Don’t Miss the Annual Tradition: Castle Rock Starlighting 2025
Are you already in the holiday spirit? The music is already playing, shopping has begun, and some decorations are already popping up. In Castle Rock, the holidays officially kick off with the town’s biggest event of the year, the annual Starlighting Ceremony! It’s when downtown turns into our own Norman Rockwell painting. This year’s celebration will be on Saturday, November 22, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. in downtown Castle Rock. Since 1936, thousands have gathered downtown to kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the town’s famous star that sits atop The Rock, and the tradition continues with a day full of events.
A Day Full of Holiday Cheer!
Spend the afternoon enjoying live music, adult beverages, and hot chocolate for the kids as you stroll downtown, visiting vendor booths and local shops. You can even take your kids to see Santa. This year’s holiday celebration will take place from 2–6 pm, with entertainment on nearly every street corner downtown. Then, of course, the entire day culminates with a fireworks show and the lighting of the star on top of The Rock at 5 pm. Click here for a complete list of entertainment and schedules. Map out your afternoon here.
Take A Shuttle To and From The Meadows
This event gets a little crazy downtown; literally, the entire town shows up, and most streets leading into downtown will be blocked off from 1:30 pm to 8:00 pm for the celebration, making parking a challenge. However, Meadows residents can avoid the hassle of driving/parking downtown and instead take a shuttle from the Alexander Building Parking Lot by the hospital. You’ll be dropped off at Fifth and Wilcox in the middle of the action.
If you want to park downtown, there is limited space in the parking garage on Jerry and 3rd street and the Encore Parking Garage on Perry and Wilcox. Also, handicapped parking is available on a first-come/first-served basis throughout town. However, taking a shuttle from The Meadows is highly recommended. Your car will be towed at your expense if you’re busted parking in one of the closed sections. View the road closures and parking areas here.
Our small-town atmosphere shines during the Season of the Star. Jump into the holiday spirit Saturday, November 22, with the Castle Rock Starlighting ceremony in downtown Castle Rock. Access the complete event schedule and discover more about the history of this tradition here.
Photo Credit: Town of Castle Rock