The Holidays Are Nearly Here!
This weekend before Thanksgiving brings a flurry of holiday events to the Castle Rock area! The highlight is the Star Lighting celebration in downtown Castle Rock on Saturday, with a full day of music, Santa visits, and the opening of a family-favorite Rink at the Rock! Other Christmas-themed events include a Paris-inspired Street Market and a spectacular Mannheim Steamroller Christmas concert! This weekend, let the holiday festivities begin!
TODAY/TONIGHT, November 15
CLASSICAL MUSIC AT THE MANSION
The rich, deep tones of the viola often go unnoticed, so this concert puts them in the spotlight! Violafource is a group of four musicians who play one of the most beautiful and fascinating timbres of all the string instruments.
In this intimate concert, a variety of original compositions and popular arrangements for violas will display the range of this versatile instrument. The history and sonorous acoustics of the Highlands Ranch Mansion play a major role!
Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Dr., Highlands Ranch
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$30
Phone: 303-791-2500
ROCK LEGEND JIM MESSINA
Jim Messina has truly earned the title “living rock legend,” with a legacy of five decades in music, three acclaimed rock super groups, and a vibrant solo career. He was one half of Loggins & Messina, the co-founder of the country-rock band Poco, and band member and key contributor to Buffalo Springfield.
Catch this living legend in concert and experience and experience his indelible footprint on rock music. “Messina’s voice is still strong and he hits every note perfectly. His playing is just as precise and snappy as ever” (New England Rock Review).
Main Stage, Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $65
Phone: 720-509-1000
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS
To kick of the holiday season in a BIG way, bring the entire family to the acclaimed Mannheim Steamroller Christmas concert! The show features Mannheim Steamroller classics, along with dazzling multimedia effects in an intimate setting.
The group is renowned for bringing musical holiday magic across the entire country—something they have been doing for the past 30 years! PBS is even broadcasting a special about it this year! Mannheim Steamroller has sold more than 40 million albums, 28 million in the Christmas genre. Their holiday albums have become synonymous with Christmas and consistently occupy top spots on Billboard’s seasonal charts every year.
Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $61.50 – $92.50
Phone: 719-520-SHOW
Thursday-Saturday, November 15-17
A DAVID LETTERMAN FAVORITE
One of David Letterman’s favorite comics, Jake Johannsen has a bizarre take on life and shares it in his stand-up comedy routine. Filled with weird stories and his uniquely intelligent style, Johannsen is the comedian of choice for people who don’t typically love stand-up comedy.
With dozens of appearances on late-night television, including the most appearances of any comic on Letterman, chances are good you may have caught one of his eye-opening routines. Johannsen has also starred in his own HBO comedy special, This’ll Take About An Hour, which received incredible reviews, strong ratings, and a Cable Ace Award nomination for Best Writing in an Entertainment Special. People Magazine rated the special as one of the “10 best television shows of the year.”
Comedy Works-South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30; Fr./Sat., 7:15 and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $19-$27
Phone: 720-274-6800
Friday, November 16
COCKTAILS AT TIFFANY’S
No matter how many times you’ve seen it, Breakfast at Tiffany’s never fails to win you over. The delightful Audrey Hepburn, as the heartbreakingly vulnerable Holly Golightly, is even more appealing on the big screen. You owe it to yourself to watch this American classic the way it was meant to be seen—with a roomful of hopeless romantics!
In addition to great company, the Friday matinee series offers popcorn, vintage candies, and a signature cocktail to get you in the mood! This series celebrating the Golden Age of Cinema is open to adults over 21 only.
Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch
2:00-5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5-$7
Phone: 303-888-0423
DANCING IN THE STARLIGHT
On the eve of the Star Lighting festival in downtown Castle Rock, get in the holiday spirit by dancing the night away! This is one of the few old-fashioned dancing events that’s intended for the entire family. Like an old-time family wedding, kids, couples and singles all come to enjoy the fun of dancing cheek-to-cheek! Dress up or come as you are!
Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Registration: FREE
Phone: 303-791-7323
Friday-Saturday, November 16-17
CHRISTMAS IN PARIS!
Without boarding a jet plane, this is as close as it gets! Spend a lovely two days strolling the boulevards of the City of Lights at Rue de Noel: A Paris Street Market. This indoor Christmas market will be filled with festive booths, joyful music, delicious treats—all inspired by a French Christmas theme!
Douglas County Fair & Rodeo, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Friday-Sunday, November 16-18
CLASSIC THEATRE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic, A Streetcar Named Desire, will be performed in Parker’s newly-renovated intimate theatre. This professionally-produced masterpiece of a play is worth seeing!
You’ve heard about the iconic characters: Stella, Stanley and Blanche DuBois. Set in New Orleans in the mid-twentieth century, Streetcar follows the tragic story of a former Southern belle and how she struggles with life as her beauty fades. Because the play contains themes of sexuality and violence, it is intended for mature audiences only.
Schoolhouse Theatre, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Fri./Sat., 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $27
Phone: 303-805-6800
Saturday, November 17
STAR LIGHTING AND SANTA’S FIRST VISIT!
Usher in the holiday season with the annual “Lighting of the Star” in downtown Castle Rock! This is a community event dating back to 1936, carrying on the same spirit of volunteerism, generosity and love of tradition that has thrived in the community through the years.
This year’s celebration will again include hot chocolate, fireworks, booths, strolling entertainers, and a full-day’s lineup of performers, including the John Saunders Band, Biff Gore, Sage Canyon Choir, Boutique Dance Academy, New Hope Singers, World Compass Choir, Taylor Rae, and many more! The highlight of the day is the arrival of Santa, who will be available for photos and visits.
Wilcox Square, Between Wilcox and Perry Streets, Castle Rock
2:00-7:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
LOCAL AUTHOR SHOWCASE
You may not have known that Parker is such a prolific literary community! This event will introduce you to 22 local authors who have published books right in our midst! The authors will discuss their books and answer your questions. Following the discussion, there will be a book sale and signing, and you can mingle with the authors and other book lovers. Tasty bites will be served.
Parker Library, 20105 East Mainstreet, Parker
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Registration: FREE
Phone: 303-791-0430
NUTCRACKER HIGHLIGHTS
One of the most eagerly-awaited holiday traditions is taking the entire family to a performance of the ballet classic, The Nutcracker. This year, get a sneak preview of the magic with an enthralling performance that brings to life a favorite holiday story of old.The International Youth Ballet returns to the neighborhood to perform this one hour family-friendly performance. Bring the family and join the Nutcracker Prince in this colorful and magical staging of a holiday classic! Choose from two performance times!
Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch
3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$15
Phone: 303-791-2500
Saturday-Sunday, November 17-18
RINK AT THE ROCK OPENS!
Kick off the start of the holiday season with a spin on the ice, at the family-favorite Rink at the Rock! On this Saturday before Thanksgiving, downtown Castle Rock will be buzzing with the Star Lighting tradition, so come early and get in some fun exercise on the ice before heading over to the festival.
The rink is open to all ages, so this is a great opportunity to get in some valuable quality time with the kids!
The White Pavilion/Rink at the Rock, 414 Perry St., Castle Rock
Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Cost: $6-$8
Phone: 303-814-8142
Sunday, November 18
HEROES AND HOLIDAYS BAND CONCERT
The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month was a monumental moment in 1918. It was the long-awaited time that peace returned to the world with the armistice that ended the First World War. The Denver Concert Band commemorates this important occasion with a holiday concert celebrating peace and hope.
With 90 volunteer musicians from the Denver area, the Denver Concert Band is known for their rich sound and delightful variety of music. The entire family will enjoy this celebration of the heroes of 1918. There will even be a visit from Santa Claus, so bring the kids!
Main Stage, Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $12-$20
Phone: 720-509-1000
THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE
This is a mesmerizing holiday experience like no other, sure to become a must-attend, multi-generational holiday tradition for your family. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra performs an unforgettable Christmas rock-opera about a runaway who finds her way into a mysterious abandoned theater.
The show is an epic multi-media extravaganza, featuring enduring songs such as Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24, O’ Come All Ye Faithful, Good King Joy, Christmas Canon, Music Box Blues, Promises To Keep, and This Christmas Day. A portion of every TSO ticket sold will benefit select local charities across the country.
Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
3:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $55 – $79.50
Phone: 719-520-SHOW
Monday-Wednesday, November 19-21
CLUB LONE TREE THANKSGIVING DAY CAMP
If you need to find a safe, fun way to keep the kids occupied over Thanksgiving break, look no further! Club Lone Tree will be holding a licensed day camp for kids who have completed kindergarten through age 10 at the Lone Tree Recreation Center.
This camp will keep kids busy all day with activities such as, games, crafts, swimming, and field trips (dependent on day). Parents must complete online participation agreement and submit immunization records prior to attending. Additionally, all registrations must be done in advance through the registration office or over the phone.
Lone Tree Recreation Center, 8827 Lone Tree Pkwy., Lone Tree
Mon./Tues./Wed., 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Contact: CWegscheider@ssprd.org
Cost: $29-$37 per day
Phone: 303-347-5999
Holiday Season in Crystal Valley
It’s beginning to look a lot like a Crystal Valley holiday season as lights go up and trees become ornamented. The master-planned community in Castle Rock, offers access to all sorts of music, performances and holiday happenings. Tour the nine models from D.R. Horton, Kauffman Homes and Richmond American Homes. The community is among the top five fastest-growing in the state with new homes priced from the $300s, available in ranch and two-story models.
