Breckenridge Colorado - A Holiday Winter Wonderland Winter Parade

If you are having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year, Breckenridge can help put you in the mood for the holidays.

Imagine escaping to a wonderful little ski town up in the hills, and Breckenridge has a bounty of fun adult and family activities to make the trip worth your while.

Breckenridge Ski Resort at Dusk – Carl Scofield

Breckenridge “officially” transforms into a wintry holiday scene during the Lighting of Breckenridge on Dec. 4, 2010. A holiday window-decorating contest culminates Nov. 27 and the Victorian Holiday Celebration continues throughout the entire month of December with activities that range from markets and family-friendly celebrations to freestyle competitions on the mountain and a film festival that showcases top athletes.

Lighting of Breckenridge Santa Race Colorado

Santa and Mrs. Clause “Lighting of Breckenridge” photo credit :Carl Scofield

Dec. 4: The Lighting of Breckenridge kicks off the season when Santa meets holiday revelers in a horse-drawn carriage. Sip steaming cocoa, snack on cookies and join carolers in song for a procession along Main Street. Vibrant ornaments and twinkling lights come alive with the lighting of the plaza and town tree.

Dec. 4-5 and 11-12: Two weekends of a German-style holiday market mean families have plenty of opportunities to find that perfect gift. Think roasted chestnuts, hot spiced cider, mulled wine, visits with Santa and unique shopping along Breckenridge’s Main Street.

Dec. 5-11: The third annual Breckenridge Snowflake Challenge revisits the town’s snow sculpting roots. This grassroots event is open to anyone who wants to try their hands sculpting snow and awards a total of $3,250 in prize money. Sculptures will be on display along Main Street through the holidays.

Dec. 8-11: Get ramped up for the Dew Tour with the Summit Action Sports Film Festival. The event will showcase talented filmmakers from around the globe as well as top athletes, live music, industry Q&As with both athletes and filmmakers, photography exhibits, local activities and a wide variety of screenings.

Dec. 10: Rob Schneider of Saturday Night Live fame (and movies including Deuce Bigelow, Male Gigoloand Hot Chicks) hits the Riverwalk Center for an evening of gut-busting comedy in Breckenridge.

Dec. 16-19: The third annual Winter Dew Tour puts pro snowsports athletes on display with televised halfpipe and slopestyle competitions. Expect town concerts and plenty of nightlife. Prequalified athletes include Breckenridge Team members Steve Fisher, JJ Thomas, Bobby Brown, Colby West and more.

Dec. 31: In addition to live music, bar parties and special restaurant menus, New Year’s Eve in Breckenridge brings a torchlight parade down the slopes of Breckenridge Ski Resort. A major fireworks display and a concert welcome 2011 in style.

Lighting of Breckenridge-Timothy-Faust

Along with the above activities, holiday festivities take place in Breckenridge throughout December for a whole month of celebrations. Think Arts District holiday workshops, a Holiday Arts Market and bazaar, performances at theBackstage Theatre, holiday museum open houses, strolling carolers, a living nativity, concerts, comedy shows and more. Take advantage of one of the best shopping districts in Colorado’s high country – Main Street Breckenridge. With some 200 shops and 70 restaurants, most of which are independently owned, you can find plenty of unique gifts, jewelry, fine art, ornaments, toys and a variety of clothing and winter gear.

Breckenridge Central Reservations is offering $100 cash to anyone who books a 4-night stay or longer by Dec. 17 for travel any time this winter season. The $100 special is valid with other lodging packages offered through Breckenridge Central Reservations. With an array of winter activities, independent restaurants and locally-owned boutiques, Breckenridge offers plenty of ways to play with $100 cash.

Visit GoBreck.com or call 877.593.5260 for lodging package info and reservations. The Lighting of Breckenridge and Victorian Winter Wonderland celebrations are produced by the Breckenridge Resort Chamber.Visit GoBreck.com for complete list of winter events and activities.