2023 Lighting of Breck & Race of the Santas

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:

Handmade Holiday Market

Handmade Holiday Market at the Lighting of Breck

Stop by the annual Handmade Holiday Market, open throughout the Lighting of Breckenridge festivities. Support local artists and find the perfect gift for your loved ones as artisans share their work made on the Arts District Campus. Enjoy free craft activities, holiday music, and a cash bar while browsing books, candles, jewelry, paintings, prints and more!

Time: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Old Masonic Hall

Toy Drive

Adopt an Angel Toy Drive at the Lighting of Breckenridge

The Breckenridge Tourism Office, in partnership with the Summit Rotary Club, will be hosting an Adopt an Angel toy collection for local families. B Like Breckenridge™ and embrace the giving season by donating new, unwrapped toys, sporting goods, books, or games.

Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location: Blue River Plaza

*New items only please, gently used items will not be accepted. For more information on donations, visit Summit Rotary's Adopt an Angel page.

Holiday Dog Parade

Bernese Mountain Dogs at Breckenridge's Dog Parade for the Lighting of Breck

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. Pets must be on leash for the parade.

Time: Dog Parade staging will be from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Dog Parade starts at 3:30 PM

Location: Starting at Main Street Station

Cost: Free to participate (Holiday Dog Parade Registration is sold out for 2023)

*Help keep your dog and all the other dogs safe from the canine respiratory virus affecting Colorado dogs at this year's Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas. If your dog is showing any signs of illness, please keep them at home. Click here for more information on the recent guidance from CSU Veterinary.

Children's Moose March

Children's Moose March at the Lighting of Breckenridge

A special race for kids ages 10 to 17 years old 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 hat 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 2nd from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 208 N. Main Street.

Race of the Santas

2023 Running of the Santas at the Lighting of Breckenridge

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 gift cards to Peak Running Breckenridge.

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 2nd from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 208 N. Main Street.

*Santa suits are not included in the Race of Santas registration

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 DredgeWellington, and East Sawmill lots.

Meet Santa

Meet Santa at the Lighting of Breckenridge 2023

Capture magical holiday moments as your kids meet Santa Clause and share their Christmas wish lists at the Mountain Top Explorium.

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: Mountain Top Explorium

Cost: Free to meet Santa and free to explore the Explorium after meeting Santa.


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Looking for other fun winter events in Breckenridge?

Check out our page Local Winter Events.