Kick Off the Holidays with The Race of the Santas and Ullr Fest in Breckenridge and Beaver Run Resort
Breckenridge loves the winter holidays. Our picturesque mountain town looks even prettier with the magic of the season. The holidays kick off early in Breckenridge and Beaver Run Resort is here to welcome you. Santa arrives the first part of December, bringing the sparkle and cheer. Then Breckenridge offers its own brand of winter revelry with Ullr Fest and the World’s Longest Shot Ski. Join us at Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge and start the winter off with a blast.
Race of the Santas and Lighting of Breckenridge
Holiday lights, the kids’ Moose March, hundreds of Santas, even more dogs on parade, and an appearance by old Kris Kringle himself – even Scrooge can’t resist the holiday spirit in Breckenridge.
Saturday afternoon’s events commence at 3:30 p.m. with our canine buddies gathering for the Jingle Paws Dog Parade on Main Street. Beaver Run Resort offers dog-friendly lodging options if you and your pooch want to join the fun. Be sure to dress for the season! For more information and to sign up, see this link.
The Moose March follows at 4:00 p.m. for kids who want to walk on parade dressed in their holiday cuteness.
For the Race of the Santas, hundreds of “competitors” dressed in Santa suits line up
for the main event and the starter’s pistol at 4:20 p.m. In a blur of red and white, racers scurry up Main Street for a dash to the finish line and glory on the podium. The rest of the field follows at their own pace – jogging, walking, pushing baby strollers – all to the cheers of “Go Santa!” It’s a sight to behold. All ages are welcome at the Race of the Santas. Learn more and register at this link.
At 5:00 p.m., Santa Claus himself arrives to the Blue River Plaza to flip the switch and illuminate thousands of twinkling lights draped in the evergreen trees surrounding the park. The soft illumination of energy-efficient LED bulbs casts a warm glow over the crowd making the perfect opportunity for holiday photos of family and loved ones. The Lighting of Breckenridge is one of our town’s most Instagrammed events.
Carolers sing holiday tunes and Santa welcomes the kids. Also located at the Blue River Plaza is a donation drop-box for the Adopt An Angel Toy Drive.
Across the street at the Arts District’s Old Masonic Hall on Main Street, don’t miss the Handmade Holiday Market. In time for holiday gift giving, purchase local artisans’ art and craftwork, including jewelry, ceramics, books, candles, paintings, and prints. Offered from noon to 8:00 p.m., the Market also features a cash bar, live music, and local artists’ displays.
And get ready for the upcoming Ullr Fest: decorate your own Ullr horn helmet on Saturday and Sunday of the event weekend, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ready Paint Fire on Ridge Street. Cost includes a one-size-fits-all Viking helmet and a wide selection of decorating supplies. Make reservations at this link.
Ullr Fest
Praise Ullr, the Norse god of skiing, and request his blessings for an abundant, powder-filled winter. Breckenridge invites visitors and locals to celebrate Ullr Fest, a legendary party to start off the winter season. First celebrated in 1963 by Norwegian
co-founders of the Breckenridge Ski Area, Ullr Fest continues to bring the stoke for decades.
Ullr Fest begins with a flurry of activities and events the second Thursday in December.
Get into the spirit of Ullr with your own Viking-inspired Ullr Horn Helmet. From 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday of the Festival, join the Ultimate Decorating Party at Ready Paint Fire on Ridge Street. Register here.
Start the day’s festivities at 3:30 p.m. in the Blue River Plaza on Main Street for the Coronation of the new Ullr Royalty. Celebrate the incoming Ullr King and Queen and continue a decades-long tradition of recognizing two locals honored for their contributions in the community and their love of snow.
A toast to Ullr follows with the Breckenridge Distillery’s World’s Longest Shot Ski! At 4:20 p.m., over 1300 revelers will raise one long ski and down a shot of Breckenridge’s best bourbon without spilling a drop. Reserve your spot early as this crazy event sells out quickly. Learn more here.
Anticipated all year long, the Ullr Fest Parade starts on Main Street after the Shot Ski, roughly at 4:30 p.m. This can’t-miss event is famous – or infamous – in Breckenridge history. Past floats have featured ski jumping, hot tubs on truck beds, scantily clad revelers, sled dogs, music, massive Viking ships, and other creative offerings to Ullr. Sometimes bawdy, parents are cautioned that the parade is not always kid-friendly.
The Ullr Bonfire and offerings to Ullr complete the day’s events. Get ready to chant Ullr (rhymes with “cooler”) as the flames rise higher. The bonfire follows the parade and is located in East Sawmill Lot near the base of the Gondola.
How did Ullr Fest come about? Learn more in this article from Breckenridge History.
As a weekend-long celebration, Ullr Fest continues on Friday and Saturday.
Friday of Ullr Fest Weekend features a Race for EveryBODY from Move United, promoting outdoor athletics for people with disabilities. Beaver Run Resort hosts the week-long event, culminating with Friday’s race where everyone is invited. Participants will ski or snowboard alongside talented adaptive athletes. Offered 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Peak 9. More info here.
Friday evening is Ullr Comedy Night at the Riverwalk Center, featuring regional and nationally known comics. Tickets here.
Saturday’s events include the Ullr Ice Skating Party at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena from 12:30 p.m to 2:00 p.m. Entry includes skate rental and stability aids. Fun on ice continues Saturday evening with the Winter Ice Skating Show. Back at “the Steve” at 6:00 p.m., holiday themed entertainment from local youth and adult skaters showcases skills and routines, perfect for a family evening. Kids three and under are free. Get tickets here.
For more information on what to expect for your December visit to Breckenridge, see this Beaver Run Blog article.
Breckenridge is the best place to immerse in the holiday spirit. Take family holiday photos, purchase unique gifts, revel in winter’s beauty, run with Santa – there are so many ways to begin the holiday celebrations early. And Beaver Run Resort – with our ideal location between the mountain and Main Street, easy lift access, great on-site dining, hot tubs, pools and arcade – is the perfect place to begin your holidays. Come join us!
