Lit up trees during the Lighting of Breckenridge

Lighting of Breckenridge + Race of the Santas

December 7, 2024
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Breckenridge ups the ante on small town holiday charm with the return of Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas. The first weekend of December kicks off a festive holiday scene in the streets of Breckenridge. Hundreds of Santa look-alikes will run down Main Street in a race to kick-off the holiday season. Hang out post-race to watch the town transform into a real life holiday card thanks to more than 59,000 feet (or 11.2 miles!) and 250,000 dazzling LED lights. The iconic holiday lights in downtown Breckenridge are one of the most photographed sights during the snowy months and continue to sparkle all winter long.

 Event Highlights

  • Holiday Dog Parade
  • Race of the Santas
  • Children’s Moose March
  • Countdown to tree lighting with Santa Claus
  • Holiday carolers & revelry

Kick-off the holiday season

2024 Schedule

Lit up trees during the Lighting of Breckenridge

Watch town transform into a real life holiday card thanks to more than 59,000 feet and 250,000 LED holiday lights.

Race of the Santas

12:00pm - 6:30pm HANDMADE HOLIDAY MARKET

3:00pm - 6:00pm Holiday Giving Event

3:30pm - Holiday Dog Parade

4:00pm - Moose March

4:20pm - Race of the Santas

5:00pm - Lighting of Breckenridge

5:30pm - 7:00pm Meet Santa

More Ways to Celebrate

Race Registration + Dog Parade Sign-up

Registration

Santas during the Lighting of Breckenridge

Come in costume to join hundreds of other Santas running down Main Street.

Race of the Santas + Moose March Registration

Start the winter festivities in Breckenridge by lacing up your running shoes for the Race of the Santas! The Race of the Santas is a .5 mile fun run on Main Street Breckenridge.  There are some very competitive Santas, but most are just out for the fun on Main Street. The first 700 registrants receive commemorative socks with registration. The first 150 youth registrants for the Moose March receive a moose beanie with registration. Races are not age-restricted — please select Race of the Santas (running) or Moose March (walking/kids) when registering.

Fees
$30 Adults 18+
$10 Kids 10-17

Register for the Race of the Santas Here!

Register for the Moose March Here!

For more information, please click the link below:

Race of the Santas | Breckenridge Recreation Center

please direct any race related questions to [email protected]

Santa Suits & Costumes
Santa suits ($35) or Santa hats ($15) can be purchased with registration — or bring your own!

Bib Pick Up
Bib pick up is Saturday, December 7, 2:00pm – 4:00pm at The Canteen in Breckenridge
Registration closes Saturday, December 7 at 8:00am

Prizes
Gift cards will be given to top three male and female racers.

 

Holiday Dog Parade

Dogs who’ve made Santa’s nice list are welcome to parade Santa down Main Street in Breckenridge’s Holiday Dog Parade!  This parade is open to all dog breeds.

Fee: Free to participate

Register for the Holiday Dog Parade Here!

Learn more about Dog Friendly Breckenridge

 

Give Like A Local

Holiday Giving Event!

As an extension of the B Like Breckenridge™ campaign, the Breckenridge Tourism Office has partnered with Summit Rotary Club to host a Holiday Giving Event to support Adopt an Angel for local families. You can support Adopt an Angel with a suggested donation of $30. Donors will receive a commemorative Lighting of Breckenridge / Adopt an Angel wooden ornament and your donation will help provide coats, hats, gloves, and toys for our families in need this holiday season! Donations can be made at the Blue River Plaza from 3:00pm – 6:00pm.

Visit Summit Rotary’s Adopt an Angel page for details on how your support makes a difference.

Parking & Transportation

The most convenient free parking will be at the Airport Road lot, which will be serviced by Breck FreeRide Yellow Route. The Tiger Dredge, Wellington, and East Sawmill lots are FREE after 3:00pm. Visit BreckPark.com for in-town parking options and rates. Breckenridge residents are encouraged to carpool, bus, bike and walk into town to avoid additional congestion.

Download the B Like Breckenridge App!
Discover Breckenridge like a local with the B Like Breckenridge app. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to explore more, this app is your go-to guide for making the most of your time in our mountain town.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQS

Christmas lights around Breckenridge

Hang out post-race to watch the town transform into a real life holiday card thanks to more than 13,000 feet and 250,000 LED holiday lights.

How many lights are in The Lighting of Breckenridge?

During the lighting of the town tree, the real Santa will emerge and illuminate nearly 250,000 LEDs throughout Breckenridge’s Blue River Plaza. If strung end-to-end, the lights could reach from downtown Breckenridge to tippy top of the highest chairlift in North America, the Imperial Express, almost four times. OR, it’s enough lights to complete the entire 4 O’Clock Run from peak to base more than three times! By using some of the most energy-efficient lights available, the town of Breckenridge saves approx. 155,663 kWh of electricity. That’s enough to power a Tesla around the earth’s circumference approximately 17 times.

 

Where is the best place to park?

The most convenient free parking will be at the Airport Road lot, which will be serviced by Breck FreeRide Red Route. The Tiger Dredge, Wellington, and East Sawmill lots are FREE after 3 p.m. Visit BreckPark.com for in-town parking options and rates. Breckenridge residents are encouraged to carpool, bus, bike and walk into town to avoid additional congestion.

 

Are pets allowed at Lighting of Breckenridge?

YES! Dogs who have made Santa’s nice list are welcome to parade down Main Street in Breckenridge’s Holiday Dog Parade.

We love our pets, so please make sure the health and safety of your dog and all other dogs in the parade remains your first priority! If your pet is showing any sign of illness, please keep them home. Parade registration and rules can be found here.

 

What is the route of the Race of the Santas?

The fun run is .7 miles down Breckenridge’s historic Main Street. Santas will cross the finish line in Blue River Plaza, where the Lighting of Breckenridge will commence at 5:00pm.

 

Do I have to run in the Race of the Santas?

No! Anyone is welcome to walk, jog or skip through the .7 mile course. This race is for anyone who is ready to get in the holiday spirit! Ages 13 and up.

 

How do I participate in the Race of the Santas?

Please select Race of the Santas (running) or Moose March (walking/kids) when registering.

 

Does my Race of the Santa registration include a Santa Suit?

No. Registration saves you a spot in the fun run. Santa Suits are not included. Santa Suits are available for purchase on the race registration webpage or in person at the Breckenridge Rec Center.

 

Will there be any road or parking closures?

Yes.  On Saturday, December 7th Main Street will be closed for parts of the day.

Closure Details

  • 12:00pm – No parking on Main Street starts at Noon
  • 2:00 pm – Main Street closes from Ski Hill to S. Park, leaving 100 block of N. Main Street open
  • 4:50pm – Reopen Main Street from Adams to South Park. Main Street remains closed from Washington Ave. to Ski Hill
  • 6:00pm – Main Street clear and ready to reopen from Ski Hill to Adams

Holidays in Breckenridge

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downtown Breckenridge at dusk
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