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Best Winter Events in Breckenridge

When the snow starts to fall and powder days stack up, Breckenridge locals and visitors alike come out to play, and not just on the slopes. Endless shopping and dining options, tons of activities and a long calendar of winter events in Breckenridge keep the lively atmosphere rolling through spring. Whether it’s praying to the Norse god of snow, dazzling as the town illuminates for the holidays at the Lighting of Breckenridge, or watching as 25-ton blocks of snow turn into intricate works of art, start planning your escape to the mountains around these Breckenridge winter events your whole group will enjoy.

Best Winter Events in Breckenridge

Breckenridge Ski Resort Opening Day

A skier on fresh powder during a beautiful day at the Breckenridge Ski Resort
Opening Day kicks-off the ski season and is one of the most anticipated events in Breckenridge for skiers and snowboarders.
No one kicks off the winter season like Breckenridge Ski Resort- grab your gear and get ready to celebrate this winter in style. Chairlifts start spinning at 9am with plans to ski into May if conditions allow. Don’t forget to swing by your local coffee shops the morning before for their annual Wake Up Breck celebration complete with collectible mugs and free coffee! Don’t Miss:
  • Catch your first chair of the season
  • Pre-Opening Giveaways
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Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas

Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas
Race of the Santas and The Lighting of Breckenridge is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
Start off the holiday season with Breckenridge’s annual Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas festivities. Our celebration happens the first weekend in December to amp up the holiday spirit! Watch Breckenridge’s transformation into a sparkling holiday snow globe, participate in the Race of the Santas down historic Main Street with hundreds of jolly look-alikes, dress up your furry best friends for the holiday dog parade, and count down with Santa as he uses his magic to light up the town and trees with holiday lights for the season. Don’t Miss:
  • Holiday Dog Parade
  • Race of the Santas
  • Moose March Kid’s Race
  • Lighting of Breckenridge
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Breckenridge Ullr Fest

Line of people taking the world's longest shot in Breckenridge, Colorado
Celebrate the Norse God of Snow at Breckenridge Ullr Fest!
One of our favorite Breckenridge events! Ullr Fest is a four-day festival any snow enthusiast will enjoy. Don’t miss the world’s longest shot ski and the Ullr Fest parade. The Town of Breckenridge invites snow lovers of all ages to join the party passed down from Breckenridge’s beginnings as a ski resort. Don’t be surprised to see horned Viking hats adorning the heads of skiers and snowboarders, and more than 12,000 winter enthusiasts filling the streets to pray for snow. Join us to rejoice with the Norse god of snow himself for a line-up of his favorite events in Breckenridge… he’s ready for a good party, oh, and some fresh powder. Don’t Miss:
  • Break the record for world’s longest shotski®️
  • Take part in the Ullr Parade down Main Street
  • Rejoice at the Ullr Bonfire
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International Snow Sculpture Championships presented by Toyota

snow sculptures are lit up by colorful lights at night in Breckenridge
Watch as artists from around the world create works of art out of 25-ton blocks of snow using only hand tools.
Watch as snow sculpture artists from around the world create creative masterpieces out of 12-foot-tall, 25-ton blocks of snow using only hand tools. This is one of the most creative and inspiring events in Breckenridge. Check out the art during the day, then come back at night (don’t forget to stop and grab some hot cocoa for the viewing party) as they get illuminated with all colors of the rainbow. Vote for your favorites for the people’s choice awards, and see if your pick matches the judge’s votes for the grand prize! Don’t Miss:
  • Teams sculpting from around the world
  • Watch thew whole process from start to finish
  • Vote for People’s Choice
  • Grand Illumination of sculptures by night
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New Year’s Eve in Breckenridge

new years eve fireworks with mountains in the background
Fireworks ring in the new year from the base of Peak 9.
The charm of Breckenridge gets turned up a notch every December 31st for New Year’s Eve with Fireworks and the resort’s traditional Torch Light parade from the top of the peaks into town. Whether you’re looking to ring in the new year on the mountain, at a party in town, or relaxing with hot cocoa, there’s something for everyone over the holidays in Breckenridge! Don’t Miss:
  • New Year’s Eve fireworks
  • Annual Torchlight Parade
  • Nightlife and parties throughout town
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View all Breckenridge Festivals and Events

Explore More Winter in Breckenridge

Santa Claus with Christmas Tree during Breckenridge's Lighting of the Trees.
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