Downtown Breckenridge turns into a lively and colorful celebration every year at Mardi Gras!

The Mardi Gras in the Mountains parade turns Main Street Breckenridge into Bourbon Street for one night with a road full of fun Mardi Gras festivities and games. Following the Mardi Gras in the Mountains Parade are endless parties and festivals that takes place in the pubs and restaurants that line Main Street Breckenridge.

The party starts on February 16th, 2010 and will last throughout the evening. There will even be a Breckenridge Mardi Gras in the Mountains competition for the top three most festive entrees. Bring your Mardi Gras best and dress up for your chance to win. Endless food choices and drink combinations make this annual event one of the favorites of the region. All of the restaurants and pubs will be bringing out their best so come hungry!

This event can be appreciated by the entire family, but once the evening gets later, it is more for the adult crowd. Enjoy a night on the town at Main Street, Breckenridge, CO, 80242. For local lodging information visit Breckenridge vacation rentals, Keystone Vacation Rentals, Copper Mountain vacation rentals, or Silverthorne vacation rentals.

Start off the Mardi Gras celebrations the New Orleans way with the annual Bacchus Ball in Breckenridge. Delectable Creole cuisine will be a-plenty as well as jazzy live music, festive beverages and of course all the dancing you can handle.

This unique Mardi Gras celebration calls for an evening of care free celebration for one and all. End out the night with an exciting crowning of the Queen and Rex of the Bacchus Ball. Come wearing your colorful best and show off your jazz and swing moves with a partner or on your own.

There will be plenty of space out on the dance floor so bring you best and you may just be crowned the Rex or Queen of the Bacchus Ball! The evening starts on Saturday, February 13th, 2010 at 6:00 PM and will last to 10:00 PM or later. The location of the event is to be announced shortly, and will be in the central Breckenridge, CO vicinity.

If you are a serious athlete, this yearly Olympic spin-off activity may just make you laugh. This fun and carefree tradition of the Breckenridge area is all part of the week long celebration of the Norse god of snow, Ullr.

Co-ed teams will be selected to compete for the grand prizes which will be awarded to the three top teams of the day. The events consist of the retro ski relay, the group ski race, and the frying pan toss. Teams of four will be chosen for the evening events. An after party will be assembled at the end of the games to celebrate the snow, fun, and of course the winners! A to be decided Breckenridge pub will be selected as the gathering spot for the Ullympics after party.

Join other resort and local men and women for this event and break the ice (literally) with a great way to meet new friends, and spend quality time with old ones. This event starts on January 13th, 2010, and will last from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Come out to Carter Park, Lincoln Street, Breckenridge, CO, 80424 for a day of wintery fun! Participation is free for all who enter into the Ullympics.

Watch in amazement as sixteen teams from around globe grace Breckenridge with their presence at the Budweiser International Snow Sculpting competition! This week-long event takes every bit of the time allotted to perfect the snowy works of art to get them ready for judging on the final day.

The Budweiser International Snow Sculpting event begins on Saturday, January 26th, 2010 and lasts until January 30th, 2010, so at least make it for the end of the competition as the judges make their decisions. From smooth and intricate renditions of everyday items to bold and unusual works of modern art, there will be showcased a very broad range of ice sculpting talents.

This event is always free to attend, and is a must-see if you are in the Breckenridge, CO area during this time. The Budweiser International Snow Sculpting Week begins at the Riverwalk Center, 150 West Adams Street, Breckenridge, CO, 80242. Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the world-famous event, so don’t miss out!  You can view pictures of the ice sculpting process and end result but there is nothing like viewing a crystal clear diamond-like statue face to face.

Celebrate the Norse god of snow, Ullr, with an unforgettable seasonal celebration at the Gold Run Nordic Center. The Ullr Fest Nordic Party begins with an elegant reception with a light fare and cash bar which also features the crowning of the 2010 Ullr King and the 2010 Ullr Queen. After the delicious foods, plenty of warm drinks, and the crowning the guests will move out to the cross country ski or snow shoe, ending at the large outdoor bonfire.

There the evening will finish out with an outdoor gathering around the fire. Don’t worry, this race will be at beginner level so virtually every guest could participate if desired. Half price ski and snow shoe rentals will be available this day for the Ullr Fest Nordic Party guests so no one will have an excuse not to compete!

The Ullr Fest Nordic Party is all part of the week-long celebration that is in honor of the Norse god of snow. This event takes place at the Gold Run Nordic Center on Monday, January 11th, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM at 200 Clubhouse Dr., Breckenridge, CO, 80424.

What a delicious way to end out the week long Norse god of snow Ullr celebration! You will taste the creations of many local (and some not so local) chili masters that all bring their own unique blend to the table.

The Chilly Chili Cook-Off is fun for the competitors and even more fun for the guests because they get to go around and taste each Chili creation! While you sample these world-famous chilies, enjoy fun games and activities for the entire family. Tickets are $20.00 at the door or $15.00 pre sale and are available for purchase online at www.breckrotary.org.

Beginning Saturday, January 16th, 2010, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the Chilly Chili Cook off takes place at the Riverwalk Center at 150 West Adams Street, Breckenridge, CO, 08424. Get your tickets early to ensure admission; this is one tasty celebration that you don’t want to miss out on. From dark and rich southwestern inspired chilies to tangy and flavorful northern chili dishes, everyone has their own take on this American favorite!

Have the chance to sample them all at the annual Breckenridge Chilly Chili Cook-Off. Bring out the entire family for fun that everyone can enjoy.

Ice skaters, come one come all to the Ullr Fest Skating Party three day event in Breckenridge, CO. This carefree skating free for all events begins on January 10th, 2010, and continues until January 12th, 2010.

Each day the event lasts one hour from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM and features the Breckenridge Rest Chamber Ambassadors as the hosts. Feast on delicious pizza and favorite soda choices readily available to skaters and their families.

The cost for this event is only $5.00, which includes the skate rentals and all proceeds from the Ullr Fest Skating Party admission and food sales go to the Al Chaffee Scholarship Program to benefit the local students of Breckenridge and the surrounding areas.

The Ullr Fest Skating Party is all part of the week long Ullr celebration, which honors the Norse tradition of celebrating the mythical Norse god of snow. The event takes place at the C West Ice Arena at 0189 Breckenridge Pass Rd., Breckenridge CO, 80424.

The Lighting of Breckenridge is the biggest holiday event of the season in this area! Stop on by for holiday festivities that will appeal to the entire family with plenty of food, craft, shopping, and contests to keep you jolly and entertained all day long.

Main Street Breckenridge will transform into an unforgettable winter wonderland for the start of the holiday season. Take part in the cheer by partaking of the complimentary hot beverages, cookies, and of course, caroling. Join the procession as Santa Claus leads the parade down Main Street, arriving at Main Street Station. There will even be a giant Christmas tree lighting to complete the event, as the Lightning of Breckenridge gets its name.

Follow Santa inside the Blue River Plaza for photographs with the jolly man himself as well as an incredible indoor holiday concert with all of the favorite songs of the season. Tour the area and enjoy its colorful splendor while taking your time to paruse the shops for gifts that will delight your loved ones.

If you are visiting Breckenridge, you will want to look into a vacation rental to keep your whole family together and enjoy this annual event!

The Lighting of Breckenridge is one yearly event that should not be missed! Join in on all for the fun on December 5th, 2009 at Main Street Breckenridge as well as Main Street Station. For additional Breckenridge Holiday news call 888.251.2417.

In Breckenridge, the second Saturday of each month is dedicated to the local artists of the area. Come out and support our local artists with the Second Saturdays in the Arts District events. Versatile, colorful, modern, and traditional, the artists of the Breckenridge, CO area always bring something to the table that will inspire, amaze, and appeal to just about everyone who visits.

Take a leisurely walk through the Breckenridge Arts District every second Saturday of the month and hop from display to gallery while taking in all of the incredible art exhibitions. The Second Saturdays in the Arts District take place at the Breckenridge Theatre Gallery, Fuqua Livery Stable and Tin Shop and begins on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

From mountain inspired scenery art to bold and eccentric mild abstract, these art shows boast a multi-dimensional talent and art from local residents of the Breckenridge Colorado area. Always free for art goers the Second Saturdays in the Art District are a great way to get out of the house and see some breath-taking local art for absolutely no cost at all!

There’s no time to go out and enjoy the slopes like Breckenridge Ski Resort Opening Day. The most exciting day of the season will be chock full of endless winter activities and fun. Get your passes early and be sure to join the team out on the mountain for an unforgettable Breckenridge Ski Resort Opening Day.

All the sporting adventure begins on November 12th, 2009 in Breckenridge CO, 80424. Whether you live in the area, or are planning a winter retreat to your favorite ski destination, you should mark your calendar for the Breckenridge Ski Resort Opening Day. Make sure to layer up and wear quality snow suit attire as you may experience prolonged cold.

If you love to Ski, Snowboard, or simply relax with the breathtaking view of snow capped mountains from your ski lodge, you simply cannot miss the Breckenridge Ski Resort Opening Day. The on-mountain events start early in the day, and the season will kick off with a bang so don’t be late.