Don’t Miss the Annual Tradition: Castle Rock Starlighting 2026
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! Downtown turns into our own Norman Rockwell painting. This year’s celebration is Saturday, November 21, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. in downtown Castle Rock. Since 1936, thousands have gathered downtown to kick off the holiday season by lighting the town’s famous star 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, visit vendor booths, and shop local shops. You can even take your kids to see Santa. This year’s holiday celebration runs from 2–6 pm, with entertainment on nearly every downtown street corner. The 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. Handicapped parking is also available on a first-come/first-served basis throughout town. However, we highly recommend taking a shuttle from The Meadows. Your car will be towed at your expense if you park 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. Join the holiday spirit on Saturday, November 21, with the Castle Rock Starlighting ceremony in downtown Castle Rock. View the full event schedule and learn more about the history of this tradition here.
Photo Credit: Town of Castle Rock