Breckenridge, Colorado, is a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. The town transforms into a magical destination, offering a wide range of activities, events, and festivities that cater to all interests and ages. Whether you're a skier, snowboarder, or simply looking for a fun and relaxing getaway, Breckenridge has something for everyone.
Breckenridge's Main Street is a major highlight during the holiday season. The street is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere that's perfect for strolling, shopping, and dining. Visitors can explore the many unique shops, galleries, and restaurants that line the street, offering a range of local goods, souvenirs, and delicious cuisine.
One of the most popular events in Breckenridge during Christmas is the Lighting of the Town. This annual event takes place on the first Saturday of December and marks the official start of the holiday season. The event features live music, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa Claus, culminating in the lighting of the town's Christmas tree and the illumination of Main Street.
Things to Do in Breckenridge During Christmas
Breckenridge offers a wide range of activities and events during the Christmas season. Some of the top things to do include:
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country, offering over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain and 187 trails. The resort is open throughout the holiday season, offering a range of lessons, rentals, and guided tours.
- Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: For those looking for a more leisurely winter experience, Breckenridge offers numerous snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. These trails provide a great way to explore the beautiful winter landscapes of the Rocky Mountains.
- Ice Skating: Breckenridge has several outdoor ice skating rinks, including the Stephen C. West Ice Arena and the Breckenridge Ice Rink. These rinks offer public skating sessions, ice hockey leagues, and figure skating lessons.
- Sleigh Rides: Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy landscapes of Breckenridge. These rides offer a fun and relaxing way to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains during the holiday season.
Christmas Events and Festivities
Breckenridge hosts a range of Christmas events and festivities throughout the holiday season. Some of the top events include:
- Breckenridge Film Festival: This annual film festival takes place in early December and features a range of independent films, documentaries, and shorts.
- Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Contest: This fun event takes place in late December and features teams of sculptors competing to create the most impressive snow sculptures.
- New Year's Eve Fireworks: Breckenridge hosts a spectacular fireworks display on New Year's Eve, which takes place at the Riverwalk Center.
Accommodations and Dining in Breckenridge
Breckenridge has a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxury ski-in/ski-out resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, there's something for everyone. Some of the top-rated accommodations in Breckenridge include:
- The Sebastian - Vail: This luxury resort offers upscale accommodations, a world-class spa, and a range of amenities.
- Breckenridge Ski Resort: The resort offers a range of accommodations, including ski-in/ski-out condos, hotels, and lodges.
- The Village at Breckenridge: This complex offers a range of accommodations, including condos, townhomes, and hotels.
Breckenridge is also renowned for its dining scene, with a range of top-rated restaurants serving everything from fine cuisine to casual pub fare. Some of the top-rated restaurants in Breckenridge include:
- The Blue Stag Saloon & Restaurant: This historic saloon serves up classic American cuisine, including burgers, steaks, and seafood.
- Downstairs at Eric's: This popular restaurant serves up creative American cuisine, including pasta dishes, salads, and sandwiches.
- Burke and Riley's Pub: This cozy pub serves up classic pub fare, including burgers, wings, and Guinness beer.
Insider Tips and Tricks
- Book your accommodations and ski lessons well in advance to avoid peak-season prices and crowds.
- Take advantage of Breckenridge's free public transportation system, which offers a range of buses and shuttles throughout the town.
- Don't miss the annual Lighting of the Town event, which takes place on the first Saturday of December.
- Be sure to try some of Breckenridge's local cuisine, including its famous Rocky Mountain oysters and elk burgers.
Getting to Breckenridge
Breckenridge is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, about 80 miles west of Denver. The town is easily accessible by car, with several major highways and roads connecting it to nearby cities and towns. Breckenridge is also served by several airports, including the Denver International Airport (DEN) and the Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE).
We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of Breckenridge, Colorado, during the Christmas season. Whether you're a skier, snowboarder, or simply looking for a fun and relaxing getaway, Breckenridge has something for everyone. So why not start planning your Christmas vacation today?
Share Your Thoughts
Have you ever visited Breckenridge during the Christmas season? What were some of your favorite activities and events? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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What is the best way to get to Breckenridge?
+Breckenridge is easily accessible by car, with several major highways and roads connecting it to nearby cities and towns. The town is also served by several airports, including the Denver International Airport (DEN) and the Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE).
What are some of the top things to do in Breckenridge during the Christmas season?
+Some of the top things to do in Breckenridge during the Christmas season include skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, ice skating, and taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
What are some of the top-rated restaurants in Breckenridge?
+Some of the top-rated restaurants in Breckenridge include The Blue Stag Saloon & Restaurant, Downstairs at Eric's, and Burke and Riley's Pub.