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 top winter events your whole group will enjoy.
Best Winter Events in Breckenridge
Breckenridge Ski Resort Opening Day
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 season like Breckenridge- grab your gear and get ready to celebrate this winter in style. Chairlifts start spinning at 9am but be sure to get there early for pre-opening fun and giveaways.
- Catch your first chair of the season
- Pre-Opening Giveaways
Lighting of Breckenridge & 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, and count down with Santa as he uses his magic to light up the town and trees with Christmas lights for the season.
Don’t Miss:
- Holiday Dog Parade
- Race of the Santas
- Lighting of Breckenridge
- Free Concert at the Riverwalk Center
Ullr Fest
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. During Ullr Fest in Breckenridge, don’t be surprised to see horned Viking hats adorning the heads of skiers and snowboarders, and more than 12,000 Ullr enthusiasts filling the streets for the Ullr Parade with crazy float participants hitting ski jumps on Main Street or gliding along town in a hot tub. 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.
- Break the record for world’s longest shotski®️
- Take part in the Ullr Parade down Main Street
International Snow Sculpture Championships presented by Toyota
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 and kid’s choice awards, and see if your pick matches the judge’s votes for the grand prize!
View all Breckenridge Festivals and Events
Winter in Breckenridge
Embrace The Spirit
BLike Breckenridge™️ is a movement born of the spirit of our historic mountain town for those who call it home—whether for a weekend or a lifetime—to live by. It is a cause that connects us to each other, that we can all be a part of.