Things to Do in Jackson in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Jackson
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Ski season is in full swing by December with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort typically operating 2,500+ acres (1,012+ hectares) of terrain. Early season snowpack is usually well-established, and you'll find shorter lift lines compared to the holiday crush that hits around December 20th.
- Wildlife viewing is actually exceptional in December. Elk herds gather on the National Elk Refuge just north of town, with numbers building throughout the month. You can spot them from Highway 191 without even paying for a sleigh ride, though the organized tours start running mid-month and are worth it.
- Town is decorated but not yet overwhelmed with holiday crowds during the first three weeks of December. You'll get the festive atmosphere, lower accommodation prices than peak winter, and can actually get dinner reservations at popular spots without booking weeks ahead.
- December offers surprisingly decent weather windows between storms. You'll typically see 3-5 day stretches of bluebird days with temperatures around -7°C to -1°C (20°F to 30°F) perfect for skiing, followed by storm cycles that dump fresh powder and reset conditions.
Considerations
- The last week of December through New Year's is peak season pricing and crowds. Hotel rates can triple compared to early December, lift lines get genuinely long, and the town's population swells considerably. If you're visiting December 23-31, you're paying premium prices for a more crowded experience.
- Daylight is limited with only about 9 hours between sunrise and sunset. The sun doesn't clear the Tetons until mid-morning on the mountain's west-facing slopes, and it gets dark by 5pm. This compresses your activity window, especially for photography or wildlife viewing that depends on good light.
- Road conditions require serious winter driving skills or AWD/4WD with proper tires. Highway 22 over Teton Pass to Idaho can close during storms, and even the 80 km (50 mile) drive south to Alpine can take 2+ hours in bad weather. If you're flying into Idaho Falls or Salt Lake City, factor in potential weather delays for that final mountain drive.
Best Activities in December
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Skiing and Snowboarding
December offers some of the season's best value skiing before holiday crowds arrive. The resort typically has 1,200-1,500 m (4,000-5,000 ft) of vertical open by early December, with the famous tram usually spinning by mid-month. Morning conditions are prime, especially after overnight storms that dump 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) of champagne powder. The 70 percent humidity keeps snow quality excellent compared to drier Colorado resorts where December snow can be more variable. Temperatures hovering around -7°C to -1°C (20°F to 30°F) mean you're comfortable all day without the bitter cold of January and February.
National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides
By December, thousands of elk have migrated down from higher elevations and congregate on the 9,700 hectare (24,000 acre) refuge just minutes from downtown Jackson. The sleigh rides typically start around December 15th depending on snow conditions and elk herd arrival. You'll ride horse-drawn sleighs within 6-15 m (20-50 feet) of the herd, which can number 5,000-7,000 animals by late December. The experience lasts about 45 minutes, and morning rides offer better light for photography with the Tetons as backdrop. The variable December weather actually works in your favor here since elk are most active and visible during the calmer periods between storms.
Grand Teton National Park Winter Exploration
December transforms the park into a winter wonderland with far fewer visitors than summer's crowds. Highway 89/191/287 through the park remains open, offering stunning viewpoints like Oxbow Bend and Snake River Overlook without the tour bus congestion. The 10 rainy days mentioned in the data translates to snow days here, and fresh snow on the Tetons against bluebird skies creates some of the year's most dramatic scenery. Wildlife concentrates along the valley floor where snow is shallower, so you'll spot moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and occasionally wolves from roadside pullouts. The park is essentially free to explore by car in winter since entrance stations are unstaffed.
Town Square and Local Gallery Browsing
Jackson's walkable downtown core is particularly appealing in December when storefronts are decorated and the famous antler arches are lit up for the season. The 70 percent humidity and variable conditions mean you'll appreciate having indoor activities in your rotation, and Jackson has an surprisingly strong arts scene with 30+ galleries featuring Western art, wildlife photography, and contemporary pieces. Most galleries are free to browse, and many host evening receptions with wine and appetizers. The National Museum of Wildlife Art, located 4.8 km (3 miles) north of town, is worth a half-day visit with views over the Elk Refuge.
Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing at Spring Creek Ranch or Teton Pines
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing offer a quieter alternative to downhill skiing and let you experience the valley's winter landscape at a contemplative pace. Multiple trail systems around Jackson groom tracks by mid-December, with options ranging from flat valley loops to routes climbing 150-300 m (500-1,000 ft) into the foothills. The warm and humid conditions mentioned in the data keep temperatures comfortable for aerobic activity, and you'll work up enough heat that you're often skiing in just a base layer and shell. Wildlife encounters are common since you're moving quietly through their winter habitat.
Yellowstone National Park Winter Day Trips
While most of Yellowstone closes to cars in winter, the northern entrance near Mammoth Hot Springs stays open year-round, just 92 km (57 miles) from Jackson through Grand Teton National Park. December offers a unique chance to see Yellowstone's geothermal features steaming dramatically in cold air, with far fewer visitors than summer. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals concentrate in thermally warmed areas and along the Lamar Valley. The drive takes about 2 hours each way in good conditions, making it a full-day commitment but absolutely worth it for the otherworldly winter scenery.
December Events & Festivals
Jackson Hole WinterFest
This local celebration typically runs for several days in early December and includes torchlight parades down the ski hill, fireworks, live music in Town Square, and various family activities. It marks the unofficial start of the ski season and brings together locals and early-season visitors. The atmosphere is festive but not overwhelming, and many events are free or low-cost. It's a genuine community celebration rather than a tourist-focused production.
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
On December 24th, ski instructors and patrollers carry torches down the mountain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort after dark, creating a snaking line of light visible from the valley. Fireworks typically follow. This is a Jackson tradition that draws both locals and holiday visitors. The base area gets crowded, so arrive early if you want a good viewing spot. Many restaurants in Teton Village offer special dinners with parade views.