Crystal Valley Blog

With Christmas only four days away, you don’t have to wonder if there’s anything to do this weekend around Castle Rock! You can participate in a religious service, tour a traveling art exhibit or take in one of several entertaining events to mark the season!

TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, December 22

ART STOP ON THE GO!

Calling all budding artists! Time to cultivate your inner Picasso with our friends from the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. One of the museum’s artists will present a book for the kids to enjoy, then lead them in a literature-based art project.

Roxborough Library, 8357 N. Rampart Range Rd., #200, Littleton
4:30-5:30 p.m.
303-791-7323
Register now

COLORADO BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER
The annual production of The Nutcracker sold out last year and there’s every indication of another sellout this year. Tickets were still available at posting time for this dreamy production that features extravagant costumes, flawless dancing, magnificent sets and live music by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1400 Curtis St., Denver
Thurs., 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.;
Tickets: $30-155

Thursday-Saturday, December 22-24

SHREK: THE MUSICAL
The famous ogre from DreamWorks animated film is the star of Shrek: The Musical, an entertaining performance with beloved characters from the William Steig novel. Our hero sets off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with his best friend, a wise-cracking donkey, to rescue a spirited princess.

Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sat., 12:00 p.m.
Phone: 719-634-5583
Tickets: $20-$50

SANTA CLAUS IS IN!
The line to Santa’s lap starts here, at the Outlets mall. Bring the kids to share their last-minute wish lists with the jolly ol’ St. Nick, all the way up until Christmas Eve!

The Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
Thurs./Fri., 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Sat., 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
FREE

Lone Tree Library, Kids Corner, 10055 Library Way, Lone Tree
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-791-7323

Thursday-Wednesday, December 22-28

OUTDOOR ICE SKATING
The Rink at the Rock is a popular place to ice skate in the great outdoors of Castle Rock! Bring your friends and family before or after Christmas for a lap or two around the rink!

Rink at the Rock, 414 Perry St., Castle Rock
Open Skate Hours
Admission: $6-$8, plus $3 skate rental (lockers $1.50)

Saturday, December 24

BARK FOR BOOKS!
A pawsitive opportunity to boost your child’s literacy skills with a dog as his or her audience. Each session is 15 minutes.

Roxborough Library, 8357 N. Rampart Range Rd., #200, Littleton
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
303-791-7323
Register at the Library

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
Join your Crystal Valley neighbors in Festival Park as several churches come together to host a candlelight service to commemorate the birth of Christ. Another popular Season of the Star Event Series favorite.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Phone: 720-724-2007
FREE

ANGLICAN CHURCH SERVICE
Join the congregation from Emmaus Anglican Church on Christmas Eve for a living Nativity with Holy Communion.
Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
5:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-877-9621

Monday, December 26

ART STOP ON THE GO
Calling all budding artists! Time to cultivate your inner Picasso with our friends from the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. One of the museum’s artists will present a book for the kids to enjoy, then lead them in a literature-based art project.

Castle Pines Library, 360 Village Square Ln., Castle Pines
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Phone: 303-791-7323
Register Now

CHANUKAH BEGINS!
Join the traditional observance of Chanukah – commemorating the Jewish victory over Syrian armies in 163 B.C. — with the lighting of the Chanukiya, and latkes (potato pancakes!), donuts, arts and crafts and Chanukah gifts for the children.

Eastridge Rec Center, 9568 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch

5:00 p.m.
FREE

Tuesday, December 27

CHANUKAH LIGHTING CELEBRATION!
Meet in O’Brien Park to celebrate Chanukah and light the Chanukiya. This celebration will also include latkes donuts, arts and crafts and Chanukah gifts for the children.

O’Brien Park, NE Corner of Parker and Mainstreet, Parker
5:00 p.m.

THE BEACH BOYS
The Beach Boys changed the musical landscape so profoundly that every pop act since has been in its debt. The band with tens of millions of hit singles and sold albums is coming to Colorado Springs! The group continues to create and perform with the same bold imagination and style that marked its explosive debut over 50 years ago. Get your tickets today to this rare concert event!

Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 South Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $61.75-$77.25
Now through January 1

LIGHT SHOW ON THE FARM!
This holiday lights extravaganza includes past favorites plus a longer trail with added lights, animal sculptures, a Magical Enchanted Forest, insect light sculptures at the Lavender Garden, and Craft Nights. With synchronized music in the children’s play area, a warming hut, holiday light-up sticks and HoloSpex glasses, there are also hot drinks and tasty treats to keep you toasty and fueled!

Botanic Gardens/Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd.,
Littleton
5:30-9:00 p.m.
720-865-4336
Tickets: $2-$11

BOTANIC GARDENS’ LIGHT SPECTACLE
With over one million colorful lights, Blossoms of Light highlights the Denver Botanic Gardens’ picturesque splendor. You’ll find sound-reactive animated LED lights, mistletoe just waiting for lovers to discover, and twinkling lights that will charm you. The Gardens also offers drinks to keep you warm and tasty treats to keep you going, so don’t miss this annual winter lights pageant.

Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
5:30-9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$13
Now through January 8, 2017

THE GRINCHIEST CHRISTMAS!
The 50th anniversary of How the Grinch Stole Christmas shines in this display of hand-drawn Grinch-animation cells and related artworks on loan from private collectors. The classic family film, produced by Cat in the Hat Productions and MGM Studios, brought Dr. Seuss’ Whos in Whoville to life and is now widely regarded as a holiday classic.

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 ON DISPLAY!
More than 60 original Star Wars™ costumes worn by Star Wars™ characters are on display in a historic presentation. The Power of Costume looks at the how designers put together all of the other-worldly outfits featured in all seven films of the Star Wars™ franchise.

Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14^th Avenue Pkwy, Denver
Tours begin every 15 minutes
TICKETS: Non-Members $5-$28

Christmas in Castle Rock
Stop by the master-planned community of Crystal Valley in Castle Rock before or after Christmas Day to see the models by Richmond American Homes. Floor plans are available in ranch and two-story models, priced from the $300s with several quick move-ins.