Breckenridge kicks off the holidays with a Santa-costumed fun run, a Holiday Dog Parade, and downtown aglow under a quarter-million lights.
The Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas takes over Main Street and Blue River Plaza on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The lighthearted Race of the Santas sends hundreds of participants dressed as Santa dashing down Main Street, and a Holiday Dog Parade adds to the fun.
As the afternoon turns to evening, the celebration culminates with the town lighting up under more than 250,000 holiday lights around 5:00 p.m. It's the official start of the holiday season in Breckenridge and a festive, family-friendly night downtown.
Evening Highlights
- Race of the Santas — a Santa-costumed fun run down Main Street
- Holiday Dog Parade
- Town lighting under 250,000+ holiday lights (~5:00 p.m.)
- Free to attend and watch
- The official kickoff of the Breckenridge holiday season
How the Evening Runs
Times follow the recent event format and are subject to change — confirm on the official calendar.
Saturday, December 5 HOLIDAY KICKOFF
| Late afternoon | Race of the Santas & Holiday Dog Parade on Main Street |
| ~5:00 p.m. | Lighting of Breckenridge — downtown & Blue River Plaza illuminate |
Know Before You Go
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026 (afternoon into evening)
- Where: Main Street and Blue River Plaza, downtown Breckenridge
- Admission: Free to attend; the Race of the Santas has a separate paid registration
- Dress warmly and arrive early for a good spot along Main Street
- Register in advance if you want to run the Race of the Santas
Explore more Summit County & Vail Valley events
From festivals and concerts to seasonal celebrations, there is always something happening across the mountains.