Castle Rock Starlighting

November 18, 2023 | Downtown Castle Rock | 2 – 6 pm

Step into a Norman Rockwell scene at Starlighting, an annual traditional community ceremony that includes lighting the star on top of Castle Rock followed by a fireworks display. Festivities include caroling, dancing, visiting with Santa Claus, kids activities, nonprofit booths, food vendors, hot chocolate, and the iconic chili supper at the Firehouse.

STARLIGHTING EVENT OVERVIEW

WHEN: Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm
WHERE: Historic Wilcox Square  |  Downtown Castle Rock & Festival Park

The ceremony begins at 5:00 pm on the main stage, with the lighting of The Star at approximately 5:30 pm, followed immediately by fireworks.

General Admission – FREE

Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce created the beloved Starlighting event in 1962, which celebrates the holiday season featuring the lighting of the star on top of the Rock (the star was first lit in 1936).

The same spirit of volunteerism, generosity, and love of tradition exists today as Castle Rock businesses and residents prepare to kick off and celebrate the holiday season! For many, this is a sacred family tradition, not to be missed

STARLIGHTING ACTIVITIES & SCHEDULE

  • All day (2:00 – 6:00 pm) Full Schedule
    • The Castle Rock Professional Firefighters will host the 87th Annual Chili Supper at Castle Rock Fire Station 151. They will be serving beef chili, nachos, hot dogs, drinks, and desserts.
    • Biff Gore to provide live music entertainment (all day.)
    • 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
    • Enjoy adult beverages and plenty of food trucks!
    • Nonprofit and sponsor booths will line the streets offering holiday goodies and trinkets.
  • 2:00 – 4:15 pm – Ho Ho Ho! Santa Claus makes an appearance.
  • 5:00 pm – 2023 Starlighting Ceremony emcee 9news anchors Corey Rose & Gary Shapiro will begin the ceremony.
  • 5:30 pm – The fireworks display follows the lighting of the star.

Free Shuttle Rides: 1:30 – 8:00 pm

AdventHealth Castle Rock – Pick Up: Alexander Parking Lot-2350 Meadows Blvd, – Drops off at Fifth/Wilcox

DOUGLAS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL – Pick Up: South Bldg. (2842 Front Street) – Drops off at Fifth/Wilcox

At the end of the event, Shuttles are not location-specific and will make a loop to both Advent Health Castle Rock/DC High School drop-off locations.

2nd Shuttle Route Option:

DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS – Pick Up: Lot 5 (500 Fairgrounds Drive) – Shuttle Drops off at the street between South Street & Phelps Streets – Eternal Rock Lutheran Church & Folkestad Fazekas Buildings.

ADDITIONAL PARKING AVAILABLE AT PARKING GARAGES IN DOWNTOWN CASTLE ROCK.

Please Refer to Town of Castle Rock Downtown Parking Map for most accurate information.

ENCORE PARKING GARAGE WILCOX/PERRY:

PARKING GARAGE ON 3RD/JERRY

View the Downtown Castle Rock Parking Map

Street Closures:
Perry Street – 5th to 2nd
N. Wilcox St – 5th to 3rd
4th St – Jerry to Perry
3rd St – Wilcox to Perry
2nd St – Wilcox to Perry

castle rock starlighting logo

“Castle Rock” by Helen Lowrie Marshall

Part of our tradition is to read the “Castle Rock” poem written by resident Helen Lowrie Marshall in 1966:

Long years ago in Bethlehem

A star shone brilliant bright

Above the place where Christ was born

On that first Christmas night

 

And Wiseman, following its gleam

Came traveling from afar

To see the miracle that lay

Beneath that glorious Star

 

Tonight we light our Christmas star

In memory of that birth

Proclaiming to the world our wish

For PEACE, good will on Earth

A beacon light whose beams reach out

To lift the hearts of men,

That they may sense the wonder

Of his coming again

 

That travelers by earth and sky

Who journey through the night

May feel the warmth and peace and cheer

Reflected in its light

 

For now, as then, the star proclaims

A miracle sublime

The miracle of love reborn

Each blessed Christmastime

And, as the Star of Bethlehem

Declared the Savior’s birth

May this, the Star of Castle Rock,

Shine forth for PEACE on Earth

Sponsor Starlighting

Standing out in a crowd of competitors is no easy task, and it’s getting and more more difficult. Call or email us to learn about exciting sponsorship opportunities we can offer your business.

Volunteer at Starlighting

We appreciate our fun and helpful group of volunteers! Every year we need help with coordinating logistics, transportation, ticketing, vendor assistance, and much more. Have fun and meet new people at this iconic event.

Nonprofit Vendors

Register a non-profit to secure a booth for this festive community event. Full terms and conditions at the link below.

Food Truck Vendors

If you are a Food Truck vendor and want to participate at the Starlighting event, you can apply below.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors!

Platinum Sponsors

Aloha Fund
Town of Castle Rock Colorado
American Family Insurance
advent health

Stage Sponsors

CORE Electric Cooperative
Quantum fiber

Transportation Sponsors

the meadows
State Farm Dave Toplinicki
westerra cu

Santa and Mrs. Claus Sponsor

big life integrative health

Kid’s Zone Sponsors

Air Academy Credit Union
Castle Rock Martial Arts

Silver/Candle Sponsors

Mug Sponsors

Minute Man Castle Rock
Shake Shack
Hydrate IV Bar
Navpoint
Advent Health Castle Rock
Mountain Air Comfort Systems
folkestad fazekas
Cova Tree
Moore Lumber and Hardware
CR Ear Associates

Bronze Sponsors

Hot Chocolate Sponsors

Shake Shack
Castle Toys
douglas county school district
Gravinas Window Center of Littleton
Douglas County Fair & Rodeo Foundation
Bridgewater Living Castle Rock

Wreath Sponsors

Independent Financial
kokish
douglas county school district
Douglas Lodge 153 A.F. & A.M.

Preferred Hotel Sponsor

Quality Inn