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Winter Things to Do in Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a world-renowned ski and snow-sport town, but perhaps you’re looking for things to do with your family that don’t require skis or snowboards. Breck Create offers a full menu of vibrant and creative community activities, including several free activities, on the Arts District Campus in the heart of downtown Breckenridge, that’s perfect for all ages, skiers and non-skiers alike. From toddlers to seniors, everyone is invited to dive into Breck Create’s world of art, live events and creativity. Here’s a glimpse of the exciting non-skiing activities awaiting you and your family during the Winter 2024 Breckenridge season!
Things to Do in Breckenridge Besides Skiing
Holiday Activities
The Lighting of Breckenridge, historically the first weekend of December, officially transforms the town into a winter wonderland. Over the course of this magical weekend, you can catch annual holiday favorites such as the Running of the Santas plus the excellent Breck Create events listed below.
Handmade Holiday • FREE
Find the perfect gift and experience the Breckenridge Arts District for its annual holiday market and open house. Breck Create instructors showcase their artwork including books, candles, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, prints and more. Enjoy holiday music with a cash bar and local artist displays during the Lighting of Breckenridge festivities. Creative classes, free with registration, will be available as well, including Sea Slug Ornaments, Ethical and Eco Holiday, Simple Ceramic Ornaments, Craft Stick Snowflakes, Easy Tin Ornaments, Precious Plastic Ornaments and Glass Blown Icicle Ornaments.
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The Nutcracker: Land of the Sweets
This classical ballet presented by the Alpine Dance Academy and featuring local Summit-County performers will transport you to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince for this beloved holiday tradition.
Performance: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, a group of actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. Watch your favorites like A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph and the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty, and more! A hilarious madcap romp that will have you laughing through the whole holiday season! This show is family friendly and perfect for all ages.
Family-Friendly Creative Classes + Workshops
Breck Create offers a variety of creative classes and workshops for budding artists of all ages, allowing imaginations to run wild in a supportive and engaging environment. Classes allow young children to explore their creativity under the guidance of skilled instructors while encouraging older children to experiment with different mediums. Pre-registration is highly encouraged and very easy to do online.
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Young Writer’s Club
Calling all aspiring young writers! Join the Young Writer’s Club and embark on a literary journey filled with inspiration, collaboration and creative writing. Share your stories, receive positive feedback and watch your words come to life. With free journals provided, this club is perfect for nurturing young talents.
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Afterschool Art • FREE
Get creative in a fun and relaxed environment! During each session, children will work on a new project, pushing the boundaries of imagination and invention. They will have the opportunity to explore new materials and techniques using a variety of mediums. To ensure a spot, register online. They will explore new materials and techniques using a variety of mediums.
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Afterschool Art: Fun With Fiber • FREE
These late afternoon art classes focus exclusively on tactile and versatile mediums such as yarn, string, fabric and other natural fibers. Youngsters 6+ learn useful techniques like sewing, weaving, pattern making and more.
Muddy Buddies
For the young sculptors at heart, Muddy Buddies offers an opportunity to explore the world of clay art. Learn the basics of working with clay, experiment with various techniques and create unique projects that will be cherished for years.
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Creative Classes for Adults + Almost Adults
If your idea of the perfect vacation includes a little “me” time, consider taking a Breck Create creative art class. The highlighted classes below are perfect for visitors to Breckenridge—they are well suited for beginners, generally offered once per week, and a project can be completed in a single session. Advanced students, residents and those on extended stays may also enjoy Breck Create’s open studios and ceramics program. Pre-registration is recommended for all classes.
Date Nights
Date-Night classes are a fabulous way to spend quality time with your partner in a relaxed and fun environment, making art and memories together. Winter 2024 Date Nights include Gentle Strokes: Acrylic Painting and Baby It’s Cold Outside: Make Your Own Ugly Sweaters.
Metalsmithing Projects
Those drawn to jewelry making will love this class! Students develop skills by creating a specific project during each class, such as cuffs and bracelets, stacking rings and sterling silver earrings.
Beginner Drawing: Drop-In
This is the perfect opportunity to explore a budding interest in drawing. In each class, students learn a variety of techniques, tips and tricks to enable them to draw from life.
Beginner Glassblowing
Learn the magic of lampworking—a form of glasswork that uses a torch to melt and shape glass—while exploring the possibilities of Borosilicate glass. Students learn skills by creating pendants, beads, marbles and more.
Glass Fused Jewelry
Create gorgeous glass pendants or a set of earrings in a microwave-fusing kiln. Participants layer sections of fusible glass with assorted glass components like millefiori, streamers and frit to create a finished piece by the end of class.
Beginner Linocut Printmaking
Create prints by carving bold, striking images from linoleum blocks, rolling them with ink and then using pressure to transfer the design to paper. This class is offered in a bilingual setting.
Beginner Acrylic Painting
Immerse yourself in the meditative act of painting under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
Precious Plastics: Injection 101
Transform trash into treasure in Breck Create’s Precious Plastics studio. The plastic originates from weekly collection events where residents are encouraged to drop off plastic recycling. The plastic is sorted and shredded, becoming a workable medium to create small, functional objects.
Explore the Breckenridge Arts District
The Arts District Campus is bustling with creative activities Tuesdays through Sundays. Composed of a collection of quaint historic structures nestled just behind Main Street in downtown Breckenridge, simply wandering through the district is a fun family activity. Keep your eyes peeled for the Breckenridge public art collection as you explore.
Artists-in-Residence • FREE
Connect with Breck Create’s resident local and national artists. See inside their studios, purchase their art and learn how they’re engaging with the local community. Breck Create currently has three studio spaces available to artists. During “Open Doors” hours, community members are invited to stop by the studios to watch the artists at work. By engaging with the artists and their creations, you contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Breckenridge. The Breck Create winter 2024 artist-in-residence is Nicole Banowetz, a Colorado-based sculptor and educator.
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About Breck Create
Breck Create is more than an organization; it’s a vibrant creative hub that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. Through performances, exhibitions, screenings, art classes and workshops, Breck Create creates an inclusive space for artistic expression. With venues like the Riverwalk Center and the Arts District campus, it serves as a focal point for artistic endeavors, making Breckenridge a truly inspiring place to be.
Come and be a part of the artistic tapestry of Breckenridge Arts District. Unleash your creativity, explore new horizons and make lasting memories—no ski pass required. Join us on this creative journey where age is just a number, and art knows no bounds!