Holiday Happenings in Teton Village
The holiday fun at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is ramped up this year.
As if spending Christmas week in Jackson Hole wasn’t enough of a gift in and of itself, the mountain resort (JHMR) is offering a slew of festive après ski, family-friendly activities throughout Teton Village, culminating in an eye-popping torchlight parade and fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.
And, as always, you’ll want to plan on visiting one of the numerous bars and restaurants for that après ski “reward!”
Here’s a look at holiday happenings in Teton Village for Christmas 2019.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is offering numerous, free “Holiday Round Up” events starting on Dec. 23rd and continuing through Dec. 30th.
• Ornament-making with the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum takes place Dec. 22nd from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Kids Ranch.
• Ice Skating with Santa is planned between 4 and 5 p.m. on Dec. 23rd at the Rink on the Commons. Bring your own skates and skate for free, or rent skates for the whole family at the warming hut.
• Santa comes to the Village on Christmas Eve! The magic of Santa Jackson Hole-style, this is not your usual sleigh arrival for the holiday star. Meet under the tram around 4:20 p.m. for a special arrival and welcome the holiday season right!
• Ski with Santa on Christmas Day. Seek him out on or around Teewinot and the base of the gondolas around 11 a.m., or find him on the hill afterward! He’ll be skiing around until 1 p.m.
• Raptor Night will be held Dec. 26th from 4 to 5 p.m. in TBD. Hawks, eagles, owls and falcons take the center stage. Experience an incredible, up-close learning opportunity with live birds of prey, presented by the Teton Raptor Center.
• “Snow Cats and Avalanche Dogs” from 4 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 27th at the Kids Ranch is your chance to meet an avalanche dog and handler, then take a tour of a snowcat.
• On Dec. 30th, a family ice skating event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on the Rink in the Commons. Free skate rentals!
New Year’s Eve Amazing-ness
New Year’s Eve is ultra-special out in the Village. The evening kicks off with the annual Glow Worm Parade for Kids. This New Years’ tradition substitutes glow sticks for torch lights. Ride the Teewinot lift and form the human parade of lights down Eagles Rest. Kids up to 14 years old who are comfortable skiing Eagles Rest are welcome to participate. Meet at Sweetwater Gondola ready to ski at 5 p.m. Come dressed with skis and boots (no poles please). Participation is free and sign up is not required. Parents are not required to accompany skiers. The Glow Worm Parade is followed by a torchlight parade and fireworks in the Commons.
Après Drinks and Food
Before, during or after the above mentioned activities, have an après beverage at one of the following popular watering holes in the Village designed for such an activity (and/or dinner!).
Spur Bar in Teton Mountain Lodge: Serving several local beers on tap and handcrafted signature cocktails, Spur is known as “the place to après” all winter among Teton Village locals and visitors. Enjoy a lively and vibrant atmosphere with six HDTVs.
The Handle Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel and Resort: The fire pits and seating along the Handle Bar are right alongside Teewinot’s slope and make for a good family après base camp; there is also indoor seating. The Handle Bar’s calling card is an “American Pub with a modern twist,” and trust us, the twists are usually both clever and delicious at once.
RPK 3: Built into the Areial Tram dock complete with a deck—basically underneath the Tram’s cables—the RPK3 is the newest base area dining and entertainment option. What’s with its name? Well, an RPK 3 prediction in the forecast calls for more than six inches of snow, aka a powder day. Ergo, every day is treated like a powder day in the RPK 3 bar/restaurant. There is a selection of “healthy-ish” comfort food and an expansive bar all centered around an inviting fireplace. RPK 3 opens daily at 10 a.m. for bar service, 11 for lunch, and food and drinks are served until après is over.
Other options to check out are The Bistro at the Alpenhof and Bar Enoteca in Hotel Terra. And, of course, the world-famous Mangy Moose Saloon.
For more information on the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort holiday week events, visit www.jacksonhole.com/holiday-roundup.html.
