Carriage rides, ice skating, campfire and s’mores – a wonderful holiday time
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo
“Magic on Mainstreet” is the theme for Parker’s Christmas Carriage Parade that will be held on Saturday, December 8 at noon on Mainstreet in downtown Parker. The small-town feeling of the parade brings back memories of simple Christmas joy. There will be horses on parade, horse-drawn carriages and wagons, a stagecoach and mini horses. The kids can have fun taking a pony ride or going to the petting zoo. Snap some photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and his reindeer. Visit parkeronline.org/826/Christmas-Carriage-Parade for more information.
Speaking of reindeer, the Reindeer Games at The Millhouse, 1381 West Plum Creek Parkway in Castle Rock is a winter wonderland with Santa, treats, hot chocolate, sleigh rides, outdoor games and an obstacle course. Dress warm for the Winter Express train that runs a one-mile course on paved trails through the Philip S. Miller Park. This holiday event is on Friday, December 14 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.crgov.com.
Sit around a campfire with yummy s’mores as Buddy the elf and Disney’s Frozen storytellers weave their magic along with Santa’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Bundle up, bring a lawn chair and blankets. Join families and friends at Festival Park in Castle Rock on Saturday, December 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For parking and other information, visit www.crgov.com.
The free Castle Rock Home & Holiday Show will run from Saturday, December 8 through Sunday, December 9 at the Douglas County Events Center in Castle Rock. The show features home and garden products and services, gifts and food. For more information, visit www.castlerockholidayexpo.com/.
Free carriage rides from Festival Park in Castle Rock are being offered Friday and Saturday evenings until December 23. Rides are from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit www.crgov.com/2388/Festival-Park-Reimagined for information.
If you like to ice skate, don’t forget that the Rink at the Rock is open through February 18, 2019. Visit www.downtowncastlerock.com for more information. Skate on over to Douglas County Libraries – Parker to the ice-skating rink. While you are in Parker, stop by Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply at Lincoln and Parker Road to see live reindeer.
The Castle Rock Orchestra is presenting “A Children’s Christmas” at the First United Methodist Church in Castle Rock on Sunday, December 9 at 3 pm. For information and tickets, visit www.castlerockorchestra.com.
Tickets are available for Merry & Bright performed by the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra on Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8 at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Concert goers get to sing-along and there will be a visit from Santa. For more information and tickets, visit www.lonetreesymphony.com.
More events and activities are listed in the December E Guide on the community calendar.
