Crystal Valley Blog

Crystal Valley and the heart of Castle Rock come together in gratitude and celebration this November. From spending time giving thanks to embracing cherished holiday traditions like the iconic Castle Rock Starlighting — where the star atop Castle Rock is lit in a magical community ceremony complete with caroling, fireworks, and visits with Santa — every moment invites connection and joy. Local markets, festive concerts, and tree-lighting events usher in the warmth of the season, creating memories that make Castle Rock a place where community pride and holiday spirit shine side by side.

TONIGHT, Thursday, November 20–Tuesday, November 25

NUTCRACKER OF PARKER PRESENTED BY COLORADO SCHOOL OF DANCE
Kick off the season with Parker’s longest-running professional Nutcracker Ballet, featuring Tchaikovsky’s famous score and a cast blending the best pointe dancers, community actors, and local talent! This classic tale takes place on Thanksgiving Eve in 1892 at the Staulbaum’s holiday party to light their new Christmas tree. Presented by Colorado School of Dance since 2003, this magical tradition is perfect for families looking to celebrate the season together.

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
November 20–25, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $36–$44

Thursday, November 20–Saturday, December 28

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Essential to Denver’s holiday season, this joyous and opulent musical adaptation traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption! Perfect for the whole family, this production at the Wolf Theatre brings Charles Dickens’ beloved tale to life with heart and spectacle. Performance times vary by day.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts – Wolf Theatre, 1101 13th Street, Denver
Tues., Weds., Fri., Sat., Sun., 7:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun. 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $41–$110 (Recommended for ages 6+)

Friday, November 21–Sunday, November 23

DENVER CHRISTMAS SHOW
Get ready for the holidays with more than 275 booths to shop, photos with Santa, live performances, holiday decor, food, drinks, and festive entertainment! Three days only at the National Western Complex to find gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list while enjoying the magic of the season.

National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt Street, Denver
Fri. and Sat., 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $17 (Children 13 and under free, Parking $15)

HOLIDAY CARRIAGE RIDES AT STREETS OF SOUTHGLENN
Enjoy the holiday season as you ride through the festive Streets on a horse-drawn carriage — perfect for adding magic to a day of shopping or an evening out! Complimentary rides are first-come, first-served with pick-up in front of Regal SouthGlenn Theaters.

The Streets at SouthGlenn, 6972 South Vine Street, Centennial
Fri. and Sat. through December 27, 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT AT DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
Celebrate 40 years of Denver’s most beloved holiday tradition as winter gardens transform into an illuminated wonderland! Wander the mile-long path showcasing vibrant displays, immersive installations, and the warm glow of cherished memories — all using sustainable LED lights.

Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver 
Through January 11a, 4:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m
Tickets: $20–$33

5TH ANNUAL GRAND HOLIDAY PARADE AT STREETS OF SOUTHGLENN
Join Santa’s arrival and tree lighting with carriage rides, free Santa photos, a reindeer corral, cookies and cocoa with the elves, face painting, and balloon twisters! The parade starts at 6:00 p.m. with festive fun for the whole family.

The Streets at SouthGlenn, 6972 South Vine Street, Centennial
5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

LIGHT THE LIGHTS – DENVER CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING
Visitors can enjoy nightly light and music shows at Denver’s iconic City and County Building throughout the season! The dazzling display features synchronized lights and festive music, with static lights glowing until late evening.

Denver City and County Building – Civic Center Park, 101 West 14th Avenue, Denver
Tues.–Sun. through January 26 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Saturday, November 22

WINTER CRAFT FAIR
Enjoy the history and charm of the Hilltop Schoolhouse — originally built in 1897 — while supporting local artists and small businesses! You’ll find a variety of creative and unique handmade goods from the artisans among us!

Browse for gifts for your loved ones and one-of-a-kind holiday treasures in this festive community gathering.

Hilltop Schoolhouse, 5748 Flintwood Road, Parker
10:00 a.m.
Tickets: Free admission (Prices vary by vendor)

CASTLE ROCK STARLIGHTING
Step into a Norman Rockwell scene at this annual traditional community ceremony! Festivities include lighting the star atop Castle Rock followed by fireworks, caroling, dancing, visiting with Santa, kids activities, nonprofit booths, food vendors, hot chocolate, and the iconic chili supper at the Firehouse.

Downtown Castle Rock, Castle Rock
2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23

DOWNTOWN CASTLE ROCK CARRIAGE RIDES
A Castle Rock holiday tradition returns for the 2025 season! Enjoy charming carriage rides through downtown Wednesday through Sunday evenings from November 23 to January 4 (excluding holidays on November 27, December 24, 25, and 31). Tickets must be reserved in advance.

Festival Park, 300 2nd Street, Castle Rock
Through January 4, Wed.–Fri. 4:30–8:30 p.m., Sat./Sun. 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40 per carriage ride (4–5 people)

NEXT WEEK: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24

ZOO LIGHTS AT THE DENVER ZOO
With 80 acres boasting over three million lights, Denver Zoo’s Zoo Lights is still the one making spirits bright! This beloved tradition offers family fun, romance, and sparkling features across the zoo’s stunning winter wonderland. Select nights through January 4.

Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street, Denver
Through January 4, Sun.–Thurs. 4:30–9:00 p.m., Fri./Sat., 4:30–10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19–$30

FREE DOWNTOWN CASTLE ROCK TROLLEY RIDES
See downtown holiday decorations in style with free rides on the Town Trolley! Pick-up and drop-off points are at the parking garage entrance on South Street and the Douglas County School District parking lot entrance on Sixth Street. The trolley runs every 10 minutes.

Downtown Castle Rock, Encore Garage and DougCO School District Parking Lot, Castle Rock
Through December 30, Mon./Tues., 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Friday, November 28

TEA TIME WITH SANTA CLAUS
Join Santa in the dining room for a magical tea party with tea, hot chocolate, sandwiches, and pastries! Dress up in princess dresses or superhero costumes, meet Santa, take photos, and enjoy Christmas-themed storytime.

Girls and boys of all ages welcome.

Miss M’s Tea Parlour, 308 Fourth Street, Castle Rock
Through December 20, 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $36 per person

ELITCH HOLIDAYS
Tis’ the season! Elitch Holidays returns with more rides, more lights, and more festive fun than ever! Enjoy 4+ million sparkling lights, theme park rides and attractions, visits with Santa Claus, an all-new holiday show in the Trocadero Theatre, and larger-than-life holiday displays around every corner.

Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver
Through January 4 · 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19.99 plus $10.99 convenience fee per order (Parking $20)

STUNT DOG EXPERIENCE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Watch in awe as canine stars soar, spin, jump, and fly through an interactive, action-packed show that’s fun for all ages! From record-breaking feats to laugh-out-loud moments, this high-flying holiday spectacular celebrates rescue dogs and second chances.

Dog-gone fun for the whole family!

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $39–$44

TOWN OF PARKER MAYOR’S HOLIDAY LIGHTING
O’Brien Park comes alive for the holidays as Parker kicks off the 2025 season! Join the Mayor, Town Council, and Parker Chorale for a sing-along to Silent Night, followed by the countdown to the Town Tree and Grand Park Lighting. Enjoy ice sculpture displays, caroling by high school choirs, food vendors, the Winter Wizard and Magical Toys, visits with St. Nick and Mrs. Claus, plus “spot the elf in a tree” and scavenger hunt contests!

O’Brien Park, 10795 Victorian Drive, Parker
5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Sunday, November 30

COLORADO BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER – SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
The Nutcracker returns to the stage for Colorado Ballet’s 65th season to delight audiences of all ages! This timeless tradition captures the festive spirit with mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums, swirling snowflakes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis Street, Denver
1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $65–$210 (Performance duration: 1 hour 45 minutes including intermission)

Monday, December 1

PET DAY AT SANTA’S COTTAGE
Capture your furry friend’s magical moment with Santa Claus! Meet Santa, share Christmas wishes, bring letters for the North Pole, and get photos. Walk-ins welcome at Santa’s Cottage on 3rd Street in front of Under Armour.

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Boulevard, Castle Rock
10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Photo packages start at $35

Wednesday, December 3

SCROOGE’S DREAM: A RETELLING OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Scrooge’s Dream, a dancer’s retelling of A Christmas Carol, brings the classic story to life on stage as the miser’s heart is transformed for good!

Join dancers from The Dance Connection at the PACE Center to remember the past, act in the present, and prepare for the future.

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15

Celebrate Thanksgiving and Holiday Traditions in Crystal Valley

Thanksgiving and the holiday season have arrived in Castle Rock, bringing family gatherings, twinkling lights, and a spirit of gratitude that makes every moment shine. From turkey trots and festive markets to the beloved Castle Rock Starlighting and peaceful strolls along Crystal Valley’s scenic trails, there’s magic in the air. 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 warm Thanksgiving feasts, cherished holiday traditions, and lasting memories feel perfectly at home.