There’s a reason – or multiple reasons for that matter – that Breckenridge is annually named one of the most picturesque holiday towns in the country. Besides the fact that we are almost guaranteed a white Christmas every year, our snowcapped ski town gets gunned up during the holidays because ski season is swinging into high gear. Besides this buzz, here are 10 other reasons to celebrate in Breck for a holiday experience of a lifetime:
You may think you’re seeing double, triple or … but there’s more than one Santa running around in Breckenridge. Literally. Everyone’s in the running to be jolly Saint Nick during the Race of the Santas Saturday, December 7th. This time-honored tradition is a sight to see as there are traditionally hundreds of red-clad St. Nicks running around downtown Breckenridge.
Just after hundreds of Santas flash before your eyes, stick around the Blue River Plaza in downtown Breckenridge as the “real” Santa Claus makes an early visit to flip the switch on the official Town Tree. It’s no Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony, but it is an amazing sight to see nonetheless.
“[You’re] Gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas.” – Clark Griswold (Christmas Vacation)
Did you know that our very own Four O’clock Run – access point to our hotel in Breckenridge – is the location for the scene where Chevy Chase rides his sled into the Walmart parking lot? Just the snow scene, however, as the Walmart parking lot itself was actually filmed 9 miles to the north in Frisco, Colorado. So why not grab a sled and do some of your own sledding at Carter Park?!
After the Lighting of Breckenridge on December 7th, don’t be surprised to see our Victorian-styled holiday town adorned with lights until April (or whenever the snow melts enough to take them down). That’s six months, people!
Want to create your own high-flying act? You’re in luck as December typically averages nearly two feet of snowfall on top of that same amount typically falling in November. We got 49″ in October, too! This makes for some incredible skiing and riding, as well as a soft landing for those bumps and jumps. Visit one of the four Terrain Parks at Breckenridge to catch some air or watch the high flyers!
There’s nothing better than giving a gift made from your own hands, is there? Well, I guess that’s up for discussion, but come to Breckenridge December 7th and you may create one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted holiday gifts for those on your list. “Handmade Holiday” also gives guests the opportunity to stroll the decorated Breckenridge Arts District campus to tour open studios and meet local artisans.
Not the crafty type? Not to worry as you can pick up unique “already-made” gifts including candles, jewelry, ceramics and more. You can also visit Ready, Paint, Fire and create your own pottery, canvas or glass piece while enjoying a fun atmosphere. (2020 update: we hope Ready, Paint, Fire! will reopen in 2021!)
Yes, skiing and snowboarding are obviously the most popular snow-bound activities in Breckenridge, but there are other winter activities to take part in. Get yourself a different perspective of the majestic Rocky Mountains with a Breckenridge sleigh ride. There are a multitude of options, including a dinner sleigh ride, private romantic sleigh ride, scenic hot cocoa ride and even group events.
Not into the equine experience? Maybe canines are your thing and dog sledding will suit your needs. Switch off mushing a team of huskies, riding in the dogsled, and riding on the passenger sleigh while winding your way through the trails of the Rockies.
Then, of course, there’s the other more obvious undertakings such as snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, tubing and winter biking to enjoy. Check out the Breckenridge Tourism Office’s website to find out more about all the winter activities in Breckenridge.
It’s one thing to celebrate the official start of winter in your hometown, but an entirely different thing to observe the winter solstice in the true winter wonderland of Breckenridge, Colorado. This celebration can be a profound way to tune into the magic and beauty of the season, and what better place to do that than in this winter nirvana nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains?
Do New Year’s Eve Breckenridge-style with the Torchlight and Glow Worm Parades and a countdown to midnight at one of the many bars and restaurants. Perhaps a future New Year’s will see the return of the fireworks on the mountain.
Blaze your own path as nobody says that you have to do any of the above. Just a simple stroll down Main Street will undoubtedly put you in the holiday mood. Take in the unique history of the area with an historical tour and museum visit, check out one of the numerous day spas, plan an evening of culture at the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, solve riddles to escape an Escape Room or simply visit one of the many bars and clubs that adorn historic Main Street.
If you are ready for a holiday experience that looks like it was plucked right out of a snow globe, Breckenridge is the spot for you! And if you are looking for the perfect place to complete your wintery postcard, then the Wedgewood Lodge may be the place for you! We offer 52 slope-side condominiums in a hotel which, in my opinion, offers the most quintessential ski lodging experience in town. Don’t believe me? Check us out for yourself!
Wishing very happy holidays for you all.
*Photos courtesy of Warner Bros., Breckenridge Ski Resort, Breckenridge Tourism Office, & The Summit Daily.