Winter is in full swing here in Jackson Hole and the snowy Teton range is the perfect backdrop for the holiday season, regardless of what you celebrate. If you plan on being here this holiday season there are a number of events that you won’t want to miss out on.
12 Days of Christmas at the Wort
The Wort Hotel, just a short saunter from the town square, transforms into a Christmas miracle each year with decorations and lights throughout the building. The hotel hosts its annual 12 Days of Christmas ongoing event from December 7th through the 31st (Technically 24 days, but who’s counting). Starting with the Holiday Street Party Chamber Mixer, which features Glenwood street lighting with Santa, and wrapping up with the New Years’ Eve Party with One Ton Pig bluegrass. For the full list of events including an ugly sweater party visit The Wort’s website.
Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides
Take a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge just outside of the Town of Jackson and get up close and personal with our resident elk friends. The sleigh rides run from mid-December through early April departing 3-4 times per hour 10 am-4 pm daily, herd and weather conditions permitting. Reservations are not required but recommended during the holidays, groups will be shuttled from the visitors center where tickets can also be purchased the day of. For reservations call 307-733-0277.
Appearances by Santa
As mentioned previously, Santa will be in attendance for the Glenwood street lighting, but aside from that, he will also be showing his face on Town Square every night starting December 15th until the 24th from 5-7 pm at the Stage Shop building. Santa will be making another stop at The Wort Hotel for breakfast, on December 22nd, doors open at 9:30 am with first come first serve seating, reservations required and can be made by calling 307-733-2190.
Santa will also be swinging by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and rappelling from the Tram on Christmas Eve. On Christmas day he will also be available to ski with on the Teewinot lift between 11 am and 1 pm.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Torchlight Parades
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain and Grand Targhee each hold their own torchlit ski ceremonies, with fireworks, shows that follow shortly after. Snow King’s parade has been going strong since the 1950s as skiers slowly make their way down the mountain with a torch in hand, with the parade beginning at 6:15 and fireworks starting at 7.
In Teton Village, at JHMR the festivities are similar with an additional glow worm parade for children holding glowsticks, starting at 5:30, followed by a traditional torch procession by JHMR employees and a Fireworks show below in the village commons.
Grand Targhee also has a children’s glowstick parade starting at 4:30 and the adult torchlight event begins at 5:30.
