Everyone dreams about a white Christmas and when your holiday journey takes you to Sun Valley for Christmas, your dreams will become a reality. Enhance your Idaho adventures with a stay in our Abode Sun Valley holiday hideaways, celebrating the magic of the season and as the snow falls softly to the ground outside, the fireplaces inside will ensure you will stay cozy and warm, while also offering a spot to hang the kids’ stockings. This guide to a Sun Valley Christmas at the most beautiful time of the year will bring you peace, joy, and an anticipation that is only going to grow larger the closer to the holidays we get.
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Middle of December, Sun Valley Village
Generally taking place the middle of December, the tree lighting ceremony at Sun Valley always makes our spirits brighten. The star of the show (aside from the tree) will be Santa, of course, and the festivities will include holiday music that you won’t be able to avoid singing along with, free cookies and cocoa, and an outdoor bar that will make mom and dad quite happy. The tree lighting starts at 6 PM, but there will be an ice carving demonstration near Village Station starting at 4 and Santa will be hanging out throughout the evening, providing photo ops and listening to the children tell him their wishes.
Holiday Market, Middle of December, Sun Valley Village
European markets are all the rage, but you won’t have to leave the country to do your Christmas shopping this year, because you will be in Sun Valley, strolling along the aisles of our annual Holiday Market. Offering all the charm of the Christmas markets that decorate the streets of countries like Germany and France, you may have trouble deciding which you love more; the cool gifts you pick up for everyone on your shopping list or the way it feels as you shop, listening to carolers, and munching on roasted nuts. The gifts at this market are hand crafted and so special you will retain the title of premier gift giver for the next 12 months of the year. Don’t forget to pick up a wreath to add cheer to your Abode Sun Valley retreat.
Christmas Eve Ice Show, December 24, Sun Valley Lodge Terrace
The gifts are all wrapped, you have watched all your favorite Christmas shows, but what do you do next on this night filled with anticipation? In Sun Valley, we all head to the Sun Valley Lodge Terrace for a couple hours of holiday carols, starting at 5:30 PM. The Christmas themed ice show offers a magic you won’t soon forget and the free cookies and cocoa will add warmth to your heart. The bleachers open at 3PM and seats can be found on a first come, first serve basis; there are no reservations accepted.
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, December 24, Sun Valley Village
The end of the ice show does not signify the end of your fun Christmas Eve out on the town, it just means the torchlight parade is about to begin. Featuring a procession of skiers skiing down the mountain with torches lighting the way. This truly unique event will brighten up your Christmas experience and again as will the fireworks show that takes place at its end, signifying that it will be time to go home and start dreaming of sugar plums. Still here on New Year’s Eve? Night skiing, cool music, food and beverage for purchase inside Carol’s Dollar Mountain Lodge, and another fireworks show at midnight will end the month and the year on all the right notes! This event is a family friendly event and is sure to play on your memory highlight reel for years to come.
Sun Valley Christmas Lights in the Neighborhoods
The Christmas tree in Sun Valley Village isn’t the only game in town when it comes to Christmas lights. The shops in the village will be decorated for the holidays and all the towns in the area will offer their own selection of holiday lights. Hailey, a town located just a short drive away, will have their downtown area decorated, just as Sun Valley Village is and when you want to see more, just turn into the neighborhoods and explore to your heart’s content. Just like the neighborhoods in your own home town, the houses of Hailey will be decorated with lights, inflatables, and all manner of Christmas decorations.
Take the Celebration Home to Abode Sun Valley
Our Sun Valley retreats are designed to comfort and spoil under normal circumstances, but over Christmas in Sun Valley they really shine. Spend a romantic evening at home, cuddling under colorful blankets as a fire roars in the fireplace and the snow blankets the landscape outside. Turn your television to Hallmark Christmas movies, decorate a small tree to add festive joy to the vacation, and dream of sugar plums in the most comfortable beds in the state. Reserve your favorite holiday hideaway today!
