Crystal Valley Blog

Thanksgiving brings not only turkey and mashed potatoes, but also a traditional fun run, shopping madness, and more previews of the Christmas holidays season. There’s a tree lighting ceremony in Parker, a lantern festival in Palmer Lake, and even free carriage rides in Castle Rock! Music is a sure way to get in the holiday spirit, and with concerts from Big Band to Chris Isaac, you are sure to find something to inspire you!

TODAY/TONIGHT, November 22

TURKEY ROCK TROT
Before the turkey goes in the oven, Castle Rock’s largest attended race is in full swing—the 14th Annual Turkey ROCK Trot 5K Family Fun Run/Walk/Stroll! The “rock” in the trot means music, and lots of it, with a live start-line mix and live music on the course! New this year is the Kids’ Dash, a half-K run for kids 12 and under. After the run, there’s an award ceremony, a costume contest, and even mimosas and bloody Marys! Make it a new Thanksgiving Day tradition!

Douglas County Fair & Rodeo, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
8:00-11:00 a.m.
Register: $20-$40

Thursday-Friday, November 22-23

MOONLIGHT MADNESS
Get a head-start on Black Friday! The Outlets at Castle Rock will open on Thanksgiving evening for an all-night deal-hunting extravaganza! With over 100 world-class brands together in one location, Moonlight Madness is a fun, all-night shopping experience for the whole family. 

Throughout the night, shoppers are invited to enjoy live entertainment including jugglers, roving magicians, balloon and caricature artists and photo booths, grab bag giveaways, a light up LED dance floor, beautiful holiday décor, and even a free pancake breakfast in the morning!

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
8:00 p.m. Thursday – 9:00 p.m. Friday
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-688-4495

Thursday-Sunday, November 22-25

RINK AT THE ROCK!
You’ve been waiting all year to get those skates out and take a spin on the ice! Everyone’s favorite winter activity is now in full swing at the Rink at the Rock. Bring the whole family to enjoy some good old-fashioned fun—and a great workout as well! 

The White Pavilion, 414 Perry St., Castle Rock
Thurs., 3:00-8:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Cost: $6-$8
Phone: 303-814-8142

Friday, November 23

PARKER’S HOLIDAY LIGHTING
Parker gets festive with the annual Tree Lighting ceremony in O’Brien Park! The Parker Chorale and mayor will be there to count down the big event. It’s an elegant, enchanted evening as the Town Tree and the Grand Park light up the night! Afterward, you can stroll around the park and take in the holiday ice sculptures on display. Holiday characters, including Santa and Mrs. Clause will be there, too, and even the elusive “Elf in a Tree.”

O’Brien Park, 10795 Victorian Dr., Parker
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-805-3253

GARDEN OF THE GODS FULL MOON HIKE
If you are more of a hiker than a shopper, you will appreciate this special outdoor event that’s the opposite of Black Friday! Leave the crowds behind and head out to the Garden of the Gods at sunset for the Full Moon Hike! 

Follow a marked course through approximately two miles in the park, lit by the full moon! Telescopes will be set up for moon viewing from the Colorado Astronomical Society. You can even stop by the new Bean Sprouts Café for hot drinks and snacks. Proceeds will benefit three great non-profit organizations: the Garden of the Gods Foundation, Friends of Garden of the Gods, and the Trails and Open Space Coalition.

Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, 1805 N .30th St., Colorado Springs
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $5-$10
Phone: 719-219-1030

Friday-Sunday, November 23-25

THE NUTCRACKER
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic, together with special guests the Oklahoma City Ballet and the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, present a delightful version of the holiday classic with live orchestra music that highlights Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score. 

This performance is perfect for the entire family, from the youngest members to those who are young at heart. Add some magic to your Thanksgiving weekend!

Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs              
Fri./Sat//Sun., 2:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $32-$68
Phone: 719-575-9632

SANTA’S WORKSHOP AND VILLAGE
It’s not too early to start thinking about all things Christmas—including a visit to Santa’s workshop and village! Meet Santa’s real reindeer! Hop on the hayride and catch a movie at Santa’s cinema!

Kids can get pictures with Santa and make crafts with Mrs. Claus! There are even booths with craft vendors, so Mom and Dad can find some unique holiday gifts! 

Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton
Fri./Sat./Sun., 4:30-8:30 p.m. 
Tickets: $15-$20
Phone: 720-865-3500

CHURCH & STATE
A play that could not be more timely, Church & State is an up-close look at how religion influences politics and how politics has become a religion. At times funny, heartbreaking and uplifting, the story revolves around a U.S. Senator whose accidental remark about guns and God gets leaked on Twitter and the resulting damage control everyone must undertake.

Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$20
Phone: 719-634-5581

Saturday, November 24

PALMER LAKE LANTERN FESTIVAL
Treat the family to a nearby getaway at the Palmer Lake Lantern Festival! The day offers plenty of kids’ activities at the Fire Department, as well as booths with local artists and crafters by the lake. Later, enjoy the 83rd Annual Chili Supper, with homemade chili, macaroni & cheese, potato soup, and cinnamon rolls! In the evening, the Annual Star Lighting on the side of Sundance Mountain will light up the night, and everyone will release their paper lanterns onto Palmer Lake. Don’t miss this illuminating holiday event!

Palmer Lake Fire Department, 12 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake
2:00-10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20
Phone: 719-375-8955

FREE CARRIAGE RIDES!
Sleigh bells ring as you enjoy a FREE carriage ride through downtown Castle Rock! Nothing is more festive or a a better way to celebrate the season! Along the way, enjoy carolers and other holiday activities. Pick up for the carriage rides is in Festival Park.

Festival Park, 300 2nd St., Castle Rock
5:00-8:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 720-724-2010

BEVERLY BELLES CHRISTMAS
If you pine for the old-fashioned swing style of the Andrews Sisters, you’ll love the Beverly Belles, a contemporary and sassier take on those good-girl harmonies! This vintage singing trio puts their own entertaining spin on classic tunes with fun choreography and charming banter.

The Beverly Belles’ repertoire includes music from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. as well as today’s Top 40 hits. Get into the holiday spirit with their vintage holiday concert featuring songs like Winter Wonderland, Mele Kalikimaka, and more! This talented trio has opened for Meghan Trainor, Katharine McPhee and Seth MacFarlane, in addition to performing on cruise ships, at Disneyland, and all over the U.S. to standing ovations!

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
2:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $34-$39
Phone: 303-805-6800

HOLLY JOLLY AFTER PARTY
For PACE Family Circle Members only—a special meet-and-greet with the Beverly Belles! Join the Beverly Belles and their close family and friends for a jolly time after the show! A drink and a delectable selection of Christmas cookies will be served. The Beverly Belles will mingle with guests, pose for pictures, and chat with all in attendance.

Not a Family Circle Member yet? This is the perfect time to join! CLICK HERE to learn more about the benefits, including this exclusive way to start the holidays!

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
9:30 p.m.
Reserve Tickets: Members Only
Phone: 303-805-6800

Sunday, November 25

BIG BAND CHRISTMAS
There is nothing like the swinging sounds of a Big Band holiday concert to bring back the feel-good vibes of Christmas past! The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra brings on a big holiday sound with their sixteen-piece band, performing classic holiday tunes that are sure to jazz up the most wonderful time of the year! 

The CJRO is made up of Colorado’s best musicians performing classic big band and modern large ensemble jazz, and regularly sells out houses all over the Denver area, performing tunes from the libraries of Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, Maynard Ferguson, CJRO composers and many more.

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $26-$32
Phone: 303-805-6800

Monday, November 26

CHRIS ISAAK HOLIDAY CONCERT
The original heartthrob crooner still works his magic every time he gets out on stage! In the course of Isaak’s 30-year career, he has released nine extraordinary albums, 12 singles, been nominated for two Grammy awards, acted in several motion pictures and starred in his own critically acclaimed TV series. Join Chris Isaak for a holiday show that’s full of cheer and talent!

Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs              
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $39.50 – $79.50
Phone: 719-520-SHOW
For more information, please visit ChrisIsaak.com or PikesPeakCenter.com.

Thankful in Crystal Valley

We’re thankful for friends, family and caring neighbors in the master-planned community of Crystal Valley and glad that we’re so close to all the holiday happenings that are plentiful, convenient and festive! If you’re new to the area, visit the stunning models from D.R. Horton,  Kauffman Homes and Richmond American Homes — priced from the high $300s and available in ranch and two-story designs.