Christmas is the most magical time of the year, especially in the Cowboy State. You will find activities, parades, tree lightings, and Santa visits throughout Wyoming. Join us as our communities celebrate and ignite that Christmas 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 holiday season.
This list has far from everything Wyoming has to offer, so be sure to check out the Travel Wyoming Events Calendar to avoid missing out on all the fun.
8 Wyoming Towns With Can’t-Miss Christmas Events
Christmas time is a magical time across Wyoming. Lights twinkle across city streets covered in freshly fallen snow. And Santa Claus is making visits to good boys and girls everywhere. Explore some of our favorite holiday traditions and plan your trip to Wyoming for the holidays.
Christmas in Cheyenne
Welcome to the capital of Wyoming. Cheyenne is known for having the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, rich history with the Union Pacific Railroad, and certainly, does not disappoint when it comes to the holiday season.
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, the city kicks off Old West Holidays. Santa stops downtown to open 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 Satna’s Saloon, Santa’s Stables, Kringle’s Ranch, Mrs. Claus’s Cookies and much more.
To end the day, be sure to 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 30 miles north of Cheyenne on I-25, Casper is full of holiday spirit. 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 in the park 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 holidays 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 Compay beverages and more. Plus, Santa will be there greeting children and taking photos.
Christmas in Sheridan
A Sheridan annual tradition to kick off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving is the Sheridan Christmas Stroll! Enjoy free photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause, wagon rides, marshmallow roasting, chili, hot dogs, hot cocoa and cider, live music and more. Check off 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!
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 state as they display their festival of lights. Known as one of the biggest Christmas light displays in the state, it 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 the unique stores and enjoying the holiday cheer.
Can’t-Miss Event: Santa Saturdays
Bring the kids to meet St. Nicolas in Downtown Rock Springs at the Gazebo located 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, you can enter to win a giant stocking by sharing a photo.
Christmas in Saratoga
While known for its hot springs this quiet community puts its creative hands together to create the annual Festival of the Trees. Over 250 decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces, gift baskets and other holiday items are auctioned off for charity. You can bid on a tree, write Santa a letter or just take in the holiday splendor of Saratoga.
Christmas in Jackson Hole
The 80 miles-long and 15 miles-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.
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.
Can’t-Miss Event: Country Christmas Buttons
Get your Country Christmas Buttons for $5.00 at participating businesses and at the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce. When you wear your button while shopping local, 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.
