for the biggest party of the winter with the National Brotherhood of Skiers and surprised a Warren Miller superfan at the base of Snowbasin. You’ll see these legends rewrite the rules of adaptive backcountry riding, and follow one of Europe’s most legendary mountain guides. 

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $29-$44
Phone: 720-509-1000

Thursday, November 24

THE 18TH ANNUAL TURKEY TROT
Come out and join Castle Rock’s largest attended running race and Thanksgiving morning tradition – the 18th Annual Turkey ROCK Trot 5K Family Fun Run/Walk/Stroll. Whether you are a serious runner or leisurely walker, bring the whole family and start a new tradition. All proceeds benefit the Help & Hope Center. “The Turkey Rock Trot is the best Turkey Trot for families in Colorado.” –Colorado Runner

Douglas County Event Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
7:30-11:00 a.m.
Tickets: $45
Info: 303-660-7400

Friday, November 25

RAPIDGRASS: UNCHARTED MUSIC
This high-energy American Bluegrass band from Golden is a local favorite that plays homegrown mountain music inspired and influenced by a fast-paced mix of country, jazz, bluegrass, gypsy swing, classical and other worldly rhythms. 

Rapidgrass embodies the notion that nature, and particularly mountains, can bring out the best in our art, and has dedicated much of its creative energy into bringing that art back to the people of the mountains.

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
7:30-10:30 p.m.
Tickets: $29
Phone: 303-805-6800

Friday-Saturday, November 25-26

A HUDSON CHRISTMAS
A Hudson Christmas is back again this holiday season with our dazzling display of lights. Our lighted forest of towering trees will enchant guests of all ages. Sing and dance to some of your favorite holiday songs in our grove of dancing Christmas Trees. Stroll through our winter wonderland, say “hello” to some of our giant snowmen and glowing reindeer, and enjoy a walk through our holiday light tunnel. And don’t forget to grab a cup of hot cocoa to warm your hands and heart this holiday season. DATED tickets are valid for the date reserved and FLEX tickets are valid for a single admission.

Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
5:00 p.m.
Admission: $12-$20
Info: 303-797-8565

Friday-Sunday November 25-27

THE NUTCRACKER
The story of The Nutcracker is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. The Russian composer Tchaikovsky began music for the ballet when in 1891 he discovered a new instrument: the celesta, with a clear, bell-like tone perfectly fitted to The Nutcracker’s fairy-tale ambience. Tchaikovsky recognized the “voice” of his Sugar Plum Fairy, and he immediately wrote to his publisher, asking that the instrument be acquired for the performance.

The Nutcracker continues to awaken the holiday spirit in Colorado Springs audiences year after year. The ballet will be performed by the Oklahoma City Ballet, and Tchaikovsky’s musical score will be performed by the CS Philharmonic with the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale. 

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Fri.-Sun., 2:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $26-$62
Phone: 719-575-9632

Saturday, November 26

WHISKEY TASTING AT THE CASTLE
Need to say more? Share a magical night at the Castle and enjoy Scotland’s Single Malt Whisky Region – Speyside, home to over 80 Scottish whisky distilleries including Macallan, Glenlivet, and Glenfiddich. This is an excellent scotch-tasting experience for veteran whisky drinkers, bourbon whiskey drinkers and those totally new to the world of Scotch Whisky! 

The five tastings will be accompanied by heavy appetizers, and cash bar is available with wine, prosecco, beer, and whisky specials. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., the presentation begins at 7:30 p.m., and FYI, tickets for this event sell out early!

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
6:45 p.m.
Tickets: $75 + Service Fee
Box Office: 303-688-5555

Sunday, November 27

BRUNCH WITH THE GOSSAMER WINDS
Wake up your senses and enjoy the trifecta of music, history and culinary delights with this matchless mini-concert at the Castle. Your reservation includes performance by Lone Tree Symphony’s Gossamer Winds Quartet, tour of the magnificent castle, savory and sweet Sunday brunch. All ages are welcome. Please arrive on time and review timeline before making reservations. Thank you!

Cash bar will feature Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas & Signature Coffee Drinks for purchase 

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
6:45 p.m.
Tickets: $75 + Service Fee
Box Office: 303-688-5555

A CELTIC CHRISTMAS
One of the most engaging and successful ensembles in the history of Celtic music, Cherish the Ladies, have shared timeless Irish traditions with audiences worldwide for over 30 years. In their Celtic Christmas program, the Ladies put their signature mark on classic carols such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night,” in arrangements that highlight the group’s unique Celtic instrumentation, beautiful harmonies, and spectacular step dancing! Hailed by The New York Times as “passionate, tender and rambunctious,” Cherish the Ladies have released three critically acclaimed holiday albums, On Christmas NightA Star in The East, and Christmas In Ireland.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$50
Phone: 720-509-1000

Holiday Happenings Near Crystal Valley!

Enjoy life in Castle Rock within minutes from the master-planned community of Crystal Valley – where nature is around every corner of the neighborhood! Looking for a new home you can add your signature style to? Check out the beautiful model homes from Kauffman Homes, Taylor Morrison, D.R. Horton, Richmond American Homes, and Century Communities. Picture yourself in your very own dream house —  ranch style or two-story models priced from the $500s.

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