There's something undeniably magical about Summit County during the holiday season. As winter settles in and snow blankets the landscape, this picturesque area comes alive with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and enchanting decorations. With four ski areas, several towns, and everything from ranches to villages, there are plenty of events and tree lightings starting as early as the end of November. 

'Candy Cane Aspens, Breckenridge'

Copper Mountain 

This year's holiday season began with a bang at Copper Mountain Ski Resort on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Copper Mountain is located right off of I-70 at the exit that takes you to Leadville over Fremont Pass. The drive is just under two hours from Denver, depending on weather and traffic. It's a great family resort that offers skiing for all levels and is fun year-round, with something for everyone to enjoy.

'Covered Bridge, Copper Mountain'

Frisco

Also located off of I-70 about ten minutes east of Copper Mountain lies the town of Frisco. Frisco has a bit of everything from a variety of shops, schools, and a cute Main Street that’s also filled with historic cabins. It’s also well known for its Marina for water sports in Lake Dillon, and there’s plenty of camping, biking, tubing, and Nordic Skiing.

Frisco's Wassail Days is a week-long event that is the perfect way to embrace the start of the winter season. With over 50 varieties of wassail, a warm cider made from spices and fruits, it’s an Old English tradition that toasts good health. If you try twelve samples you take home a souvenir mug! On the first Saturday, there are carolers, a tree-lighting ceremony with fireworks, and a visit from Santa. The following weekend, you can enjoy more wassail, caroling, and even have breakfast with Santa!

Breckenridge

'The Breckenridge Christmas Tree'

Breckenridge remains our favorite mountain at Christmas because of the decor and fun events. Located almost 15 minutes south of Frisco along Highway 9 this historic mining town has so much to offer. The magic of Christmas comes alive in the first weekend of December as the town begins its festive celebrations with the Holiday Dog Parade, The Moose March, The Race of Santas, and the grand finale of The Lighting Of The Tree. Main Street is transformed into a pedestrian-only zone as the Bernese Mountain Dogs, Little Mooses, and Santas take over. The excitement builds up to the grand finale at The Riverwalk Center when the countdown begins as 13,000 feet of lights illuminate the trees. It’s breathtaking.

Breckenridge doesn’t stop there! The following Thursday Ullr Fest begins, where locals and visitors praise Ullr, the Norse God of Snow, with a parade and the unofficial longest ‘shot ski’ in the world. Dress up in your finest Norse attire and Viking hat, and join the fun and bonfire to wish for a season of powder.

Dillon

Dillon is one of the first towns you reach in Summit County after Silverthorne when driving west on I-70 from Denver. Although it is close to the town of Keystone, it does not have a ski resort. Instead, it is more popular for year-round activities on Lake Dillon. Visitors can enjoy sailing, kayaking, ice fishing, Nordic skiing, and even dog sledding on the lake.

Light Sculptures - Magical Arch, Ornament, and Giant Teddy

During the first weekend of December, the Town of Dillon creates a unique scavenger hunt of light sculptures and lights up their streets. There are five life-size sculptures, starting with a walk-in tree ornament and going around a pathway with lit-up arches until you find the Magical Arch. You can then head down Lake Dillon Drive to see the Giant Teddy, Holiday Boat, and the Giant Fox. Even though it can be bitterly cold in the evening like when we visited, it's well worth walking around this beautiful town.

Light Sculptures - Holiday Boat and Giant Fox

To get to Keystone, keep heading east from DIllon on Highway 6. The village is beautifully decorated with holiday lights, creating a perfect atmosphere for shopping and dining. If you're feeling adventurous, try night skiing. Alternatively, you can rent ice skates and skate around the lit-up Christmas tree on the lake while fireworks light up the mountain. Don't forget to grab some hot cocoa while you're there! 

'Ice Skating Pond at Keystone' 

We will update you in the fall with the latest 2024 holiday event calendar for Summit County. You can also visit:

Visit Copper Mountain, GoBreck, Town of Frisco, The Town of Dillon and Summit Daily

Happy Holidays!

-Amy E. Bauer