12 Days of Christmas in Jackson Hole…and Beyond

The lifts are chugging, the snow is falling, and the holiday season is in full swing in Jackson Hole! From here through New Years Eve, the valley is jam-packed with a roster of activities that are fun for the whole family. Read on for our crib sheet on the best holiday activities to enjoy this year, whether you’re just visiting or live here year-round.

December 12

Shopping

Get all your last-minute presents sorted as the various holiday arts & craft bazaars happening today! At Snow King Resort, the annual Holiday Art Bazaar is on from 9:00 am  onwards and features local artists vending everything from handcrafted jewelry to paintings to cookware. In similar fashion, the Wilson Schoolhouse across town is hosting a Holiday Gift Show at 10:00 am showcasing blown glass by artist Laurie Thal, hats, bags, apparel, and more.

Kids Stuff

The local Teton County Library is throwing a Winter Wonderland Family Day in Ordway Auditorium. Come by, kiddos in tow, to celebrate the holidays with activities and crafts, including decorating gingerbread men and watching a calligraphy demonstration. Children’s books will also be for sale in the Book Nook!

Evening Events:

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting–7pm at the Town Square. Free.

The Nutcracker! $10.00-35.00, presented by Dancer’s Workshop at Center for the Arts. This beloved classic spotlights the San Diego Ballet and Dancer’s Workshop students. Matinee performances at 3:00pm Saturday and Sunday plus an evening performance at 7:00pm Saturday evening!

December 13

Immerse yourself in the holiday DIY spirit–come by and decorate gingerbread houses at Roam Mercantile & Makery! $45, ages 12+ Max: 8 people

December 15

Attend the Night Before Christmas at the Art Association of Jackson Hole. Price:  $35.00 to $45.00 Sing popular carols, create ornaments and check out artwork based on the famous poem!

Ice-skating on the Town Square begins! Come see why downtown Jackson is truly a Winter Wonderland during this season.

In addition, Santa Claus will be holding court on the Town Square 5:00-7:00pm from now through Christmas Eve!

December 17

Once again, Roam Mercantile & Makery hosts a craft night with cider, cookie decorating, and Christmas decoration-crafting all on the table. All food and supplies included. $25.00, 21+, Max: 10 people.

December 18

Head to Jackson Whole Grocer for an Eat, Drink & Be Merry FREE holiday gathering from 12:00-6:00pm featuring food and drink samples from local vendors, Santa, hot cocoa, and cookie decorating for the littlest elves among us!

Evening Entertainment:

Here’s another FREE and fabulous event for the whole family. Cathedral Voice is presenting two winter “Merry & Bright” concerts in partnership with the Jackson Hole Symphony Orchestra, Big City Broadway Youth Show Choir, and Jackson Hole Brass Quintet. You’ll hear holiday favorites old and new!

Walk Festival Hall, 7:00pm, Dec 18

Jackson Hole High School Auditorium, 3:00pm, Dec 19

December 19

The Mountain Coaster opens at Snow King Mountain Resort! Zoom down the slopes just as speedily as Santa’s sleigh. Call ahead to check on weather conditions and then Giddyup! 10:00am-5:00pm.

Now it’s Santa’s turn to arrive in Teton Village! Show up at 4:30pm at the base of the gondola to enjoy free music and hot cocoa. Then, Santa will round the bend in his 50th Anniversary sleigh, the Born to be Wild movie will be screened, and a huge fireworks celebration will round out the festive eve!

The Center Theatre at Center for the Arts presents the Jackson Hole Community Band for another FREE holiday show that combines all your favorite tunes with the spirit of giving. Bring non-perishable food to donate to the Jackson Hole Food Cupboard! 7:00pm

December 20

The nativity scene on the Town Square is erected.

In addition, if you measure time by cycles of the year, join up at R-Park for some Winter Solstice Stargazing at 4:00pm!

Christmas Eve

Last chance to see Santa on the Town Square! Better make your list and check it twice.

Hotel Terra hosts an interdenominational service in its ballroom from 5:00-6:30pm.

Christmas Day

All that present-opening have you restless? Head to the Silver Dollar Bar & Grill at 7:30pm to soak in some holiday classics and jazz.

Plus, if you’re skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort today, look for Santa out cruising the slopes!

 

New Years Eve!

Never fear, the holiday good times aren’t over yet. Jackson is bursting with New Year’s options.

If you’re based at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort:

4:50pm Glow Worm Parade for Kids! Kids up to 14 years old who are comfortable skiing Teewinot are welcome to participate. Meet at the Kids Ranch at 4:50. The Parade begins on Teewinot Run at 5:30pm. Come dressed with skis and boots (no poles).

6:00-10:00pm Kids’ Night Out! Don’t worry about a sitter–the Kids Ranch is offering boatloads of kid-friendly fun for children 4-18 in a supervised environment. $100.00. Please call 307-739-2788 for required reservations.

6:00pm Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Keep your eyes on the mountain for this beloved JHMR tradition on Apres-Vous capped with the big boom of big fireworks. 

9:00pm-1:00am Gondi Gala Spend the last hours of 2015 at the top of the gondola and party down with Jackson’s Whiskey Mornin’ band. A complimentary champagne toast is included at midnight. Dress warmly! Go here for more information.

Mangy Moose hosts One Ton Pig & Tony Furtado  for more NYE fun times!

If you’re based in downtown Jackson:

6:00pm Snow King Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Watch the gorgeous red lights of valley locals as they light up the hillside, then kick off your 2016 with a big bang…of fireworks, that is.

7:30pm New Year’s Eve Party at Silver Dollar Showroom Free!

8:00pm The Pink Garter Theatre does the funky NYE thang with Down North, Souly Hitz, and more. Tickets here.

10:00pm Disco Night at the Stagecoach Bar Because why not flashback to flash forward?

10:30pm Sneaky Pete and the Secret Weapons groove into the New Year at the Town Square Tavern. Get your tickets now!

Exhausted by all your options yet? Our team at Budge Realty Group wishes you a wonderful holiday season full of snowy adventures, laughter, and good cheer.