Spending time in scenic Sun Valley, Idaho is as refreshing as it is fun for travelers in every season of the year. Those who decide to head this way over the holidays have even more to look forward to enjoying! A Christmas trip in this direction is a chance to experience snowy ski slopes, sparkling stores, shops, and entertainment venues, as well as incredible places to be a part of festive gatherings. When you’re ready to put the finishing touches on your holiday itinerary, make sure the following top Christmas activities and attractions in Sun Valley sit at the very top.
Attend an Inspiring Tree Lighting Ceremony While You’re in Sun Valley
When you’re celebrating Christmas at home, a beautifully decorated tree is often the focal point of your home’s seasonal décor. Fortunately, when you travel to Sun Valley this time of year, you don’t have to give up this beloved tradition at all! Instead, you’ll have several options for attending great local tree lighting ceremonies that are as fun as they are stunning.
Earlier in December, both Ketchum and nearby Hailey typically hold their highly anticipated tree lighting ceremonies for the public. In Ketchum, you’ll see the tree light up in style right in the heart of Town Square. Santa will also be readily available for the little ones in your group at this event who are looking for pictures and to discuss Christmas gift lists in detail. Once the tree is officially lit, there will be cookies, hot chocolate, and candy canes for everyone who attends. If you attend the tree lighting experience in Hailey instead, you’ll enjoy the ceremony at Town Square, as well as holiday performances by the Caritas Chorale and complimentary refreshments to match.
The Sun Valley Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for December 13 in 2025 and will once again be hosted at Sun Valley Village. From the live holiday music and meet-and-greets with Santa to the cookies and cocoa for everyone, it’s a family-friendly experience you’re not going to want to miss.
Set Aside Quality Time for Skiing at Sun Valley Resort This Holiday Season
It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of admiring holiday lights and shows. However, when Sun Valley is your festive vacation destination of choice, you won’t want to overlook downhill fun this time of year.
Sun Valley Resort is truly a dream come true for those who are looking to fit as much time on the slopes as possible during their Christmas getaway. While the panoramic views from Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain never fail to impress, the opportunity to pick and choose from runs fit for all ski levels makes time on the slopes that much more enjoyable for everyone.
If you’re lucky enough to purchase Christmas Eve ski tickets in advance, you’ll find that you’ll be right on time for the annual Sun Valley Christmas Eve Ice Show and Torchlight Parade hosted here. A combination of lightshow skiers and fireworks overhead at Dollar Mountain makes this an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Check Out the Local Christmas Markets in Good Company
Christmas in Sun Valley is a great time of year to treat yourself to some well-deserved retail therapy or invest in those last-minute gifts you need to buy.
Both Sun Valley and nearby Ketchum offer a captivating collection of unique boutiques and shops to explore year-round, but during the holidays, you have options to experience the seasonal Papoose Club Christmas Bazaar, too. This is a family-friendly holiday market where you can browse locally crafted goods ranging from home décor and ornaments to organic soaps and apparel. There are always fresh-baked cookies on-site to enjoy as well, making your shopping experience as tasty as it is productive.
Sun Valley Resort also hosts its own open-air holiday market later in December that’s designed to reflect the style of traditional Christmas markets you might find in Europe. Vendors set up outdoors to showcase one-of-a-kind goods like homemade skincare products, baked treats, pottery, jewelry, art, holiday décor, and more.
See What’s Playing Over the Holidays at the Opera House
Since first opening in 1937, the Sun Valley Opera House has remained a central hub of entertainment and fun for locals and visitors alike. Typically, this is where you can enjoy a Christmas-themed concert over the holidays. In years past, the price of admission hasn’t been more than $25 per person, with shows often getting underway around 7:00 pm. Performances are always family-friendly, and there’s truly something special about taking time to be entertained in a place with so much local history to its name during the holiday season.
Book Your Holiday Getaway in Comfort and Style Today
At Abode Sun Valley, we know that having just the right vacation rental in place when you arrive in Sun Valley over the holidays can make all the difference in your guest experience. When you’re looking to take your Christmas trip to the next level of luxury this year, let us help you find the right home-away-from-home to make it happen. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting property options and to start planning!
