Welcome to Summit County at Christmas/ during the Holidays – one of the most magical times of the year!
While we’re known for being a skiing destination, we also pride ourselves on some pretty fun holiday experiences.
Whether you’re shopping at one of our local shops or grabbing a bite to eat at a Summit County restaurant, there are plenty of things to do and see. Plus, there’s a family-friendly event on almost every corner!
Here’s your guide on what to do and see in Summit County this holiday season – and a few reasons why shopping local can make all the difference.
This Holiday Season, the Magic Starts on Main Street
The holidays bring 250,000 LED lights to downtown Breckenridge, creating 11.22 miles of sparkling wonder that could stretch from Peak to base more than three times over.
The Lighting of Breckenridge on December 6th kicks off a season where our historic downtowns become real-life snow globes. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a magical holiday evening with the family.
But the holiday fun isn’t confined to Breckenridge. Each of our mountain towns brings its own festive flair to the season. Frisco’s beloved Wassail Days runs from November 29 through December 7. During Wassial Days, many local businesses set up tasting rooms where you can sample unique wassail recipes while shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts.
Keystone’s Winter Carnival and River Run lighting create cozy village atmospheres perfect for family gatherings. Silverthorne’s First Friday celebrations blend cultural traditions with holiday markets, while Dillon transforms into a winter wonderland with its own lighting ceremony and artisan markets.
Discover Treasures You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
Our tip for the holidays? Forget generic mall gifts.
Summit County’s local artisans and makers craft items that tell our mountain story. No matter what town you’re shopping in, you’ll find a local business that’s creating and selling unique products.
Our gourmet food producers are also hard at work. You can grab custom-made gift baskets that capture the taste of the Rockies – things like local honey, craft spirits, artisanal chocolates, and mountain-roasted coffee.
Want to burn a few calories while browsing? Start off your morning at the Frisco Turkey Day 5K on Thanksgiving or join the Race of the Santas in Breckenridge. It’s the only spot where you’ll catch hundreds of Santa look-alikes dash down Main Street!
Plus, Silverthorne is excited to be hosting the Ice Castles.
Don’t forget to take advantage of special holiday promotions that only local businesses can offer. Many shops coordinate with nearby restaurants for shopping-and-dining packages. Some offer gift-wrapping services with that personal touch Amazon could never match.
Why Shopping Local Makes Your Holidays Matter
Here’s something that might surprise you: when you spend $100 at a local Summit County business, $73 stays right here in our community.
Compare that to national chains, where most of your dollar leaves town immediately. And during the holidays, this economic multiplier effect becomes even more powerful.
Local businesses donate four times as much to community charities as national chains. When you buy that hand-blown glass ornament from a Frisco artisan or that custom ski gear from a Breckenridge boutique, your investment goes further than you might expect.
You could be funding a Summit County youth sports team or supporting local food banks. Most importantly, you’ll be helping maintain the programs that make Summit County special.
But it’s more than tourism. The Summit Chamber’s “beLocal” initiative takes on special local community meaning during the holidays.
Those family-owned shops you love? They’re run by your neighbors, the people whose kids go to school with yours, who volunteer at the same events, who make this place home.
Other Great Summit County Holiday Experiences
While shopping local is a ton of fun during the holiday season, Summit County is home to a ton of other great experiences and events that you can enjoy!
Ullr Fest, running December 18-20, turns Breckenridge into a Viking wonderland where locals and visitors praise the Norse god of snow with parades and bonfires. You won’t want to miss the legendary “unofficial” longest shotski world record attempt!
If you want to spend some time laughing indoors, the Keystone Winter Comedy Series brings national talent to Warren Station throughout the season. Pair laughs with local brews for a perfect date night or friends’ gathering that beats any city comedy club.
Want some big-time holiday fun? Don’t miss the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain (December 17-20), where you can watch world-class halfpipe athletes compete for free while enjoying the vendor village.
The Rockstar Energy Open at Breckenridge (December 19-21) is also in Summit County this year, and you can catch elite snowboarding with live music and much more.
Still looking to fill out your holiday schedule? Here are a few more can’t-miss experiences:
- Book a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered forests in Summit County
- Try out dog sledding through the beautiful Colorado backcountry
- Experience the Nordic Snowcat Adventures at Breckenridge Nordic Center
- Carter Park’s free sledding hill in Breckenridge brings out the kid in everyone.
That’s what’s so fun about Summit County, Colorado, during the holidays – there’s so much to see and do! It’s enough to make you plan ahead for next year to make sure you see and do it all!
Shop Local This Holiday Season!
This holiday season, why not make a commitment to discover what makes Summit County special?
Visit our website to see more local events and shopping information, and give yourself time to explore. Plus, check out our holiday directory, full of deals and great local businesses!
Chat with shop owners, learn the stories behind products, and become part of the narrative that makes our community so special.
And make sure to enjoy one of the incredible holiday experiences that will keep you coming back year after year.
Most importantly, remember that shopping local isn’t just an economic choice – it’s a vote for the kind of community we want to be. This holiday season, wrap your gifts in the spirit of Summit County and watch how giving local creates joy that extends far beyond December.
We can’t wait to see you in Summit County!
