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Updated 9/19/2020

When I think of traditional Christmas, my mind goes to snowy, small town America.  Maybe it’s because I’m from the Mid-West and we almost always have a white Christmas; and it’s usually cold, so that’s what a traditional Christmas looks like to me.  In thinking about where I’d really like to spend a few days at Christmastime, somewhere snowy came to mind.  Somewhere with a true winter vibe.  There’s a lot of places that fit the bill, but I wanted somewhere special & unique.   I’d been to Jackson Wyoming when I was younger. It really is a quaint, gorgeous little town, surrounded by picturesque mountains with absolutely mind-blowing scenery.   There’s plenty to do in Jackson Hole at Christmastime and really so many things to do in Jackson Hole in Winter, period.  Whether you’re spending the holidays in Jackson Hole, heading to Jackson Hole in Winter or cruising out to Jackson for a Summer vacation, there’s always plenty of things to do in Jackson Hole.  

Why go to Jackson Hole?

For one, it’s a great small town atmosphere.   In fact,  Jackson Hole was recently named one of America’s “20 Best Small Towns for Christmas” by Country Living magazine.  Picture beautiful snow-covered mountains, lots of skiing and getting cozy in front of the fireplace.  Secondly, it doesn’t get much prettier than the natural beauty around Jackson.  If you’re a mountain lover like me, Jackson’s the spot for you.  Wait until you see the majesty of the Grand Tetons!

What’s There to Do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming?

 Jackson also offers endless winter activities.   There is simply so much to do in Jackson in Winter.  You can experience everything from snowmobiling to downhill skiing to cross country skiing to horse riding through the snow.  Even if you’re not into doing a bunch of activities, what’s so great about Jackson in Winter is that you can do nothing at all except enjoy the beautiful scenery.  How about an authentic sleigh ride through the snow covered mountains?!  Doesn’t that sound absolutely incredible?  Especially if you cap off the ride with a dip in the HOT TUB!!  

Where is Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Wyoming is located in Western Wyoming between Grand Teton National Park & Yellowstone National Park.  Go to Jackson and you’ll have the opportunity to visit two incredible national parks in one trip.

Is Jackson Hole and Jackson the Same Thing?

“Jackson Hole”  refers to the entire valley beginning six miles south of Yellowstone National Park following the Snake River south to Hoback Junction.  When people mention “Jackson“, that commonly refers to the main town or downtown area of the valley.

What Is the weather like in Jackson?

The weather fluctuates quite a bit, depending on the season.  As you can see from the temperature chart below,  Winters can be cold!  Summers are just about perfect in my book, with average highs in the seventies & low eighties.

Should we go to Jackson Hole in the summer or the winter?

You might be confused about the best time to go to Jackson Hole, WY.  The good news is that BOTH seasons offer plenty of things to do.  So it’s really up to you & what you’re looking for.  Even Fall and Spring are good times to visit Jackson Hole.  So any season is a great time to go.  Spring/Summer/Fall offer great outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping and fishing; among other great outdoorsy type things.   And, like I explained above, Jackson is great in Winter because there’s so many things to do.  

what is there to do in Jackson Hole in the Winter?

Winter in Jackson is just as much fun, if  not more fun because of all the Winter activities.  Plus,  with all the snow,  Winter may be even more beautiful than Summer in Jackson Hole.  While there are lots of things to do and plenty of ways to have fun, many of these activities might be suited to daredevils, so try at your own risk!  We want you to have fun and also take all the necessary precautions to experience SAFE adventures!  So go snowmobiling in Jackson or skiing in the Tetons or even snowboarding around Jackson, but do it safely! (If you choose to pursue any activity mentioned you are also taking on any risk associated with the activity!)

How to Spend a Jackson Hole Christmas 

Jackson Hole Snowmobile Tours

If you’re looking for extreme adventure, look no further than a fabulous Jackson Hole Snowmobile Tour.

There are multiple outfitters that offer snowmobile tours, some are 1/2 day and you can also sign up for a full day of high octane fun.  Make sure you go with an experienced guide to see all the best the area has to offer.  

For a really cool way to see Yellowstone in Winter, check out Old Faithful Snowmobile Tours.  They even do a 3 day & 2 night Yellowstone tour.  Talk about a once in a lifetime experience!

If you prefer to go out on your own for a self-guided tour, choose a lot Jackson Hole snowmobile rental company to set you up with the best equipment for your ride.   Snowmobiling in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is not for the faint of heart, so if you’re  inexperienced, leave it to the experts and definitely go with a tour.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton offers many awesome Winter activities to take part in.   You can do everything from hiking to skiing or snowmobiling, or if you’re like me, you can spend the day outside taking photos!  In such an awe-inspiring environment, you’re sure to have great photo ops!

Yellow Stone National Park

The southern portion of Yellowstone National Park is just a 60-minute drive from Jackson Hole!  There’s no way you can be THIS close to Yellowstone and not go.   Yellowstone, like Grand Teton, offers amazing wildlife with views & vistas not seen elsewhere in the country.  Take advantage of the lower crowds in Wintertime and explore at your own pace.  Since roads within the park are closed during the Winter months, you’ll be able to explore skis, snow coach or snow shoes and of course there’s always snowmobiling in Yellowstone. 

Jackson Town Square

Take in all there is to see and do at the local town square.  Along with the multitude of  unique shops & restaurants you can enjoy all the festive lights that you’ll find in the town square at Christmastime.  Santa usually makes a visit to Town Square nightly between 5-7, so bring your list!  

Snow Coach Ride –  Check out Scenic Safaris

Check out Scenic Safaris for their tours.  Their tours include snowcoach excursions, snowmobiling tours and luxury van tours.   These are unique tours that you won’t find anywhere else.    You’ll be getting off the beaten path with an experienced guide to show you hidden spots.  The Grand Teton Wildlife Luxury Van Tour sounds awesome to me!!  Winter is a great time to enjoy the nature and a lot of the animals are more active.  So you might be able to see a herd of elk, buffalo or a family of bears!  Scenic Safaris will even pick you up at your hotel!

Skiing

Jackson offers great skiing at world famous ski resorts.   Check out iconic Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village or Grand Targhee Resort in Jackson Hole.

What to do at Night in Jackson Hole?

Night Skiing, anyone?!

Snow King Mountain 

402 East Snow King Ave

Jackson, WY

You can hit the slopes at night for a cool change of pace!  Open Monday through Saturday from 4pm-7pm, Snow King offers the only night skiing in the area.   Check out this FUN one-of-a-kind night activity!

Prices are less than $35  for adults/$30 for Juniors & Seniors.

Also check out their  Big King Pass for the best value to enjoy unlimited tubing, Cowboy Coaster rides and day or night skiing for  around $10.

Evening Sleigh Ride & Steak Dinner

Mill Iron Ranch,  3495 East Horse Creek Rd, Jackson Wy

Call (888) 838-6606 for availability

Another great thing to do in Jackson in Winter is a fun evening sleigh ride.  You will get a fun,  guided tour and an up close view of 1,800 head of elk among picturesque mountains!  

After the tour, you’ll get to indulge in a mouthwatering, world-famous T-bone steak back at the lodge.  Put me down for this trip!!

Where Should We Eat?

 Dinner at Gunbarrel Steak & Game House 

862 West Broadway Jackson

For a great steak and really memorable atmosphere, check out the Gunbarrel Steak & Game House.  The restaurant earns high marks for it’s great steaks and sportsman’s atmosphere.

From their website: Many of the museums full mount game trophies, which were taken from around Jackson Hole, can still be seen – some even in front of their original painted dioramas. In addition to these indigenous animals, there are numerous others from around the world, many of which were collected by us.
Most of the antique cowboy artifacts also come from Wyoming and many have historical significance; Hank William’s 1800’s buffalo coat that he wore on the Lone Wolf album; two Harrison Crandall colorized photographs taken in Grand Teton National Park in the forties; and eight original Edward Curtis portrait photogravures of American Indians taken circa 1890. Our largest gun is an .82 caliber rampart gun from India forged in the 1700’s.

Beef, Elk, Buffalo.  Whether you want to eat the meat or view the animal trophies, they’ve got you covered.  Not recommended for vegetarians  This place is a serious carnivore’s delight.  Dig in!

What About Jackson Hole Lodging?  Where Should We Stay? 

You’ll be in the center of the action if you choose to stay in the town of Jackson.  If you like being within walking distance to a lot of shops, bars and restaurants, then you’ll enjoy staying in town.

My top pick is the Mountain Modern in Jackson because I like to be in center of town.   Plus the price is definitely right at $117-$135 for week before Christmas and there’s a mini fridge in room + indoor  pool & hot tub.  Yasss!

Mountain Modern 

380 W Broadway

Or, if you’re looking to use up Marriott points,  stay at Springhill Suites.

Springhill Suites by Marriott

150 W Simpson Ave

I like the roominess that Springhill Suites offer plus the complimentary breakfast.  This is a newer Marriott in a great location near the square, with underground parking and an outdoor hot tub.  What’s not to love?!

Enjoy snow-filled Jackson Hole Christmas or your Jackson vacation in Winter if you opt not to go right at Christmastime!  Let me know what you do!  I’d love to hear all about your adventure.  Drop me a comment!

 

 

 

 

 

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