At Christmastime, Jackson, Wyoming Has the Most Enchanting Town Square in the Country

Are you looking for the most magical place in the West during the holidays? Some of our favorite destinations include Leavenworth, Washington, Bozeman, Montana, and Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. However, there is one enchanting town that really gets us in the holiday spirit in the most magical way. Christmas in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is certainly a sight to see! All year round, Jackson Hole ranks among the best small towns in the U.S. — but during the holidays, this town truly shines. 

With dazzling lights, holiday markets, sleigh rides, snow-capped mountains, and the sound of melodious carols in the crisp mountain air, Christmas in Jackson Hole is pure magic. If you ask me, the festive mountain village feels like a scene from a Hallmark movie. Come with me to marvel at the city’s stunning Town Square, all decked out with twinkling lights, one of the best places to enjoy an enchanting winter wonderland in America.

Jackson is a major town in Wyoming, and Jackson Hole is the name of the valley, which extends approximately 80 miles long and 15 miles wide. Every year, Jackson, Wyoming, is home to a beautiful and welcoming Town Square. During the holiday season, it lights up with the spirit of Christmas, and everyone on the Square spends weeks preparing for the busy holiday season.

With hours of dedicated work, by the time they're done, the scene looks like a Christmas movie set. And just a fun fact — movies have been filmed in Wyoming! The most impressive sight is the elk antler arch, strung up with hundreds of twinkling lights. This beautiful holiday light display is one of the things that makes a Jackson, Wyoming Christmas so magical. In fact, people come from all over to experience the holidays here, which begin the day after Thanksgiving.

And while admiring the incredible lights and decor in Jackson's Town Square is an absolute must this time of the year, there is so much more to do. For example, Christmas in Jackson Hole just wouldn’t be complete without shopping! And while here, you’ll find dozens of boutiques that sell unique handmade goods, clothing, home products, and so forth. Who says that the only thing to do in Jackson Hole is winter sports?

For some wintertime fun, rent a pair of ice skates and go for a spin on the ice rink in the middle of town! Or, just outside of town, plan a visit to the National Elk Refuge. The National Elk Refuge is a fantastic place to see wildlife, embark upon a holiday sleigh ride, and more. It's one of the best ways to spot these gorgeous animals. This would be a blast for the little ones, so be sure to bring them along for this fun winter excursion.

Of course, you should carve out time to visit Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Arguably one of the best ski areas in the world, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort draws avid skiers from all over the country and Canada as well. During the holiday season, the mountain comes alive with its annual WinterFest celebration (December 19 - 31). Aside from skiing, visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities like tree lighting, cookie decorating, scavenger hunts, and seeing Santa drop from a tram. All while enjoying a warm cup of cocoa - this sounds like an enchanting holiday night to me.

No matter how you spend Christmas in Jackson, Wyoming, you'll fall in love with the charm of Town Square and all of the winter adventures that surround the area. Just make sure that while here, you give yourself plenty of time to visit several of the town's amazing restaurants, including Miazga's, which serves arguably the best Reuben in Wyoming. If you are a foodie, this is your kind of place!

What are your favorite things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming? Have you ever spent Christmas in Jackson Hole, Wyoming? If you haven’t yet, be sure to make it a point to visit for a day or even a short getaway before the holiday season is over. You can also learn more about this festive town and see more amazing photos on the Visit Jackson Hole Facebook Page.

Are you counting down the days to Christmas? If so, did you start your holiday shopping? Check out our list of cool holiday gift ideas that are perfect for folks who love to travel. And when you're feeling inspired, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to create your own holiday adventure in Wyoming.