Castle Rock Starlighting

November 21, 2026 | 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.

Event Map Coming Soon

Booth Map Coming Soon

Entertainment Schedule Coming Soon

Booth Number List Coming Soon

View Member & Event Participant Code of Conduct

STARLIGHTING EVENT OVERVIEW

WHEN: Saturday, November 21, 2026 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 events do not accept cash. Credit and debit cards only.

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.

FLIP THE SWITCH & BE PART OF A CASTLE ROCK TRADITION!

Flip the Switch & Be Part of a Castle Rock Tradition

Want to make a lasting impact while creating a special Castle Rock memory? Bid for the exclusive opportunity to Flip the Switch and light the star during the Castle Rock Starlighting!

Online bidding is open through Friday, November 6.

Starting Bid: $2,000
Minimum Bid Increase: $250
Highest Bid Wins!

The Winning Bidder Receives:

Exclusive opportunity to flip the switch on the Main Stage
Name or brand recognition from the Main Stage
Photography to commemorate the moment
Optional marketing recognition in Castle Rock Chamber communications

Funds raised support Castle Rock Chamber programs that strengthen our community, including Veterans Alliance and Tours for Teachers.

Create a memory. Make an impact. Be part of the tradition.

BID NOW!

STARLIGHTING ACTIVITIES & SCHEDULE

All day (2:00 – 6:00 pm) Full Schedule – Coming Soon
- The Castle Rock Professional Firefighters will host the 90th 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 on the main stage at 4th & Wilcox.
- Ongoing festivities throughout the day include strolling carolers, dance groups, and other live entertainment on every corner.
- There’s a kids zone, petting zoo, face painting, and games to entertain the kiddos.
- Enjoy adult beverages at one of the four Chamber Beverage tents, and plenty of food trucks and vendors!
- Nonprofit and sponsor booths will line the streets offering holiday goodies and trinkets.
2:00 – 4:15 pm – Ho Ho Ho! Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus will be in Festival Park.
5:00 pm – 2025 Starlighting Ceremony on the Main Stage at 4th & Wilcox.
5:30 pm – The lighting of the star at the Castle Rock, followed immediately by fireworks show (weather permitting).

Shuttle, Parking, & Street Closures

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 will be location-specific and will make a loop to either Advent Health, Castle Rock/DC High School, or the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Please note return shuttles will pick-up in the same location as drop-off.

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 6am – 8pm:
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

Event Maps Coming Soon

“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.

View Sponsorship Opportunities

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.

Sign-up Coming Soon