Almost Christmas in Castle Rock!
Sleigh bells are ringing, carolers are singing, and it’s almost Christmas in Castle Rock! The things to do this month are multiplying the closer we get, with memorable events to do every day this weekend.
TODAY, Thursday, December 8
BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE
Author Rhonda Beck will present the history of Denver’s Union Station. She explores the history and stories behind one of the Mile High City’s most iconic historic landmarks. In 1881, Denver’s Union Station opened as the largest structure west of the Mississippi. The station welcomed people from all walks of life, from pioneers and miners to U.S. presidents and Buffalo Bill Cody – and even royalty from abroad.
Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock
6:45-8:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-814-3164
TODAY, Thursday-Saturday, December 8-10
HOLIDAY TEA
Make a memory this holiday season at one of the Cherokee Ranch annual Holiday Tea events, with dates throughout the month of December. The ranch serves up tea with all sorts of cakes and fruit, sandwiches and other sweet treats. These events fill up quickly (lots of dates have already sold out) so make your reservations in advance!
Cherokee Ranch, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
Thurs./Fri., 1:00 p.m.; Sat. 2:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-688-5555
TICKETS: $50
Thursday-Sunday, December 8-11
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE RADIO PLAY
This beloved American holiday classic comes to life on the Lone Tree Arts Center stage as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with an applause sign, commercial jingles, and on-stage sound effects. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 8:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Phone: 720-509-1000
THE NUTCRACKER
Colorado Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker remains the “gold standard” as the largest production of this holiday favorite in Colorado. This larger-than-life holiday tradition continues to be as popular as ever, with nearly all performance events sold out last year. Purchase your tickets early for this dreamy production that features lavish costumes, exuberant dancing, whimsical battles, hypnotizing snow flurries, sumptuous sets, majestic live music by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra and a little bit of magic. (PERFORMANCES ARE SELLING OUT QUICKLY!)
Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1400 Curtis St., Denver
Thurs./Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.;
TICKETS: $30-155
Friday, December 9
WHITE CHRISTMAS MUSICAL REVIEW
The great American songbook highlighting the music and magic in the classic film, White Christmas. Reminisce with tunes by Irving Berlin and others, including many seasonal favorites and of course, White Christmas! Reservations will include Castle tours, a buffet dinner, and dessert and coffee. The site will also feature a cash bar.
Cherokee Ranch, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
6:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-688-5555
TICKETS: $100
COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS!
Join Santa’s wife for a holiday story time and cookies and milk in the Food Court at the Outlets mall.
The Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
2:00-3:00 p.m.
FREE
Friday-Saturday, December 9-10
A PARIS STREET MARKET
A Paris Street Market is celebrating its 15th anniversary with vendors selling vintage, antique and artisan items, as well as food! Check out the photo gallery to get an idea – but it’s a little like an outdoor flea market and craft fair, just indoors.
Douglas County Fairgrounds, Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
FREE
Friday-Sunday, December 9-11
ICE SKATING IN CASTLE ROCK
The residents of the master-planned community of Crystal Valley have their own outdoor ice skating rink this winter, just minutes from their front door! The Rink at the Rock is a great place to strap on a pair of ice skates and glide around the groomed ice Wednesday through Sunday!
Rink at the Rock, 414 Perry St., Castle Rock
Open Skate Hours
Admission: $6-$8, plus $3 skate rental (lockers $1.50)
Saturday, December 10
FLAMENCO FANTASY DANCERS
An intimate evening and a Castle tradition features authentic Gypsy artistry by master guitarist René Heredia and members of his Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theatre. The troupe teaches and performs traditional Flamenco in the Spanish, Gypsy, and Andalusian style. The events include Castle mini-tours, a delectable dinner buffet, and a dessert reception with the artists.
Cherokee Ranch, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
6:30 p.m.
Phone: 303-688-5555
Tickets: $100
STORYTELLERS AND S’MORES
Last year’s delicious Storytellers and S’mores event left everyone ready for some more! Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with this Season of the Star Event Series favorite. Enjoy an evening around a campfire listening to stories and making S’mores. This year, in addition to a gourmet S’mores bar, the event will include other foods for purchase, plus wine and spirits.
Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
2:00-5:00 p.m.
Phone: 720-724-2007
FREE
Sunday, December 11
A HOLLY JOLLY MURDER MYSTERY
It’s 1988, and the annual Christmas Pageant is underway for a local Children’s Fund. The competition is fierce, but there seems to be more drama offstage than on, and jealousy, unrequited love and other secrets bubble up. When someone mysteriously dies, the group is left to find out whodunit! This show is family-friendly and tickets include: Castle mini-tours, dinner and the performance. A cash bar will also be open.
Cherokee Ranch, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
6:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-688-5555
Tickets: $80
Now through Christmas Eve
PICTURES WITH SANTA CLAUS
Santa will be at The Outlets of Castle Rock from now until Christmas Eve! Close enough to Crystal Valley to pop over with the littles and their wish lists for a photo op with jolly old St. Nick.
The Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
Times Vary
Now through January 1
BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT
Embrace the holiday season at Blossoms of Light, featuring more than a million colorful lights draped in elegant designs highlighting the Gardens’ winter beauty. Enjoy sparkling passages, new displays and romantic kissing spots under the mistletoe, all made more beautiful through HoloSpex glasses. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available.
Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
5:30-9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$13
Now through January 8, 2017
MERRY GRINCHMAS!
Come and take a look at this salute to the cartoon’s 50th anniversary in one of the most significant collections of original hand-drawn Grinch animation cells and related artworks in America, on loan from private collectors. Don’t miss this nostalgic look at the origins of the family favorite How the Grinch Stole Christmas, produced by Cat in the Hat Productions and MGM Studios. This short film brought Theodore Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss!) beloved book to life and is now widely regarded as a holiday classic. (You can rent it this holiday season from Netflix and Amazon!)
Fine Arts Center Museum, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Admission: $15, Children under 12, free
Phone: 719-634-5583
Now Through April 2, 2017
STAR WARS™ COSTUMES EXHIBIT!
If you’re a Star Wars™ fan, take a unique journey into the Star Wars™ universe as characters come to life through a dramatic presentation of more than 60 original costumes. Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume will closely examine the process of costume designing the iconic outfits featured in all seven films of the Star Wars™ series.
Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Avenue Pkwy, Denver
Tours begin every 15 minutes
TICKETS: Non-Members $5-$28
Holiday Happenings in Crystal Valley
Holiday happenings multiply every week near our master-planned community in Castle Rock, with events and activities all over town. Drop by our sales offices to view models by Richmond American Homes. With both ranch and two-story floor plans, new homes are priced from the $300s.
