• Winter Kickoff

    November to January Events

As winter comes to Breckenridge, the excitement of the season kicks off with a lineup of events that celebrate everything we love about winter! From Ullr Fest and the much-anticipated opening of the ski resorts to the Lighting of Breckenridge and the International Snow Sculpture Championships, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join us in celebrating the start of the winter season and enjoying the experiences that our mountain town has to offer!

Douvalakis

Opening Days

With the arrival of natural snow and the hard work of our snowmakers, local ski resorts and Nordic centers are gearing up for the season! Locals are tuning their boards and skis, pulling out their winter gear, and the atmosphere is charged with excitement. Check out the opening dates below and prepare for your best winter yet!

  • Keystone Resort: November 2
  • Arapahoe Basin: November 2
  • Breckenridge: November 8
  • Copper Mountain: November 8
  • Vail Mountain: November 15
  • Breckenridge Nordic Center: November 20
  • Beaver Creek: November 27
  • Frisco Adventure Park: November 28
  • Gold Run Nordic Center: December 3
@breckenridgemtn

Wake Up Breck

November 7

Wake Up Breck is an annual tradition in Breckenridge to celebrate the start of ski season! The day before opening day (November 7 this year), you are invited to head downtown for a free commemorative mug and cup of coffee! This event supports Building Hope, a local Summit County organization focused on providing mental health resources and support.

  • When: Thursday, November 7 at 7:00 am
  • Where: Breckenridge Coffee Shops
  • Cost: Free!
  • Participating Coffee Shops: 
    • Clint’s
    • Coffee Depot
    • Cool River Cafe
    • The Crown
    • Cuppa Joe’s
    • Daylight Donuts
    • Mountain View Coffee
    • Starbucks
    • Unravel Coffee
    • Ullr Cafe

@breckenridgenordiccenter

Breckenridge Nordic Center Annual Ski Swap

November 8-19

This November, the Breckenridge Nordic Center is excited to host its annual ski swap! This used gear sale is a fantastic opportunity for you to score some great equipment and possibly discover a new hobby. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with fellow winter sports enthusiasts while finding everything you need for the upcoming season!

  • When: November 8-19; Ski equipment drop-off November 1-7
  • Where: Breckenridge Nordic Center
  • Cost: Free to attend, gear available for purchase
@friendsofcaic

CAIC Benefit Bash

November 23

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is excited to host its 17th Annual Benefit Bash, supporting avalanche education and forecasting efforts throughout the state. Join the CAIC for an unforgettable evening of giveaways, live music, auctions, and much more! Whether you’re a backcountry enthusiast, a supporter of this vital organization, or just hoping to snag some incredible gear, the CAIC Benefit Bash is the place to be!

  • When: Saturday, November 23, 6-10 pm
    • Pre-Event Happy Hour at Gravity Haus from 3-6 pm
  • Where: Breckenridge Riverwalk Center
  • Cost: $50
CAIC Benefit Bash
@townoffrisco

11th Annual Turkey Day 5K

November 28

The Annual Frisco Turkey Day 5k returns for its 11th year this Thanksgiving! Join us in Frisco to burn a few calories for the Thanksgiving feasts commence. Registration for this race supports Frisco Elementary’ s S.T.E.M. programs and walkers/runners are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation to benefit the Family & Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) food pantry. The race will take place on the Frisco recreation path and side streets- conditions may be snowy, so bring appropriate shoes and clothing!

  • When: Thrsday, November 28 at 9:30 am
  • Where: Old Frisco Community Center, 110 3rd Avenue, Frisco, CO
  • Cost: $30 for adults, $15 for kids 6-17, Free for kids under 5
@townoffrisco

Wassail Days

November 30-December 8

Join us in Frisco for the annual Wassail Days celebration, a warm and festive kickoff to the holiday season! Enjoy Wassail, a delicious hot spiced cider traditionally shared with friends and neighbors during this time of year. During Wassail Days, visitors can collect stamps on their “12 Sips of Wassail” card by sampling twelve unique varieties at participating local businesses. Don’t miss out on this cozy community experience!

  • When: November 30-December 8
  • Where: Frisco (various locations)
  • Event Schedule
Wassail Days
@alpinedancevibe

The Nutcracker: Presented by Alpine Dance Academy

December 6-9

Join the Alpine Dance Academy for their enchanting performance of The Nutcracker: Land of the Sweets! Get into the holiday spirit with this beloved classical ballet, featuring talented local Summit County performers. Experience the magic as Clara’s dream unfolds, transporting you to a world of sugarplum fairies and the Nutcracker Prince.

  • Performances:
    • December 6 at 7 pm
    • December 7 at 4 pm
    • December 7 at 7 pm
    • December 8 at 2 pm
  • Where: Breckenridge Riverwalk Center
  • Cost: $24-$39 for adults, $14-$29 for students
The Nutcracker

Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas

December 7

The Lighting of Breckenridge and the Santa Race mark the official start of the holiday season! Join in the fun as a Santa look-alike, or cheer from the sidelines as hundreds of Santas race down Main Street. After the race, stay for the enchanting Lighting of Breckenridge, where Main Street transforms into a festive wonderland adorned with twinkling lights. It’s a scene straight out of a holiday postcard, with every tree sparkling.

  • When: December 7
  • Where: Main Street Breckenridge
  • Cost: Free to attend! $30 adults/$10 kids for Santa Race
  • Schedule of Events: 
    • Handmade Holiday Market
    • Toy Drive: 3-6 pm
    • Holiday Dog Parade: 3:30 pm
    • Moose March: 4:00 pm
    • Race of the Santas 4:20 pm
    • Lighting of Breckenridge: 5:00 pm
    • Meet Santa: 5:30-7:00 pm
Lighting of Breckenridge & Santa Race

Ullr Fest

December 12-14

Ullr Fest returns for its 61st year, honoring Ullr, the Norse god of snow, and inviting a snow-filled season! Kick off the festivities by attempting to break the world record for the longest shotski, followed by a parade down Main Street and the roaring Ullr bonfire. Don your Viking helmets and gear up for the biggest winter celebration in Breckenridge!
  • When: December 12-14, 2024
  • Where: Main Street Breckenridge
  • Cost: Free to attend! $20 for Ullr Shotski
  • Event Schedule:
    • Thursday, December 12: 
      • 11:30 am-2:30 pm: Ullr Helmet Decorating Party at Ready, Paint, Fire!
      • 3:00 pm: Crowning of Ullr King and Queen
      • 3:30 pm: World’s Longest Shotski
      • 4:00 pm: Ullr Parade
      • 5:00 pm: Ullr Bonfire
    • Friday, December 13
      • 8:00 pm: Ullr Comedy Night at Riverwalk Center
    • Saturday, December 14: 
      • 12:30 pm-2:00 pm: Ullr Ice Skating Party at Stephen C. West Ice Arena
      • 6:30 pm: Winter Ice Skating Show at Stephen C. West Ice Arena
      • 6:00 pm: High Country Holidays Concert at the Riverwalk Center
ULLR FEST
Trevor Brown, Jr. via xgames.com

X Games Street Style Pro

December 20-21

Get ready for an exciting new event this December at Copper Mountain, brought to you by the partnership between the X Games and U.S. Ski and Snowboard! Athletes in the X Games Street Style Pro will compete for invitations to the X Games in Aspen, showcasing their skills in thrilling nighttime street style events and daytime halfpipe competitions. Join in for nightly musical performances and a party atmosphere!

  • When: December 20-21
  • Where: Copper Mountain
  • Cost: Free to attend!
X Games Street Style Pro
Arthur Balluff

New Years’ Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks

December 31

This New Years’ Eve, the Breckenridge Ski & Snowboard School will host their annual Torchlight Parade. Skiers holding red torch lights will ski down Peak 9 at 6pm, creating a Christmas Tree path of lights! Kids can participated in the Glow Worm parade prior to the Torchlight Parade by heading to Beaver Run Ski School to receive a glow stick!

Breckenridge also plans to bring back the New Years Eve fireworks show this year after a long hiatus. Stay tuned for more information as we approach the holiday!

  • When: December 31, 2024 at 6 pm
  • Where: Peak 9
  • Cost: Free!
Torchlight Parade
Elaine Collins

International Snow Sculpture Championships

January 20-29

One of our favorite local events, the International Snow Sculpture Championships, returns this January! Talented competitors from around the world will spend days crafting masterpieces from massive 25-ton blocks of snow. Throughout the competition, the Riverwalk Center lot will transform into an outdoor art gallery, showcasing these breathtaking sculptures for visitors to admire!
  • When: January 20-29, 2025
  • Where: Riverwalk Center
  • Cost: Free!
  • Event Schedule: 
    • Sculpting Week: January 20-24, 2025
    • Awards Ceremony: January 24 at 4:30 pm
    • Viewing Week: January 24-29, 2025
    • Timed-entry required on Saturday, January 25
Snow Sculptures

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