Crystal Valley Blog

You know the holidays have officially arrived when Castle Rock’s annual Starlighting event and activities get underway. Take a look at all there is today! And there’s plenty to do this weekend and next in Castle Rock and nearby locales! Just minutes from the new home community of Crystal Valley you’ll find music, comedy, theatrical performances, celebrity appearances and more!

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, November 16

ALBERT EINSTEIN
Curious about the genius who was an active participant in the development of nuclear events in the 30s and 40s. Widely regarded as one of the greatest scientists of all time, Albert Einstein famously started his career as a patent clerk but would rise to prominence, winning the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921. Born in Germany, Einstein fled Nazi Germany in the 1930’s and became a U.S. citizen in 1940. He warned the U.S. of the Nazi’s efforts to develop a nuclear weapon which led to the Manhattan Project and the advent of the nuclear era, a role that troubled him deeply until his death in Princeton, New Jersey in 1955 at the age of 76.  Join Active Minds as we trace the life and impact of this great thinker.

Castle Rock Senior Center, 2323 Woodland Blvd., Castle Rock
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
RSVP: 303-688-9498

REO SPEEDWAGON
Formed in 1967, signed in 1971, and fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, REO Speedwagon is a band where the main constant over the decades is a never-ending desire to give their all to their fans, year in and year out. Formed loosely in the late ‘60s at college in Champaign, IL, REO rode to gigs in station wagons, hopping from small gigs to even tinier gigs, just to get their name out. It worked, as fans quickly realized there was much more going on here than your average college party band. By the early ‘70s, the band’s unrelenting drive, as well as non-stop touring and recording, jump-started the burgeoning rock movement in the Midwest. It carved a path that was eventually followed by STYX, Kansas, Cheap Trick and more. Platinum albums and freeform FM radio staples such as “Ridin’ The Storm Out” followed, setting the stage for 1980’s explosive Hi Infidelity. REO rode the top of the charts with a RIAA-certified 22 million albums sold in the U.S. and 40 million around the globe, with a string of gold and platinum records and international hit singles. 

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $75
Phone: 719-575-9632

Thursday-Saturday, November 16-18

MURDER FOR TWO
Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small-town policeman with dreams of making it to detective. One fateful night, shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney and the writer is killed…fatally. With the nearest detective an hour away, Marcus jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills—with the help of his silent partner, Lou. But whodunit? Did Dahlia Whitney, Arthur’s scene-stealing wife, give him a big finish? Is Barrette Lewis, the prima ballerina, the prime suspect? Did Dr. Griff, the overly-friendly psychiatrist, make a frenemy? Marcus has only a short amount of time to find the killer and make his name before the real detective arrives… and the ice cream melts! 

Murder For Two is the perfect blend of music, mayhem and murder! In this hilarious 90-minute show, 2 performers play 13 roles – not to mention the piano – in a witty and winking homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries. You won’t want to miss this killer musical comedy!

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
Thurs. & Sat., 2:00 p.m. & Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $32
Phone: 303-805-6800

THE NUTCRACKER OF PARKER
Kick off the season and bring your family to the annual holiday tradition, the Nutcracker of Parker! This magical ballet features the famous score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky alongside the best pointe dancers and community actors, blending professionals and local dancers. Presented by Colorado School of Dance, this is Parker’s longest running, mainstage professional Nutcracker Ballet, since 2003. The classic tale takes place on Thanksgiving Eve, in 1892, at the Staulbaum’s kick off the Christmas season with a holiday party to light their new Christmas Tree.

You will be transformed as you watch the dazzling journey of a little girl named Clara who receives a simple nutcracker wooden doll, from her godfather. When her brother Fritz causes trouble and breaks her doll, her godfather repairs it, and adds a little magic to Clara’s beloved Nutcracker. Clara falls asleep, waking into a dreamland, watching her Nutcracker Prince turn into a real boy. Together, the Prince and Clara venture through the Land of Snow to the Land of the Sweets, where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, Cavalier and their gallant court of dancers from every kingdom. This is the season’s whimsical ballet and meant for the entire family to enjoy!

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
Thurs.-Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sat. 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30
Phone: 303-805-6800

Thursday-Sunday, November 16-19

HUDSON HOLIDAYS
Wrap yourself in the warm and festive tones of the Hudson Holidays show with an uplifting and beautiful sense of winter drama. Purchase a delicious cup of hot cocoa or adult beverage before stopping by for a perfect free family photo opportunity with Santa. You may purchase dated tickets or flex pass tickets if you’re not ready to “set the date.”

Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
Doors Open: 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: From $15-$20
Questions: 720-802-0006

Friday, November 17

PAUL REISER
Comedian, actor, television writer, author, and musician Paul Reiser has spent the last 30+ years acting in Oscar and Emmy award-winning movies and TV shows (the most celebrated Mad About You lasted seven seasons!). He was voted one of Comedy Central’s “Top 100 Comedians of All Time.” 2017 was an exciting year for the NY-bred and LA-based Reiser, who has made a number of appearances on screen and even lent his talents behind the camera.

Reiser joined the cast of Netflix’s Stranger Things. He also stars on Chuck Lorre’s The Kominsky Method on Netflix, for which he received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He co-created and co-produced There’s…. Johnny!, a seven-episode series.  His first book, Couplehood, sold over two million copies and reached the number one spot on the New York Times bestsellers list.

The Newman Center, 2344 Iliff Ave., Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $39-$49
Info: 303-871-7720

RON ARTIS II AND THE TRUTH
Multi-instrumentalist Ron Artis II performs original music laced with intention, deep conviction, story, and a heart that has truly been there. Among other projects, Ron Artis II currently tours with The Truth, a band made up of friends and family interweaving original songs and instrumental virtuosity with references to the golden era of funk, soul, and R&B.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$45
Phone: 720-509-1000

Saturday-Sunday, November 18-19

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Come shop for unique gifts and special items during the Colorado Community Holiday Craft Show and mini-market. With exhibitors filling the Douglas County Fairgrounds. This is the best place to find that special, personal, often one-of-a-kind gift for friends and family. The market will feature handmade crafts in all mediums from metal and leather to flowers, baskets, ceramics and so much more.

Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
Sat., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sun., 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
ADMISSION: FREE

BALLOONACY
It starts so simply: A red balloon drifts through the window of a solitary old man’s home. But then some serious silliness begins — with things fast becoming so magical and so blissfully fun, you barely notice that along the way you’ve learned something about the extraordinarily transformative power of play! Without a single spoken word, this sweet, inventive, and uplifting show — packed with plenty of playful shtick, along with touching reminders of the ups and downs of building a friendship — is a tender and laugh-filled delight for little ones (and big ones, too)!

“Balloonacy is short and simple; A lovely tale that easily captures the attention of the tiniest of audience members and holds their focus until the end. Don’t miss this adorable production that teaches that the potential for friendship is everywhere, as long as you are willing to accept it.” —DC Metro Theater Arts

FAC Theater, 30 West Dale St., Colorado Springs
Sat., 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00 & 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $16-$26

Saturday, November 18

STARLIGHTING AND WINTER FUN
Step into a Norman Rockwell scene at Starlighting, an annual tradition and community ceremony that includes lighting the star on top of Castle Rock followed by a fireworks display. Festivities include caroling, dancing, visiting with Santa Claus, kids activities, nonprofit booths, food vendors, hot chocolate, and the iconic chili supper at the Firehouse. 

All Afternoon the Castle Rock Professional Firefighters will host the 87th Annual Chili Supper at Castle Rock Fire Station 151. They will be serving beef chili, nachos, hot dogs, drinks, and desserts. Biff Gore will provide live music entertainment plus ongoing festivities throughout the day include strolling carolers, dance groups, and other live entertainment on every   corner. There’s a kids’ zone, hot chocolate, and games to entertain the littles, plus adults can enjoy 21+ beverages and plenty of food trucks! Special moments include:

2:00 – 4:15 pm – Ho Ho Ho! Santa Claus makes an appearance.
5:00 pm – 2023 Starlighting Ceremonyemcee 9news anchors Corey Rose & Gary Shapirowill begin the ceremony.
5:30 pm – The fireworks display follows the lighting of the star.

Historic Wilcox Square, Downtown Castle Rock & Festival Park
2:00-6:00 p.m.

WHISKEY TASTINGS AT THE CASTLE
Join neighbors and friends for a fun night of Scotch whisky vs. Bourbon whiskey tasting at the Castle, as America’s whiskey – Bourbon – takes on Single Malt Scotch. Bring your bourbon drinker friends and single malt scotch-loving friends together for an epic adventure into the rich and varied flavors of these two most loved whiskey styles. A perfect evening for friends’ night out, a romantic evening, or for a fun family night out. Join Scott Beach as he shares his love of the nuances and  whiskey, complete with skilled professional bagpiping at the Castle. Each and every Cherokee Ranch and Castle Spirits Tasting is a unique experience, as we select different and unusual bottles of whiskey for each and every one of our tasting events (we are completely independent of any brand, and this allows us to select between any and all distilleries offered throughout the world). We make sure each and every tasting experience here at the Castle is a truly unique evening for you and your guests. The five tastings will be accompanied by heavy appetizers. A cash bar is available with wine, prosecco, beer, and whiskey specials.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:30-7:00 p.m. Doors/Bars/Tour
7:00 p.m. Appetizers
7:30 p.m. Presentation
Cost: $78.50
CALL: 303-688-5555

Sunday, November 19

WINTER CONCERT: DCB
Start your holidays with festive selections, with a program that begins with the full symphonic grandeur of the band, followed by traditional favorites to get you into the holiday spirit. The theme focuses on family and children. And for those who are young, and young at heart, there may even be a special appearance from the North Pole.

The Denver Concert Band is an ensemble of about 90 adult musicians who have a passion for performing instrumental music. Entertaining audiences since 1968, the band is entering their 56th concert season.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $7-$25
Phone: 720-509-1000

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is a progressive rock band founded as an outlet for the many rock operas late rock industry veteran, producer, composer, and musician Paul O’Neill was writing. TSO was created to push the boundaries of what was possible for a band to create – both musically and visually. Paul O’Neill dreamed of a different kind of “band” that is not limited by the confines of traditional rock acts and instead established one with multiple singers who could inhabit the various characters he was writing into his rock operas. TSO is best known for their Capra-esque trilogy of holiday records – Christmas Eve & Other Stories, The Christmas Attic, and The Lost Christmas Eve – and have also released several other rock operas. Consistently one of the Top 25 touring acts in the country, TSO shows no signs of slowing down. Since its touring debut in 1999, TSO has played over 2,000 Winter Tour shows for more than 18 million fans. So far TSO has also donated over $18 million from these tours to local charities.

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $49
Info: ticketoffice@broadmoorworldarena.com

NEXT WEEK: Friday, November 24

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS KICKOFF
Join the Town of Parker at O’Brien Park for its Hometown Holiday Kick-Off as they usher in the holidays with fun activities and accents to Downtown Parker. Enjoy a winter market, sponsor booths and activities with Buddy the Elf and his friends Elsa and Olaf in O’Brien Park. (Stick around for the official holiday lighting event when O’Brien Park comes alive for the holidays with hundreds of festive lights!)

Make sure to bring your kids to check out the newly renovated O’Brien Park playground. Then, grab a selfie or a family picture by the Town Tree and view the beautiful park lights. Complete your visit with a leisurely stroll along Mainstreet to Discovery Park, enjoying fun holiday music and décor attractions along the way!

Obrien Park, 10795 Victorian Dr., and Downtown Parker, Parker
12:00-4:00 p.m.
FREE

UNCHARTED: RYANHOOD
Comprised of Cameron Hood’s rich, folky lead vocals and Ryan Green’s guitar and mandolin riffs, along with stellar vocal harmonies, folk-rock duo Ryanhood’s sound has been compared by critics to that of Dan Fogelberg and Simon and Garfunkel.  Named “Best Group/Duo” in the International Acoustic Music Awards,  Ryanhood got their first break more than a decade ago as street performers at Boston’s Quincy Market. It was there that they were spotted by a college booking agent and thrust into the college touring scene, where Campus Activities Magazine would name them “one of the most requested acts by college buyers all across the country.” They’ve since gone on to perform more than a thousand shows in 46 U.S. states over the past decade, and have shared stages with Jason Mraz, Matt Nathanson, Train, and many more.

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $29
Phone: 303-805-6800

Friday-Sunday, November 24-26

THE NUTCRACKER
Colorado Springs comes alive with the joyous tradition of The Nutcracker, enchanting hearts and filling the air with holiday cheer. Experience the timeless tale that never fails to captivate, igniting wonder and kindling the festive spirit. With the Oklahoma City Ballet, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Colorado Springs Children’s Choral, and local student dancers.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Fri./Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $42-$67
Phone: 719-575-9632

Sunday, November 26

BRUNCH WITH THE GOSSAMER WINDS
Wake up all the senses at Cherokee Castle, and enjoy the trifecta of music, history & culinary delights. Your Reservation includes a performance by Lone Tree Symphony’s Gossamer Winds Quartet, tour of the magnificent castle, and a savory & sweet Sunday brunch. All ages welcome. Please arrive on time and review timeline before making reservations. Cash bar will feature Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas and signature coffee drinks for purchase. 

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
9:00 a.m. Doors/Bar/Tours
10:00 a.m. Appetizers
10:30 a.m. Performance
Cost: $73.35 Reservations Are Required
Questions: 303-688-5555

STUNT DOGS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Chris Perondi (aka the Stunt Dog Guy TM) and wife Suhey Perondi, along with their famous stunt dogs are out of this world! The Perondis are master dog trainers and their cast of human performers and dogs will delight audiences of all ages. They guarantee high-energy excitement with some of the most incredible stunts and activities ever performed by dogs. The experience has amazing tricks, big air stunts, comedy antics, dancing dogs, athletic feats, and is the most entertaining show of its kind.

All 24 dogs have been rescued from pounds and shelters from across the country. Their mission is to promote animal rescue, pet adoption, encourage spay and neutering, and encourage people to spend more time with their pets. Don’t miss “Diggy the Dog TM” the human sized canine mascot! Every show also includes interactive crowd participation. It’s not just a show, it’s an experience!

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
2:00 & 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $39
Phone: 303-805-6800

Tuesday, November 28

MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY COWBOY CHRISTMAS
For three decades, Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas has been an extraordinary blend of music, encompassing his numerous best-selling Christmas albums, alongside his beloved country and pop hits. This vibrant holiday celebration takes the form of a captivating multi-media production, featuring Murphey’s renowned “Rio Grande Band,” dramatic lighting, video, as well as the use of Western Art, captivating master-artist photographs, breathtaking videos, and delightful cowboy poetry. “Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas” beautifully captures the rustic essence of the story of Jesus’ birth in the countryside village of Bethlehem, where the joyous tidings first reached the humble livestock caretakers and herders, often referred to as “cowboys,” over two millennia ago.

Inspired by an 1885 wild-west dance known as the original “Texas Cowboys’ Christmas Ball” in Anson, Texas, Murphey embarked on a remarkable journey that carries on the biblical tradition of merriment, song, and feasting during the “holidays,” a term signifying “holy days.” In 1992, Michael introduced a groundbreaking concept album called “Cowboy Christmas,” which had never been attempted before in popular Christmas music. This innovative creation became a best-seller and paved the way for five more Cowboy Christmas albums and accompanying DVDs. Today, this remarkable concept has evolved into a grand live musical concert production! Join Michael, the talented members of the Rio Grande Band, and the captivating Rocky Mountain Vintage Dancers for a joyous and heartfelt “Christmas Cowboy-Style” experience.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$40
Phone: 719-575-9632

Wednesday, November 29

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
See this special ballet based on the classic book “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis that is beloved by children and adults alike. Ballet Ariel Director Ilena Norton has created her own choreography, with Gregory Gonzales choreographing the battle scene for this holiday production. Set in the 1940s, the ballet begins when four siblings, Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter, who are visiting the Old Professor, discover an empty room with a large wardrobe. Young Lucy opens the wardrobe door and steps in. Her brother Edmund follows her as they find themselves in a wintery forest of another world.

A series of adventures begin that include an umbrella-carrying faun, an evil White Witch, a beaver couple, and a kind-hearted lion, and myriad other characters who, along with the siblings, engage in a mystical battle of good over evil. Trapped in an endless winter by the White Witch, but with the arrival of the great lion Aslan, merry Father Christmas, winter melting into spring, the story and ballet capture the beauty and hope of the holiday season. In ballet form, “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” is an exciting adventure, beautifully set to dance, with creative costumes and sets.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $26-$41
Phone: 720-509-1000

SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS
Performing songs from their Christmas Caravan and Mardi Gras for Christmas albums as well as other tried and true holiday favorites, the Squirrel Nut Zippers awaken the true essence of the season. From heartwarming ballads to raucous dance tunes, the band conjures an atmosphere nestled somewhere between the wondrous lights of Christmas and the backroom din of a speakeasy. This show is a must-see for any true music lover.

Squirrel Nut Zippers are a platinum selling Southern Roots & Swing Revival band and have sold over three million albums. Inspired by 1920’s jazz, klezmer and vaudeville, the Zippers’ endlessly curious and innovative leader Jimbo Mathus has concocted a sound truly unique and original. This unique blend is on full display with the Holiday Caravan show which has increasingly grown in popularity, selling out concerts throughout the United States.

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $39
Phone: 303-805-6800

Crystal Valley, the Best of Colorado!

Enjoy life in 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, Taylor Morrison, D.R. Horton, and Richmond American Homes. Picture yourself in your very own dream house – ranch-style or two-story models priced from the $600s.