Lighting of Breckenridge + Race of the Santas
Dec 06
Free
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
2025 Schedule (TBD)
Kick-off the holiday season
Find the perfect gift and experience the historic charm of the Arts District campus during the holiday market and open house. Breck Create instructors showcase their artwork made on the Arts District campus including ceramics, jewelry, prints and more. Come make an ornament or enjoy free creative activities for kids, holiday music, local artist displays and a cash bar.
Location: Old Masonic Hall [136 S. Main Street]
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.
Location: Blue River Plaza
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 Park Avenue and Main Street intersection before heading down historic Main Street to greet all attendees.
Register Here for the Holiday Dog Parade!
Location: Main Street Breckenridge (Start at Main Street Station at south Main)
Learn more about Dog Friendly Breckenridge
This holiday race is for kids, ages 10-17. The course is 7 blocks long and will take kids down historic Main Street for a .5 mile race, the same as the adult course. Kids are encouraged to dress in costume and come on out and have fun! Participants will receive a Moose Hat.
Register for the Moose March Here!
Location: Lineup is at Watson Avenue in Breckenridge. The race will run south down Main Street
There’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than hundreds of Santas running down historic Main Street in Breckenridge, transforming our picturesque town into a fun-filled holiday scene. Watch as Santas zip by, or grab your big red hat, throw on a beard and join in the race! Santa suits are not included in registration and may be purchased at the Breckenridge Recreation Center or added to your order.
Register for the Race of the Santas Here!
Location: Lineup is at Watson Avenue in Breckenridge. The race will run south down Main Street
Santa makes an early visit to Breckenridge to light the Town Tree and illuminate the town. Don’t miss the moment when Breckenridge turns on the lights and turns up the holiday spirit as Santa flips the switch in the Blue River Plaza just outside the Breckenridge Welcome Center at 203 S Main Street. Breckenridge will transform into a real life holiday card thanks to more than 59,000 feet and 250,000 LED holiday lights. Lights will continue to shine and spread joy all winter long.
Location: Main Street Breckenridge
Visit the Mountain Top Explorium for a magical encounter with Santa Claus where kids can share their wish lists and parents can capture holiday moments.
Cost: FREE
Location:Mountain Top Explorium
100 S. Park Ave, Unit C100 Breckenridge, CO
$5 Ornament Painting at Ready, Paint, Fire!
Family and friends join our holiday fun with Ornament painting all weekend long!
Paint your own Pottery Ornaments – Santas and Snowmen, Reindeer and Candy Canes, Snowflakes and Stockings and more! Add a personal touch to your holiday decor with your own creativity. All ages are welcome to join in the fun! Kiln fired overnight. www.rpfbreck.com for more info
Date: Saturday, December 7th & Sunday, December 8th
Time: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Location:Ready, Paint, Fire!
Cost: $5
Ullr Helmet Decorating at Ready, Paint, Fire!
Unleash your creativity in true Ullr Fest Style. Decorate your own ULLR Helmet! Let your imagination run wild with fur and jewels, glitter and sequins, paint and ribbon. Create a one-of-a-kind helmet fit for the Winter god himself! Helmet decorating begins Monday December 9th at ReadyPaintFire! www.rpfbreck.com for details and reservations
Date: Monday, December 9 – Thursday, December 12
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Location:Ready, Paint, Fire!
Cost: Choice of Helmet plus decorating from $40 to $60. Bring Your Own Helmet just $20!
Explorium Fest at Mountain Top Explorium
ExploriumFest is 4-days of free exploration and adventure at Mountain Top Explorium. From December 4th – December 7th, we invite local & visiting families to discover the wonders of the Explorium absolutely free of charge. Experience the countless opportunities available within the Explorium and learn about our vision for an exciting future which includes a complete reimagination of our current space. Each day will be packed with engaging activities for both children and adults. Join us as we look to the future!
Dates: December 4-7: 4-Days of Free Access
Location: Mountain Top Explorium
Cost: Free
The Nutcracker: The Land of the Sweets Performances
Alpine Dance Academy presents The Nutcracker: Land of the Sweets. This classical ballet will transport you to a magical land featuring local Summit County performers. Join Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy for this beloved holiday tradition!
Dates:
Friday, December 6: 7:00pm
Saturday, December 7: 4:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday, December 8: 2:00pm
Location: Breckenridge Riverwalk Center
Cost: Between $14-$40, showtime dependent
Bernerfest at Continental Divide Winery
Get ready for a pawsitively amazing time at our Annual Bernerfest Party! Bring your Bernese Mountain Dog(s) and join approximately 300 others for a day of celebration, fun and festivities! Tasting room open at 12pm with wintery wine specials and free dog treats! Berner Processional Parade down Main Street, starting right from in front of our Tasting Room at 3:30pm. After the parade, bring your Berner back to the Tasting Room and enjoy live music!
Date: Saturday, December 7
Time: 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Location:Continental Divide Winery Breckenridge Tasting Room / Main Street Station Plaza
Registration
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 racebreck@townofbreckenridge.com
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
Registration closes Saturday, December 7 at 8:00am
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 Park Avenue and Main Street intersection before heading down historic Main Street to greet all attendees.
Come Back to register for the parade
Location: Main Street Breckenridge (Start at Main Street Station at south Main)
Learn more about Dog Friendly Breckenridge
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.
FAQS
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
