There is no better place to enjoy a white Christmas than Breckenridge, Colorado with its brisk weather, stunning scenery, and trees and mountains blanketed in fresh snow – not to mention all the fun holiday-themed events and activities happening in November and December in Breckenridge
Read on to discover the events that will be taking place in our winter wonderland over the holidays.
Breckenridge Holiday Events
Breckenridge turns into a magical Christmas town during the holiday season. It comes to life with sparkling lights, lively festivals, and other special events. Regardless of their age or interests, Festive Breckenridge has something for everyone.
Race of the Santas – December 3rd, 2022
Who wouldn’t be overjoyed to see Santa on the streets after all the years he has spent making the holiday season extra special? Calm down because, in Breckenridge, you will not see just one but a hundred Santas flooding Main Street in a race to kick off the holiday season! The Breckenridge Race Of The Santas is one of the coolest small-town traditions anywhere and something that will delight kids and kids at heart!
Every year on the first weekend in December, the Breckenridge community celebrates Christmas by holding a marathon where participants dress like Santa Claus. Santa suits are not required, but they are recommended. Kids as young as six can participate in the opening race, known as the Moose March, which heralds at the beginning of the Race of The Santas and the arrival of Santa Claus.
The Moose March begins at 4:pm and a moose beanie is included with Moose March registration for the first 150 kiddos! If you are in town early enough, check out the Hot Dog Parade for all the dogs who have made Santa’s nice list – open to all breeds and so much fun!
The Lighting of Breckenridge
Another can’t-miss annual event is the Lighting of Breckenridge held on the same day as the Race of the Santas! With more than 13,000 feet and 250,000 LED holiday lights, stay around after the race to see the town turn into a real-life winter wonderland! Keep an eye out for the “real” Santa Claus as he arrives in town and turns on the official Town Tree in Breckenridge’s Blue River Plaza.
One of the most frequently captured scenes and one of the most fun things to do in winter in Breckenridge, the famous holiday lighting festival, brightens and illuminates joy throughout the season and is a beautiful spot for families to gather throughout the entire holiday season.
Skate with Santa
You may give your kids a fantastic experience on Christmas Eve by taking them ice skating with Santa at Stephen C. West Ice Arena. It’s a magical activity that your kids and the whole family will surely enjoy! Make the most of the moment by having kids personally tell Santa their Christmas wishes, and of course, don’t forget to take some pictures for some souvenirs. Several spots to rest or watch during this enjoyable, family-friendly ice skating event.
Sleigh Rides In Breckenridge
Nothing says Christmas like riding on a “one-horse-open-sleigh and in Breckenridge, there are several opportunities to dash through the snow while relaxing in a sleigh and admiring the beautiful scenery of Breckenridge.
Scenic Cocoa Rides and Dinner Sleigh Rides are available at Two Below Zero. Choose a Scenic Hot Cocoa sleigh ride if you want a fun-filled group experience. You can also book a “one-horse open sleigh” ride for a more private (or romantic) mountain experience. Meanwhile, a 30- to 40-minute scenic sleigh ride with lovely views of the quaint town is included at Breckenridge Stables. If you are up to some scenic sleigh rides and dinner theater experience, try Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides.
Breckenridge ULLR Festival – A Unique Tradition
Though a lesser-known character in Norse mythology, Ullr, the god of snow, is honored in the fun, legendary Ullr festival in Breckenridge each December. Ullr was apparently such an excellent skier that he would fly across the sky, leaving dazzling star trails in his wake.
Ullr fest has been celebrated since 1963 to welcome a ski season filled with fresh snow. Highlights include the parade, with prizes for the most creative float, and the yearly attempt at the “unofficial” World Record-Breaking Breckenridge Distillery Shotski. This year, 1,300 people are needed to break the record, by all taking shots while on skis. (Event is on Thursday, December 8th)
The Ullr bonfire, where the gigantic Ullr is burned with Christmas trees from the past year, is another notable highlight of this celebration. Similar to the Race of the Santas, proper attire is not required. However, helmets and Viking garb are strongly suggested and definitely add to the fun.
This is truly a party in the making and a can’t-miss event unique to Breckenridge.
Watch this video to learn more about ULLR Fest!
Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championship
Although this event is held in late January, we should include it as it is a great way to end the holiday season and as just another fun and unique Breckenridge winter activity. Carving begins on January 23rd, 2023 and viewing begins on January 27th. These sculptures create a temporary art gallery in historic downtown Breckenridge.
Where to Stay In Breckenridge During the Holidays
We would love to have you stay in either of our Ski-In/Ski-Out Studios on Peak 9 in Breckenridge. Our Peakside Paradise is at the Beaver Run Resort and the Studio of Dreams is at The Village at Breckenridge Resort. Both condos have stunning views, and easy access to the slopes, pools, hot tubs, and much more. You can check availability for our Breckenridge Condos on Peak 9 here. Our condos are built with families in mind.
Where to Eat In Breckenridge For The Holidays
Sevens
Located in the Grand Lodge on Peak 7, Sevens has a comfortable alpine environment with a high-end ambiance. They have a rustic atmosphere where you can unwind or stretch out on the large deck and take in the breathtaking mountain views. This restaurant has a lovely Christmas Eve family feast and New Year’s Eve Dinner, so it’s undoubtedly one of the best options for holiday celebrations!
Hearthstone Restaurant
One of Breckenridge’s oldest restaurants that will not disappoint is the Hearthstone Restaurant. It is located in a former Victorian townhouse that has been converted into a restaurant. This iconic restaurant provides an excellent dining experience, and the menu aims to highlight the best of the Rocky Mountain region. This is perfect for the whole family because the menu offers a variety of choices for both kids and adults.
