Lighting of Breckenridge + Race of the Santas

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 parking will be at the South Gondola parking structure at 150 Watson Avenue. The rest of Breckenridge’s downtown lots are paid and traditionally fill up fast. Guests should plan to arrive early and park in the same spot for the day or bike, bus or shuttle in from their lodging properties. Breckenridge residents are encouraged to carpool, bus, bike and walk into town to avoid additional congestion.

The Airport Road Parking Lot is permanently closed.

How do I get around?

While we recommend going carless in Breckenridge, if you do need to rent or drive your car, make sure you visit GoI70.com to learn the best times to travel to avoid congestion. We expect this to be a very busy weekend and encourage viewers to carpool, rideshare and use shuttles/buses if they are visiting from Denver or other towns. The Breck FreeRide bus picks up and drops off throughout Breckenridge, and the Summit Stage bus connects Breckenridge and its surrounding towns. Once you are here, we recommend exploring by foot/bike or taking the Breckenridge FreeRide transportation throughout the day. Most hotels have free shuttles into downtown, too!

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 6th 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

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

Race of the Santas & Moose March Registration

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:
Saturday, December 6, 2:00pm – 4:00pm at The Canteen in Breckenridge

Same Day Registration begins Saturday, December 6 at 2:00 pm

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

Holiday Dog Parade

Join us for the kickoff to the Lighting of Breckenridge with the Holiday Dog Parade! Pooches and owners are encouraged to dress for success and will lead off the procession at The Canteen Taphouse on North Main before heading south down historic Main Street to greet all attendees.

Holiday Dog Parade Registration

Location:  Main Street Breckenridge (NEW – Start at NORTH Main by the Canteen Taphouse)

Learn more about Dog Friendly Breckenridge

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.

Where can I park?

The most convenient parking will be at the South Gondola parking structure at 150 Watson Avenue. The rest of Breckenridge’s downtown lots are paid and traditionally fill up fast. Guests should plan to arrive early and park in the same spot for the day or bike, bus or shuttle in from their lodging properties. Breckenridge residents are encouraged to carpool, bus, bike and walk into town to avoid additional congestion.

The Airport Road Parking Lot is permanently closed.

How do I get around?

While we recommend going carless in Breckenridge, if you do need to rent or drive your car, make sure you visit GoI70.com to learn the best times to travel to avoid congestion. We expect this to be a very busy weekend and encourage viewers to carpool, rideshare and use shuttles/buses if they are visiting from Denver or other towns. The Breck FreeRide bus picks up and drops off throughout Breckenridge, and the Summit Stage bus connects Breckenridge and its surrounding towns. Once you are here, we recommend exploring by foot/bike or taking the Breckenridge FreeRide transportation throughout the day. Most hotels have free shuttles into downtown, too!