Celebrate winter in Breckenridge and Keystone with parades, bonfires, ski events, snow sculptures, and holiday lights. Plan your mountain getaway around Colorado's most festive and unforgettable season.
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge and Keystone are top Colorado destinations for those seeking winter adventures, relaxation, and breathtaking mountain views. While each town offers its own unique atmosphere and activities, they share a common feature that adds even more magic to any visit: their annual winter events.
Both Breckenridge and Keystone boast a fantastic lineup of winter festivities, making it well worth planning your trip around their seasonal celebrations. From Christmas events and winter sports competitions to stunning snow sculptures and a quirky festival honoring the Nordic god of skiing, these Colorado gems truly take the term "winter extravaganza" to a whole new level.
Here's your first sip of what's to come:
- Race of the Santas & Lighting of Breck: Holiday kickoff with a Santa run and tree lighting downtown.
- Ullr Fest: Parade, bonfire, and mountain fun honoring the Norse god of snow.
- Dew Tour: Action-packed ski and snowboard competition with live music.
- Snow Sculpture Championships: Artists carve giant snow creations that glow at night.
- Lighting of River Run: Keystone's cozy start to the season with lights, music, and cocoa.
- Kidtopia Holiday Spectacular: Ice skating, tubing, fireworks, and Santa for the kids.
- Keystone Mardi Gras: Colorful parade, jazz bands, and Cajun eats in the Rockies.
- Keystone Slush Cup: Pond-skimming fun marking the end of ski season.
At Great Western Lodging, we specialize in premium, boutique-style vacation rentals, taking pride in creating a true mountain escape where comfort meets adventure.
As locals, we know Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone like the back of our hands, and our blog is packed with insider tips for your next mountain getaway. Visiting our region for the first time? Planning a ski trip? Into summer mountain thrills? We've got you covered!
In this blog, I've curated a list of the best winter events in Breckenridge and Keystone that will inspire you to plan your winter getaway immediately.
Ready to immerse yourself in the magic of winter? Time to get into it!
The Best Winter Events in Breckenridge
1. Race of the Santas & The Lighting of Breckenridge (December)
Music, laughter, and Santa suits everywhere you look.
The holiday season in Breckenridge kicks off on the first Saturday of December with a burst of joy and color. The town comes alive with music, laughter, and Santa suits everywhere you look. The fun starts on Main Street with the iconic Race of the Santas, followed by the grand lighting of the Town Tree in Blue River Plaza. It's one of those days that feels straight out of a holiday movie: snowflakes, smiles, and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Event Highlights
- Race of the Santas on Main Street, where runners dash in full Santa gear.
- Adorable pets joining the fun in festive costumes.
- Family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of photo ops.
- Santa leading a parade from Main Street to Blue River Plaza.
- The tree lighting ceremony transforms the town into a glowing wonderland.
2. ULLR FEST (December)
Celebrate the god of snow and skiing with a mix of wild traditions, laughter, and mountain spirit.
Ullr Fest brings a burst of fun and winter magic to Breckenridge. This legendary celebration honors Ullr, the Norse god of snow and skiing, with a mix of wild traditions, laughter, and mountain spirit. Locals and visitors come together to cheer, dance, and brave the cold in the most unexpected ways. From the colorful parade to the bonfire that lights up the night, this is Breckenridge at its most spirited.
Event Highlights
- The famous Main Street Parade filled with floats and costumed revelers.
- The Ullr Bonfire, where old Christmas trees fuel a massive blaze under the stars.
- The Ice Plunge for thrill-seekers ready to jump into icy water.
- Live music, talent shows, and plenty of mountain cheer.
- A true local favorite that captures Breckenridge's playful winter soul.
3. Dew Tour (December)
A sports event bringing together the nation's top athletes to compete head-to-head.
As one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States, it's no surprise that Breckenridge hosts an event dedicated to winter sports, bringing together some of the nation's top athletes to compete head-to-head.
Over four days in December, the Dew Tour hosts thrilling ski and snowboarding competitions, alongside live music performances and autograph sessions. Copper Mountain transforms into a hub of winter excitement, drawing sports enthusiasts and snow lovers alike. Best of all, the event is completely free!
Event Highlights
- World-class ski and snowboard competitions.
- Live music and DJ sets keep the energy high.
- Meet-and-greet sessions with professional athletes.
- Free entry for spectators.
- A lively winter festival atmosphere at Copper Mountain.
4. International Snow Sculpture Championships (January)
Artists from across the globe transforming massive blocks of snow into jaw-dropping creations.
Each January, Breckenridge turns into an open-air art gallery made entirely of snow. The International Snow Sculpture Championships bring together artists from across the globe to carve massive blocks of snow into jaw-dropping creations. Visitors can walk among these icy masterpieces, watch the sculptors in action, and return at night to see the sculptures glow under colorful lights. It's a true highlight of the winter season and is completely free to enjoy.
Event Highlights
- Held each January at the Riverwalk Center in downtown Breckenridge.
- Artists from around the world carving 12-foot-tall, 20-ton snow blocks.
- Stunning sculptures that transform into glowing works of art at night.
- Perfect for evening strolls and winter photos.
- Free admission for all visitors.
The Best Winter Events in Keystone
5. Carnival & the Lighting of River Run (End of November)
Music, the scent of hot cocoa, and thousands of lights shimmering across the alpine village.
Kick off the holiday season in Keystone with a celebration that turns River Run Village into a glowing winter wonderland. As thousands of lights shimmer across the alpine village, the air fills with music, laughter, and the scent of hot cocoa. It's a joyful evening that captures the warmth and excitement of the holidays in the mountains, a great way to start the festive season with family and friends.
Event Highlights
- Lighting of River Run Village, sparkling with thousands of holiday lights.
- Live music and festive performances at Warren Station.
- Family activities like face painting and photo booths.
- Warm drinks, including hot chocolate, cider, wine, and craft cocktails.
- Cozy mountain atmosphere filled with holiday cheer.
6. Kidtopia Holiday Spectacular (December)
Ice skating, snow tubing, fireworks, and special visits from Santa.
Nothing captures the essence of a winter wonderland in Keystone quite like the Kidtopia Holiday Spectacular, an unmissable event for both little ones and adults who are kids at heart. With activities such as ice skating, snow tubing, fireworks, and special visits from Santa, this event is the ultimate winter fun experience.
Event Highlights
- Ice skating on scenic Keystone Lake.
- Snow tubing thrills at Adventure Point.
- Fireworks lighting up the mountain sky.
- Santa meet-and-greet for the little ones.
- Outdoor craft stations and festive family activities.
- Holiday fun across River Run Village and Dercum Mountain.
7. Keystone Mardi Gras (February/March)
Colorful parades, upbeat music, dazzling beads, and mouthwatering Louisiana-inspired cuisine.
The energy and festive atmosphere of Mardi Gras bring River Run Village in Keystone to life. You can enjoy colorful parades, upbeat music, dazzling beads, and mouthwatering Louisiana-inspired cuisine. Blending the lively spirit of New Orleans with Keystone's stunning mountain backdrop, this is a very unique way to experience winter in the resort town.
Event Highlights
- Mardi Gras parade with colorful floats and bead-throwing fun.
- Live music featuring brass bands, jazz, funk, and zydeco.
- Mouthwatering Louisiana-style bites and drinks.
- Après-ski parties with DJs, themed events, and dancing.
- Festive atmosphere lighting up River Run Village all day and night.
8. Keystone Slush Cup (Late March - Early April)
A spring event with a touch of winter vibes, the Keystone Slush Cup is a beloved annual tradition marking the end of the ski season in Keystone. Combining skiing, costumes, and a festive atmosphere, it draws locals and visitors alike for one final celebration on the slopes. The highlight of the event is the pond skimming competition, where participants, dressed in elaborate, humorous, or over-the-top costumes, attempt to ski or snowboard across a pool of icy water.
Event Highlights
- Pond skimming contest where skiers and snowboarders glide (or crash) across icy water.
- Outrageous costumes competing for Best Costume, Best Splash, and Best Overall Performance.
- Live music and DJ sets that keep the energy high all afternoon.
- Tasty food stalls, local brews, and cocktails for post-run fun in the sun.
- A lively crowd celebrating the end of ski season in true Keystone style.
Quick Tips for Making the Most of Winter in Breckenridge and Keystone
- Plan Ahead: Book accommodations, lift tickets, and rentals early to secure the best options and avoid last-minute stress.
- Dress in Layers: Winter temperatures can fluctuate, so wear moisture-wicking base layers, warm mid-layers, and a waterproof outer layer. Don't forget gloves, hats, and goggles for skiing or snowboarding.
- Explore Beyond the Slopes: In Breckenridge, enjoy snowshoeing, dog sledding, or exploring the charming Main Street. In Keystone, try ice skating on Keystone Lake or snow tubing at Adventure Point.
- Take Breaks for Après-Ski: Warm up with a hot cocoa or craft beer at a cozy après-ski spot. Explore local dining options, like Breckenridge's Victorian-inspired eateries or Keystone's slope-side restaurants.
- Stay Hydrated: The high altitude can be dehydrating; drink plenty of water and avoid overdoing alcohol.
- Capture the Scenery: Bring a camera or smartphone to document the stunning mountain views and festive lights in both towns.
- Enjoy Nighttime Activities: In Keystone, don't miss night skiing, and in Breckenridge, enjoy stargazing or a quiet evening stroll under twinkling lights.
- Prepare for Altitude: Take it easy on your first day to adjust to the elevation, and consider carrying altitude sickness remedies.
How can you make your trip to Breckenridge and Keystone even better?
At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone.
Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Colorado.