Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Wyoming
Jackson, nestled in the northwest corner of Wyoming, becomes a winter wonderland as the holiday season settles over the valley. The town’s iconic Town Square, framed by the dramatic peaks of the Teton Range roughly 12 miles to the west, is transformed by glittering lights wrapped around its famous elk antler arches. Visitors stroll the square at dusk, enjoying the classic western-style storefronts that glitter under strings of warm bulbs. The nearby Snow King Resort, just a short walk uphill, offers a unique perspective on the lights below, with cable car rides providing sweeping views of the illuminated town against the backdrop of snow-dusted mountains. The festive atmosphere here is heightened in the evenings when soft snowfalls dust the scene, making Jackson’s holiday sparkle particularly magical.
Traveling east to Casper, about a two-hour drive from Jackson, the city’s Heritage Hills neighborhood is a highlight for holiday light enthusiasts. This residential area is renowned for its elaborate Christmas displays, where homeowners outdo each other with synchronized light shows and intricate decorations. Visitors can drive or stroll through the calm streets on winter evenings, marveling at themed displays ranging from classic nativity scenes to animated light sculptures. Casper’s downtown also hosts a winter market and holiday events, but the quiet charm of Heritage Hills makes it a perfect spot to soak in neighborhood warmth and community spirit framed by carefully curated light artistry.
Further west, the small town of Cody lies about 80 miles northeast of Yellowstone National Park and comes alive during its annual Christmas celebration. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a sprawling museum complex honoring the Old West, offers a uniquely illuminated experience. Its outdoor plaza and the historic Irma Hotel next door are festooned with twinkling lights that reflect on the stately log architecture, lending a cozy, nostalgic glow. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries by day, then return after dark to see the buildings and sculptures bathed in festive light, combining history and holiday cheer under the crisp Wyoming sky.
In the southeastern part of the state, Cheyenne’s Depot Square shines during the winter months, about 100 miles east of Casper. The historic Union Pacific train depot, with its grand stone facade and arched windows, is adorned with cascading icicle lights and colorful garlands. The nearby Cheyenne Botanic Gardens are transformed into a luminous display known as “Garden of Lights,” where thousands of LED lights outline native plants, sculptures, and pathways, creating a gentle, enchanting glow in the cold air. Walking through the gardens at night offers a peaceful, almost otherworldly experience as the lights highlight Wyoming’s unique flora against the winter darkness.
In the heart of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains, the town of Sheridan, roughly 130 miles north of Casper, offers a small-town but spectacular holiday ambiance. The historic downtown district, along Main Street, is decorated with festive lights woven through vintage street lamps and storefronts that showcase rustic Western charm. The annual Parade of Lights features floats adorned with thousands of bulbs, making it a community highlight. Nearby, the Tongue River, which winds past the town, sometimes freezes, reflecting the glow of the lights and adding a natural shimmer to the scene. The crisp mountain air and snow-capped ridges make Sheridan’s holiday light displays feel cozy and authentic.
About 30 miles south of Casper, the city of Douglas hosts the “Christmas in the Country” event in its historic downtown district. The area’s brick sidewalks and quaint shops are draped in warm white lights and seasonal wreaths, inviting visitors to explore local artisan stores and enjoy holiday treats. The nearby Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum is also decorated for the holidays, where the stone walls and iron gates are highlighted by subtle lighting, blending eerie history with festive cheer. Visitors here can experience a different side of Wyoming’s holiday spirit, one rooted in the state’s rugged pioneer past.
On the western edge of the state, the town of Evanston, about 100 miles southwest of Jackson near the Utah border, hosts an impressive holiday display centered around its historic downtown and the nearby Bear River Greenway. The downtown streets, lined with unique shops and cozy cafes, sparkle with multicolored lights and themed window displays. The Bear River Greenway, a scenic trail popular for walking and cross-country skiing, is illuminated in sections with holiday-themed light installations that highlight the serene winter landscape. Walking or skiing along the greenway at twilight offers a peaceful way to experience the festive decorations alongside the quiet beauty of southwestern Wyoming.
Each of these places captures a different facet of Wyoming’s holiday charm, from rugged mountain towns to historic city squares. The blend of natural beauty, Western heritage, and community spirit comes alive in the glow of thousands of lights, inviting visitors to slow down and savor the season in the vast, serene expanses of the Cowboy State.