Celebrate Christmas in Jackson, Wyoming
Are you looking for a holiday destination that embodies the spirit of the winter season? Look no further than Jackson Hole, recently named one of America’s “31 Most Magical Christmas Towns For 2024” by Country Living magazine. This is the best guide for Christmas in Jackson Wyoming.
The town’s iconic Town Square is a marvel during the holiday season, with monumental arches of elk antlers wrapped in twinkling lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Visitors to Jackson Hole can enjoy a range of festive activities and events, from sleigh rides to shopping, making it an ideal destination for a winter getaway.
Imagine experiencing the perfect blend of western charm and holiday magic in a picturesque mountain setting. This is what Christmas in Jackson Wyoming has to offer. As you plan your trip, you’ll want to know more about the top attractions and experiences that make this town so special during the winter season.
Magical Holiday Atmosphere in Jackson Hole
As you step into Jackson Hole during the holiday season, you’ll be greeted by a magical atmosphere that transforms the town into a winter wonderland. The town at the base of the Tetons boasts a spectacular Town Square, known for its monumental arches of elk antlers. During the holidays, these arches are wrapped in strings of lights, illuminating the nights with a festive glow.
Town Square’s Festive Transformation
The Town Square Lighting ceremony, held on the Friday after Thanksgiving from 5 pm to 7 pm, marks the beginning of the holiday season. This enchanting event features the Jackson Town Square being illuminated with a breathtaking display of twinkling lights, filling the air with joy and wonder. You can enjoy holiday carols, delicious treats, and a visit from Santa, making it an unforgettable celebration for all.
Why Jackson Is a Top Christmas Destination
Jackson stands out as a top Christmas destination due to its unique blend of western charm and festive atmosphere. The natural winter landscape of the Tetons creates a picture-perfect backdrop for holiday celebrations. Throughout December, the Town Square hosts various festive activities, including holiday carols and treats, making it an appealing destination for families and couples alike.
Experience the National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides
The serene beauty of the National Elk Refuge is best experienced on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, a quintessential winter activity in Jackson Hole. From December 14th onwards, except on Christmas Day, visitors can enjoy this unique experience daily.
What to Expect on Your Sleigh Ride
As you glide through the refuge on a horse-drawn sleigh, you’ll be surrounded by thousands of wapiti, or elk, that call this sanctuary home during the winter months. The ride offers a chance to witness these majestic creatures up close, along with other wildlife such as foxes, bald eagles, and coyotes that inhabit the area.
Practical Information and Booking Tips
The sleigh rides operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with each red sleigh accommodating up to 16 people. To ensure a comfortable ride, there are cushioned benches, but it’s advisable to bring a warm blanket and dress warmly. Tickets can be purchased from a white trailer located in the parking lot of the Jackson Hole Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. Shuttles to the refuge depart every 20 to 30 minutes, making it convenient to plan your visit to this incredible National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole.
Santa Sightings and Kid-Friendly Activities
During the Christmas season, Jackson Hole becomes a festive hotspot, featuring Santa sightings and a range of activities for children. The town is filled with holiday cheer, making it an ideal destination for families.
Santa on the Town Square
Santa Claus makes regular appearances at the StageStop Building on Town Square from December 14th through Christmas Eve, between 5 and 7 p.m. daily. This event, known as “Santa on the Square,” offers a festive atmosphere complete with Christmas music, hot chocolate, and cookies for families to enjoy together. Generations of Jackson families have cherished memories of meeting Santa during this annual tradition.
Ski with Santa at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
On Christmas Eve, Santa will rappel out of the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at 4:30 p.m., creating a unique and memorable experience. Furthermore, on Christmas Day, families can ski with Santa on Teewinot at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort between 10 a.m. and noon, making for a special holiday treat.
Special Holiday Activities for Children
In addition to Santa’s appearances, Jackson offers a variety of special holiday activities designed specifically for children. Kids can skate with Santa at the Village Commons Rink on December 24th from 3 to 4 p.m. Other events, such as the Breakdancing Santa event on December 23rd, add to the festive fun, ensuring that children have a magical holiday experience in Jackson.
The array of Santa-themed activities and kid-friendly events in Jackson creates lasting memories for families visiting during the Christmas season. With its rich holiday offerings, Jackson Hole stands out as a premier destination for a festive and fun family vacation.
Christmas in Jackson Wyoming Shopping Guide
Discover the magic of Christmas shopping in Jackson, Wyoming, where local shops offer one-of-a-kind gifts. You can explore the town’s charming boutiques, filled with curated collections that make for perfect souvenirs or gifts.
Local Shops and Unique Gift Ideas
Jackson Hole is home to a diverse range of locally-owned shops, each offering unique gifts that reflect the area’s character. You can find everything from handcrafted jewelry at Two Grey Hills to outdoor gear at Teton Mountaineering and Skinny Skis. Other must-visit stores include MADE, Belle Cose, and JD High Country Outfitters, offering a mix of local art, cowboy boots, and chic clothing.
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Holiday Shopping Events and Specials
During the holiday season, Jackson Hole hosts several special shopping events. The Shop Local Holiday Weekends take place on Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas from 1 pm to 4 pm at Town Square. Additionally, visitors can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa at the Holiday Shopping Info Center at the Stage Stop while learning about local shopping promotions. Don’t miss the Winter Windfall campaign from November 29 to December 19, where you can enter to win $1000 in local shopping cash.
Holiday Entertainment and Festive Shows
Get into the holiday spirit in Jackson Hole, where you can enjoy a range of entertaining activities and performances. The town offers a diverse array of holiday events that cater to different interests and cultural traditions.
Jackson Hole Playhouse Christmas Show
The Jackson Hole Playhouse presents its annual Christmas show, “Christmas at the Playhouse,” a musical comedy dinner theater experience. The show runs from December 13th through January 4, 2025, with tickets priced at $115 for adults, $100 for children ages 13 to 17, and $80 for children ages 5 to 12.
Holiday Concerts and Performances
Enjoy the Cathedral Voices Chamber’s free “Sounds of the Season” concert at The Center for the Arts Theater on December 17th at 4 p.m. The Jackson Hole Community Band also performs a Free Winter Holiday Concert on December 21st.
Cultural and Religious Celebrations
Celebrate the Winter Solstice at R Park on December 20th from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring free chili, mac and cheese, hot drinks, and the R Park Lantern Trail. The Grand Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop in Town Square takes place on December 28th, marking the beginning of Chanukah celebrations.
The Silver Dollar Showroom at The Wort Hotel hosts special holiday events, including “Holiday Cocktails and Music with Tasha & The Goodfellows.” These events showcase the rich cultural heritage and entertainment options available in Jackson Hole during the holiday season.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Jackson
Ring in the New Year in style in Jackson, Wyoming, where the snow-capped mountains and festive atmosphere create a magical backdrop. You can enjoy a range of events and activities that cater to all ages, making it a top destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Torchlight Parades at Local Ski Resorts
Experience the thrill of torchlight parades at local ski resorts like Snow King Mountain, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee. Snow King hosts the oldest, longest-running citizen torchlight parade in the country, with expert skiers riding to the top of the mountain and making their way down Town Hill in dramatic, fiery fashion.
Fireworks and Family-Friendly Events
Enjoy family-friendly events like the “Wish Papers and Free Skating with Pizza and Hot Chocolate” at South Cable, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and the “Glow Worm Parade” for children up to age 14. The night sky is filled with a spectacular display of fireworks, creating a memorable New Year’s Eve experience.
These celebrations offer a unique way to ring in the New Year, combining mountain tradition with family-friendly festivities. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling torchlight parade or a fun event for the kids, Jackson, Wyoming, has something for everyone.
Plan Your Perfect Christmas in Jackson Wyoming Getaway
With its picturesque landscapes and warm hospitality, Jackson, Wyoming, is the perfect destination for a memorable Christmas vacation.
You can experience the magic of the season by taking a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge or enjoying hot cocoa on a cold winter night. On Christmas Day, attend the “Carols and Candlelight” event at the historic Chapel of the Transfiguration in Grand Teton National Park.
To plan your trip, consider booking family-friendly accommodations near major attractions and take advantage of shuttle services to ski resorts like Snow King Resort, which offers various holiday activities, including Trivia Night and S’mores Night. A Christmas getaway to Jackson Hole offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, holiday magic, and western hospitality, creating lasting memories.
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