How to Wrap Up the Year in Breckenridge & Keystone, CO 

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Summit County, Colorado, is a year-round outdoor recreation hub. Towns like Breckenridge and Keystone are top destinations for families, solo travelers, and couples eager to enjoy the great outdoors, breathtaking mountain vistas, and world-class skiing opportunities. These two mountain towns are also magnets for visitors seeking a memorable end of the year surrounded by picture-perfect landscapes, snowy peaks, and charming holiday celebrations.

Spending the end of the year in Breckenridge and Keystone offers a magical mix of festive activities, breathtaking scenery, cozy relaxation, winter sports, and more. Wondering how to fill your end-of-year holidays in these Colorado gems? In this blog, we’ve selected the best things to do to make your Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Breckenridge and Keystone some of the most special holidays for you and your loved ones.

Before we start, a little about us…

At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, including ski-in/ski-out options in Breckenridge and Keystone, some of which are pet-friendly. In our destination blog, we've covered extensive information about Breck, including the best coffee shops in town, fishing and hunting spots, and a guide to local nightlife for some fun libations. And soon enough, more interesting content awaits you with great tips to make your travel experience even better.

Ready to end the year on a high note? Let's explore!

Hit the Slopes

There's nothing more exciting than ending the year in Colorado with some world-class skiing and snowboarding. Breckenridge and Keystone, for example, are premier destinations for winter activities.

Spanning over 2,900 acres, Breckenridge Ski Resort features 187 trails across five peaks, catering to all skill levels—from beginner-friendly groomers to challenging alpine bowls and expert terrain. The resort is also home to the Imperial Express SuperChair, the highest lift in North America, providing access to stunning views and high-alpine skiing at over 12,800 feet.

After a day on the slopes, enjoy fantastic après-ski spots in the charming historic downtown Breckenridge. For those not into skiing, activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and scenic gondola rides offer the perfect winter fun in Colorado.

With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and home to A51 Terrain Park, one of the top-rated parks in the U.S., Keystone Resort caters to all skill levels, making it an exceptionally family-friendly option, especially if you’re traveling with kids. A standout feature of the resort is night skiing, allowing guests to enjoy the slopes under the stars for a unique and thrilling experience.

Explore Winter Trails

Take advantage of Colorado's stunning winter scenery and immerse yourself in pristine nature by exploring some of the best trails in Summit County. Here are some of our favorite winter trails in the region: 

• Sapphire Point Overlook Trail: A short, easy trail with breathtaking views of Lake Dillon and the surrounding mountains. This is an ideal option for families and beginners.
  

• Breckenridge Nordic Center: It offers groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through serene forests and open meadows with mountain vistas.
  

• Frisco Nordic Center: Features a network of trails for all skill levels, with access to both wooded terrain and panoramic lake views.
  

• Boreas Pass Trail: A peaceful trail with gentle inclines, offering incredible views of the Tenmile Range and the chance to explore an old railroad route.
  

• Mayflower Gulch: A scenic trail leading to an abandoned mining cabin surrounded by dramatic peaks. Great for snowshoeing and backcountry exploration.

Experience the Magic of the Holiday Festivities

Marvel at the spellbinding holiday spirit with winter events that will set the mood for an unforgettable end of the year in the mountains.

The winter extravaganza in Breckenridge starts with the Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas on the first Saturday of December, featuring festive lights, caroling, holiday cheer, and a fun run where participants, dressed as Santa, race down Main Street, creating a magical start to the holiday festivities in the town.

Other incredible festivities include Ullr Fest, honoring the god of skiing with an eccentric parade and other fun activities, the Dew Tour, filled with winter sports competitions, and the impressive, photogenic International Snow Sculpture Championships.

In Keystone, you can enjoy the magic of Christmas starting in late November with the Carnival and the Lighting of River Run Village, which transforms into a haven of holiday lights, perfect for photos.

Enjoy Cozy Dining and Indulge in Superb Cuisine 

Indulge in a festive meal and hot drinks at a cozy local spot. Breckenridge and Keystone are home to amazing restaurants, perfect for a Christmas lunch, dinner, or New Year's celebration.

Some highlights in Breckenridge include Rootstalk Breckenridge, a fine dining spot offering a 5-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings, and Hearthstone Restaurant, known for its Rocky Mountain cuisine (and stunning views) served in a historic Victorian setting with locally sourced ingredients.

Fantastic options in Keystone include Keystone Ranch Restaurant, which boasts a historic atmosphere and a cozy four-course dinner menu, perfect for intimate celebrations. Another top choice is Ski Tip Lodge, one of Colorado’s most acclaimed restaurants, offering a stellar four-course menu in an elegant and intimate setting.

Relax, Celebrate, and Enjoy the Holidays in a Beautiful Vacation Rental

What about staying in a place that feels like home for a memorable Christmas and end-of-year festivities with your loved ones? That’s all you need to make any visit to Breckenridge and Keystone truly extraordinary.

Warm up by the fire in a private cabin, soak in a hot tub with mountain views, cook a fantastic Christmas dinner in a well-equipped kitchen, and explore the wintry scenery just steps from your door. You can bring along Christmas lights, ornaments, and stockings to create a festive atmosphere (though some rentals even provide holiday decorations). Spend quality time playing board games, baking holiday treats, or exchanging gifts in the comfort of your cabin.

Make yourself at home and create the perfect end-of-year celebration with the people you cherish most.

Ring in the New Year

After enjoying a festive dinner at one of Breckenridge's acclaimed restaurants—where special menus are often crafted for the occasion — prepare for spectacular sights illuminating the town's stunning landscapes. Begin with the Annual Torchlight Parade on Breckenridge Mountain, a cherished New Year’s Eve tradition where a procession of expert skiers and snowboarders descends the slopes holding torches, creating a breathtaking, glowing display against the snowy mountain backdrop.

Following the Torchlight Parade, enjoy a fantastic fireworks display over the mountains, adding to the festive atmosphere. Keep in mind that New Year’s Eve celebrations in Breckenridge start and finish relatively early. The Torchlight Parade typically begins at 6 PM on December 31st, and the fireworks show kicks off around 9:30 PM, lasting approximately 15 minutes.

In Keystone, after a session of night skiing, head to the River Run Gondola Plaza, where the New Year’s celebrations take place. Mingle with friendly locals, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and wrap up the year with a magical fireworks show lighting up the skies over Keystone.

Extra Tips to Make the Most of Your End-of-year Visit to Breckenridge and Keystone

Here are some valuable tips on how to make your time in Summit County a one to remember for years to come:

Plan Ahead

Accommodation, ski passes, and event reservations fill up quickly during the holiday season, so make sure to secure your plans well in advance and book all in advance. Confirm dates and times for events like the Torchlight Parade, fireworks, and festive dinners to avoid missing out.

Dress for the Weather 

Layer up with thermal clothing, waterproof gear, and warm accessories like gloves and hats. Temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings.

Stay Hydrated

Altitude sickness can be an issue in high-elevation destinations like Breckenridge and Keystone. Drink plenty of water and avoid overexerting yourself on the first day.

Take a Lesson

If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, book a lesson early in your trip to build confidence and make the most of the slopes.

Capture the Magic

Unleash your inner photographer and capture the festive decorations, snow-covered mountains, and holiday events. Breckenridge’s downtown and Keystone’s River Run Village are especially photogenic during the holidays.

Indulge in Après-Ski Delights

Don’t miss out on après-ski activities like warming up with a craft cocktail or sharing fondue with friends at a cozy mountain spot.

Extend the Fun

Plan a day trip to nearby destinations like Frisco, Copper Mountain, or Dillon for more holiday charm and activities.

Shop Local

Pick up unique gifts or souvenirs at local boutiques, artisan shops, or holiday markets. Items like handmade ornaments or locally crafted goods make thoughtful mementos.

Travel Smart

Arrive early for parking or use free shuttles to avoid congestion at ski areas and event locations. Allow extra time for travel, as snow can impact driving conditions.

How can you make your trip to Breckenridge and Keystone, CO even better?

While in town, it's a great idea to stay in style with the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown Breckenridge lodgings, some of which are pet-friendly.

Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Breckenridge.