Crystal Valley Blog

It’s Starlighting weekend; the event that kicks off the holidays for Castle Rock and lights up the sky! And it’s all happening just minutes from your front door! You can also take in comedians Christopher Titus and Jeanne Robertson, or an eye-popping film phenomenon of the Grand Canyon with breath-taking views this weekend. Just don’t miss the Starlighting spectacle, complete with family-friendly festivities downtown – and keep your eyes on the Rock!

TODAY/TONIGHT, November 16

WHAT’S UP WITH SAUDI ARABIA?
With over 20 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves, U.S. dependence on Saudi Arabia’s resources has been challenging. Join Active Minds as they delve into Saudi Arabia’s history, the recent transition in generational power of the Saudi Royal family, the latest developments initiated by the crown prince, and the complicated role played by Wahhabi Islam and Sunni Islam in the country and the region.

Castle Rock Senior Center, 2323 Woodlands Blvd., Castle Rock
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Free
Phone:303-688-9498

GAME ON!

This is a fun competition for teens who read to get their game on for Trivia Night!

Test your knowledge and unleash your inner geek with an evening of exciting battles between the best brains in Castle Rock!

Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register here
Phone: 303-814-3164

Thursday-Saturday, November 16-18

CHRISTOPHER TITUS LIVE!
Comedian Christopher Titus is touring comedy theaters across the U.S. with his new show, Amerigeddon. Titus’ brand of comedy, described as “hard funny,” is revealed in his seven albums, released in as many years, and six one-hour comedy specials currently running on Comedy Central. His seventh special, Born with a Defect, premiered just this year.

Nothing is off limits with Titus, especially within his own life and family, as he takes his audience on a 90-minute ride that will leave them exhausted from laughing. To see one of Christopher Titus’ shows, is to love him and his newest show is no exception — selling out in theaters across the country.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs.-Fri., 7:15 & 9:45 p.m.; Sat., 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $17-$25
Phone: 303-274-6800

Thursday-Sunday, November 16-19

COMEDY PLAY: DINNER AT FIVE
Two old friends, Eddie, a retired utility worker, and Arnie, a retired teacher, have arranged a dinner party with their wives, Gracie, who is married to Eddie, and Norma. who is married to Arnie. Eddie has a joke for any occasion and Arnie has a factoid to drop into every conversation. But what Eddie and Arnie don’t know is that the women in their lives have something else in mind. Something shocking. Gracie is tired of Eddie’s jokes, and Norma is over Arnie’s facts. The women suggest they can energize their lives by switching partners! Oh my! What will happen with these four swinging seniors?!

Parker Arts Center (PACE), 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $36-$39
Phone: 303-805-6800

Friday, November 17

DANCING IN STARLIGHT
Kick off the annual Starlighting event with a get-your-groove-on dance party! Dance lessons and demos will be provided by Arthur Murray Dance Studio and you can come as you are, or dress up like your favorite celebrity!

Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register here
Phone: 303-814-3164

FUNNY LADY JEANNE ROBERTSON
At 73 years young, Jeanne Robertson continues to charm audiences with her funny observations about life. This former Miss North Carolina stands tall at six-foot-two, has an infectious personality, a big heart and an even bigger sense of humor.

With eight nationally-released DVDs, three books, hundreds of hours on SiriusXM satellite radio and over 41 million YouTube hits, the demand for Robertson’s engaging, family-friendly brand of comedy has grown exponentially. Some of her most popular anecdotes include “Don’t Go to Vegas Without a Baptist,” “Don’t Bungee Jump Naked”, and “Don’t Send a Man to the Grocery Store.” Robertson’s witty depiction of everyday life never fails to entertain!

Pikes Peak Center, 190, S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$55
Phone: 888-929-7849

NAT GEO LIVE: GRAND CANYON
The Grand Canyon’s uncharted glory and the myriad threats it faces, is evident in the documentary produced by writer Kevin Fedarko and photographer/filmmaker Pete McBride. As they set off on a demanding canyon adventure, transecting the 600-mile length of the canyon on foot, this trek is not the pair’s first adventure together, but it may be the toughest.

An award-winning photographer, writer, and filmmaker, Pete has traveled to over 70 countries for the National Geographic Society, Outside magazine, Patagonia, and The Nature Conservancy. A passionate conservationist, Pete has been named a “Freshwater Hero” by National Geographic. Kevin left his post as a top editor at Outside magazine for the dusty abyss of the Grand Canyon and is the author of The Emerald Mile. His work has been featured in National Geographic Adventure, Esquire, and Time, among other publications.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Call for Tickets
Phone: 720-509-1000

Friday-Saturday, November 17-18

PARIS STREET MARKET
The Paris Street Market is a vintage, antique, apparel and décor artisan market celebrating its 16th anniversary. Many of the vendors (and customers) have been with the market since its inception and enjoy all the unique holiday possibilities the vendors present!

Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 18

SANTA’S BREAKFAST DATE
Santa’s Big Day is right around the corner, but he needs to prepare for his night-long journey! Join him for a pancake breakfast starting with the scavenger hunt around the mall, entertainment, and other fun activities throughout the morning.

All the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Special Olympics Colorado organization. There’s no better way to support the local community and get in the holiday spirit!

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
8:30 a.m.
Tickets: $5

THANKSGIVING TEA
Make the holidays truly special with one of the Cherokee Ranch and Castle Thanksgiving teas, starting this weekend! Join in the fun with family and friends and experience seasonal holiday festivities, with delectable food and sweet treats.

Cherokee Ranch and Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park, Sedalia
12:45 p.m.
Tickets: $50
Phone: 303-688-5555

ANNUAL STARLIGHTING!
Since 1936, the Castle Rock “Lighting of the Star” has been a community event shared by residents. The same spirit of volunteerism, generosity and love of tradition will be on display this year as we gather to celebrate the annual Starlighting downtown. This year’s celebration will include: hot chocolate, nonprofit booths, strolling entertainers, live entertainment and, of course, Santa Clause. The red-suited gent will be on hand for photos and kids’ wish list conversations. Don’t forget to check out the Rink at the Rock, Castle Rock’s own outdoor ice skating rink downtown, and entertainment at the Emporium. The Starlighting ceremony will begin promptly at 5:00 p.m.

Wilcox Square, Castle Rock
2:00-7:00 p.m.
Free

NUTCRACKER HIGHLIGHTS
Usher in the holiday season with an enthralling performance that brings to life a favorite holiday story of old. The International Youth Ballet returns to perform this one-hour family-friendly performance. Bring the family and join the Nutcracker Prince in this colorful and magical staging of a holiday classic!

Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch
Tickets: $8 ($11 at the door)
3:00 & 7:00 p.m.

JAZZ UNDER THE STARS
Watch the annual Castle Rock Starlighting from the comfort of a country club — with music, food, drinks and a perfect view without the hassle of downtown traffic!

Plum Creek Golf Club, 331 Players Club Dr., Castle Rock
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$25

Sunday November 19

DENVER CONCERT BAND
Harvests and Holidays, the seasonal concert performed by the Denver Concert Band (DCB) includes great pieces with a harvest theme and seasonal holiday favorites. Our special guest (from the North Pole) will be sure to thrill the kiddos and everyone else who appreciates great music! The Denver Concert Band is a 90-piece adult community group made up of volunteer musicians who perform year-round in the Denver-Metro area and throughout Colorado. Known for their rich sound and delightful variety of music, there is something for everyone in the performances of the DCB.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $13-$17
Phone: 720-509-1000

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
For more than 20 years, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) has been a critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum, musical powerhouse. Its annual winter stop in Colorado Springs is a beloved and multi-generational holiday tradition. The orchestra’s 2017 tour, a completely updated presentation of TSO’s unforgettable The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, is based on TSO’s multi-platinum DVD and long running PBS fundraiser. The rock opera features enduring fan-favorites: Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Good King Joy, Christmas Canon, Music Box Blues, Promises to Keep, and This Christmas Day.

Broadmoor Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
3:00 & 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $55.50-$85.00
Phone: 719-520-7649

Monday, November 20-Wednesday November 22

WARREN MILLER’S LATEST SKI FLICK
Warren Miller is the world’s leading ski filmmaker whose amazing movies have, for the last 68 years, kicked off the annual ski season. This year’s entry Warren Miller’s Line of Descent will take audiences on a journey discovering skiing icons who have made the mountains their home and raised the next generation of winter adventurers. The movie tours New Zealand, the French Alps — where native son Jean-Claude Killy’s legacy fills Val-D’Isere hearts with pride, Norway, British Columbia, the Northern Rockies and the rugged terrain of Jackson Hole with legends like Tommy Moe and Jess McMillan.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $13-$17
Phone: 720-509-1000

Lighting Up Crystal Valley

The Starlighting ceremony puts homebuyers in the master-planned community of Crystal Valley in the mood for winter holidays. If you’re not at home in Crystal Valley, you can be! Explore the new home designs crafted by Richmond American Homes and D.R. Horton in both ranch or two-story models. Plus, you’re just in time to visit the beautiful new model by Kauffman Homes! Nestled in nature, these new homes are priced from the high $300s.