Christmas is the most magical time of the year, and visiting the Cowboy State can make your Christmas travel just as magical. You will find activities, parades, tree lightings and Santa visits throughout Wyoming. Join us as our communities celebrate and ignite that holiday spirit. Enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate during the tree festival in Saratoga, ice skating in Casper, carriage rides in Rock Springs and so much more with your family, friends and loved ones this Christmas season.
This list is far from everything Wyoming has to offer during the holidays, so be sure to check out the Travel Wyoming Events Calendar so you don’t miss out on all the fun.
8 Wyoming Towns With Can’t-Miss Christmas Events
It’s the most wonderful time of the year to celebrate Christmas in Wyoming. Lights twinkle across city streets covered in freshly fallen snow, Santa Claus is visiting good boys and girls everywhere, and travelers are treating themselves to the charm of an Old West Christmas. Explore some of our favorite local traditions and plan your trip to Wyoming for the holidays.
Christmas in Cheyenne
Welcome to the capital of Wyoming and one of the best places to travel for Christmas. Cheyenne may be best known for having the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, and rich history with the Union Pacific Railroad. That said, it certainly does not disappoint when it comes to the holiday season.
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, the city kicks off its Old West Holiday. Celebrate the seasonal opening of Santa’s Mailroom, where the Pony Express will pick up and deliver letters to Santa. You can then enjoy downtown as it is transformed into Santa’s Saloon, Santa’s Stables, Kringle’s Ranch, Mrs. Claus’s Cookies and much more.
To end the day, stop by the Cheyenne Depot Plaza for a 3D holiday light show. Every Saturday during December, they have exciting activities going on downtown. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration that takes you back to the Old West.
CAN’T-MISS EVENT: CHEYENNE, WYOMING CHRISTMAS PARADE
You won’t want to miss the annual Cheyenne Christmas Parade presented by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years.
This treasured tradition kicks off with the Toys for Tots float, and spectators are welcome to bring unwrapped presents to donate to local children in need.
Christmas in Casper
Located approximately 177 miles north of Cheyenne on I-25, Casper is full of holiday spirit and ready to give you a good, old-fashioned Wyoming Christmas. Dust off those ice skates, fill your photo frames with Santa Claus and kick off the holiday season Casper style. The Downtown Casper Jingle & Mingle kicks off the spirit of Christmas by supporting the local downtown retailers during a fun-filled holiday shopping trip and ice skating at the David Street Station ice rink.
Later, enjoy the countdown to the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree and grab the perfect spot to watch the Downtown Christmas Parade, which begins at David Street Station and runs right down 2nd Street. After walking around Conwell Park and enjoying the lights, take a stroll through the park to see the decorations. Each tree is adorned with lights for a spectacular view.
CAN’T-MISS EVENT: HOLIDAY MARKET AT DAVID STREET STATION
Discover the perfect holiday gift from the handmade, homemade and homegrown goods at the annual holiday market. Shop local, surrounded by the community Christmas tree, fire pits and holiday lounge area in The Den at David Street.
In addition to vendors, you can enjoy live music, Holy Guacamole food truck fare, Oil City Beer Company beverages and more. Plus, Santa will be there greeting children and taking photos.
Christmas in Sheridan
An annual Sheridan tradition to kick off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving is the Sheridan Christmas Stroll. Enjoy free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, wagon rides, marshmallow roasting, chili, hot dogs, hot cocoa and cider, live music and more. Check off gifts on your shopping list with tons of in-store sales and specials. Purchase a Stroll button and look for the matching button number at participating stores — you can win a great prize.
If your Sheridan stay exceeds the standard Old West Christmas experiences, you’ll find plenty of outdoor sports adventures in the nearby Bighorn Mountains. If you prefer a warm respite from the chilly winter wonderland, take the family to The Brinton Museum for an elegant trip back in time.
CAN’T-MISS EVENT: OLD FASHION CHRISTMAS
Learn about Christmas celebrations of the past at the Old Fashion Christmas hosted by the Sheridan County Museum. The event starts with storytime before guests can decorate a traditional Christmas orange and an old-fashioned Christmas ornament to take home.
Christmas in Gillette
Join the northeast corner of the Cowboy State as they light up the night in honor of Christmas in Wyoming. Known as one of the most extensive Christmas light displays in the state, the Gillette Festival of Lights contains over 50 displays with more than 100 individual pieces. They set up the last week of November, and you can explore the wonder until the first week of January.
While in the area, enjoy shopping in Gillette and check out their annual holiday window displays. Businesses in the city compete for the best holiday window display, transforming the town into a Christmas wonder.
CAN’T-MISS EVENT: FARMER’S MARKET CHRISTMAS SHOW
Find the perfect Christmas gifts at the annual Farmer’s Market Christmas Show. More than 70 local vendors will be offering handmade, homemade, locally grown, locally raised and locally produced products that are sure to be treasured by your loved ones.
Christmas in Rock Springs
The Saturday after Thanksgiving until mid-December, Rock Springs downtown is the perfect place to create holiday memories. They offer carriage rides free to the public, and you can meet Santa in their downtown gazebo. Enjoy the magic of the season while shopping in the unique stores and enjoying the holiday cheer.
Take your Old West Christmas trip up a notch in early December with the annual Chamber Lighted Holiday Parade. Each year, the parade is given a new theme to celebrate, and lighted floats drift through downtown for all to see and enjoy. Bundle up and come out for the sights and sounds of holiday fun.
CAN’T-MISS EVENT: SANTA SATURDAYS
Bring the kids to meet St. Nicolas in Downtown Rock Springs at the Gazebo on the corner of D Street and Broadway Street every Saturday until December 17. Not only can your children share what they most want for Christmas, but you can also enter to win a giant stocking by sharing a photo.
Christmas in Saratoga
While most famously known for its healing hot springs, the quiet community of Saratoga puts its creative hands together to create the annual Festival of the Trees Gala and Auction. Over 250 decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces, gift baskets and other holiday items are auctioned off for charity at a fantastically festive event. The evening is topped off with snacks and cocktails, and you can bid on a tree, write Santa a letter or just take in the holiday splendor of the city.
CAN’T-MISS EVENT: SARATOGA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE AND WINTER WONDERLAND
Spend a lovely evening with your family and the Clauses at Saratoga’s Christmas Parade and Winter Wonderland. For one night each December, local businesses and organizations deck out floats with lights, music and all the happy holiday trimmings. Enjoy food, cocoa and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus for the kiddos.
Christmas in Jackson Hole
The 80-mile-long and 15-mile-wide valley that comprises Jackson Hole is a favorite for visitors all year long. Still, the holidays are a time when the area really shines with family-friendly seasonal activities, making it one of the best places to travel for Christmas.
Jackson Hole’s historic Town Square Tree Lighting and Santa on Square herald the sparkling lights coming to life while choral and dance groups perform, with visits from Santa throughout the month. Santa never misses a chance to visit the slopes and will “drop in” Jackson Hole-style at the base of the Aerial Tram on Christmas Eve, and he will stick around to ski with the kids on Christmas Day.
CAN’T-MISS EVENT: SLEIGH RIDES
One of the most magical ways to end a day in Jackson Hole is to ride a horse-drawn sleigh through the snowy National Elk Refuge. Your seasoned guide will entertain you with spectacular views and an up-close learning experience about the elk herd in its pristine winter habitat.
Christmas in Buffalo
Nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Big Horn Mountains is quaint Buffalo, Wyoming, with the historic Occidental Hotel and over 15,000 American Old West artifacts at the Jim Gatchell Museum. What’s more, Fort Phil Kearney and a host of outdoor adventures are nearby. Local traditions make for treasured memories come the holiday season.
To get a real feel of Christmas in Wyoming, you can’t miss the classic Buffalo Christmas Markets. Vendors vary week-to-week, so you can find the local crafty goods that will make the perfect gifts for the special people on your list. Enjoy carolers, warm beverages and other holiday treats.
CAN’T-MISS EVENT: COUNTRY CHRISTMAS BUTTONS
Get your Country Christmas Buttons for $5.00 at participating businesses and the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce. When you wear your button while shopping locally, you’ll receive discounts and special offers at participating businesses in Buffalo.
Plus, you will be automatically entered into four separate drawings to win cash prizes.
Find more to do in Wyoming this winter.
