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.
“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
Special Thanks to our Sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors
Stage Sponsors
Transportation Sponsors
Santa and Mrs. Claus Sponsor
Kid’s Zone Sponsors
Silver/Candle Sponsors
Mug Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Hot Chocolate Sponsors
Wreath Sponsors
Preferred Hotel Sponsor
