Now that daylight savings has approached us, a bright symbol of holiday spirit awaits! The Boulder Star, formed by a string of nearly 400 light bulbs, shines every night from November 11 until early January. Visible for miles, it attracts starry-eyed locals who come to bask in the glow of the beaming bulbs. The season is not complete if you aren’t able to visit the iconic Boulder Star. The literal star blinks to life on the western side of Flagstaff Mountain. The Star has been a holiday tradition since 1947, but it used to alternate each year from a star to a cross. When the Flagstaff Star was born,it was originally made for a Christmas decoration for the people of the city of Boulder to enjoy during the holiday season.There was even one year when Boulder residents decided to reshape the star into a peace sign.
The Boulder Chamber of Commerce maintains the Boulder Star with much support from Citywide Banks and Lord & Reynolds Electrical Services. The upkeep for the star is a hefty price to pay but it is also a community effort. For any repairs, the chamber sells artwork by a local artist for funds. In addition, Bookcliff Vineyards creates a Boulder Star Wine that benefits the star. —helping to keep this beloved holiday tradition shining over the city of Boulder for many more decades to come.
To see the star up close and personal, you can easily drive up Flagstaff Road a short distance. But why not turn the quick drive into an adventure? Bundle up, pack a headlamp and hot chocolate, and make the journey on foot. It’s about a mile hike up. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the top (at a leisurely pace of course). As you climb to the top remember to linger back and look at the most expansive view Boulder has to offer. A peaceful sun sets over the city as the day draws to a close.
Craig Reynolds, the star electrician, donates his personal time to maintain the bright star. He even replaced all 365 lightbulbs with energy- efficient LED lights two years ago. The tradition has lasted 15 years and all Boulder locals love to show off this significant landmark to everyone. The star has a lot of significant values for everyone in the city. Especially for Craig Reynolds who proposed to his wife smack dab in the middle of the star.
The star is magical under the night sky of Boulder. Any Boulder native will tell you that it is the best free holiday activity in Boulder. For a maximum wow factor, shoot to get to the star just before it lights up at 4:30pm, then relax for a while with a celebratory sip. For an even better experience, check the lunar calendar and time your trip with a full moon rising. It is a magical place to come enjoy the upcoming Winter holidays.
