Race of The Santas & Lighting of Breck, December 3rd

Join us at Breckenridge's official holiday season kick-off celebration! The Race of The Santa's and the Lighting of Breckenridge are two iconic, family friendly events that usher in the joy of the season to our beloved mountain town each year. Locals and visitors fill the streets of Breckenridge to watch hundreds of Santas dash, dance, and prance down our historic Main Street spreading holiday cheer before Santa flips the switch on the Town Tree and lights up the entire town like a real-life Christmas card!

Schedule of Events:

Holiday Dog Parade

It wouldn't be a family event without Fido! Kick-off the day's festivities with the annual Holiday Dog Parade. Dog's that have made Santa's "Nice List" are invited to bring along their owners and help welcome Santa to Breckenridge by leading the procession down Main Street.

Time: 2:30 PM

Location: Starting at Park Avenue and Main Steet.

Cost: Free to participate (Holiday Dog Parade Registration is sold out for 2022)

Children's Moose March

A special race for kids 12 years old and under before the Race of the Santas. The Moose March is .5 miles long, taking kids down historic Main Street. Kids are encouraged to dress in costume. The first 150 youth registrants will receive a moose beanie with registration.

Time: 4:00 PM

Location: The race starts at 208 N. Main Street (in front of the Canteen Tap House), Breckenridge and finishes at the Blue River Plaza just in time for the Lighting of Breck. 

Cost: $10 

Registration: Click here to register for the Children's Moose March.

Bib Pick Up: Saturday, December 3rd from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at 110 Lincon Ave, Breckenridge (Napper Tandy's).

Race of the Santas

This charitable event is a fundraiser for the Carriage House Early Learning Center, Breckenridge's oldest childcare facility. Come down to our beloved Main Street and join hundreds of people wearing Santa costumes in this popular holiday event. Designed for all ages, this fun run caters to all, whether you want to walk, run or dance down Main Street. The first 700 registrants will receive a commemorative long sleeve race shirt with registration. The top 3 male and female racers will receive a custom Ullr helmet.

Time: 4:20 PM

Location: The race starts at 208 N. Main Street (in front of the Canteen Tap House), Breckenridge and finishes at the Blue River Plaza just in time for the Lighting of Breck. Click here for a map of the course.

Cost: $30 for adults 18+

Registration: Click here to register for the Race of the Santas. Santa suit is not included in race registration, but one can be purchased with registration for $30. Santa hats can be purchased with registration for $10.

Bib Pick Up: Saturday, December 3rd from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at 110 Lincon Ave, Breckenridge (Napper Tandy's).

Lighting of Breckenridge

Join all the residents in celebrating the start of the holiday season with the lighting the Town Tree. Santa Claus himself will be there to lead the ceremony which happens every year. Santa arrives at 5pm, after the Race of The Santas, and leads the procession of people to Blue River Plaza for the lighting.

Time: 5:00 PM

Location: Santa will flip the switch at the Breckenridge Welcome Center at 203 S. Main Street, lighting up the Blue River Plaza.

Cost: Free

Parking: The most convenient FREE parking will be at the Airport Road Lot, serviced by the Breck FreeRide Red Route. Additional FREE parking is available after 3:00 PM at the Tiger Dredge, Wellington, and East Sawmill lots.

Looking for more family friendly events in Breckenridge and Summit County? Visit our Winter Events page for more information!