Breckenridge in December is like stepping into a real-life snow globe. Sparkling holiday lights and glittering snowflakes are enough to make any Grinch believe again. The entire month is filled with special events, holiday celebrations and plenty of reasons to head outside so be sure to mark your calendars for a December trip to Breckenridge this winter!
December Events in Breckenridge
Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas
Breckenridge ups the ante on small town holiday charm with the return of the Lighting of Breckenridge & 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 and 250,000 LED holiday lights. The iconic holiday lights in downtown Breckenridge are one of the most photographed sights during the snowy months and continue to shine and spread hope all winter long.
Ullr Fest
Grab your Viking hats and celebrate all things winter at Ullr Fest! Breckenridge invites locals and visitors of all ages to praise Ullr, the Norse god of snow, in hopes of a powder-filled ski season. Show your devotion at the Main Street parade and become part of history at the longest Shotski® “unofficial” World Record breaking attempt. If you’re in for a legendary party, this is one you won’t want to miss!
Top ways to enjoy the Holidays in Breckenridge
There’s nothing better than a white Christmas filled with lights and holiday cheer. With snow-covered peaks, frosty trees and scenic views, Breckenridge is the perfect destination to get you in the holiday spirit.
Seasonal Holiday Lights
Breckenridge ups the ante on small town holiday charm by transforming its historic downtown into a sparkling snow globe scene thanks to more than 59,000 feet and 250,000 LED holiday lights, which get turned on the first weekend of December during the Lighting of Breckenridge. Those visiting Breckenridge during winter a can expect iconic holiday lights throughout downtown Breckenridge. The great news is, the lights will stay up through late-March or early-April!
Dining & Shopping
Holiday Dining
The Breckenridge dining scene explodes with flavor. Expect to find worldly inspired cuisines, fresh takes on culinary classics and plenty of craft beer and cocktails made from our local brewers.
Forego the stress of cooking a big meal for the whole family and eat out at one of many restaurants in Breckenridge providing holiday dining and prix fixe menus. Many restaurants are open for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Eve, but may have a separate fee for holiday dinners. Be sure to make reservations or start early because tables tend to fill up quickly.
Many of our local restaurants also offer a delicious selection of holiday meals and family-style dishes you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. Be sure to make reservations early as many have an order cut-off for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
The local grocery stores also offer holiday dinners for pick-up if you’re looking for a tasty stay-in option with minimum prep.
Shopping
Shops in Breckenridge include local boutiques, gear stores, art galleries, children’s shops and everything in between. Our specialty? Providing the latest styles and greatest gear for any outdoor outing or adventure. From local goods and gear, small businesses and chic boutiques, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. With more than 200 stores to choose from, it’s easy to spend a day enjoying the quaint storefronts, finding the perfect gifts and updating your gear selection.
Top December Activities
Breckenridge is an outdoor paradise in the winter making December one of the best times to visit. The ample amounts of snow mean there are tons of great activities to enjoy. From days on the mountain to one of a kind experiences, there is plenty to do. If you are looking to fully embrace the holiday spirit, fill your vacation with classic holiday activities.
- Free Sledding at carter Park
- Make a snowman at the local parks around town
- Skiing & Snowboarding at Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Take a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride with hot cocoa
- Ice Skate at our Indoor Ice Rink
- Sample the best hot chocolate in town and look at the holiday lights
- Snowshoe or cross-country ski in the backcountry or at our Nordic Centers
- Dog Sled with a team of huskies ready to give wet kisses
- Book a yoga class or reset with a massage or facial
- Relax from a long day on the hill in a hot tub
- Explore Breckenridge’s free museums or take a historic tour
Explore more winter activities, and don’t miss your chance to try something new with a guided tour!
Indoor Activities for the Whole Family
Sometimes you just need a break from strolling historic Main Street and skiing the slopes. Breckenridge is home to tons of unique and fun activities, and not just outside. These top picks in Breckenridge are sure to leave everyone in your group feeling happy and rejuvenated.
- Local’s Tip: These are great activities for day 1 of your trip to acclimate to our high altitude and decompress from travel!
BreckCreate
Get artsy and try something new with BreckCreate. Bring the whole family and try throwing your own pottery, making candles, glass blowing and more! Check the schedule for the lineup of activities and classes. Don’t miss their other events like concerts, open studios and shows too!
Escape Rooms
Seek clues, solve unique puzzles, answer questions and work together to try to escape from Escape Room Breckenridge and Mountain Time Escape Rooms. These all-age friendly rooms consist of stories, decorations and technology to immerse you in a fun game for all. You’ll have 60-minutes to complete each of your adventures! This is a great bonding activity for families, friends, date nights, bachelorette, bachelor or birthday parties, co-workers and teammates.
Eclipse Theater
Visit Breckenridge’s only movie theater, the Eclipse Theater (formerly the Speakeasy) to catch a flick year round! The Eclipse offers a variety of blockbuster, indie, classic, foreign, and outdoor films. Don’t forget to stock up on fresh popcorn and snacks, plus the adults can enjoy local beer and wine on tap.
Breckenridge Backstage Theater
The award-winning Backstage Theatre has been around since 1974, and it just keeps getting better and better. It has physically expanded with more seating and a larger lobby in which to mingle with cocktails (yes, they even sell specialty drinks to match various productions) before the show and during intermission. That means the Backstage can produce more complex musicals, comedies and dramas, with stunning sets and larger casts. Spacious, cushy seats allow guests to sit back and enjoy the shows in luxury. Check the schedule for upcoming productions.
Ready Paint Fire
Get creative and cozy up inside Breckenridge’s paint your own art studio! Enjoy fun projects like pottery and canvas painting, candle making, mosaic art, glass fusing and more! Guests can follow tutorials or let their imagination flow. Unwind and relax with a glass of wine or beer, or bring your own snacks to indulge while you craft. Ready Paint Fire is the perfect indoor activity for all ages for those who don’t want to ski or those who need to take a rest!
Country Boy Mine
Dig into a real Breckenridge gold mining experience at Country Boy Mine, where you’ll have the chance to go underground to tour a historic gold mine then pan for actual gold. You can also look into Country Boy’s guided snowshoe tours, snowshoe, or treasure hunt. Call or make a reservation before heading over!
View more Indoor Activities in Breckenridge!
Tips For Visiting Breckenridge in December
Weather & Layers
It’s winter in Breckenridge, so be prepared to dress in layers and waterproof gear. You’ll also want to bring sunglasses, googles and sunscreen because with 300 days of annual sunshine, you’re bound to catch more than a few rays. Know the forecast and when the next powder day is expected by checking the locals favorite weather forecasts On the Snow, Open Snow or our local webcams page for real-time updates.
Planning for High Altitude
The town of Breckenridge, Colorado sits at 9,600 feet above sea level, and the Breckenridge Ski Resort’s summit elevation reaches 12,998 feet, creating an unforgettable high alpine climate with low humidity and year-round sunshine. Thankfully, there are easy ways to adapt to the environment and our high altitude and fully enjoy all the activities and wonders the mountains have to offer.
Learn & Follow Leave No Trace Principles
Preserving the character of our town and the nature that surrounds us has always been at the heart of the Breckenridge spirit, our people and our brand. To a large part, our collective desire to protect this special ecosystem is what draws people here in the first place—both to live, and to visit. You can help us preserve and protect what we love by following the Leave No Trace principles during your visit.
Plan Ahead
During December, the key to success is to plan ahead. It’s one of the busiest times of the year and some of the most popular activities will sell out. Make reservations as far ahead as possible, especially for any guided tour that has limited space (dog sledding, snowmobiling, guided fly fishing). If you are going skiing or snowboarding, buy your lift tickets at least 7 days in advance for the biggest savings, pick-up rental gear the night before heading out and book any ski lessons online ahead of time. These tips will save you money and tons of time in the morning.
Dinner Reservations
Many of Breckenridge’s higher-end restaurants are on OpenTable. We suggest booking a month or more in advance during this timeframe, especially for holiday-specific dining. If you’re going to a restaurant that doesn’t accept reservations, plan to arrive an hour earlier than normal and expect a wait. Be sure to check out the holiday lights and grab a cup of hot cocoa while you do! The local grocery stores offer holiday dinners for pick-up if you are looking for a stay-in option with minimum prep.
