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How to Celebrate Christmas in Jackson Hole: Holiday Lights & Festivities

Colby Murphy

10/24/25


Jackson Hole, Wyoming, comes alive during the holiday season with festive lights, seasonal events, and a welcoming mountain-town charm. Visitors can enjoy a mix of traditional Christmas celebrations, outdoor adventures, and unique local experiences that make the season feel magical. The combination of scenic landscapes, cozy dining, and family-friendly activities ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy. This guide unveils the best ways to experience holiday lights and festivities in Jackson Hole.

Annual Town Square Lighting Ceremony

The holiday season kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with the highly anticipated Town Square Lighting Ceremony. Jackson Town Square becomes the heart of the celebration, where families gather to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies served by local groups. The Jackson Hole Community Band and Chorale fill the air with festive carols, setting a joyful tone. A highlight of the evening is Santa's grand arrival, often aboard a fire truck or accompanied by a dog sled team, delighting children and adults. The event is a cherished tradition that brings the entire community together. Visitors can capture photos of the festive decorations, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and take part in seasonal activities that set the perfect tone for the holidays.

WinterFest at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's WinterFest, running from mid to late December, offers a week of family-friendly activities. Highlights include snow castle displays, GlowNights, and a family scavenger hunt. On select days, guests can enjoy cookie decorating sessions and free skate nights with complimentary rentals and hot cocoa at the Teton Village Commons Rink. The festival combines winter sports with festive cheer, creating a lively and engaging experience for all ages. WinterFest also provides opportunities to meet holiday characters and enjoy evening entertainment in a cozy mountain setting.

Cowboy Christmas at Spring Creek Ranch

Spring Creek Ranch invites guests to experience a Western-themed holiday with its Cowboy Christmas events from late December through New Year’s. Activities include sleigh rides, holiday crafts, and festive dining options, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Teton Range. Guests can also enjoy live music, storytelling, and cowboy-themed entertainment that adds a unique Western twist to traditional holiday celebrations. This event provides families with a chance to embrace the spirit of the West while creating lasting holiday memories. Visitors often return year after year to experience the charm of this mountain ranch celebration.

Breakfast with Santa at The Wort Hotel

Families can enjoy a magical morning with Santa at The Wort Hotel's Breakfast with Santa event in December. Children can share their holiday wishes, enjoy a festive meal, and receive a special gift bag. The event includes themed decorations and music that enhance the joyful atmosphere. Reservations are recommended, as spots fill quickly each year. Breakfast with Santa is perfect for young families looking to start the holiday season with a memorable experience. It also provides a wonderful photo opportunity in the beautifully decorated hotel dining room.

Santa's Grand Entrance via Aerial Tram

On Christmas Eve, Santa makes a dramatic entrance at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort by rappelling down the Aerial Tram. Children can meet Santa, share their wish lists, and participate in holiday activities, creating lasting memories. The event also features festive music and seasonal decorations throughout the resort. Guests often enjoy evening treats and warm beverages while watching the festivities. It has become a beloved tradition that draws both locals and tourists. Families can pair this with a scenic tram ride to enjoy stunning views of the snow-covered Tetons.

Ski with Santa at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

On Christmas Day, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers a unique opportunity to ski alongside Santa Claus. This festive event allows guests to enjoy the slopes while embracing the holiday spirit. Skiers often see Santa in full costume interacting with visitors and spreading cheer. Families can make it a full day adventure, combining skiing with seasonal dining options at the resort. It is a fun way to experience the mountain while celebrating Christmas in a truly memorable way. Many participants take photos on the lifts and slopes to capture the holiday excitement.

Holiday Shopping and Dining in Town Square

Jackson Hole's Town Square becomes a hub of holiday activity, with local boutiques offering unique gifts and festive window displays. Shoppers can find handcrafted goods, Western-inspired apparel, and seasonal treats. After a day of shopping, visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, offering everything from gourmet dining to cozy cafes. The area is beautifully decorated, making it ideal for evening strolls. Visitors can also participate in special holiday events hosted by local shops and galleries. Town Square provides a charming setting for both shopping and soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Ready to Make Jackson Hole Your Holiday Home?

If the festive spirit of Jackson Hole has captured your heart, consider making this winter wonderland your permanent retreat. Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin or a luxurious mountain estate, there's a property to suit your needs. Contact Colby Murphy today to explore real estate opportunities in Jackson Hole and take the first step toward owning your piece of this holiday paradise.

*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash



Colby Murphy

Colby Murphy

About the Author

Born in the land of the Delta Blues, Colby Murphy grew up as a nationally ranked cyclist and avid outdoorsman. Colby's addiction for competition took his amateur cycling career through college, capturing silver at the USAC National Championship and a spot on Team USA for the 2013 UCI World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand. While attending Middle Tennessee State University, Colby volunteered coaching youth athletes in addition to interning with the D1 NFL Combine Camp in Nashville, Tennessee. It was freshman year when Colby was exposed to the magic of Jackson Hole. Instantly attracted, he began splitting his time to ski Jackson every year thereafter.

Upon publishing research in the International Journal of Exercise Science and receiving his bachelor’s degree, Colby immediately relocated to Southern California in pursuit of his professional cycling career. Once retired from competition, Colby quickly found himself as a top producing sales professional serving owners of high end luxury real estate in areas of San Diego including Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, and Coronado. With his affection for luxury property, history with Jackson Hole, and prior connection to Christie's International Real Estate, Colby saw a clear path and executed a move to Jackson. In his spare time, he now enjoys turning laps at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and giving back at Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association.

Colby is fortunate to have been raised around admirable examples of what drive, tenacity and resilience can yield. His father, a self-made entrepreneur, and uncle, an owner of the Christie's affiliate brokerage in San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City, both inspired Colby's ambitions from an early age.

Now, Colby has positioned himself among some of the most respected networks in the industry. He feels proud and blessed to have established relationships with multiple Christie’s affiliate owners and associates spanning multiple cities, states, and countries. Colby has also recently become a member of REALM™, the first globally collaborative real estate collective designed to empower the real estate professional by curating new relationships and matching qualified buyers based on lifestyle experiences and passions rather than search criteria.

In a market where there are as many agents as annual transactions, Colby represented clients from Australia, the UK, Mexico, and several U.S. states in his first year alone. He applies the principles and work ethic he learned through sport and his impressive circle of mentors to ensure he creates the highest value for his clients. Always elevating, always seeking excellence, his acquired values and attributes provide a successful combination that will ensure your selling or buying experience is a win.

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Colby applies the principles and work ethic he learned through sport and his impressive circle of mentors to ensure he creates the highest value for his clients.

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