Things to Do in Jackson Hole in December

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December in Jackson Hole is defined by cold. Not the postcard-mild cold of Vail or Aspen, but the kind of dry, bone-deep cold where your nostrils freeze together on each inhale and the snow squeaks loudly underfoot. Daytime highs average 0.6°C (33°F), and overnight lows routinely sink to -9.5°C (15°F). The valley floor sits at roughly 1,900 meters (6,237 feet), hemmed in by the Tetons to the west and the Gros Ventre Range to the east, trapping cold air in a way that makes this valley colder than most Rocky Mountain resort towns at similar elevation. You'll smell wood smoke drifting off Jackson rooftops most mornings, mixed with the sharp mineral bite of frozen air.

This is also peak ski season at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, whose 4,139 vertical feet of lift-served terrain rank among the steepest in North America. By mid-December the upper mountain typically has a solid base, and full resort operations are underway. The Christmas-to-New-Year window is the most expensive stretch of the entire year, with lodging rates climbing well above the annual average and restaurant tables filling weeks ahead.

Outside of skiing, December is a quieter valley than summer. Grand Teton National Park's main roads close to vehicles, the Snake River is too cold for rafting, and the hiking trails sit under deep snow. Horse-drawn sleighs cross the National Elk Refuge daily, the Town Square elk-antler arches glow under holiday lights, and the pace slows enough that you might find yourself lingering over a second coffee at a Wilson cafe while watching snow fall through the window. By Christmas, most years deliver a solid snowpack from town to treeline.

Why visit in December

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opens its full lift network by mid-December, with terrain spanning from groomed intermediate runs to some of North America's steepest in-bounds expert lines.
The National Elk Refuge opens its winter sleigh-ride season, carrying visitors by horse-drawn sled through thousands of wintering elk along the valley's eastern edge. This experience runs December through March and has no summer equivalent.
Snow King Mountain, the town's original ski hill since 1939, runs night skiing under lights on select December evenings, a feature only a handful of Western ski areas offer.
Holiday decorations in George Washington Memorial Park, under the elk-antler arches, give downtown Jackson a genuine small-town winter atmosphere that larger resort towns tend to lack.

Worth knowing

Accommodation rates between December 20 and January 2 reach the highest point of the entire year, with many properties requiring 3-to-5-night minimum stays.
Grand Teton National Park's Teton Park Road closes to vehicles past Taggart Lake Trailhead, and the Moose-Wilson Road gates its northern section, limiting casual park access significantly.
Early December snowpack on the lower mountain can be thin and variable, with coverage improving meaningfully only after sustained mid-month storms.
Temperatures regularly drop below -15°C (5°F) overnight, making any outdoor activity after sunset a serious cold-exposure consideration.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 1° / -9°C 94mm rain · 14 rainy days · 75% humidity rains perceptibly ~2.2h/day · 81% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Insulated, waterproof layers from base to shell. Merino wool base layers, fleece mid-layer, and a windproof outer jacket rated for skiing. Insulated snow boots rated to at least -25°C (-13°F). Ski gloves or mittens, a balaclava or neck gaiter, and UV-blocking goggles for the intense snow glare at altitude.

December brings Jackson Hole's heaviest precipitation of the year, roughly 94mm of moisture falling across 14 days, almost entirely as snow. Humidity averages 75%, though the cold mountain air feels dry against your skin and sinuses. The sun dips below the Teton ridgeline before 5 PM for most of the month, shortening usable daylight to about 8.5 hours. Windchill along the exposed valley floor can push the felt temperature 10 to 15 degrees below the thermometer reading. Clear nights are often the coldest, sometimes dropping past -20°C (-4°F) when radiative cooling sets in. Overcast days with fresh snowfall across the Jackson valley tend to feel warmer than those clear-sky extremes.

Seasonal caution

Frostbite risk is genuine on exposed skin when windchill drops below -20°C (-4°F), which happens regularly during cold snaps and on exposed chairlifts at the resort summit.
Teton Pass (Highway 22 between Wilson and Victor, Idaho) closes intermittently during heavy storms. WYDOT posts real-time road conditions. Chains or dedicated snow tires are strongly recommended for any pass crossing.
Avalanche danger in the backcountry reaches significant levels by late December. The Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center posts daily advisories for anyone venturing beyond resort boundaries.
Altitude-related dehydration and headaches can affect visitors arriving from lower elevations. The valley floor sits well above the threshold where symptoms typically begin, and the ski resort summit exceeds 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Drink extra water and pace yourself on day one.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Jackson Hole
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	-2	-13	61
Feb	0	-11	82
Mar	4	-9	75
Apr	8	-6	51
May	14	-1	59
Jun	22	5	29
Jul	27	10	13
Aug	25	9	49
Sep	21	5	48
Oct	13	-1	58
Nov	4	-7	55
Dec	1	-9	94

Holidays and festivals in December

Public holidays

Christmas Day(Christmas Day)25 December 2026

When is Christmas season in 2026?

27 November to 26 December 2026

Christmas season is a major cultural celebration in Jackson Hole. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.

Best things to do in December

Skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

winter sports

The resort covers 2,500 acres across 133 runs, including the Corbet's Couloir chute, with a vertical drop that ranks among the largest in North America. December marks the transition from early-season openings to full operations, with all 13 lifts typically spinning by mid-month.

The first reliable deep-snow conditions on the upper mountain arrive by mid-December. Holiday-week crowds bring the heaviest grooming and snowmaking effort of the season.

Booking tipBuy lift passes at least 2 weeks ahead through the resort's dynamic pricing system. Walk-up rates on holiday weekends run significantly higher than advance-purchase.

Sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge

wildlife

Horse-drawn sleighs carry visitors through the middle of one of North America's largest wintering elk herds, with 5,000 to 7,000 elk gathered on the 10,000-hectare refuge adjacent to downtown Jackson. Each ride takes roughly 45 minutes across the snow-covered flats.

The elk migrate down from the high country by early December, and the sleigh season opens once the herd is settled and snowpack is deep enough for runners.

Booking tipReserve through the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center on North Cache Street. Morning departures tend to be colder but quieter, with the elk more active.

Cross-country skiing on the closed Teton Park Road

winter sports

When the Teton Park Road closes to vehicles, it becomes a groomed cross-country ski corridor running roughly 24 km (15 miles) from Taggart Lake Trailhead toward Signal Mountain. The road offers flat-to-gentle terrain with unobstructed Teton views on clear days.

The road closes to cars in late November and the Park Service begins grooming by early December, giving Nordic skiers a car-free corridor through the heart of Grand Teton.

Booking tipNo booking needed. Bring your own gear or rent Nordic equipment from shops in downtown Jackson.

Night skiing at Snow King Mountain

winter sports

The town hill offers lighted runs on select evenings, with a shorter vertical of 457 meters (1,500 feet) that suits families and intermediate skiers. You can walk from most downtown hotels to the base in under 10 minutes.

December's early sunsets (before 5 PM) mean the lights come on by 4:30, extending the ski day by 2 to 3 hours. The holiday schedule typically offers the most lighted evenings of the season.

Booking tipNight-skiing tickets are sold at the Snow King base area. Weekday evenings are significantly quieter than weekends.

Snowmobiling to Granite Hot Springs

outdoor adventure

Granite Hot Springs sits in the Gros Ventre Range, about 40 km (25 miles) southeast of Jackson. In December, road access closes and the only way in is by snowmobile or dogsled. The natural pool, fed by geothermal springs at roughly 44°C (112°F), sits in a narrow canyon surrounded by snow-laden pines.

Winter road closure transforms a drive-up hot spring into a backcountry adventure. December's deep cold makes the temperature contrast between the steaming pool and the surrounding air especially dramatic.

Booking tipGuided snowmobile tours to the springs run about half a day. Book at least a week ahead during the holiday window, as slots fill fast.

Visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art

culture

The museum, founded in 1987, houses over 5,000 works across 14 galleries set into a hillside overlooking the elk refuge. The collection spans from 2500 BCE to contemporary pieces, with a strong focus on North American wildlife in painting, sculpture, and photography.

December's short days and sub-zero temperatures make indoor attractions more appealing. The museum's hillside location provides views of the wintering elk herd from the outdoor sculpture trail.

Snowshoeing to Taggart Lake

outdoor adventure

The 5.6 km (3.5-mile) round-trip trail starts from one of the few Grand Teton trailheads still accessible by car in winter. The route follows a gentle grade through lodgepole pine forest to a frozen lake with a direct Teton backdrop.

By December the trail has enough snowpack for snowshoes but isn't yet buried under the deep mid-winter drifts that make route-finding more difficult in January and February.

Booking tipNo reservation needed. Rent snowshoes in town and arrive early, as the small trailhead parking area fills by late morning on clear days.

What to eat in December

On menus now

Elk tenderloin
Wyoming ranches supply elk to Jackson restaurants through winter, when the meat appears as steaks, medallions, and carpaccio. The flavor is leaner and more mineral than beef, with a clean finish that pairs well with local huckleberry reduction sauces.
Bison chili
A cold-weather staple across the valley. Bison from ranches in the Wind River range produces a denser, richer chili than beef, typically served with sharp cheddar and sourdough at downtown Jackson's casual restaurants.
Huckleberry pie
Huckleberries grow wild in the Bridger-Teton National Forest during summer, but local bakeries use preserved and frozen stock for pies, cobblers, and sauces through winter. Tart and complex, nothing like a cultivated blueberry.

What to drink

Hot buttered rum
The apres-ski drink of choice at Teton Village base-area bars. December's cold makes ordering a hot cocktail at 3 PM feel necessary rather than indulgent, and most bars keep their own spiced butter recipe.
Wyoming craft stout
December's cold evenings pair naturally with the heavier winter ales and stouts that local breweries like Snake River Brewing rotate seasonally. Expect malty, warming styles rather than the lighter summer pours.

Regular events in December

Town Square Tree Lighting CeremonyFree

The annual lighting of the holiday tree in George Washington Memorial Park, framed by the elk-antler arches, marks the unofficial start of Jackson's holiday season. Live music and warm drinks accompany the countdown.

First Friday of December, typically around December 5-6

Snow King Mountain New Year's Eve Torchlight ParadeFree

Skiers descend Snow King carrying torches after dark on December 31, followed by a fireworks display over the town. The parade is visible from downtown Jackson without needing a lift ticket.

December 31

Grand Teton National Park Ranger-Led Snowshoe WalksFree

Park rangers guide 2-hour snowshoe walks through Grand Teton's winter landscape, with stops to discuss wildlife tracks, winter ecology, and Teton geology. Snowshoes are provided for participants.

Weekends from mid-December through mid-March

Best places this December

George Washington Memorial Park (Town Square)
park
The four elk-antler arches that frame the corners of this small downtown park are Jackson's most photographed feature. In December, holiday lights wrap the arches and a decorated tree stands at the center. Surrounding boardwalks hold shops and restaurants within a 2-minute walk in every direction.
Downtown Jackson
Chapel of the Transfiguration
historic site
This small Episcopalian log chapel, built in 1925, sits near the Moose entrance to Grand Teton National Park. Its altar window frames a direct view of the Teton Range. In December, the chapel and surrounding meadow lie under undisturbed snow, and the setting is quieter than at any other time of year.
Moose
Jackson National Fish Hatchery
nature
Founded in 1950, this federal hatchery raises Snake River cutthroat trout and sits along Flat Creek on the northern edge of town. The grounds are open year-round, and in December the creek draws wintering trumpeter swans that feed in the open water near the hatchery outflow.
North Jackson
Teton Village base area
neighborhood
The cluster of lodges, restaurants, and shops at the base of the ski resort serves as the social hub of December's ski scene. Apres-ski crowds fill the heated outdoor patios by 3 PM, and the Aerial Tram building anchors the north end of the pedestrian village.
Teton Village
Cache Creek Trail (winter access)
trail
The Cache Creek canyon, accessed from the east side of town, offers a mellow out-and-back trail popular with snowshoers and fat-tire bikers in winter. The canyon walls block wind and the trail stays relatively sheltered compared to exposed valley routes.
East Jackson

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Insulated waterproof ski jacketDecember winds on the valley floor and exposed chairlifts cut through non-waterproof shells. A jacket rated for skiing, not street wear, blocks both wind and driven snow. Shop
Merino wool base layers (top and bottom)Cotton traps moisture and chills you rapidly in sub-zero air. Merino regulates temperature and manages sweat during transitions between heated buildings and the cold outside. Shop
Insulated snow boots rated to -25°C (-13°F)Standard winter boots lose insulating value quickly when standing on packed snow or ice. You'll spend time on lift lines, waiting for shuttles, and walking between buildings in sustained cold. Shop
Balaclava or fleece neck gaiterExposed skin on the face and neck is the fastest route to frostbite at the wind speeds you'll encounter on the mountain. A gaiter that covers chin to cheekbones is more versatile than a scarf. Shop
UV-blocking ski gogglesSnow at high altitude reflects UV intensely, even on overcast days. Unprotected eyes can develop snow blindness in a few hours. Goggles also shield your face from wind and blowing snow. Shop
Chemical hand and toe warmersEven with insulated gloves, fingers and toes lose heat fastest in December's sustained cold. Drop-in warmers extend comfort by 2 to 3 hours during long ski days or sleigh rides. Shop
High-SPF lip balm and facial sunscreenThe combination of altitude, dry air, and snow reflection burns exposed skin fast. Wind-chapped lips crack and bleed within a day without protection. Shop
Portable phone battery packLithium-ion batteries drain rapidly in sub-zero temperatures. Your phone may die at 40% charge when exposed to cold air for extended periods. Keep the battery pack in an inside pocket, close to body heat. Shop

Insider tips

The START bus runs a free route between downtown Jackson and Teton Village every 30 to 60 minutes. It saves the parking headache at the resort, where the main lot fills before 9 AM on holiday weekends.
Wilson, a small community about 10 km (6 miles) west of town, has several restaurants with shorter waits and lower prices than their Town Square counterparts. Locals eat there regularly.
If your dates are flexible, arriving in early December (before the 15th) gives you the same ski terrain at noticeably lower lodging rates. The mountain is open, the crowds are thinner, and availability hasn't hit its holiday ceiling.
For a quick afternoon session without driving to the resort, the town hill is walkable from most downtown hotels and sees a fraction of the lift-line traffic. Locals use it for after-work runs.
The cold, dry mountain air dehydrates you faster than you'd expect at this elevation. Bring a heavy moisturizer and a refillable water bottle. Your skin and sinuses will feel it by day two.

Avoid these mistakes

Packing for a Colorado resort town instead of a Wyoming mountain valley. Jackson Hole runs colder than Park City or Steamboat at similar elevation, and the wind along the valley floor compounds it. Bring your warmest gear, not your most fashionable.
Driving a 2WD rental car. Roads in and around Jackson are regularly icy, and the pass between the valley and Idaho is steep enough to require chains during storms. Request AWD or 4WD when booking your rental.
Attempting to visit Yellowstone's interior by personal vehicle in December. The park's south entrance road is closed to regular cars. Winter access to Old Faithful and the geyser basins requires a guided snowcoach or snowmobile tour, booked well in advance.
Assuming restaurants take walk-ins during Christmas week. The 10 days around the holidays fill local dining rooms well ahead of time. For groups larger than 4, reserve at least a week out.

Practical tips for December

Book accommodation and restaurant reservations at least 6 weeks ahead for the December 20 to January 2 window. Ski rental shops in downtown Jackson tend to offer better rates than those at the Teton Village base. The Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) sits 11 km (7 miles) north of town inside Grand Teton National Park, making it one of the most scenic commercial approaches in the country, but flights fill early for the holidays, so book airfare by October if possible. Check WYDOT road conditions before driving over the pass, especially after overnight snowfall. Several roads inside Grand Teton National Park close for winter by late November. The Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center on North Cache Street stays open through winter and serves as the booking point for elk refuge sleigh rides and ranger-led programs.

FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Jackson Hole?

If you're coming to ski, December is a strong choice. The resort reaches full operations by the middle of the month, with terrain among the most challenging in North America. The cold is serious and the pricing is steep, particularly around the holidays. For non-skiers, December offers fewer activities than the warmer months, but the elk refuge, the wildlife art museum, and the holiday atmosphere of the town center still make for a worthwhile 2-to-3-day visit.

What is the weather like in Jackson Hole in December?

Cold and snowy. Highs hover near freezing and lows drop well into negative territory. Most of the month's precipitation falls as snow, and storms can close mountain passes for hours at a time. Windchill along the valley floor pushes the felt temperature significantly below the thermometer reading. Clear days deliver extraordinary Teton views but are often the coldest of the month. Plan for insulated layers, waterproof outerwear, and early sunsets.

Is Jackson Hole crowded in December?

It depends on the week. Early December through the 15th sees moderate crowds and more reasonable pricing. The Christmas-to-New-Year window, roughly December 20 through January 2, brings the highest visitor volume of the entire year. Lift lines at the resort can stretch past 20 minutes for popular lifts like the Aerial Tram during that period. If crowd avoidance matters, target the first two weeks of the month.

Can you visit Grand Teton National Park in December?

You can enter the park, but vehicle access is limited. The main road closes past Taggart Lake Trailhead, and the northern section of the Moose-Wilson Road is gated. The park remains open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing from roadside pullouts. The Moose entrance area and the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center are accessible year-round. For the full road-and-trail experience, visit between June and September.

Do you need a car in Jackson Hole in December?

Not strictly. Free public transit connects downtown to the ski resort base on a regular schedule, and the airport is a short ride from town. For reaching Wilson, the elk refuge, or the park entrance at Moose, a rental car adds flexibility. If you drive, request AWD or 4WD from the rental agency. Mountain passes can close during storms, and icy roads are the norm after dark.