If you’re even reading this post, you must either
- (a) love a snowy Christmas
- (b) be a powder hound trying to find ideas for your family who may need a break from the slopes
- (c) crave a low-key holiday season
Of course, just walking through town will bring the holiday spirit out in the most curmudgeonly of people, but there’s more to do that will make you feel warm, cozy, cheerful, and full of wintery bliss. Here are some things to do in in Sun Valley this holiday season.
Santa Pub Crawl
Saturday, December, 9th is the Sun Valley Santa Pub crawl with stops at The Sawtooth Club, Limelight Hotel Lounge, and Warfield. Put on your favorite Santa suit and join in on the fun.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
This year, the annual tree lighting ceremony takes place on December 16th at 5:30 PM. This low-key celebration includes Santa, live music, snacks, and more. Stop by the Sun Valley Village for this free event!
Sleigh Rides
Take a sleigh ride with Sun Valley out Trail Creek and pass through historic sites like Hemingway Memorial and Trail Creek Cabin. f you’d like to make an evening out of it, stay for dinner at Trail Creek Cabin.
Sun Valley Opera Christmas Movies
Sun Valley Opera House shows movies throughout December, ranging from classics to comedies. Our top recommendation is Sun Valley Serenade, a musical film that was made in 1941. For show times during the holiday season, view Sun Valley Opera’s Facebook page.
Holiday Sweater Party
On December 22nd, wear your tackiest Christmas sweater and join Duchin Lodge’s holiday party; 5-7 PM. Prizes, food, and drink included.
Friendly Competition
In Sun Valley, hockey is almost as popular as skiing is. The Sun Valley Suns home games are played in Hailey at the Champion Ice House and start at 7pm. There’s beer, food, and an excellent community vibe at these games – they are certainly well attended. Don’t miss the Suns play the Future Suns on December 23rd and the Jackson Hole Moose on December 29th. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and kids 10 and under get in free if they’re with a paying adult.
Gallery Walk
Another great way to enjoy a night on the town is to visit the local galleries during the Sun Valley Gallery Association Gallery Walk. These special evenings are hosted once a month and are well attended by locals and visitors alike. Enjoy art – contemporary and classic – free wine, tasty bites, and of course, great conversation with folks you know, and folks you’re bound to meet.
This year, the walk is on Friday, December 29th.
Holiday Dinners at Galena Lodge
Most of the reason why folks come to Sun Valley is to get away, get outside, and enjoy the adventurous spirit. If you’re truly looking to get away and dodge the holiday crowds for at least one night, reserve a seat at Galena Lodge during one of their holiday dinners. Galena is 30 miles north of Ketchum and is well known for Nordic and snowshoe trails as well as their food. If you’d like to make a day out of it, plan for an afternoon of exploring followed by an amazing dinner at the quaint and cozy lodge at the base of Galena Pass. Be sure to act quickly with your reservation – these dinners are often booked far in advance!
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Parade & Fireworks
On both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, head to Dollar Mountain and watch the torchlight parade, a procession of skiers patterning down the mountain. Then, stick around for a firework display. This event starts at 5:30 PM.
New Years Eve Parties
For families, Sun Valley Ski Resort is offering night skiing from 5-9 PM, ending the evening with a firework show. Included with night skiing is a photo booth, face painting, and other kid-friendly activities.
If you’re looking to get your drink on, some of the top NYE parties are
- Whiskey Jacques, with ZOSO, a Led Zeppelin Cover band, and Maddy O’Neal. Tickets are $55-60 and include a champagne toast and party favors.
- Duchin Lodge’s New Years Eve Party, from 7-12:30 AM.
- More TBA
There is still time to make holiday plans in Sun Valley. Book a room at the Limelight Hotel today.
