Breckenridge Holiday Guide

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When it comes to the holiday season, we like to consider Breckenridge a winter wonderland. There’s magic around every corner with twinkling holiday lights, a fresh blanket of snow and a bright and spirited atmosphere. Seasonal events, winter activities and pure holiday magic make Breckenridge the perfect holiday destination.  

Holiday Events  

There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than by attending one of Breckenridge’s iconic events. The first Saturday of December brings the Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas, an event that heralds the holiday season. The event kicks off with a holiday dog parade, followed by hundreds of Santas racing down Main Street. The grand finale occurs when Blue River Plaza is illuminated with more than 250,000-holiday lights. 

Celebrate all things winter and pray for snow December 8–11 at Breckenridge’s Ullr Fest. This multi-day event honors Ullr, the Norse God of Snow, and is filled with celebrations like the “unofficial” world’s longest Shotski, Ullr Parade and Ullr Bonfire. 

Holiday Activities 

There is an abundance of activities available around Breckenridge so you can make new holiday memories with your family or celebrate an old tradition. 

  • A Christmas Story: Join Breckenridge Backstage Theater as they perform A Christmas Story December 7–30. Secure your tickets in advance here! 
  • Sleigh Rides with Breckenridge Stables: Picture a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the quiet snow, wrapped in a warm blanket next to your loved one while the sound of sleigh bells rings in the air. We can’t think of a more quintessential holiday activity. 
  • Winter Ice Show: Enjoy an evening of holiday-themed entertainment at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena in Breckenridge on December 10. This family-friendly show includes performances from local youth and adult figure skaters. 
  • Ice Skating: If you’d like to give ice skating a whirl, head to the quaint outdoor ice-skating rink at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8. Grab a cup of hot cocoa at Ullr Café, rent your skates and enjoy mountain vistas and outdoor firepits between laps.  
  • Sledding: Enjoy a little free holiday fun by heading to the sledding hill at Carter Park! Many people leave their sleds to be reused, or you can stop by the local City Market to buy your own. 
  • DIY an Ugly Sweater: Join BreckCreate for a date night on December 16 and prep for your next holiday party by creating your very own ugly sweater. You and your partner will craft to your heart’s content while enjoying an adult beverage, or two.  
  • Shopping: Breckenridge is a haven for small, locally-owned boutiques and shops. Grab a cup of coffee and take a stroll down Main Street while you tick items off your holiday shopping list. Our holiday shopping guide will help you find all the unique and specialty shops in town. 

Holiday Lodging 

During the holidays, you might want to feel at home even if you’re away from home. The Grand Colorado on Peak 8, Grand Lodge on Peak 7 and Grand Timber Lodge are all properties that will make you feel right at home. From their superior service and amenities to their spacious residences, there is a little bit of everything you need. As a bonus, these properties offer the option to add a Christmas tree to your room for an extra fee. Be sure to secure your dates before they are gone! 

Holiday Tips 

  • Make Advance Reservations: The holidays are a popular time of year and bring many visitors from all over the world. Lodging and dining tend to fill up early and fast, so be sure to plan ahead for special dinners. In addition, booking ski rentals and activities ahead of your stay will ensure you and your family will spend more time together and less time in lines. 
  • Explore Hidden Gems: Breckenridge is filled with hundreds of bars, restaurants and shops and some of them are a little off the beaten path but well worth the visit! Discover a few Breckenridge hidden gems when the popular stops in town are hopping. 
  • Plan for Winter Weather: In December Breckenridge is like a winter snow globe with average highs in the 30s and average snowfall around 57 inches. Be sure to be prepared to keep warm and dry with the appropriate outerwear and layers. Our winter packing guide has you covered from gloves to ChapStick.  
Ullr Fest Parade Breckenridge

Top Winter Events in Breckenridge

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If it isn’t the mountains, the charming town, or the many winter activities that are drawing you to Breck, it must be one of these events. Are you on the fence about when to visit our town? Here are a few dates to steer you in the right direction.

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You Don’t Want to Miss Breckenridge’s Ullr Fest

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Praise Ullr and pray for snow! Breckenridge will celebrate its iconic Ullr Fest this year December 8–11 and you won’t want to miss it. If you have questions like, “what the heck is Ullr Fest?” and “how can I join in on the fun?” we’ve got you covered.

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Spooky Guide to Halloween in Summit County

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Trick or treat, get spooked and have a hauntingly good time this Halloween in Breckenridge and Summit County. If you enjoy the darker side of things, discover ghostly tours and escape rooms. For family-friendly fun head to a festival or Main Street trick-or-treat night. The changing leaves and crisp autumn air are sure to put you in a perfectly haunting mood this spooky season. 

Woman having her face painted at Dia De Los Muertos celebration in Breckenridge

Tricks 

Ghostly Tales & Voices from the Grave with Breckenridge Tours 

If you want to take a step back in time and get a few shivers down your spine, join Breckenridge Tours for a historic and spooky tour. The best options for October are the Ghostly Tales tour, a ghost hunting tour around Breckenridge or Voices from the Grave, which starts at the original cemetery of Breckenridge.  

Escape Rooms 

An escape room is a great idea any time of the year, but especially around Halloween! Check out the Wizard Room at Escape Room Breckenridge where you and your group become a part of the Breckenridge Wizard School or try the Mystery of Breckenridge at Mountain Time Escape Rooms where you help summon and trap spirits in a home. 

Tombstone Tales Tour 

Take a 90-minute walking tour with Breckenridge History at Valley Brook Cemetery and hear stories about Breckenridge’s elite. 

The Haunting of Breck Theater  

Join Breckenridge Backstage Theatre for a Halloween experience for the whole family October 13–31. Enjoy live theatrical haunted house, arts and crafts, storytelling and spooky food and drinks.   

Día de los Muertos

Breckenridge Creative Arts is hosting a three day commemoration of Day of the Dead October 14–16 in the Breckenridge Arts District campus. Experience immersive installations, dance performances and workshops.

Treats  

Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival 

Still on the Hill returns October 7–9 with a weekend filled with craft spirits. Start your October right with tastings, after-hours tours, live music, dinners and happy hours galore.  

Pumpkin Fest 

Head to Rainbow Park in Silverthorne October 9 for this free event! This pumpkin patch provides more than 2,500 pumpkins to community children and features a pumpkin painting station, free petting zoo, carnival games and more.  

Trick or Treat on Main Street Frisco  

Enjoy an evening of safe tricks and treats on Main Street in Frisco. Businesses on Main Street will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, a silent disco will take place in the Historic Park Gazebo and the Summit County Animal Shelter will be hosting a Halloween dog parade.  

Kindred Spirits at the Riverwalk Center

Check out this spirited variety show on October 29 featuring scenes from the Addams Family, wand and cape decorating with the Frosted Flamingo, and create your own magical concoctions with Castaways Cove.

Halloween Fest at the Outlets at Silverthorne  

Start your Halloween weekend off with a Halloween Fest in Silverthorne on October 29. Along with a shopping extravaganza, attendees can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, mechanical bull, face painting, photo booth, pumpkin painting, in-store trick or treating and so much more. 

Eerily Good Lodging Deals 

October is a great time to enjoy Breckenridge with minimal crowds and crisp autumn air. Because this is the off season in the high country, it’s also the perfect time to take advantage of the lowest lodging rates of the year. Stay at Grand Timber Lodge, the Grand Lodge on Peak 7 or the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 for superior service and outstanding amenities. Pools and hot tubs, private movie theaters and spacious residences await in the heart of Breckenridge. 

Breckenridge Oktoberfest Event Guide

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The iconic Breckenridge Oktoberfest is making a return in 2022! Join us for a weekend of views, brews, food and dancing in Breckenridge. Main Street will be closed to traffic and transformed for the 26th annual event hosted by Breckenridge Brewery.

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Summer Music in the Mountains

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The high country will be jamming this summer! In recent years there has been lots of growth and expansion in both the talent performing in the mountains and the venues in and around Breckenridge. Let me take you on a tour of the spaces and places you can catch some tunes this summer and some of the high notes that will be hitting with big performances.

Breckenridge

The Breckenridge Music AirStage

The newest addition to the music venues in Breckenridge is a reborn classic. Breck Create has taken a classic Airstream trailer and modified it with a pop-out stage that is perfect for mid summer jam sessions in the Breckenridge Arts District, Carter Park, Blue River Plaza and anywhere it can be parked! You can find a calendar of events, locations and performances here.

RMU

Rocky Mountain Underground (RMU for short) is a local favorite ski shop/bar/beer garden/music venue. RMU is located smack in the middle of Main Street and their beer garden offers tons of sunshine and a great place to kick back while taking in local bands.

 

Motherloaded Tavern

If the late-night scene is more your style, find yourself at Motherloaded on a Friday or Saturday night. Rocking music rages from the front of the bar for dancing and singing along. Motherloaded has a historic back bar that is situated away from the tunes and offers a dark speak-easy style atmosphere where they serve up their signature mason jar cocktails (try the Grey Earl!). Motherloaded has Happy Hour Music from 5-8 p.m. every Friday through Sunday and you’ll find rotating local talent like Joe Teichman or the amazing 90’s – early 2000’s cover band, El Paso Lasso. Check their website for more information.

The Riverwalk Center

The largest venue in Breck sits along the flow of the Blue River, has large retractable bay doors to let in the cool summer breeze and a huge lawn outdoors where the music travels outside in full view of the mountains. This is a great venue for families visiting town in search of a sonically pleasing activity. Summer home of National Repertory Orchestra, you can find them or other big names here every Saturday night in the Summer. For summer 2022, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Drive-By Truckers and the Steeldrivers bring their sounds to the stage! Click here for a full concert lineup.

Other notable Breckenridge music hot spots include:

  • The Gold Pan Saloon – take in some music in one of the oldest and most historic watering holes in west.
  • Whiskey Star Smokehouse – A newer addition to Breckenridge, enjoy BBQ dinner downstairs and a large selection of whiskey and music upstairs.

Planning on taking in a show at any of these high-altitude avenues? Make a trip out of it with this exclusive offer for 25% off our favorite place to stay in Breckenridge:The Grand Colorado on Peak 8!

Amazing venues outside of Breckenridge:

Dillon Amphitheater

After a recent renovation just a few years ago, the Dillon Amphitheater is drawing the biggest names to Summit County. This venue has a dance floor, bowl and lawn seating and an unbeatable view of both Lake Dillon and the Ten mile Range. They have music every Friday night and some nights during the week. For summer 2022 they’ve drawn in legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, The Dirty Heads, Trampled By Turtles, My Morning Jacket, CAAMP and more! Click here for their full calendar.

10 Mile Music Hall

10 Mile Music Hall top floor view

Snapshot shared by friend of Best Of Breck, Hannah Schneider aka “Hschneids”

Frisco’s Main Street music mecca. This updated indoor venue is the perfect place to pop into when you are out of Breck for the night. After a stroll down Frisco’s historic downtown you can take in a show from this two-story venue with a huge dance floor and large 2nd floor balcony. Ten Mile attracts talent from far and wide like summer 2022’s visit from Jeremy Garett’s Bluegrass Band. For most up-to-date upcoming shows check out their Facebook Page.