The holidays are quickly approaching, and there is no place better to get into the holiday spirit than in Douglas County! No matter where you live, there is sure to be something festive and fun happening in your community. Here is a round up of free events going on in Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Sterling Ranch, and beyond!
November 15
Annual Tree Lighting & Free Concert featuring Morgan Myles and Spinphony
Outlets at Castle Rock
Details: The concert kicks off at 5 p.m., featuring amazing performances by Morgan Myles and Spinphony. Then, gather with family and friends for the magical moment when Santa lights our breathtaking 55-foot-tall Christmas tree, followed by a spectacular fireworks show that will dazzle the night sky.
Forest of Stories
Douglas County Libraries
Details: The Douglas County Libraries will feature its annual Forest of Stories exhibit from Nov. 15 to January 4. All library locations will display over 175 decorated trees inspired by favorite books, with something for everyone.
November 22
Castle Rock Annual Starlighting
Wilcox Square
Details: Join the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce for the annual Starlighting festivities including hot chocolate and adult beverages, food trucks, nonprofit booths, strolling entertainers, and live entertainment.
November 28
Mayor’s Holiday Lighting
O’Brien Park
Details: Enjoy a Silent Night Sing-along and then count down to the Town Tree and Grand Park Lighting. After the lights have been lit, enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season with walk-around entertainment, ice sculptures, food vendors, and stage performances from Parker-area high school choirs.
November 29
Hometown Holiday Experience
O’Brien Park
Details: From Nov. 29 through Dec. 21, Downtown Parker comes alive during the holiday season! Visit a NEW Gingerbread Lane at the Schoolhouse, Polar Bear Ice Land at Discovery Park and Santa’s Workshop at O’Brien Park for a fun family selfie — it might even be a great addition to your holiday cards! The Town has also invited our holiday walk-around characters from Thanksgiving weekend to stick around on Saturdays and Sundays (from noon to 3 p.m.) through Dec. 21.
Tree Lighting and Tree Farm
Sterling Center
Details: Join us as we flip the switch on the Sterling Center tree and watch it come to life with twinkling lights. Enjoy wagon rides, hot chocolate, Dancing Trees, live music, and more festive fun for the whole family. Plus, one lucky winner from our Holiday Traditions Photo Contest will have the honor of lighting the tree!
Don’t forget to stop by our annual Fresh Cut Tree Farm at the Sterling Center from 4 to 6 p.m. and pick up your perfect tree to take home. Pre-registration is required for the Tree Farm.
December 5
Hometown Holiday
Highlands Ranch Town Center
Details: Enjoy festive fun for the whole family with photos with Santa, a holiday gift market filled with unique treasures, and live music to set the mood. Savor tasty bites from local food trucks, sip on seasonal drinks at the bar, or warm up with hot cocoa for the kids and experience the wonder of our dazzling lighting ceremony that will brighten the night.
Merry Days
Lone Tree Arts Center
Details: Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the Lone Tree Arts Center as we light the City Holiday Tree for the season and join many of our community partners in bringing the holiday spirit to the City of Lone Tree.
Festival Park Starlight Market
Festival Park
Details: Kick off your holiday shopping with Castle Rock’s premier craft and food market. Shop from more than 40 vendors including unique crafts, art, specialty items, roasted chestnuts, salsa, tamales and more. Get that impossible-to-shop-for person a gift while enjoying the 40-foot decorated tree, hot cocoa, food trucks and holiday music.
Tree Lighting Celebration
The Ridge Golf Course
Details: Join us for the Tree Lighting Celebration to kick off the Winter Wonderland series of events in Castle Pines! Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to share in this spirited event! The tree lighting will occur at approximately 6:45 p.m., with a drone light show to follow (weather and conditions permitting). VIP Experience available for purchase.
December 6
Holiday Celebration
Highlands Ranch Mansion
Details: Enjoy horse-drawn hayrides, visits with Santa Claus, self-guided tours of the Mansion, reindeer games on the lawn, face painting, school choir performances, and gift and craft vendors.
Downtown Parker Holiday Market
O’Brien Park
Details: The market will feature handmade gifts from local artisans, delicious food trucks, children’s activities and an abundance of festive cheer.
Austrian Christmas
Schweiger Ranch
Schweiger Ranch is presenting its 9th annual Austrian Christmas event. Visit Santa Claus and his real reindeer, take a horse drawn carriage ride, and enjoy authentic Austrian food and music, and much more. Stop by the Christkindl Market for presents that will add a local handcrafted touch to your gift giving.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, but be sure to check the event’s website for changes or cancellations.
View the complete calendar of events happening throughout Douglas County.
Sign up and get a list of events happening in Douglas County delivered right to your inbox every month.
Want to submit your event? Do it here.
