Whether you're visiting our magical state for a seasonal vacay or are a hardy Wyoming-for-lifer, embracing the winter wonderland of Wyoming opens up a fantastic new world of enchanting experiences. From cozy getaways in the trees to the thrill of carving down powdery slopes, the Cowboy State offers a breathtaking tapestry of seasonal delights for all ages and interests. This winter, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of cross-country skiing, rediscover the magic of Wyoming's most magical winter festivals, power through the chill to enjoy our state's most exhilarating winter sports, or step back in time to the simple, nostalgic activities of yesteryear - whatever your heart is craving when it comes to things to do in Wyoming in winter, you'll find it!

Holiday Events In Wyoming

From Christmas concerts and ice festivals to epic light displays and charming Santa villages, the winter season transforms the Cowboy State into a literal snow globe every year, chock full of nostalgic activities and destinations. And with so many fun things to do in Wyoming in winter, you're sure to find plenty of opportunities to unleash your childlike wonder or celebrate the season as a family! We've rounded up a few of our favorites, but these holiday events around Wyoming are just a small taste of the many winter festivals and celebrations you can expect to find in every corner of the state.

1. Campbell County Festival of Lights

Location: Gillette, WY

Details: Typically Mid-November - First week of January

Price: Free (but donations appreciated)

Opening in conjunction with Gillette's Festival of Trees, the Campbell County Festival of Lights is Wyoming's largest municipal light display, featuring multiple show schedules for various ages and with varying themes throughout the week. Over 50 displays dazzle visitors to the festival, boasting nearly 100 individual installations and over 1,000,000 lights, all set to festive music…including a fantastic infinity light tunnel! This is truly a community event and effort, as every display is generously sponsored by a local business. Visitors may even find a few opportunities to enjoy a beautiful, horse-drawn carriage ride through the lights!

2. Casper Holiday Square Lights

Location: Casper, WY

Details: Typically Mid-November - New Year's Day

Price: Free

Every year, Healing Park on Conwell in Casper transforms into a festive winter wonderland, starting with an annual community lighting event. Each evening during the holiday season, colorful displays throughout the park (and beyond) dazzle and delight, and are set to music hourly. While you're out enjoying the snow and sights, be sure to catch Casper's annual Christmas parade as well! This family event is set to a new theme every year and is typically held the day after Thanksgiving. Add on Casper's Community Christmas Tree Lighting, holiday markets, photos and activities with Santa, live music under the lights, and beautiful outdoor ice skating at David Street Station, and you have a fantastic, can't-miss family event!

3. Old West Holiday

Location: Cheyenne, WY

Details: Typically Mid-November - New Year's Day

Price: Free

Cody may be known for its summer rodeo, but Wyoming's capital is known for having the biggest rodeo in the entire state. And as it turns out, Santa is a big fan too! Trot on over to Cheyenne for an

Old West Holiday and Christmas festivities that are nothing short of wildly spectacular. Every year, downtown Cheyenne transforms into a Western Winter Wonderland with oodles of businesses partnering with the Big Guy himself - kids will love paying a visit to the Pony Express, Kringle Ranch, Mrs. Claus's bake shop, and many more! Then, check out the rest of the Old West Holiday festivities: a magical twinkle light wonderland at the Cheyenne Depot Plaza, numerous "Elfie" stations for capturing those holiday memories, Christmas light trolley tours, hot cocoa bars, the Cheyenne Christmas Parade…and so much more! This is definitely one of the best family things to do in Wyoming in winter.

4. Winter Lights Festival

Location: Laramie, WY

Details: Typically Mid-November - New Year's Eve. Parade and Train Lighting: December 8, 2023

Price: Free

Laramie's unique seasonal displays are a must-see for anyone craving some Christmas cheer. Every winter, Wyoming's most historic prison gets a festive makeover. Grab some hot chocolate and stroll through Laramie's charming downtown to the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site to enjoy a dazzling show of over 10,000 lights synchronized to Christmas classics. You'll also get to enjoy the town's colorful holiday parade and unique train lighting. Plus, be sure to check out the Holiday Expo at the Depot and the captivating, walk-through Winter Lights Festival at Washington Park!

Other Notable Holiday Events in Wyoming: Riverton Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, Dubois DeLights

Christmas Towns In Wyoming

Beautifully dusted with snow and bedazzled with gorgeous swags of lights and ribbons, as soon as the last autumn leaf falls, Wyoming's most charming towns come alive to celebrate the holiday season in twinkle light-studded style. As the holiday season nears, you'll find a plethora of family things to do in winter! While all of Wyoming's towns could easily make the list, these beloved winter destinations each offer a bevy of free things to do, beautiful settings, and nostalgic sights and activities for couples and families alike.

5. Jackson

Location: Jackson, WY

Popularity: Busy

Price: Varies by Itinerary

How could the holidays be anything but magical in Wyoming's most infamous mountain town? There's a reason it makes the top 25 Christmas towns in the country every year! Every winter, Jackson, Wyoming transforms into a picturesque holiday haven for Christmas, where the charm of the Old West meets the festive spirit of the season. The town's iconic antler arches don gorgeous twinkling lights, casting a cheerful glow over the snow-dusted city center. Visitors can explore boutique shops adorned with holiday decorations, offering unique gifts and local treasures. The aroma of spiced cider mingles with the crisp mountain air as carolers fill the streets with joyful melodies. Be sure to check out the iconic antler lighting downtown, which typically takes place around Thanksgiving and features Santa appearances, hot cocoa, cookies, and live music. Whether it's savoring hearty mountain cuisine in cozy lodges, enjoying a Cowboy Christmas at nearby Spring Creek Ranch, or catching a Christmas performance at the Jackson Hole Playhouse, Jackson radiates a special magic that makes Christmas in Wyoming a truly memorable experience!

6. Pinedale

Location: Pinedale, WY

Popularity: Moderate

Price:Varies by Itinerary

While all of Wyoming's small towns boast scenic beauty and fun things to do in winter, Pinedale, Wyoming, emerges as a true winter wonderland, where the season's magic comes to life against a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks. Nestled at the base of the Wind River Range in Western Wyoming, Pinedale's setting alone is straight out of a snow globe. But despite its small size, this charming town celebrates Christmas with perhaps the most spectacular and unique array of festive activities and winter events in the state! As snow blankets the town, residents and visitors alike come together to revel in the joy of the season. With its warm-hearted community spirit and a host of winter festivities, Pinedale beckons all to experience the true essence of a Wyoming Christmas. And after the holidays have passed, Pinedale keeps the magic going! The annual Pinedale Winter Carnival takes center stage in the new year, featuring a delightful showcase of snow sculptures, exhilarating sled dog races, and spirited community gatherings.

7. Gillette

Location: Gillette, WY

Popularity: Moderate

Price:Varies by Itinerary

Gillette, Wyoming, transforms into a festive wonderland each winter, embracing the holiday spirit with open arms. The town comes alive with a myriad of joyful events, including the enchanting Festival of Lights (mentioned above), where the streets dazzle with a radiant display of holiday cheer. The local Festival of Trees entices festive admirers, showcasing intricately decorated evergreens that inspire awe and wonder. But don't stop with just the traditional activities…for those seeking even more magical displays, the downtown Holiday Ice Fest showcases local ice carving talent, fun festivities, contests, and culminates in the town's brilliant Parade of Lights.

8. Rock Springs

Location: Rock Springs, WY

Popularity: Hidden Gem

Price:Varies by Itinerary

From ice fishing derbies and Santa visits to the town's treasured Lighted Holiday Parade, downtown Holiday Expo, and much more, Rock Springs is an unexpected Christmas treasure hiding in the Southwest corner of the state. Families and couples alike will fall in love with the sweet carriage rides that run through the heart of town - not to mention the pretty blankets of snow that cover the landscape! The Mayor Tree Lighting typically takes place right around Thanksgiving…so plan your visit early, and keep tabs on new lineup additions via Sweetwater County Travel & Tourism!

Outdoor Activities In Wyoming

Wyoming, with its pristine snow-covered landscapes and rugged mountain terrain, offers a fantastic winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. From exhilarating downhill skiing in world-class resorts to the tranquility of cross-country trails winding through scenic forests, there's something for everyone seeking adventure in the chillier months. Whether it's the thrill of snowmobiling, the art of ice fishing, or the simple joy of building a snowman, Wyoming's winter activities promise unforgettable experiences amidst the breathtaking beauty of the American West…and plenty of memory-making as well.

9. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride at the National Elk Refuge

Location: Jackson, WY

Details: Typically mid-December through early April

Price: $23+/person

Embark on a timeless winter adventure with a beautiful, horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming. This unique experience offers a front-row seat to one of nature's most magnificent spectacles. Snuggled under warm blankets, guests are gently guided through the pristine snow-covered landscape, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Teton Range. Enveloped by the rhythmic jingle of bells and the crisp mountain air, as the sleigh glides over the snowy trails, you'll have the opportunity to witness a majestic elk herd in their natural habitat, a sight that captures the wild essence of the Cowboy State. Bonus: while this one-of-a-kind experience is perfect for families, it's also one of the most romantic things to do in Wyoming in winter (hint hint)! Of course, if you're located elsewhere in the state, Wyoming has a number of other sleigh ride outfitters as well.

10. Sheridan Winter Rodeo

Location: Sheridan, WY

Details: Typically mid-February

Price: Varies

While skijoring is practically a state sport here in Wyoming and can be found both officially and unofficially across the state, the Sheridan Winter Rodeo is on another level. This beloved winter event, which takes place at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds, is officially part of the Skijoring America circuit, which means that most of these competitors aren't novices - they're highly skilled athletes in action! However, you'll certainly find opportunities to see both pros and casual participants take to the tracks. In addition to skijoring, the icy competitions at this winter rodeo are fierce, powdery, and a thrill to watch. Spectate (or participate in) snowboarding, cowboy polo, ice hockey, sledding, and so much more - plus enjoy a whole host of local eats, fresh brews, and tasty fair foods.

11. Snowshoe Yellowstone National Park

Location: Yellowstone, WY

Details: Note that many services in Yellowstone close during the winter season. Entrance into the park is limited.

Price: Varies

Powder lovers will find miles of trails to explore in Wyoming's most famous national park, even after the regular park season has ended. For unique, snow-dusted sights of the park's most iconic formations, snowshoeing through Yellowstone is a fantastic way to experience this fantastic landscape up close. While you'll want to double-check conditions and closures before you embark, areas like Snow Pass, Lone Star Geyser, and Bannock each offer groomed trails and diverse scenery. Or, to ogle the beauty from the comfort of a vehicle, a snowcoach tour is a pretty nifty way to enjoy the park too!

While Yellowstone is a coveted winter destination, you'll also find excellent snowshoeing in nearly every corner of the state! Other fantastic (and unique) snowshoeing spots include Bighorn National Forest, Happy Jack Recreation Area, Medicine Bow National Forest, Teton County, Flaming Gorge, and South Pass - among numerous others!

12. Sundance Winter Festival

Location: Sundance, WY

Details: Typically mid-February

Price: Varies

Multiple skijoring divisions, some wildly creative barstool sledding, and a hefty dose of winter precipitation transform the quiet town of Sundance into a snowy carnival of delights! The Sundance Winter Festival is a must-do as Wyomingites soak up every last bit of winter fun before spring sets in. Enjoy the shenanigans, creativity, and the athletic feats of your fellow Wyomingites as you feast on delicious food truck fare, enjoy live music, and peruse local shops. All set against a backdrop of Wyoming's magnificent Black Hills. Bring your ice skates and sleds!

Other Notable Winter Activities: Skijoring in Saratoga, ice fishing at Flaming Gorge, snowmobiling Togwotee Pass or the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail, ice climbing in Cody, tubing in Savery, and so much more.

Winter Getaways In Wyoming

The best things to do in winter in Wyoming don't always involve a need for speed or layering up to venture into the snow. We like to kick back and relax sometimes too! Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a scenic winter getaway in Wyoming. Nestled amid snow-covered peaks and pristine wilderness, Wyoming offers a fantastic range of cozy accommodations, from rustic yurts and charming cabins to luxurious resorts, vacation rentals, and more. Whether you seek a romantic retreat or a family-friendly escape into the mountains, embrace the magic of the season in Wyoming's most tranquil and picturesque settings at one of these unique (and dare we say romantic??) winter getaways.

13. Brush Creek Ranch

Location: Saratoga, WY

Details: Top-rated Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast luxury ranch resort, boasting award-winning accommodations, a spa, and Michelin-star farm-to-table dining.

Price: $950+/night. Varies by lodging.

There's no "best" time for an escape to Brush Creek Ranch - but there's no denying that winter has a little extra magic! Cozy cabins, luxury amenities, roaring fireplaces, and endless soul-warming comfort foods are just the start of your getaway here. Couples will quickly discover that this is one of the most romantic getaways in the state, while guests of all ages will immediately fall in love with everything the ranch has to offer. Set on 30,000 secluded acres of the North Platte River Valley and nestled against both the Medicine Bow National Forest and the Siera Madres, there's nothing this ranch resort doesn't offer, even in winter! A private ski mountain, ice rink, hiking and snowmobiling trails, a warm and toasty spa…the list just keeps going.

With so much to do, experience, and discover, Brush Creek is much more than a winter getaway. It's an undeniably breathtaking Wyoming destination.

14. Caldera House

Location: Jackson, WY

Details: Mountain Views, On-Site Dining, Balconies/Terrace, Fireplaces, Spa, Hot Tub, Wi-Fi

Price: $1700+/night

A snowy winter escape that boasts endless luxury, cozy mountain vibes, and sumptuous accommodations, the Caldera House at Jackson Hole Resort is a summit chalet and spectacular getaway for couples, powder chasers, and everything in between. Immerse yourself in the warmth of the perfectly designed suites, which boast balconies to enjoy the crisp mountain air and breathtaking views. The on-site dining is superb, and the spa is an absolute dream - perfect for massaging and soaking away those post-run muscle aches.

15. Coyote Crossing

Location: Jackson, WY

Details: Mountain Views, Hot Tub, Fireplace, Firepit, Wi-Fi

Price: $5,000+/night

This cozy, modern mountain home provides a warm and inviting haven after days filled with snowshoeing, skiing, and Christmas lights-ogling. The price of Coyote Crossing is spicy, but the views and amenities are tough to beat, especially given the location nestled at the foot of Jackson Hole Resort, and just a short drive from Grand Teton National Park. Sink into plush comfort in every corner of the home, enjoy the lavish, spa-like creature comforts, and enjoy the mountain views safely enveloped in toasty warmth from the wood fireplace. No detail was overlooked here, and mountain luxury and charm collide to create a getaway that is as homey as it is rejuvenating.

Winter in Wyoming is long and pretty brutal, to be honest. But we know how to make the most of it here! Of course, these are just a starting point for all of the fun, affordable, and unique things to do in winter...what are your favorites?

While you're out and about enjoying the snow and ice this season, be sure to layer up and stay safe. We can't wait to see photos from your adventures!