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- Castle Rock Crew #048
Castle Rock Crew #048
Time to Sip & Stroll and Other Festive Events
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was spent questioning everything after the Turkey Trot results came out and I saw that I came in 218th out of 225 in my age group. Beyond my own shortcomings, the event was awesome. I enjoyed carbo loading with flapjacks before the race, the weather was perfect, and 3,600 people came out to support Help & Hope Center!
Well, on to the next event — hopefully I will see you on Thursday (12/4) from 5pm-8pm for Sip & Stroll! Need a reminder on what was in the gift guide? We posted it to our Instagram here. Oh, and Teaology is going to be an add-on and contributing a gift card to the raffle and staying open late. Be sure to check their store out if you haven’t been in there already! I visited them back when they opened in August and really enjoyed both the tea and the food!
As you may remember, we mentioned Kaykery and their Kay-ke It Forward back in August. Well, Aleksandra is doing two winners instead of one for her December giveaway! Submissions run from now until Dec 20th so the winners can get their goodies before Christmas. Here’s the link if you want to nominate someone who deserves to be celebrated whether they’re going through a tough time, helping others, or just need a sweet surprise!
Exciting news for another local business — 105 West is expanding and opening up a second location in Colorado Springs called 105 West @ Garden of the Gods in January. Check out their announcement on Instagram here.
Oh, and I hope you took my advice and enjoyed your own Pumpkin Torte this past week. I know I did…look at this beauty.
December in Castle Rock and Castle Pines:
Now that we’ve got the turkey festivities behind us, let’s take a look at what December has to offer. And if you thought about being productive before year end, just forget it. There’s too much to enjoy.
Castle Rock
Reindeer Games | Saturday, December 6 | 1pm–4pm
Head over to Miller Park for this family-friendly and high-energy event. Expect Santa visits (bring your own camera), hot chocolate, train and hay rides, outdoor games, and a kid obstacle course with prizes while supplies last. Free to attend.
Storytellers and S’mores | Saturday, December 13 | 5pm–7pm
Santa and friends stop by Festival Park to read holiday favorites from a giant storyteller chair. Fire pits, marshmallows, s’mores, hot chocolate, and plenty of space for kids to run around. Free to attend.
Free Downtown Trolley Rides | Mondays and Tuesdays | Evenings through Dec 30
Possibly the best way to see the downtown lights! Runs a loop from the Encore parking garage up Wilcox and Perry. A full loop takes about 12 minutes.
Castle Pines
Castle Pines turns The Ridge Golf Course into a full Winter Wonderland from December 5 through 14. Limited availability left!
Tree Lighting and Drone Show | Friday, December 5 | 5pm–7pm
Tree lighting around 6:45pm with a drone light show if the weather cooperates. Santa and his reindeer, carolers, hot cocoa, and all the classic small town holiday vibes. Free to attend with optional VIP passes that include parking, a buffet, a hot chocolate bar, dessert, and a drink ticket.
Movie Night: Elf | Saturday, December 6 | 5pm–7pm
Showing of Elf under the lights with hot cocoa, blankets, and snacks. Tickets are $5 per person. Limited capacity.
Holiday Bingo | Saturday, December 13 | 3pm session available
Family bingo session with holiday-themed prizes. You can reserve up to eight spots per registration.
Holly Jolly Brunch | Sunday, December 14 | 1pm seatings available
Brunch with Santa, a reading of The Night Before Christmas, and time for kids to visit Santa. Tickets are $65 per adult (13+), $39 per child (2–12), and free for kids under two.
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides | December 13 and 14 | 4pm–8pm
Carriage rides around the property. Waitlist only at this point. Tickets are $15 per person.
Holiday Markets
If you still have shopping left after Sip and Stroll, here are a couple more markets worth checking out.
Starlight Market | Friday, December 5, 3pm–8pm | Saturday, December 6, 11am–7pm
Under the 40-foot tree at Festival Park with more than 40 vendors, crafts, art, specialty gifts, roasted chestnuts, salsa, tamales, hot cocoa, food trucks, and holiday music.
Plum Creek Christmas Market | Saturday, December 6 | 9am–12pm
At Plum Creek Church, find local artisans and vendors, a Kids Corner for young entrepreneurs, and plenty of holiday treats. First 200 guests get a free gift when registered ahead of time.
Outlets at Castle Rock
Santa’s Cottage | Through December 24 | Hours vary
Free walk up photos with Santa at 3rd Street Courtyard East. You can also reserve a time slot by purchasing any photo package.
Festive and Free Fun | Through December 24 | Times vary
Carriage rides, gift wrapping benefiting local nonprofits, train rides, reindeer appearances, and food trucks on select dates.
Breakfast with Santa | Friday, December 6 | 9am–11am
Pancake breakfast with Santa at Suite 350. $6 per person or bring a new, unwrapped toy. Includes photos, story time with Mrs. Claus, and other holiday characters. Families can also enjoy a free train ride from 10am to noon.
Tickets here.
Cherokee Ranch & Castle
Holidays and Broadway: A Castle Cabaret | Wednesday, December 17 | 6:45pm doors, 7:30pm show
Cherokee Ranch is hosting a holiday cabaret inside the castle with performers from Vintage Theatre. Explore the decorated castle, grab a drink from the cash bar, and settle in for a two-act show that mixes holiday songs with Broadway classics. Holiday desserts are included at intermission.
Mod Mountain Boutique
Pet Adoptions
Start the holidays early and bring Dasher home!
Tri Arts Project
Sports
Broncos — it was a grind, but we ended up with an overtime win which brings our record to 10-2 with nine wins in a row thanks to Nik Bonitto’s hops and outstretched arms to bat down a two-point conversion pass that was on its way to a wide open McNichols…and man, was it good to see Surtain and Singleton back on the field this week. Plus, the organization continues to show its belief in the current roster with Luke Wattenberg and Malcolm Roach each agreeing to extensions this past week. I think it’s just good business too, as it seems like contracts just continue to go up each year, so might as well get them done sooner than later (Surtain, the DPOY, has only the 5th highest CB contract). Well, let’s see if we can continue the hot streak as we visit the Raiders on Sunday, December 7 at 2:05pm.
Nuggets — Nugs are 14-6, putting us at 4th in the Western Conference (are we really 5.5 games back from 1st this early in the season — the Thunder are 20-1…). We lost to the Spurs 139-136, defeated the Suns 130-112, and then lost to the Mavericks after their surge late in the 4th. We hit the road and visit the Pacers on Wed, Dec 3, the Hawks on Fri, Dec 5, and the Hornets on Sun, Dec 7. We’re hanging in there, but you can tell that we’re missing Air Gordon and Braun. However, it has been great to see Cam Johnson looking more comfortable in our system.
Avalanche — we’re 18-1-6 with 37 points (most in the NHL) after beating the Sharks (6-0), falling to the Wild after a shootout (3-2), and then beating the Canadiens (7-2). We’re back home to host the Canucks on Tue, Dec 2, then head to New York to face the Islanders on Thu, Dec 4 and the Rangers on Sat, Dec 6, and then go to Philly to face the Flyers on Sun, Dec 7. The boys sure know how to put up points with our differential sitting at 48 (significantly higher than the Stars who are second in points overall).
Soccer fans, check out the Rapids’ schedule here — you’ll see Inter Miami is visiting us on April 18…will Messi play?
Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter. [email protected]
Events:
Tuesday, 12/2:
Outlets - Santa Paws - 11:00am - tickets (daily through Dec 24)
Outlets - Santa's Cottage | Visit Santa Claus - 1:00pm–6:00pm (daily through Dec 24)
The Office Co. | Bar & Kitchen (every day) - Happy Hour - 2:00pm–7:00pm
Courtyard Social (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 2:30pm–5:00pm
Bien y Tu (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 2:30pm–5:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - 85¢ Wings - 3:00pm–10:00pm
Bucketlist Tavern (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill (every day) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Downtown Castle Rock - Free Winter Trolley - 5:30pm–7:30pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Elizabeth Brews - Trivia Night - 7:00pm–9:30pm
Wednesday, 12/3:
Wide Awake Eatery - Happy Hour - 4:00pm–6:00pm (Wed-Sat)
Hideaway Bar & Grill - DJ Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Thursday, 12/4:
Crowfoot Valley Coffee and Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Country Dance Night with Dance Instructor Marla Gifford - 6:00pm–10:00pm
Downtown Castle Rock - Sip & Stroll - 5:00pm–8:00pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill - Karaoke with Big E Entertainment - 8:30pm–12:30am
Friday, 12/5:
Downtown Castle Rock - Festival Park Starlight Market - 3:00pm–8:00pm
The Ridge Golf Course - Tree Lighting Celebration - 5:00pm–7:00pm - tickets
Pines Bar & Grill - The Blue Moon Band - 6:00pm–9:00pm
The Grange - Holiday Wine Soiree 2025 in The Meadows - 6:30pm–9:30pm - tickets
The Stagecoach Saloon - The Country Music Project Band!! - 6:30pm–10:30pm
Saturday, 12/6:
Plum Creek Church - Plum Creek Christmas Market - 9:00am–12:00pm - register
Downtown Castle Rock - Festival Park Starlight Market - 11:00am–7:00pm
Miller Park - Reindeer Games - 1:00pm–4:00pm
Larkspur Community Park - Larkspur Park Tree Lighting - 4:00pm–6:30pm
The Ridge Golf Course - Movie Night - 5:00pm–7:00pm - tickets
Pines Bar & Grill - Keith Corder - 6:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - SARAH P AND THE HAY PULLERS!! - 6:30pm–10:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - 4 Peace Man - 7:00pm–10:30pm
Sunday, 12/7:
Crowfoot Valley Coffee and Crowbar - The Crowfoot Holiday Market: The Debut - 11:00am–5:00pm
Cantril Schoolhouse - Vocal Arts of Castle Rock Winter Concert - 3:00pm–5:30pm
Monday, 12/8:
Downtown Castle Rock - Free Winter Trolley - 5:30pm–7:30pm
Heads up on events that are further out:
Teaology Tea Café - Winter Bazaar - Dec 10, 3:00pm–7:00pm
Castle Pines Library - Bin Kids Event - Dec 10, 3:30pm–5:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Blues: Chuck Grossman - Dec 11, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Übergrippen - Ladies’ Climbing Night - Dec 11, 6:30pm–9:30pm - tickets
COFF33 - Seaglass Tree Workshop - Dec 13, 12:00pm–2:00pm - tickets
The Ridge Golf Course - Holiday Carriage Rides - Dec 13, 4:00pm–8:00pm - tickets (sold out, join the waitlist)
The Ridge Golf Course - Holly Jolly Brunch - Dec 14, 9:00am–3:00pm - tickets
Sudden Fiction - Final Draft Book Club - Dec 15, 6:30pm–8:00pm
Alidade Brewery - Seaglass Tree Workshop - Dec 18, 6:00pm–8:00pm - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show LIVE! - Dec 27, 6:00pm - tickets (always sells out, so buy ahead of time)
Worth the drive: other Douglas County Events can be found in our sister newsletter, DougCo Drop — subscribe below
*We are working on an events calendar via our sister brand that will provide both advance notice and greater variety for events - feel free to provide feedback: https://dougcodrop.com/events/
⚠️ Please verify event details and availability with the respective venues or organizers, as schedules may change.
Let us know of any events, locations, establishments, or businesses that you would like us to highlight in coming editions. [email protected]
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