A Timeless Glow Over Boulder
High above the city on the eastern slope of Flagstaff Mountain, a glowing constellation of lights forms a familiar shape that every Boulderite knows—the Boulder Star. First lit in December 1947, this iconic symbol was originally built by the Boulder Chamber of Commerce to lift spirits during the post-World War II era. Over time, it’s become a beloved tradition, a beacon of hope, and a reflection of the city’s evolving values.

A Cross Shaped Past
In its earliest years, the star featured 365 bulbs, one for each day of the year. But in the spring of 1948, just a few months after its first lighting, the Chamber made a bold switch: they rearranged the lights into the shape of a cross for Easter. Thus began a nearly two-decade-long tradition of alternating the star and cross for Christmas and Easter, respectively. This was not unusual in the 1950s and ’60s, when overtly religious symbols were more commonly accepted in public spaces.

Controversy Sparks Change
By the 1970s, the cultural climate had shifted. As awareness grew around the constitutional separation of church and state, complaints surfaced about the Easter cross, especially because the display sat on city-owned land. In 1970, the Boulder City Council responded by banning all illuminated displays on Flagstaff Mountain. But the story didn’t end there. Community outcry over the loss of the star—now widely seen as a unifying, non-religious symbol—led the council to bring it back, this time permanently as a star, with the cross display officially retired.

A Living Canvas
Beyond its holiday sparkle, the Boulder Star has become a canvas for creative expression and social commentary. In the 1950s, mischievous college students occasionally rearranged the lights to form their school initials. During the turbulent 1960s, the bulbs were once painted red, sparking speculation about political messages. Perhaps most famously, in 1969, the lights were briefly transformed into a peace sign—an unmistakable nod to the counterculture movement that was thriving in Boulder at the time.

More Than Just Lights
Today, the Boulder Star is illuminated each year from Veterans Day through early January, a seasonal tradition eagerly awaited by locals. But it’s also lit during moments of collective reflection—such as during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic or after local tragedies—as a symbol of strength, resilience, and unity.

Efforts to preserve this beloved landmark are ongoing. The city has swapped out the old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs and now uses wind power to keep the star shining—an homage to Boulder’s deep-rooted environmental values.

A Symbol That Endures
From its humble beginnings as a gesture of holiday cheer to its role as a powerful symbol of community, the Boulder Star remains one of the most treasured icons in the city. Its journey—from cross to star, from controversy to cherished tradition—mirrors Boulder’s own growth, diversity, and spirit.

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