Top five ways to spend New Years in Breckenridge

The Big Apple isn’t the only place that knows how to celebrate. The scene in the middle of Breck Main Street at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31 is akin to that of New York City’s Time Square … only scaled down by a couple million notches and with much better scenery. Still, whistles are blowing, strangers are kissing and people are brimming with joy when that clock strikes midnight. There really is no better place to be than Breck on New Years. For kids and adults alike, there are a slew of memorable ways to ring in 2016.

Nighttime ski parades and fireworks
Here’s your big chance, kids. You always wanted to be in a parade, right? How about a parade on SKIS, at NIGHT, with GLOWSTICKS? Doesn’t get any better, does it? All kids between the ages of 5 and 13 who can confidently make turns and stop are welcome to register for the Glow Worm Parade. Go to the Ski and Ride School at Beaver Run at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 to register. The parade kicks off at 5:45 p.m.

Following the Glow Worm parade, the pros from Breck’s Ski and Ride School take to the hill for the Torchlight Parade at 6 p.m. The red glow flowing down the mountain will be a thing to see from anywhere in town and for lucky airplane passengers overhead it’ll look like pure magic. The light show culminates in explosive fashion with fireworks at 9 p.m. The best place to watch is outside of the Riverwalk Center.

Family celebration
Beaver Run Resort is hosting a prime rib buffet dinner at Spencer’s Restaurant before the party gets rolling at Coppertop Bar with live music and dancing at 10:30 p.m. Noisemakers and party favors abound and adults (21 and over) can partake in a free champagne toast at midnight. Go here for more info.

Romantic dinners
Among the most picturesque spots for a sumptuous dinner is Breck’s time-tested fine dining favorite, the homey and always delicious Hearthstone restaurant. Another long-standing local institution, Blue River Bistro has a thoughtful four-course meal planned for New Year’s Eve. Also, the Traverse restaurant at the Lodge at Breckenridge offers hands down the best view – a bird’s eye panorama of the town and ski area – and is hosting a multi-course New Year’s Eve feast. There is also the unbeatably romantic option of a dinner sleigh ride. Kids love these, too, especially the Dinner Theater Sleigh Rides. Also try Breck Stables or 2 Below Zero for open spots.

Party it up
The dance pole always beckons at Cecilia’s, which hosts its annual New Year’s Eve party with a St. Germaine champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, a live DJ, dancing and probably a bit of debauchery. Speaking of which, the Gold Plan Saloon also knows how to throw down for the end of the year send-off.

New Year’s Day
Believe it or not, this is arguably the best day of the year for first chair and early morning tracks. Most people are sleeping it off and the slopes are delightfully empty. Are you resolved to walk the walk for 2016? To truly start off on the right foot, consider powering through the Resolution Run 5-kilometer race. It’s open to snowshoers, walkers and runners of all ages and kicks off at 11 a.m. at Colorado Mountain College.