Castle Rock Starlighting 2026
By Connor Tien, DougCo Social · Updated July 2026
The night The Star comes on is Castle Rock's unofficial start of the holidays. In 2026 it's Saturday, November 21: a downtown festival from 2 to 6 p.m., a lighting ceremony at 5 p.m., The Star lit at about 5:30, and fireworks right after. Here's everything you need to plan the night — and the rest of the Season of the Star.
The Essentials
- What: Castle Rock Starlighting — the lighting of The Star for the holiday season
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 2 – 6 p.m. (the Saturday before Thanksgiving)
- Ceremony: 5:00 p.m. on the main stage · The Star lights ~5:30 p.m. · fireworks immediately after
- Where: Downtown Castle Rock
- Cost: Free
- Host: Town of Castle Rock · Season of the Star
A tradition since 1936
The Star has shined over Castle Rock every holiday season since 1936, which makes Starlighting one of the longest-running community traditions in Douglas County. It marks the start of the Town's Season of the Star — the stretch from the Saturday before Thanksgiving until The Star is switched off at the end of the National Western Stock Show in January. For a lot of locals, the countdown to The Star coming on is the moment the holidays actually begin.
What to expect on the night
Downtown fills in from 2 p.m. — food, vendors, music, and the holiday-market feel along the closed streets. The formal lighting ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m. on the main stage, and The Star is lit at approximately 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by fireworks over Town. It's cold and it gets busy, so dress warm and get downtown by 4:30–4:45 p.m. if you want a clear view for the countdown.
Parking: the downtown core fills fast on Starlighting night. Use the public lots and the parking garage around downtown, plan to walk a few blocks, or have a rideshare drop you near the edge of the closed streets.
The rest of the Season of the Star
Starlighting kicks it off, but the holidays run all the way through December downtown. The one already on the calendar:
Festival Park Starlight Market
- Friday, December 4, 2026 · 3 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday, December 5, 2026 · 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Festival Park, 302 Second Street, Castle Rock · Free to browse
The Town adds holiday markets, Santa visits, carriage rides, Reindeer Games, and more through December — dates get posted closer to the season. We keep the full, dated lineup on our Castle Rock events calendar as it fills in, and you can always check the Town's Season of the Star page.
Make a night of it
Starlighting lands right in the middle of downtown, so it's easy to build dinner or a coffee stop around it. Warm up before the ceremony or grab a table after the fireworks — see our guides to the best restaurants in Castle Rock and the best coffee shops, both walkable from the downtown core.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Castle Rock Starlighting 2026?+
Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m. in Downtown Castle Rock. The lighting ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m. on the main stage, The Star is lit at approximately 5:30 p.m., and fireworks follow immediately. Starlighting is always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
What time does The Star get lit?+
The ceremony starts at 5:00 p.m. on the main stage and The Star lights at approximately 5:30 p.m., followed right away by fireworks. Get downtown by 4:30–4:45 p.m. if you want a good spot for the countdown.
Is Castle Rock Starlighting free?+
Yes. Starlighting is a free community event. Individual vendors, food, and some activities cost money, but there is no admission charge to attend the festivities or watch the lighting and fireworks.
Where is Castle Rock Starlighting held?+
In Downtown Castle Rock, centered on the festival area and main stage. The Star itself sits on the hill above Town and shines over Castle Rock throughout the holiday season.
How long does The Star stay lit?+
The Star shines through the whole "Season of the Star" — from Starlighting on the Saturday before Thanksgiving until it is turned off at the end of the National Western Stock Show in January.
How old is the Castle Rock Starlighting tradition?+
The Star has been a Castle Rock holiday tradition since 1936, which makes Starlighting one of the longest-running community events in Douglas County.
What else happens during the Season of the Star?+
Starlighting kicks off a full holiday season downtown. The Festival Park Starlight Market runs Friday, Dec. 4 (3–8 p.m.) and Saturday, Dec. 5 (11 a.m.–7 p.m.), 2026, and the Town adds holiday markets, Santa visits, carriage rides, and more through December. Check our Castle Rock events calendar for the full, dated lineup as it fills in.
Where do you park for Starlighting?+
Downtown parking fills up fast on Starlighting night. Arrive early, use the public lots and garage around the downtown core, and plan to walk a few blocks. Rideshare drop-off near the edges of the closed streets saves the parking hunt.
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