Celebrate Winter

What Is Ullr?  And Why Breckenridge Celebrates Him

In Norse mythology, Ullr is the god associated with winter, snow, and skiing-like traversal over snow.  Early settlers and ski pioneers in Breckenridge, many with Scandinavian heritage, adopted Ullr as a symbolic figure to bless the mountains with snow and to honor the arrival of the winter season.  Over time, that tradition became a full celebration.  The result: Ullr Fest, a vibrant, slightly irreverent, deeply local winter festival that blends history, mountain-town spirit, and pure snow-season joy.

For anyone buying a second home or vacation property nearby, Ullr Fest is more than a party: it’s a window into the social energy, the community culture, and the lifestyle that comes with mountain-town living.

Ullr Fest 2025

This year’s Ullr Fest runs December 18–20, 2025 — the 62nd annual celebration in Breckenridge.

Key Festival Events

• Ullr Parade (Main Street): A festive march through town.  Groups and business from around the county put on impressive displays of creativity and resistance to the cold, creating floats, Viking costumes, local businesses, and community flair. 
• World’s Longest Shotski® Attempt: A playful “world-record” attempt where participants raise ski-connected shot glasses down Main Street.  This is sponsored by Breckenridge Distillery and is an annual event for bragging rights between Breckenridge and Park City Utah.  
• Ullr Bonfire: A town bonfire, fueled with old Christmas trees, to toast snow gods, community, and the winter season ahead.
• Ice Skating & Family-Friendly Activities: On Saturday, December 20, expect ice-skating events, local music, and more — great for families and those seeking a lighter pace.

Why Ullr Fest Matters for Buyers & Visitors

Attending Ullr Fest gives you more than a good time:

• You get to see the culture and community energy in real time — helpful if you’re considering buying a second home nearby.
• It’s a chance to meet locals, potential neighbors, and connect with mountain-living lifestyle — all part of evaluating if this area fits.
• The festive energy highlights the winter-season draw of the region — making it easier to envision life here beyond ski days.

Beyond Ullr — Other Noteworthy December & Early-January Events

If you’re visiting or assessing real estate in Summit or Eagle Counties over the holiday season, here are other great events worth checking out.

Pro tip: If you’re scouting mountain homes, visiting during one of these events gives you a real feel for seasonal foot traffic, community atmosphere, and guest dynamics, valuable if you plan to use or rent the property.

What These Events Tell You As a Buyer — More Than Just Fun

From a real estate perspective, these events offer insight beyond entertainment:

• Community Energy & Lifestyle: How vibrant is the town outside peak ski days? Does local culture lean festive, welcoming, active? These elements add desirability for second-home owners and long-term residents.
• Rental & Guest Demand: Festivals and winter events draw visitors — a good sign if you plan short-term or seasonal rentals.
• Year-Round Attraction: If events run from early December through February (or beyond), the town draws interest even outside the busiest ski weeks — helping with property value stability and occupancy potential.

See Winter — Live It, Feel It, Experience It

If you’re considering investing in a home in Breckenridge, Summit County, or Eagle County — or just dreaming of where your next vacation property might be — plan a visit around one of these events. Ullr Fest and the season’s holiday festivals give more than a snapshot: they give a glimpse into the community, the vibe, and what it could feel like to live (or vacation) there.