I'm there that week every other year. BC has a ton of things going on that week. The two I make sure we hit are the chocolate chip cookie contest. They have booths set up around the ice rink and give out free cookies for you to vote on your favorite, and more importantly they share the recipes.
Second is the fireworks and Christmas tree lightning which is on Friday night after Thanksgiving. They have a figure skating show at the outdoor ice rink, Santa, fireworks, and the tree lightning.
I've been in years when there isn't a bit of snow, and I've been years when the entire mountain is open. Looks like its going to be a good snow year.
As far as off the mountain, we like to spend a day in Glenwood Springs, we drive to Leadville for lunch at the Saloon, and we usually go to Vail village. There are a lot more dining options in Vail but BC is nicer, and smaller.