Castle Rock Families' Guide to Starlighting
- Jen Kaminski
- Nov 21
- 4 min read
The Castle Rock Starlighting is the town's most-attended event; not just of the holiday season, but the whole year! Whether you are new to Starlighting, simply need a refresher, or are looking at the event through a new lens, read on for some ideas on how to approach the event!
The star was first lit atop the rock in 1936, and this beloved festival tradition was established in 1962...and boy has it grown! Now, 30,000+ people visit the streets of Downtown Castle Rock to be a part of this annual tradition that kicks off the Season of the Star.
If you've never attended, it's worth checking out to see what the hype has been about all these years!
WHY ATTEND THIS BUSY EVENT?
As a mom with two kids, we love this tradition because it's our official kickoff for the holiday season. We run into so many friends at the event, watch other kids perform on stages throughout the streets, do some holiday shopping, and enjoy a fantastic fireworks show. While this event draws tens of thousands of people from all around Douglas County, we always see people we know and there's no better way to get that sense of community! Simply put: even if lines are long or streets seem more crowded than usual, we have never regretted going to Starlighting.
WHEN TO ARRIVE:
The event starts officially at 2pm, which certainly doesn't mean you can't arrive downtown earlier than this. Vendors might still be setting up prior to 2pm, but visit a coffee shop, a retail shop, or grab a bite to eat before the fun!
WHERE TO PARK:
SHUTTLE INFORMATION
If you are looking to take a shuttle, you can enjoy Free Shuttle Rides from 1:30 – 8:00 pm
LOOP 1:
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
LOOP 2:
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.
At the end of the event, Shuttles will be location-specific and will make a loop to either Advent Health, DC High School, or the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Please note return shuttles will pick-up in the same location as drop-off.
WHERE TO GO:
Follow the crowd! Wilcox Square (the streets surrounding the government building) will be the main focal point, with the main stage at Fourth and Wilcox. The streets are fully open for walking and wandering. If you need a map, visit the Castle Rock Chamber's dedicated Starlighting page.
IS THIS GOOD FOR KIDS?
Definitely! Between the Kids Zone, live entertainment, photo ops, family-friendly vendors, freebies and visits with Santa, this event is a fun outing and tradition for the fam! We love running into schoolmates and neighbors at Starlighting, taking family pictures by the Festival Park tree, and visiting shops with hot chocolate in tow.
Just about all parts of downtown are stroller friendly, so bring the stroller...HOWEVER, this event gets busy and congested closer to the ceremony, so make sure you have an exit strategy if you need to roll out, or a meeting point if you get separated.
"I DON'T WANT TO HANG OUT, I WANT TO FAST FORWARD TO THE STAR LIGHTING & FIREWORKS":
As long as you are there before the ceremony kicks off at 5pm, you'll get to see the big show. After a speech from the mayor, live music and cameos from local VIPs, the star is lit at approximately 5:30pm, followed immediately by fireworks (pending conditions). The event officially wraps at 6pm.
This year's emcees include Kirk Yuhnke from FOX31, Denise Plante from iHeartRadio, and Deborah Takahra from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
WHAT TO DO:
Visit the KIDS ZONE! You'll typically see face painting, a petting zoo, inflatable games and more! You can find this behind the government building.
Visit with SANTA & MRS. CLAUS! You can find the jolly duo at Festival Park, between 2:00-4:15pm.
Visit with local businesses and organizations! The streets will be lined with tents sponsored by schools, churches, businesses, non profits and more. They will have games, handouts, freebies, photo booths, and holiday cheer!
We personally always love visiting with our business friends and former teachers from local preschools.
Shop downtown! Most retail spots will be open for regular shopping. Other businesses like salons and agencies may have their doors open for open houses, hot chocolate bars, or other fun experiences.
Watch LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! Stages are located throughout the downtown and feature entertainment from local dance studios, choirs, and more! This Is a great way to support young entertainers as they take the stage In front of family and friends. The main stage will feature live musicians prior to the ceremony (kicking off at 5pm). Get the full schedule here.
I wouldn't be a good mom if I didn't plug that my kiddo will be dancing with Schotime Dance Center at 3:00pm! This is one of her favorite performances of the year!
Enjoy local grub! Most restaurants will be open (and busy!), so grab a snack or beverage to go and wander the streets. You'll also find food trucks if your favorite taco shop is busy. And beverages? Beer tents and hot chocolate stands are located in the streets too, so you and your family won't get thirsty!
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring a poncho or rain gear...yes it does rain sometimes!
Most vendors will be accepting credit or debit cards only and not carrying cash...bring your cards!
Bring a charged phone so you can take plenty of pictures and selfies at photo stations around the festival.
Layers...it gets chilly when the sun goes down!
Need more info? Head to the Castle Rock Chamber's website, they do a standup job organizing this event!
And if you see me out and about at this event, say hi! :)