Your guide to December in Breckenridge

With ski season and the holidays in full swing and foot upon foot of fresh powder gracing our slopes already, December in Breckenridge is shaping up to be pretty fantastic.

Here are a few to-dos to pencil in this month:

Shop local and find one-of-a-kind creative gifts at the Handmade Holiday Market December 5–7. Stroll the new, one-acre Breckenridge Arts District, sip hot cider, take in the holiday décor, watch artist demonstrations and purchase jewelry, candles, crafts and more, all priced under $50.

On December 6, join hundreds of red-and-white-clad bearded runners and walkers for the Race of the Santas. The non-timed fun run takes place along a six-block stretch of historic Main Street and serves as a fundraiser for local charity Adopt An Angel.

Following the race, grab a yummy holiday coffee concoction (gingerbread lattes are handheld happiness) or walk over to the Blue River Plaza for free hot cocoa and cookies before the Bernese Mountain Dog Parade and Santa make their way to the plaza for the annual Lighting of Breckenridge. Stick around for visits and photos with Santa at the Barney Ford Museum.

The week of December 11–14, make your way to Peak 8 for the 10th annual Dew Tour Mountain Championships. Four days of snowboard and freeski competitions are fringed with concerts, contests and the interactive Dew Tour Experience, featuring athlete meet and greets, games and giveaways. Catch The Chainsmokers performing with The Knocks on December 13 at the Riverwalk Center.

All month long:

Topping the list for December? Hitting up some of that freshly opened terrain. Research the latest openings — Peak 7, Peak 9, Horseshoe Bowl — and scout runs for all levels of skiers and riders. Follow “@BreckConditions” on Twitter for real-time updates.

Give a lesson, take a lesson. If it’s been on your mind for awhile, why not up your game with a half-, full-day, private, group or terrain park lesson with Breckenridge Ski & Ride School. Lessons also make great surprise gifts for friends and family.

Make a few more dents in that holiday wish list and spoil your better half with a spa day at the Rejuvenation Center at One Ski Hill Place or a Starlight Dinner at TenMile Station, complete with a snowy sled ride and multi-course meal.

Grab the family and some sleds and zip down the modest but super speedy hill at Carter Park; take a wintry roller coaster ride on the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster, or rent skates and hit the rink at the Stephen C. West Arena.

Kick off winter right! (And smile, knowing this is just the beginning of the season.)

– Lisa Pogue