WinterFest in Jackson Hole: The Most Epic Winter Celebration You Can’t Afford to Miss This Year!

Winter in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a dream come true for anyone who loves the beauty of snow-covered mountains and the festive spirit of the holiday season. As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to blanket the Teton Mountains, the town transforms into a magical winter wonderland. One of the most exciting and anticipated events of the season is WinterFest—an unforgettable festival that runs through the holiday season, offering a blend of outdoor adventure, festive activities, and family-friendly fun. Held at Teton Village and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, this event is one of the best ways to experience the charm of Jackson Hole during the winter months. If you’re planning a winter getaway, WinterFest 2025 is the place to be.

The Magic of WinterFest in Jackson Hole

WinterFest 2025 in Jackson Hole begins on 19 December and runs through to 31 December. It’s a festival that brings together everything that makes winter in Wyoming so special—snow, stunning landscapes, festive celebrations, and fun activities for all ages. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holidays, WinterFest is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the winter season.

Jackson Hole has long been known for its world-class skiing, breathtaking mountain views, and Western charm, and WinterFest captures all of that and more. The festival is packed with events and activities that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you want to take a peaceful stroll through the holiday lights, enjoy the thrill of a winter sports competition, or spend quality time with family, WinterFest has something for everyone.

A Fun-Filled Calendar of Events

One of the things that make WinterFest so special is its wide range of activities. The festival offers a full calendar of events, with new experiences happening almost every day. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best events that you can expect during WinterFest in Jackson Hole:

Tree Lighting & GlowNights – 19 December 2025

The festival kicks off with the much-anticipated tree lighting ceremony at Village Commons in Teton Village. This event is the perfect introduction to the festive season, with the town’s Christmas tree coming to life in a beautiful burst of lights. Families gather to enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere, with hot cocoa, cookies, and the glow of twinkling lights setting the tone for the holiday season. The evening is made even more special by the GlowNights – stunning light displays such as the Electric Dandelions, which transform the area into a magical light show. It’s the perfect start to your winter holiday in Jackson Hole.

Snow Cats & Avalanche Dogs – 20 December 2025

For those interested in winter sports and the essential safety measures that go into maintaining Jackson Hole’s slopes, the Snow Cats & Avalanche Dogs event is a must-visit. Families and snow sport enthusiasts can meet avalanche dogs and their handlers, who demonstrate how these trained dogs help with avalanche rescue operations. You’ll also have the chance to see the powerful snow cats, the machines that help groom the ski slopes. This event is both exciting and educational, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into maintaining Jackson Hole’s famous ski terrain.

Cookie Decorating & Ornament Making – 21-23 December 2025

A favourite activity for families, the cookie decorating and ornament-making workshops allow kids (and adults!) to get creative while celebrating the festive season. The workshops provide all the supplies you need to decorate delicious holiday cookies and make beautiful holiday ornaments that you can take home as keepsakes. These hands-on, family-friendly activities offer a perfect break from the cold while keeping the holiday spirit alive. It’s a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones and create something special during your visit.

Free Skate Night & Hot Cocoa – 22 & 29 December 2025

One of the highlights of WinterFest is the free skate night at the Teton Village Commons Rink. The rink offers a spectacular setting for ice skating under the stars, with the snow-capped mountains in the background. Skating on this outdoor rink is an unforgettable experience. And what’s better than skating with a steaming mug of hot cocoa in hand? The free skate nights are family-friendly, with complimentary skate rentals, making it a perfect activity for all ages. Whether you’re an experienced skater or just learning, it’s an opportunity to enjoy winter fun in a beautiful setting.

Santa on Ice & Tram Drop – 24 December 2025

Christmas Eve in Jackson Hole is extra special with the Santa on Ice event at the village rink. Children get the chance to skate with Santa himself, creating magical moments for families. The festive fun doesn’t stop there—around 4:30 PM, you can witness the Santa Drop from the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort aerial tram. Santa will arrive by tram, adding a fun twist to the holiday tradition of Santa’s visit. It’s a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit and create lasting memories with the family.

Skiing or Riding with Santa – 25 December 2025

Christmas Day in Jackson Hole is like no other. Families and skiers get to ski or snowboard with Santa himself! Santa dons his ski gear and hits the slopes alongside guests at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It’s a fun and exciting way to spend Christmas Day, especially for children who will be thrilled to ski or ride with their favourite holiday character.

Sledding Evening – 28 December 2025

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, WinterFest also offers a sledding evening on 28 December. This is a fun and easy-going activity that’s perfect for families, especially younger children. The sledding hill is set up in a safe, designated area where everyone can enjoy the thrill of sledding down the snowy slopes. Whether you’re competing for the fastest run or simply enjoying a peaceful evening outdoors, this event is a great way to experience winter fun in Jackson Hole.

Torchlight Parade and New Year’s Eve Fireworks – 31 December 2025

The grand finale of WinterFest is the Torchlight Parade and New Year’s Eve Fireworks. The Torchlight Parade features skiers and snowboarders descending the mountain carrying glowing torches, creating a dazzling visual spectacle. Following the parade, Jackson Hole celebrates the arrival of the new year with an epic fireworks show, lighting up the sky over Teton Village. This is the perfect way to ring in the new year in true Jackson Hole style.

Why WinterFest in Jackson Hole is a Must-Visit Holiday Destination

Jackson Hole is one of the most beautiful and exciting places to visit in the winter, and WinterFest brings out the best of what this region has to offer. From skiing and snowboarding to creative workshops, free skate nights, and the holiday magic of Santa, WinterFest captures the essence of Jackson Hole’s winter charm.

A Winter Wonderland Like No Other

The stunning landscapes of Jackson Hole are transformed into a winter wonderland during WinterFest. The snow-covered mountains, festive decorations, and family-friendly events create an atmosphere that is truly magical. Whether you’re walking through the beautifully lit streets of Teton Village, enjoying the outdoor ice rink, or watching the torchlight parade, Jackson Hole is a destination that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty and festive spirit.

Fun for the Whole Family

WinterFest is designed for people of all ages. There are plenty of activities for families with young children, from cookie decorating and sledding evenings to skating with Santa. At the same time, adults can enjoy the Torchlight Parade and New Year’s Eve fireworks, making it the perfect destination for families and groups of friends.

Outdoor Adventure and Winter Sports

For winter sports enthusiasts, Jackson Hole is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding. WinterFest offers plenty of opportunities to get out on the slopes, with events like Skiing with Santa and the Torchlight Parade offering unique and fun ways to enjoy the snow. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, Jackson Hole’s ski slopes are some of the best in the world.

Final Thoughts on WinterFest in Jackson Hole

WinterFest 2025 in Jackson Hole is an unforgettable holiday celebration. With a wide range of events and activities for all ages, it’s the perfect way to spend your winter holidays. Whether you’re visiting for the tree lighting ceremony, enjoying a free skate night, or ringing in the new year with torchlight parades and fireworks, Jackson Hole is sure to provide memories that will last a lifetime.

Start planning your trip today and experience the magic of WinterFest in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. There’s no better place to embrace the beauty and excitement of the winter season!

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