Enjoying time with your family and friends somewhere scenic, new, and exciting is always a thrill. If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Sun Valley, Idaho in the name of adventure, there’s even more to look forward to and those who happen to plan their trip this way over the holidays will find the festivities take the experience to the next level of fun! Throughout the entire month of December, Sun Valley and the surrounding communities are illuminated in lights and charming holiday displays that make this a terrific place to spend time in good company taking it all in. If a winter wonderland experience is what you’re after, you’re sure to find it all here this time of year.
Be a Part of the Sun Valley Tree Lighting Ceremony
For a truly magical experience this Christmas brimming over with lights and holiday displays, you’ll want to be sure to plan your trip for mid-December when the annual Sun Valley tree lighting ceremony is hosted. This holiday event brings locals and visitors alike together in Sun Valley Village to enjoy seeing the central tree lit up starting around 5:30 pm. While the twinkling display of lights marks the official arrival of the holiday season, there’s even more to enjoy when you drop by. The annual Sun Valley tree lighting ceremony is also a gathering where guests can enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies, access to an outdoor bar for the adults, and live holiday music to set a festive scene for everyone. If you head this way early, you’ll be treated to a live ice carving demonstration near Village Station that kicks off around 4:00 pm. It’s a fascinating prelude to the fun to come and an experience you simply won’t want to miss out on!
Infuse Even More Tree Lighting Fun into Your Holiday Getaway
A Christmastime trip to Sun Valley puts travelers within easy reach of even more holiday lights and displays hosted around town when you’re looking to expand your sightseeing fun. Over in nearby Hailey, the annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony is held early in December and includes a fantastic illuminating display as well as Christmas carolers on-site, a craft area where vendors will be selling one-of-a-kind artistic goods, and a meet-and-greet area where little ones can get their photos taken with Santa too. Refreshments are always served up at this sparkling holiday event with plenty of complimentary cookies and hot cocoa to go around. The Hailey tree lighting experience is organized by the Chamber each year and is often hosted from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Town Center West. Feel free to bring the entire family to this gathering which doesn’t cost a thing to enjoy.
Ketchum also hosts a tree lighting ceremony in early December each year right in the heart of Town Square. Gather the kids and make sure to have your camera ready for this illuminating experience where Santa shows up for pictures as well. Candy canes are typically the treat of choice at the Ketchum tree lighting experience as well as cookies and hot chocolate. The fun starts at 4:30 and lasts through the evening bringing locals and visitors alike together in good company and the holiday spirit.
Pair Great Shopping and Christmas Displays in Sun Valley
When you have a few last-minute gifts to check off the list this holiday season and you find yourself in Sun Valley at the beginning of December, you can enjoy amazing holiday lights and themed décor over at the Papoose Club Christmas Bazaar. This two-day event is a family-friendly one where you can celebrate the season by browsing a wide variety of locally made products on display. From fresh-baked cookies to organic soups, there’s no shortage of savory moments at this bazaar as well which takes the holiday spirit over the top! By mid-December, the open-air holiday market opens to the public at Sun Valley Resort too. This is very much a European-inspired holiday market you can enjoy in the heart of Idaho where you’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry and ornaments to wreaths, florals, baked goods, and beyond. There’s often live music to set a vibrant scene at the three-day open-air holiday market and plenty of Christmas lights twinkling to keep you shopping well into the evening hours.
Check Out the Sun Valley Christmas Eve Ice Show and Torchlight Parade
Christmas Eve is already an exciting day on the calendar but if you’re in Sun Valley, it also marks the arrival of the annual Christmas Even Ice Show and Torchlight Parade in town. This time-honored tradition is a symbol of the season in Sun Valley and a great way to pair holiday lights and a sensational spectacle with fireworks as well. The fun includes skiers taking to the slopes with illuminated torches in hand and is a wonderful way to celebrate before little ones head to bed and wait for presents to arrive in the morning.
Book Your Sun Valley Holiday Adventure Today
When you’re ready to enjoy Sun Valley at Christmas and see those Christmas lights and displays in Sun Valley, the team at Abode Sun Valley will make sure you have the vacation rental in place to feel right at home upon arrival. Reach out today to learn more about our many luxurious options and to start planning your trip!
