Crystal Valley Blog

Everywhere you go in the Castle Rock vicinity this weekend, you’ll find holiday decorations and festive activities. Home for the Holidays is back in Lone Tree, and there are two versions of The Nutcracker available to see. Topping off the weekend: the big holiday fireworks display on Saturday evening, visible from virtually anywhere in Douglas County!

TODAY/TONIGHT, December 16

WE ARE SANTA
This special holiday photography exhibit is a curated collection of fifty professional Santas from across the country. Photographer Ron Cooper captured fascinating slices of the lives of those who slip into the red suit to spread Christmas cheer. 

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
1:30 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
Phone: 720-509-1000

Thursday-Saturday, December 16-18

THE NUTCRACKER OF CASTLE ROCK 
Talented young local dancers present the beloved holiday tradition, The Nutcracker! Clara and her Nutcracker Prince travel to the magical land of the Sugar Plum Fairy and are treated to a colorful dance performance by an assortment of dancers from all over the world.

Castle View High School, 5254 N. Meadows Dr., Castle Rock
Thurs./Fri./Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15 – $20
Phone: 303-387-9000

COMEDIAN IAN BAGG
A popular stand-up comedian in New York City, Ian Bagg is originally from Canada. His endearing humor has made him a favorite on late-night shows, and he placed in the Top 5 on Last Comic Standing. He has two half-hour specials—one on Comedy Central Presents and another on HBO’s A Comics Climb—as well as a one-hour special on Showtime. His latest digital release Conversations is available everywhere, and he hosts his own podcast, Ian Bagg Bought A House.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$28
Phone: 720-274-6800

Thursday-Sunday, December 16-19

SPIN AND SOAR
There’s only place you can spin and soar to your heart’s content—when you’re ice skating at the Rink at the Rock! Don your skates (or rent some from the rink), and soon you’ll remember why you loved this sport so much in the first place! 

Rink at the Rock, 414 Perry St, Castle Rock
Thurs./Fri., 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.; Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8-$10

CHRISTMAS KITSCH
Anyone who fondly remembers old-school holiday office parties will appreciate the nostalgic energy of Miracle Bar’s kitschy holiday décor and professionally-developed cocktails. Guaranteed to put a smile on the face of even the grouchiest grinch!

Adults only after 8 p.m. except on Sundays, when all ages are welcome all day and evening.

Miracle Bar at Pindustry, 7939 E. Arapahoe Rd., Centennial
Thurs., 4:00 – 11:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.; Sun., 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Reserve: FREE

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
An old-time holiday variety show conjures the best memories of Christmas past—and with this lively production, you’ll be feeling more than nostalgic. Live on stage will be dancers, singers, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, capturing the best of Christmas present!

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 8:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $36 – $63
Phone: 720-509-1000

Friday, December 17

SNOW SCIENCE
A fun way for kids ages 7-14 to learn some cool concepts about science in an outdoor hands-on environment. Home-schooled kids can get credit for the class, and anyone is welcome to join.

What can be learned from winter landscapes and how do scientists go about collecting samples from the snow? 

Backcountry Wilderness Area, 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Register: $20 – $25

Friday-Sunday, December 17-19

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT HUDSON GARDENS
For one of the most spectacular lighting displays in the area, you can’t beat the magnificent show at Hudson Gardens. You’ll see animated snowmen, dancing Christmas trees, and can stroll through the holiday light tunnel! 

Hudson Gardens, 6115 South Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $12-$15
Phone: 303-797-8565

Saturday, December 18

THE NUTCRACKER OF PARKER
Clara and her Nutcracker Prince go on the fantasy journey of a Christmas night dream—to a land of snowflakes, sugar plums, and dancing toys. The Colorado School of Dance presents Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic in what is certain to become a holiday tradition for your family.

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $26
Phone: 303-805-6800

FULL MOON HIKE
A wintry landscape will greet you on this December Full Moon Hike—and you don’t need a flashlight to see it! Let the moon light your way and your naturalist guide will assist in pointing out various plants and animals along the way. Recommended for ages 7+.

Backcountry Wilderness Area, 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Register: $7 – $10

HOLIDAY FIREWORKS
One of the silver linings of the pandemic was this magnificent fireworks display! Last year, Douglas County came up with the December fireworks celebration as a way of lifting spirits. This year, it’s officially become a new tradition! Three simultaneous 30-minute fireworks shows will light up the skies all over the area. Locations were selected for prime viewing from the ground, in a vehicle nearby the launch site, or via livestream. Join in the celebration! 

Various locations, Castle Rock, Parker, and Highlands Ranch
7:00 p.m.
Information: FREE

Saturday-Sunday, December 18-19

LEGALLY BLONDE JR.
The popular Reese Witherspoon movie is also a musical for the stage! This presentation is performed by a talented youth cast, ages 11-15, and is sure to add some sparkle to your holidays! When Elle Wood follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School, she manages to charm her way into the prestigious school. Although she never would have considered herself Harvard Law material, Elle finds her confidence and decides to prove herself to the world.

The Schoolhouse Theater, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
Sat., 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$30

Sunday, December 19

ELF BREAKFAST
You don’t have to eat spaghetti noodles and maple syrup to have breakfast with Buddy the Elf! Kids ages 1-8 will enjoy a regular breakfast of cereal and milk, then make an elf craft, and listen to some elf stories. Parents are welcome to stay and have breakfast, too!

Play Street Museum, 9370 S. Colorado Blvd., Highlands Ranch
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Tickets: $15
Phone: 303-357-3024

SANTA IN THE HANGAR
Watch Santa arrive in a Rudolph plane, then enjoy a whole afternoon of Santa-themed activities! There will be a free photo booth where you can take a family photo for your Christmas cards, and kids will have fun taking part in the “Make and Take” craft activity. Story time and a puppet show follow, and you can finish the afternoon by singing carols with the Colorado Carolers!

Exploration of Flight, 13005 Wings Way, Englewood
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $4 – $10

CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic Symphony presents their annual holiday concert, filled with Christmas classics, seasonal favorites, and a very merry sing-along. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the symphony and enjoy a family-centered holiday celebration!

Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $37 – $56

Holiday Cheer Near Crystal Valley!

Holiday happenings are everywhere in Crystal Valley and Castle Rock — within minutes from the master-planned community of Crystal Valley – where nature is around every corner of the neighborhood! Looking for a new home you can add your signature style to? Check out the beautiful model homes from Kauffman Homes, Richmond American Homes, D.R. Horton, and Century Communities, and picture yourself in your very own dream house! With ranch and two-story models available, new homes are priced from the low $400s.