Winter Festivities Across the Mountain West
Keep busy across the high-country with an array of festivals and resort events, sure to entertain throughout the cold months
NOVEMBER
Nov 11: Get free admission to Yellowstone National Park on Veterans Day. Each year, the park opens its doors to all visitors as a means of remembering and saluting those that fought to uphold the national parks.
Nov 12: Sun Valley’s Pray for Snow Party returns to celebrate the start of the winter season. Attendees gather at the River Run Lodge and Plazza wearing vintage costumes and practicing snow rituals. Bring your canned goods to donate toward the Hunger Coalition in exchange for raffle tickets.
Nov 18 – Jan 1: Durango’s Polar Express Train Ride is a fan favorite for families. Climb aboard the steam engine train as it travels from Durango Depot to the North Pole. Kids and parents alike will enjoy hot chocolate and sweet treats while reading from the Polar Express book. Tickets start at $39.
DECEMBER
Dec 2 – 4: The annual Telluride Fire Festival is sure to keep attendees warm at the outdoor flame-inspired art event. At the multi-sensory experience, artists from across the Rockies will showcase their work through large-scale installations.
Dec 3: Lighting of Breckenridge marks the start of the holiday season. Watch Santa flip the switch and turn on 13,000 feet of lighting and 250,000 LED lights. The free event concludes the annual Race of the Santas.
Dec 6: In Steamboat Springs, the Winter Expo is set to showcase Routt County businesses from restaurants to nonprofits. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the yearly event is the perfect way to kick off the ski season. Held in the Steamboat Grand Ballroom free of charge.
Dec 9 – 22: In Coeur d’Alene, celebrate the season with the Radio City Music Hall-style show, Traditions of Christmas. Prepare for choreographed dance numbers and more with tickets starting at $23.
Dec 18 – 20: For heartwarming holiday music and irreverent satire, Yuletide Affair 19. The locals’ favorite event takes place over three nights at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $44
