We all know that Wyoming and winter are practically synonymous. But it's not all sub-zero wind chill and 8-foot snow piles when the seasons change! Wyoming, known for its rugged landscapes and frontier spirit, transforms into a magnificent winter wonderland during the holiday season. From charming downtowns adorned with twinkling lights to lively festivals that capture the magic of Christmas, many of the state's most beloved towns offer unique and heartwarming holiday experiences that range from traditional community events to dazzling holiday displays and beyond. Join us on a journey through some of the most festive Christmas towns in Wyoming, each with its own special events and Christmas traditions.

1. Casper

Casper, Wyoming is a magical place to be during the Christmas season. The city is known for its vibrant and exciting holiday celebrations, starting with Lights in the Park at Healing Park on Conwell, which dazzle all winter long and are set to music. Another one of the most popular Christmas events in Casper is the Downtown Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, which typically takes place the day after Thanksgiving and is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season. The parade features floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself. The tree lighting ceremony at David Street Station takes place immediately after the parade.

If you’re looking for even more cheerful events, you can check out the Casper Christmas Village, which is a free event that runs for the entire Christmas season and features a variety of holiday-themed activities, including ice skating, a Christmas market, and visits with Santa Claus. You can also enjoy live music, food vendors, and a variety of other Christmas-themed attractions.

2. Cheyenne

Saddle up, folks, because Christmas in Cheyenne isn't your run-of-the-mill holiday affair! Every year, Wyoming's capital is aglow with holiday spirit during the Christmas season. The annual Cheyenne Christmas Parade is a major event, featuring beautifully decorated floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus himself. But that's just the start! The city's historic downtown district twinkles with holiday lights and decorations for Cheyenne's Old West Holiday, creating a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Visit Kringle's Ranch, Mrs. Claus' Bake Shop, the Pony Express, and much more to get the full experience of this cheerful Wyoming Christmas town.

The towering State Capitol building and Cheyenne Depot are both beautifully illuminated as well, adding to the Christmas ambiance. But for a unique holiday experience, don't miss the Cheyenne Trolley Tours, where visitors can ogle some of the city's most beautifully decorated homes.

3. Cody

Nestled at the eastern edge of Yellowstone National Park, Cody welcomes visitors with open arms and a hearty dose of holiday spirit come Christmastime in true Western style! A true frontier Christmas wonderland, downtown Cody bursts into glorious color with festive decorations, creating a postcard-perfect scene that is often beautifully blanketed with snow. The annual Cody Cowboy Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade is another highlight that shows off this fantastic Christmas town to a "T," featuring elaborately decorated floats, firepit s'more stations, Santa sightings, and spirited participants.

Visitors can also keep it simple by taking a trip into Shoshone National Forest to cut their very own Christmas tree, or perhaps take a world-famous trolley tour around the city. Or, for an even warmer hello to the holiday season, attend the Christmas open house at the Buffalo Bill Center to check out some pretty lights, sip hot cocoa, and learn about the wild west! The options are endless.

4. Dubois

Dubois is a sleepy Christmas town in western Wyoming that celebrates the season right. There’s live music, the Dubois DeLights festivities, a Christmas lights competition, and a community tree-lighting ceremony, just to start! Join the Dubois community at dusk for a special lighting ceremony at the corner of downtown before heading to the beloved Dubois DeLights to fully immerse in colorful, twinkly Christmas cheer. Then, head to the National Museum of Military Vehicles for even more holiday festivities, photos with Santa, story time, and festive Christmas displays around every corner.

5. Gillette

From the town that puts on Wyoming's largest Christmas light display (and light tunnel!) every year comes a whole bevy of holiday festivities for families to choose from as well. After you're done strolling or driving through the family-friendly Campbell County Festival of Lights, where over a MILLION lights dazzle in colorful, festive cheer, check out Gillette's Festival of Trees, enjoy a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at Cam-Plex Park, peep the holiday window displays around downtown, and spend a day perusing the Farmer’s Market Christmas Show where Santa (and his elves) will be spending the day taking photos, and where dozens of vendors will be showing off their wares as live Christmas music delights in the background. Or, take a few spins around the rink at Skate around the Tree! Whatever you choose, this festive Christmas town in Northeast Wyoming is packed with winter charm.

6. Jackson

Nestled in the shadow of the majestic Grand Teton Mountains, Jackson is perhaps one of the most iconic Christmas towns in Wyoming. Jackson's Town Square transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the square, casting a dazzling glow on the charming storefronts. The iconic Antler Arches take on a magical quality under this festive display as well. But in addition to these glowing sights, Jackson also boasts a full lineup of holiday events, including the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Town Square. You'll also want to head to the Wort Hotel to check out their 12 Days of Christmas display - a gorgeous, month-long series of festivities that includes a Holiday Street Lighting Party, a Christmas Day buffet, Holiday Hootenannies around town, and plenty of dazzling decorations.

For a truly enchanting experience, embark on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy landscape at the National Elk Refuge. Snuggle up with loved ones under a warm blanket and enjoy the crisp winter air with the snow-capped peaks as a backdrop. Or for a only-in-Wyoming adventure, head to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to ski with Santa, decorate Christmas cookies, go ice skating, and more.

7. Lander

Christmas in Lander isn't merely about decorations; it's a celebration that brings people together. The town hosts lively Christmas festivals, like the much-loved Light Up Lander parade downtown, which kicks off the holiday season. These parade entries are DECKED. OUT. And the festivities are kicked up a few notches by the addition of fireworks, Santa sightings, and oodles of twinkle lights adorning every corner of downtown. Catch live music, take a hayride, and bring your camera! Visitors will also want to check out the Old-Time Christmas at the Pioneer Museum.

8. Laramie

One of Wyoming's most unique Christmas towns, Laramie's incredible seasonal displays are a must-see for anyone craving some Christmas cheer, starting with the Wyoming Territorial Prison. Every winter, Wyoming's oldest prison gets a festive, multi-colored makeover, courtesy of vibrant LED lights! Grab some hot chocolate and stroll through Laramie's charming downtown to the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site to enjoy the site decked out for the holidays, complete with a dazzling walk-thru show of over 10,000 lights synchronized to Christmas classics.

After experiencing this nostalgic Holiday Light Trail, 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, and walk-through Winter Lights Festival at Washington Park! In addition to the Parade & Train Lighting, fun community events such as Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Artist Sunday that take place during the holiday season…meaning no matter where you turn, you're sure to encounter plenty of Christmas activities!

9. Riverton

The tiny community of Riverton is definitely a Christmas town in Wyoming that embraces the heart of the season, starting with the community tree lighting! The holidays officially kick off with this special event, as Santa makes a stop at the historic Depot Restaurant to light the town Christmas tree as hot chocolate is served to warm up chilled fingers. December is also when sky lanterns and hot air balloons are released for the Riverton, Wyoming Rendezvous! Then, visitors and residents alike can enjoy the rest of the Riverton Holiday Festival, peruse the decorated business windows around town (it's a competition, so they're fantastic!), ogle the incredible neighborhood light displays (yes, this is a competition too!), check out the Winter Arts Fair, fireworks, the Light-Up Parade, and so much more. One local stop in particular has been gaining some much-deserved attention, going all-out with their "Hidden Christmas Village," which boasts dozens of handmade displays and is free to enjoy.

10. Rock Springs

Nestled in the rugged embrace of Wyoming's high desert, Rock Springs, the "Christmas Capital of Wyoming," transforms into a winter wonderland come the holiday season. This charming city, with its snowy landscapes and warm community spirit, invites you to experience the holiday season with a hearty dose of small-town Wyoming charm. Rock Springs' downtown streets come alive with a vibrantly-hued glow during the Christmas season. Twinkling lights adorn historic buildings, and the air is filled with the sounds of cheerful carolers. Stroll along the beautifully decorated streets, where local shops showcase unique gifts and seasonal delights.

But the highlight of Rock Springs' Christmas festivities is undoubtedly the Parade of Lights. Picture this: a procession of brightly lit floats, each one a spectacle of creativity and holiday spirit. Local businesses, community groups, and even Santa himself make their way through the heart of the city, delighting spectators of all ages. But it doesn't stop there! New as of 2023, Rock Springs is also hosting its very first Magical Light Show - a dazzling display, synced to music, that will be held along Elk Street. It's so new we haven't even added it to our Best Christmas Lights in Wyoming list yet! Tucked away in Southwest WY, Rock Springs is undeniably one of the most unexpected Christmas towns in Wyoming, but it definitely celebrates the season right.

11. Sheridan

Sheridan's Main Street is a festive delight, with historic storefronts adorned in holiday splendor that looks straight out of a Hallmark movie. Twinkling lights create a warm ambiance, inviting visitors to stroll through this charming downtown. Sheridan's annual Christmas Stroll is a beloved tradition in town where families gather for caroling, scavenger hunts, and visits with Santa Claus. The stores stay open late, offering unique gifts and holiday treats. Visitors can also enjoy Christmas at the Carriage House, a cozy and festive show that features storytelling, musical guests, theatre performances, and other holiday favorites.

Another highlight is this Christmas town's Festival of Trees. The dazzling display features elaborately decorated trees, each with its own theme and creative flair. It's a visual feast that captures the magic of the season. In Sheridan, the warmth of the community blends seamlessly with the festive holiday spirit, creating a truly special Christmas experience. The Old Fashion Christmas hosted by the Sheridan County Museum is a fantastic Christmas tradition as well!

These charming Christmas towns in Wyoming present just a snapshot of the festivities to be found around the Cowboy State, but each offer a delightful blend of holiday traditions, festive displays, and warm community spirit. From the rugged charm of Cody to the snow-covered fairytale of Jackson, each of these Wyoming Christmas towns has its own unique way of welcoming the holiday season.

What are some of your favorite things to do for Christmas in Wyoming? Let us know!

It's impossible to experience every holiday activity that Wyoming has to offer, let alone highlight all of the best places to go for Christmas in Wyoming. But if you find yourself ready to dive into one of our state's "warmer" winter activities instead, be sure to check these swoon-worthy hot springs off your list. And speaking of lists...have you checked yours twice?